There are a few options that a homeschooling parent has when considering to enroll a child in college courses.
1. Concurrent Enrollment. Concurrent enrollment is when a student attends high school and college at the same time. Parents may not know that this is an option. If your home-schooler is doing well academically, then this may be a great option for him or her. The student can get a "feel" for college courses, while in high school. He or she can also earn credits to help graduate sooner. Concurrent enrollment can occur after a student's sophomore year, that is, if the student has good grades. Each college has different requirements as to who they will accept into this program and how many courses can be taken. Contact your local colleges to learn about the requirements.
2. Summer Enrollment. Home-schoolers with good grades can also take a few summer college courses. Again, they must have completed their sophomore year of high school with honors. The summer time is a perfect time for high school students to get some college experience. Classes may not be as full during the summer and may be a shorter duration than fall and spring classes.
3. After Graduation. Obviously, after graduating high school, home-schoolers can apply to take college courses. Some homeschooling parents may not realize that a homeschooler could graduate earlier than other teens. It is not uncommon for a homeschooler to have completed all requirements for a four year high school degree by the age of sixteen. The homeschooler may have also chosen to take the GED at the age of sixteen and be ready to begin college courses. It is not hard to apply to a community college and get started with some classes right away.
4. Online Colleges. There are colleges online that are 100% legitimate and offer classes that can be taken at home on one's computer. This is an option for homeschooling families as well. Each online college is different, so contact admissions to see how old, or grades your child must possess to begin taking a few classes. Believe it or not, there are even homeschool colleges. Again, your child can get a start with your guidance. When he or she is ready to go away to college, then they will have some credit to transfer.
