Homeschooling High School

Homeschooling in high school isn’t just about finishing coursework and earning a diploma—it’s also about helping our teens look ahead. One of our most important roles is guiding them as they consider what comes after graduation and using the high school years to prepare them for that next step. The best way to start? Observe, ask questions, and listen—a lot.

Ways to explore career paths with your teen:

• Career Aptitude Test: These assessments can give insight into your teen’s strengths and interests.
   
• Digging Deeper: Research different fields and what kind of training or education they require.
   
• Job Shadowing: Hands-on experience alongside a professional can spark ideas and clarify interests.
   
• Personalized Planning: Adjust your teen’s high school coursework to match their career or college goals.
   

Even if your teen isn’t sure about college—or thinks they won’t go—it’s wise to keep that door open. Planning high school as if college is an option ensures they’ll graduate prepared, with the most opportunities available.

Is your teen considering military service? Be sure to review the two main enlistment pathways—check out this article.

Good news—homeschoolers in Montana can take driver’s education through their local school district!

It wasn’t always that way. Before 1999, some districts only allowed public school students to enroll. In 2005, MCHE worked with OPI and the Legislature to change the law, making sure all students—public, private, and homeschool—have the same opportunity to participate.

Montana school districts offer state-approved driver education for teens ages 14½ to 19, following the Montana Traffic Education Standards and Requirements (2017). These programs include traffic safety, parent/guardian involvement, and Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL). Instructors and programs are approved by the Traffic Education Unit to ensure all state standards are met (10.13.3: Program Standards and Course Requirements for Traffic Education).

Teens who successfully complete a state-approved course receive:

• 60 hours of traffic education instruction, including 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training in real traffic.
   
• A minimum of 25 days of instruction with a state-approved traffic educator.
   
• The opportunity to take the Learner License knowledge exam and receive a Learner License during the course.
   

To get started, simply contact your local school district for registration information.

Click here to learn more about Montana’s Graduated Driver’s License Process.

Yes! Every homeschooled high school student should have a transcript. A transcript is simply a short, official record of your teen’s high school coursework. It gives colleges, employers, the military, scholarship committees, trade schools, and even auto insurance companies a quick snapshot of your teen’s academic work. Requests for transcripts can come during high school as well as after graduation.

As a homeschooling parent, you are the one responsible for creating and providing your student’s transcript—but don’t worry, you have options:

• Create your own: If you’re an HSLDA member, you can use their members-only transcript form to design and print one at home.
   
• Use a service or software: Many families choose a transcript service or specialized software to keep things simple.
   
• Work through a school program: Umbrella schools, correspondence schools, or oversight programs may include transcripts as part of their services.
   

If your teen has special learning needs, you can also customize their transcript—HSLDA has tips to help with that too!

College entrance exams—the SAT, ACT, and CLT (Classic Learning Test)—are often used by colleges to help determine admission and scholarship awards. State scholarship programs may also require test scores as part of their qualifications.

• SAT & ACT: Accepted by nearly all colleges.
• CLT: Accepted for admission and scholarships at over 200 colleges and universities, and scores can be submitted to any school.
   

Not every college requires test scores. Some schools are test-optional, meaning students can apply without taking the SAT, ACT, or CLT.

Tips for families:

• Have your teen take official practice SAT and ACT exams to see where they perform best.
• Consider test prep courses and retaking the exam to improve scores.
• Explore community college as a first step—many four-year colleges don’t require SAT/ACT scores from transfer students.
• Look into four-year colleges that are test-optional.
   

Ultimately, much depends on which tests are accepted by the colleges your teen is interested in. Since many accept two or even all three exams, trying different options can help your student find the best fit.

Homeschool students can begin earning college credit while still in high school. Doing so saves time and money, introduces students to college-level work, and builds confidence for the future. Whether your teen is exploring interests or already planning for a specific degree, these opportunities open doors and expand possibilities.

Dual Enrollment and Early College Programs in Montana
Montana high school and homeschool students age 16 and older can take advantage of dual enrollment or early college courses to earn real college credit. Students get an authentic college experience in a supportive environment—helping them jump-start their future.

It Doesn’t Get Any Cheaper
Through the One-Two-FREE initiative, the Montana University System covers tuition for two dual enrollment or early college courses (up to 6 credits). After that, students pay half-price tuition—around $60 per credit—with no university fees.

Hit the Ground Running
Credits earned through dual enrollment and early college courses transfer throughout the Montana University System and to accredited colleges nationwide, saving students time and money toward a degree.

Give College a Try
These programs challenge students with college-level classes while providing plenty of support from teachers and peers. The positive, encouraging environment helps students grow, explore their passions, and gain confidence for the next step in their education.

For more information, contact the admissions counselor at your closest school.