The high school years are filled with changes, but there is also more responsibility for the teacher and student, especially if college is on the horizon. During this time there are also more regulations and needs as your high school student begins to step out into the world.
Stepping Out into the Real World
Driver’s License
For full information about Alabama licensing requirements, click here. For the online state driver license manual, click here.
One document that is required for licensing is the Enrollment/Exclusion Form. This needs to be signed and verified by our school administrator before your student applies for the license/permit the first time. Please contact us to have this form prepared for you.
The video below details the laws for new drivers and for drivers aged 16-18:
Work Permit
Alabama changed their child labor laws in 2009. To view the requirements for your student, click here.
Students aged 14-15 are required to have an Eligibility to Work Form filled out by their school. Please contact us to have this form prepared for you.
Graduation Requirements
Essential does not require yearly records, but in order to graduate from the school, the parent needs to provide a transcript showing that the student has completed the diploma requirements. Parents are encouraged to use the transcript form available and submit the records yearly, especially in preparation for college applications and admittance.
Essential offers two (2) diplomas in recognition of graduation:
General Diploma
Student must complete 24 high school credits that include 4 English credits, 4 Math Credits (to include Algebra I and Geometry), 4 Science credits (to include Biology and Physical Science), 4 Social Studies credits, 1 Physical Education credit, 1/2 Health credit, 1/2 Arts credit, and 1/2 Computer credit.
Advanced Diploma
Student must complete all the same requirements of the General Diploma in addition to an Algebra II credit and 2 Foreign Language credits.
If you have any questions about what qualifies as a credit, please feel free to contact us. For the Alabama public school system, a credit is defined as 140 hours of study in a subject, and 1/2 credit is defined as 70 hours of study. Typically, 1 credit is equal to a full school year of study, and 1/2 credit is equal to a semester of study.
Additional High School Resources
FREE Online Curriculum – we are compiling a listing of FREE online lessons/courses/resources for our families. Click the link to view online courses that cover health, driver’s education, P.E., American history, upper level math, science…
College Prep - info for students preparing to enter college
HSLDA offers lots of information and even an e-newsletter for high school parents. http://hslda.org/highschool
Latest HSLDA E-lert regarding Alabama’s compulsory attendance requirements: http://www.hslda.org/elert/archive/2010/07/20100721142956.asp
