The Academy of Home Education FAQs—General
General | Credits | Course Requirements | Electives | Testing
Class Rank
The Academy of Home Education does not rank its class members. We recommend that you contact the Office of Admissions at your college of interest and ask how homeschooling situations are handled.
A college probably will not actually need the class rank, but will likely look most closely at the classes your child took in high school, his grades, and the SAT or ACT scores.
You may present that you are accountable to The Academy of Home Education for academic validation, as AHE provides a structured curricular program, retains records of each student's course work, and requires yearly standardized testing.
As a reminder, when a student successfully completes his high school academics, The Academy of Home Education awards a high school diploma from a recognized institution.
Accreditation
Why is AHE not accredited?
The Academy of Home Education is not a school and therefore cannot be accredited as a school. In addition, accrediting agencies do not accredit curriculum. As a division of BJU Press, we are recognized by the South Carolina Department of Education as an approved homeschool association in compliance with the South Carolina homeschool statutes, and we can provide academic accountability for homeschool familes. Our program is directly under the leadership of Bob Jones University, and policy decisions are decided by its educational leadership.
One problem with accreditation is that the primary focus is on the process, rather than the academic product of education. Unfortunately, it is well known that accredited high schools grant validated diplomas to students who cannot read well enough to function in society. While the process of education certainly is important, it is not more important than the product itself. Therefore, we require students to be tested annually, using nationally recognized, standardized evaluations. These tests are administered by approved, independent testers and scored by recognized scoring agencies. The reliability and validity of these tests provide reputable proof of a student's individual achievement.
Early Completion
Can my child graduate early from AHE?
Please remember that your children have the gift of time during this important foundational phase of learning. The elementary and junior high years provide high school students the educational foundation to expanded learning opportunities in preparation for college. We do not approve early graduation from high school without extenuating circumstances and appropriate abilities. If an accelerated program is desired, it is recommended that the acceleration begin at the college level.
My child took high school classes as an 8th grader. Can he receive credit?
The Academy of Home Education does not accept high school credit before the completion of 8th grade (exceptions would be where a transcript from a traditional school lists a high school course during junior high years). We may approve early completion of coursework for the purpose of taking advanced courses in high school but not for the purpose of earning high school credits prior to entry into high school. Students should not take high school classes replacing 7th or 8th grade core courses. All courses taken upon the completion of 8th grade (including courses taken during the summer between 8th and 9th grades) may meet high school credit requirements but should be preapproved by the AHE guidance office. Regardless if credits are earned prior to 9th grade, students must earn all the graduation credits required by AHE for each subject. (In the case of foreign language, after 2 years of the same language, credit may be earned in a different foreign language rather than requiring 4 years of the same language.)
Philosophy
Is there a resource that would help me understand the proper biblical philosophy of education for each subjectas well as for teaching and learning?
Christian Education: Its Mandate and Mission (BJU Press, item #058586) is an excellent collection of essays on educational teaching and learning.
Reporting
What does GRF, TOF, QGRF, and ETF mean?
QGRF—Quarterly Grade Reporting Form—used for reporting grades at the end of each quarter for grades 1–8
GRF—Grade Reporting Form—used for reporting grades at the end of each semester for grades 9–12
TOF—Testing Order Form—used to place orders for annual achievement tests. These orders are due in mid-February according to the calendar schedule.
ETF—Elective Transfer Form
Contact Information
How may I contact you or send in forms?
| email | | ahe@bjupress.com |
| fax | | 1.800.515.2233 or 1.864.770.1315 (for foreign customers) |
| mail | | The Academy of Home Education |