1.  Will my child get a diploma?

          Yes.  If you have met the SC state minimum requirements, you will be allowed to issue a diploma. 

  2.  Will my child get a transcript?

VBHE has a PREMIUM High School Service Member Option.  If you enroll you can receive a transcript with the VBHE seal.  You will be responsible for keeping the transcript information up-to-date by using a service at homeschoolreporting.com.  This service has policies and deadlines.  Be aware that your homeschool must report by deadlines to receive a transcript from VBHE.

Note: Please check with the college admission policies of the college of your choice.  Most colleges and universities readily accept homeschoolers, however, there are some exceptions.

  3.  Can my child get into college using a homeschool transcript?

If you have kept your records up-to-date, the transcript you provide should be sufficient for must colleges and universities.  Please check with the college admission policies of the college of your choice.  Most colleges and universities readily accept homeschoolers, however, there are some exceptions.

  4.  What do I teach?

          To find the minimum requirements for a high school diploma, please refer to the VBHE High School Handbook.
 

  5.  Where can I find the books I need?

     Please check our Suggested Curriculum List.

The following publishers offer complete curricula for each grade level.  You can purchase all or portions of their products depending on your child’s needs.

Abeka   www.abeka.com  1-877-A BEKA BOOK

Bob Jones  www.bjup.com 1-800-252-4348

Alpha Omega Publications  www.aop.com  1-800-622-3070

Sonlight  www.sonlight.com  1-303-730-6292

Apologia (science) www.apologia.com 1-888-524-4724

Curriculum Express:
www.curriculumexpress.com

Christian Book Distributors  www.christianbook.com   1-800-247-4784

Rainbow Resource Center   www.rainbowresource.com  1-888-841-3456

Homeschooling Books   http://www.homeschoolingbooks.com  1-866-473-0737

Rock Solid Books    http://www.rocksolidinc.com/  1-800-705-3452 See RESOURCE LINKS  for more helpful resources.

  6.  What do I do about a driving permit and Driver’s Ed?

Getting a Permit -
Please take with you the following documents:
-The student's birth certificate (must be 15)
-The student's Social Security Card
-Proof of residency (any recent utility bill or tax documentation).  
-Proof of homeschooling -Vine and Branches membership letter or accountability enrollment letter.  

Getting a License -
http://www.dmv.org/sc-south-carolina/teen-drivers.php
You will need the following form completed to get a driver's license.  You do not have to complete part 2.  
http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/forms/pdla.pdf

Insurance discounts -
Driver's Ed: This varies with insurance companies, but the majority of them require that you have a certified driving instructor teach your child or you may not receive the insurance credit.  However, the tuition for a private driving school is approximately the same amount as the Driver's Ed discount.  

Good Student Discount (10-15%) If your insurance company offers a good student discount, you can use your semi-annual progress report as proof for this discount.

  7.  What do I do about courses I don’t feel comfortable teaching?

Vine & Branches has many homeschool co-ops that can help you teach a course. One of the many is Pathways for Scholars.   Pathways for Scholars is a program with High School courses offered.

Virtual Homeschool Group and Virtual SC  are free, online resources that parents can use to supplement their at home teaching.

Many publishing companies also offer video courses that can be used with more difficult subjects.  There are online courses available as well as homeschool courses offered by many universities and colleges.

Online courses:

Hewitt Homeschooling offers help with a wide variety of courses K-12

Carolina Homeschooler offers online course as well.
www.carolinahomeschooler.com

  8.  What about the PSAT and SAT?

SOPHOMORES & JUNIORS:

PSAT  is only given in October each year.  You can no longer sign up for the PSAT online. You have to go to your local testing site (public or private school) and sign up. This needs to be done in time for the school to order the correct number of tests. (check online for testing site locations) www.collegeboard.com

JUNIORS & SENIORS:

SAT- If you are interested in registering for the SAT please email Tina Branton westina@sccoast.net or contact the College Board for a registration packet. www.collegeboard.com

For more information check out the ACT/SAT page on our website.

You may find available scholarships at www.scholarship.com or checking the reference section of your local library. 

Information on National Merit Scholars

10.  What types of electives does my child need?

This is where you get to be creative as you build upon your child's interests and strengths.  You can create a course that meets your child's needs.  A 1-semester course equals about 90-100 physical hours.  These hours can be spent reading a book on the subject, writing a report on the subject, creating a project or actual participation.  Keep track of the hours spent on the activity and you have met the requirement.  If you need help on what to include, check out a high school catalog with course descriptions or visit our VBHE High School Handbook.  

11.  Will my child get to participate in a graduation ceremony?

Yes.  Vine & Branches offers a graduation ceremony every year.  

12.  Can we still participate in programs sponsored by the public school (sports, music, etc.)?

It is not legally required for public schools to allow you to participate in the extra curricular programs.  Some schools have been know to allow homeschoolers to participate, but require an additional participation fee.  If you are concerned about your child and high school programs such as sports, music, etc, please read the information below.

HSLDA response

Other questions contact Tina Branton westina@sccoast.net