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About 3.1 million students in 2021-2022 were identified as homeschoolers, according to the National Home Education Research Institute. Electives are an important component of the homeschool curriculum for students.
Homeschool elective curriculum options for high school students are additional subjects beyond the main program. Elective options give opportunities to learn new skills, explore hobbies, and prepare for future challenges. Let’s review what elective curriculum options are.
What Constitutes an Elective?
“Elective programs can play a large role in our schools’ goals in preparing our students for college and career. Being able to select classes reflects the same process that they will see again in college”
Heather Wolpert-Gawron, George Lucas Educational Foundation
Electives are courses outside of core subjects like math or science. These courses give students the opportunity to explore interests and learn new skills. Electives make education more personal and suited to individual goals.
The key characteristics of the electives are:
- They are a good option for hobby or career goals
- Electives help to get new practical skills
- Many electives provide insight into potential career paths
- Electives offer a lot of subjects to choose from
How Many Electives are Required?
The number of required electives depends on the school or homeschool program. The amount is affected by state rules and the type of diploma. Students in special tracks like arts or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) need more electives. Most high school students complete five to seven elective courses.
5 Best Homeschool Elective Curriculum Options
Electives play an important role in shaping the education for high school students. These courses help students explore interests, learn practical skills, and get ready for life after graduation. Here are five accredited online schools giving good electives for high school students.
Legacy Online School
Legacy Online School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), meeting high academic standards. The school offers electives focusing on creative and technical skills. Some popular choices include digital media, graphic design, and coding. These courses teach real-world skills, helping students prepare for careers in technology and the arts. Legacy Online School gives children unique learning experiences. Students participate in virtual field trips and live science experiments. These options make the elective courses more interactive and practical.
Stanford Online High School
Stanford Online High School is accredited by the WASC. This confirms the school’s high academic standards. The school offers advanced electives like philosophy, creative writing, and computer science. These courses promote deep, independent thinking and creative expression. Stanford’s electives are designed for high-achieving students. The challenging coursework prepares students for college applications by building a strong academic profile. The school provides personalized support, helping students perform well in their chosen subjects and develop important academic skills for the future.
Acellus Academy
Acellus Academy is accredited by the WASC, which confirms the school’s strong academic foundation. The school offers a wide range of electives with a focus on innovation and technology. Popular electives include video game design, engineering, and health science. These courses provide real-time feedback, making learning more active and engaging. Acellus uses artificial intelligence to create personalized learning paths for each student. This allows students to move through the material at their own pace. The school’s approach combines technology and tailored education, helping students build skills efficiently.
NorthStar Academy
NorthStar Academy is accredited by Cognia. The school offers many electives, including music theory, entrepreneurship, and American Sign Language. These courses help students develop creative and professional skills. Students explore potential careers or hobbies through these electives. NorthStar’s online learning model allows students to fit electives into their main coursework. The program is designed to give students more control over their schedules. The school provides support to help students balance their studies and interests.
Excel High School
Excel High School is regionally accredited by Cognia and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS). This accreditation gives the diplomas broad recognition by colleges, employers, and the military. The school offers a wide range of electives, focusing on technical and creative fields. Some popular courses include digital marketing, astronomy, and theater arts. These electives allow students to explore their interests while getting practical career skills. Excel High School offers a great experience, combining creativity with technology. The elective courses are practical and enjoyable, allowing students to explore various fields while developing useful skills.
Conclusion
Electives are more than just additional courses for high school students. We’ve highlighted some of the best homeschool elective curriculum options. Each school offers a variety of creative and technical courses. These programs provide students with opportunities to explore their interests and build valuable skills.
Feel free to contact our team if you have any questions or need assistance.
