Just when you get comfortable with homeschooling your child here in Arizona, they enter high school, and now you have to sort out how to create a high school transcript. I get it…being in charge of your child’s high school transcript is intimidating and can feel very overwhelming as high school transcripts are key for college and post secondary educational programs admission entrance. But stop stressing. Transcripts are actually very easy to create. In this article, I am breaking down how to create your high school student’s transcript.

First, you need to look at some transcript examples and locate a good template. When putting together a transcript, you need to be aware of the various parts to include, which can be see below in the examples and resource links. Most high school transcripts are organized by school year, but they can be organized by subjects. In addition, you can either create the transcript from scratch or you can pay for a transcript generator or template.

• Transcript Examples:
  • Excellent example at bottom with ALL the transcript parts identified https://www.walkingbytheway.com/blog/homeschool-transcript-examples/
  • https://www.southwesterncc.edu/sites/default/files/Sample%20Home-Schooled%20High%20School%20Transcript.pdf
• Transcript Templates:
  • HSLDA Templates, but must be a member https://hslda.org/post/high-school-transcript-templates
  • https://www.nautilushomeschool.com/free-high-school-transcript-generator
  • From Homeschool Boss https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17lusIdn7ZmDn6lQVRovBtpA28wS3Adn99z0nQTQ362M/edit?gid=0#gid=0
  • Paid and Free options on TPT https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/browse?search=homeschool%20high%20school%20blank%20transcript
  • BJU Free template https://blog.bjupress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Transcript-Form.pdf

Next, know Arizona requirements for graduation for public school. Where to find this? On Arizona’s Department of Education. Mirror your child’s high school education to these requirements as much as possible. At the same time, know what universities require for entrance into their school right after high school. For example, high schools in Arizona don’t require two years of a foreign language for graduation, but Universities admission requirements do require this.

• Arizona’s Graduation Requirements. This should also be used for planning at your high school’s course plan: https://www.azed.gov/standards-practices/high-school-graduation-information
• College Admission Requirements: https://www.nacacnet.org/high-school-classes-required-for-college-admission/

Lastly, time to create the transcript. You have all the resources you need now to implement what you learned. Make the transcript and keep it updated right away when your high schooler completes a course. Do the course names need to mirror Arizona’s Department of Education requirements? For example: English 9th Grade, English 10th Grade, English 11th Grade, English 12th Grade. No, but don’t get too creative that the reader can’t figure out the subject the course covers.

Now, let’s take a moment and discuss learners who have a disability and are unable to complete grade level requirements like their neurotypical peers. Their high school transcript will look different but still will mirror the high school graduation requirements in the public schools. Their courses will vary. As their teacher, you make the determination for your learner of the courses and graduation requirements they need. For example, requiring math through Algebra II might not be appropriate or obtainable. Instead, do four years of math at their ability level and name them to reflect those alternate classes.

That’s it! You are done. Congratulations on having a plan now to complete your child’s high school transcript! Without a doubt, you got this and now can support your high schooler while she/he works hard and completes their high school coursework.

Author: Tammy Johnson

CEO of ESAConnection

Certified Special Education Teacher with 20+ teaching experience

OTHER RESOURCES:

• AFHE: https://afhe.org/blog/2022/03/12/homeschool-transcripts-more-important-than-ever-by-colene-lewis-cultivatedlives-org
• HSLDA: https://hslda.org/post/what-information-goes-on-my-high-schoolers-transcript
• https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/high-school-beyond/high-school-homeschool-transcript/

Have another resource, template, or advise? Drop it in the comments.