Generally speaking, between 120 and 150 hours of instruction and coursework is considered one credit.
Our family simplified the process, planning at least one English, math, natural science, and social science course each year, adding additional core courses and electives pending post-graduation aspirations. This amounts to between six and eight credits per year.
Like you, I quickly realized home education is not classroom instruction. High schoolers can learn through independent study, asking questions, consulting supplemental resources, or even job shadowing mentors in a field. The learning process is not determined by a bell and can be individualized and concentrated. In other words, more content may be covered in a shorter amount of time compared to traditionally schooled peers. Embracing the freedom to learn with the most effective means while representing what’s completed with a traditional credit system doesn’t have to be stressful.
- Daily or semi-weekly. Though the assumption is that study in one subject should average one hour each day, five times a week, some learners prefer blocks of study—several hours a day, several times a week. The hours are the same, but are executed differently. Use what works for your high schooler.
- Full year or semester. Core courses are assumed to be full year, but home learning makes it possible to complete a year’s worth of study in several months. Full credit is awarded in these situations as the same material is covered.
- Textbook. Textbooks are typically designed to cover a full year of content—one credit—no matter how long the student takes to finish. Consult the company if you are unsure whether the course was designed as a half or full credit. Keep in mind, teachers (including homeschooling parents) often do not finish textbooks but still award credit. The general rule of thumb is 80% must be completed.
- Independent study, interest-based, parent-created. These type courses often have the highest retention rate but can be the hardest for parents to confidently award credit. Some learners log study time for hour verification.
- Co-op or online courses. Awarding credit for instructor-led courses has multiple facets. Some teachers present content, leaving assessment and grading to the parent. Other instructors present, grade assignments, and award final grades. Most often, parents remain the overseers and award the credit, generally one credit for full year courses and half credit for semester work.
- Dual enrollment. Earning high school and college credit simultaneously can be beneficial for some learners. Check if your state publishes a dual enrollment equivalency list, outlining how college credit equates to high school credit. Generally, a three-credit college course (eight week or semester) equates to one credit on the high school transcript.
Note that traditional students often receive high school credit for Algebra 1 (or above) and world language taken in eighth grade, so it would be reasonable for your student to do the same.