Plotting a Course for Post-Secondary Goals

GSHE generally recommends working with teens to design a meaningful high-school plan based on their individual post-secondary goals. If a student wants to pursue a STEM major at a competitive four-year university, that will determine what courses are needed for their high-school years. Likewise, if a student wants to pursue a trades career, taking hands-on learning classes through the Career and Technical Education regional programs can prepare them for these careers.

The GSHE website has extensive resources for high school students and their families on our High School & Beyond page.

GSHE hosted a variety of online discussions to support teens navigating their post-secondary goals, and recordings are available on our Video page. We intend to do additional events in the 2021-22 academic year.

New Hampshire homeschoolers self-certify the completion of the equivalent of 12th grade. More information about graduation is available here.

College Prep

Homeschoolers have a variety of ways to prepare for college, if that is their post-secondary goal. While homeschoolers have many options, the road can be complicated

In January 2021, College Board announced they are discontinuing SAT subject tests. This was concerning to some homeschoolers because the exams help provide an objective measure against their traditional-schooled peers.

AP courses are a common choice for many college-bound high-schoolers, in part because they are widely accepted at many universities and show college-readiness. Many college prep counselors and bloggers suggest that AP classes are important for college applications while the exam scores have less impact. It often depends on the student’s intended major and university aspirations.

Many NH college-intended homeschooled teens take dual-enrollment classes through NH’s Running Start program offered through New Hampshire’s seven community colleges. Students can earn credit for high school and college credit at the same time. Classes are only $150 each, and up to two STEM classes can be taken at no cost each year. Reportedly, some community colleges are more accommodating and friendly than others. Nashua Community College limits which courses are available to high-school students; NHTI is reportedly welcomes younger students, with parental permission, to participate in online and campus classes.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) classes and exams are available free through Modern States  and provide a method for students to earn a full year’s worth of classes inexpensively. However, these credits are only beneficial if the intended college allows them to transfer.

Both University of NH and Plymouth State University offer programs to high-schoolers who show ability to handle college-level classes.

The NH Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF) offers several services and resources to help with the prep and application process. They also host an annual spring event called Destination College that helps high school juniors and their families prepare for entry into college. It is a statewide college planning convention and is free to students and families. We held an online event with NHHEAF and three NH college admissions officers to discuss what they want to see on transcripts from homeschoolers. GSHE has other events with NHHEAF recorded and available here.

For New Graduates

NH Charitable Foundation announced a “gift to the Class of 2021” of a free course at any of NH’s community colleges. Homeschoolers are eligible to participate.

NHTI also announced their Summer Lynx Program for new graduates to take an English and math class for only $100 with no- or low-cost books, a breakfast snack and lunch, and seven credits of coursework to launch into their college studies.