High school planning is very important. We want to encourage and guide each student so that all necessary subjects are taken in preparation for college or a vocation. While one of the blessings of independent study is that the course of study can be tailored to emphasize areas of giftedness or interest, it is also important to offer a solid foundation in all the major subject areas to keep all possibilities open as goals may change as students mature throughout the high school years. 

If you have a student who plans to receive a diploma from HCA, we recommend that he/she work through the list of required classes ( in any order), and add the appropriate number of electives to reach 230 credits. Whenever that occurs, the student may graduate. How much time this takes may vary for different students and is not a factor for HCA.

HCA requires that 230 credits be earned in grades 9 through 12. Of this, 170 credits are required in specific subject areas and the rest are electives or work study. A student may earn up to 40 credits of work study.

Credits are based on 15 hours of course work per unit. Work study is based on 30 hours per credit. A typical full-year course is assigned 10 credits. Diplomas are granted based on completion of the required credits in the stated areas of study and successfully passing the proficiency essay.

A High School Course Description must be on file for each course to be taken for credit. 

The required course of study is as follows:
 

The above course of study totals 170 credits leaving 60 of the 230 credits needed available to be determined according to the goals and needs of individual students. No more than 40 credits are allowed in any one area of study.

College bound students are strongly encouraged to consult the college of the college(s) they plan to attend for additional requirements before finalizing their high school plan. Course requirements as well as stipulations as to which years certain courses must be taken might be a consideration. For example, U.C. campuses require that lab sciences be taken in 10th-12th grades.
 

Harvest Christian Academy
High School Graduation Proficiency Requirements

In addition to the required course of study described in the High School Planning& Graduation Policy, each graduate candidate is required to demonstrate proficiency in basic academic skills by completing an essay test submitting an academic portfolio.

Essay test: The essay is to be a proctored essay, completed in a single setting. The student will be given a choice of topics at the time that the essay is written. Essays may be submitted once per year for evaluation beginning in the 9th grade year. Once the student receives a passing score, he/she will not be required to repeat the essay. 
   Essays may be submitted during the months of October and April for evaluation. Students are encouraged to submit essays early in their high school years in order to benefit from recommendations for improvement if needed.

Portfolio: Student is to produce a portfolio demonstrating proficiency in each of the academic areas including, but not limited to, high school level math, composition and reading skills (e.g., literary analysis). A project, written assignments, or final exam may be used to demonstrate academic accomplishment in each area of study. The portfolio is due by May 15 of the senior year.

Remember, you are not required to meet any of HCA’s graduation requirements for enrollment, only to receive a diploma from HCA. You may choose to establish you own requirements and sign your own student’s diploma. For this option, you must notify the HCA office of your intention.

All graduation requirements are designed to maintain the integrity and credibility Harvest Christian Academy has diligently worked to establish for its home educated students. In order for a Harvest Christian Academy diploma to be credible all who receive it must demonstrate a high standard of academic achievement.