How to Earn High School Credits Fast

Check with your local school for accelerated programs.

High school credits can be earned fast. Each state's criteria is different and depends on your local school district. Online courses, accelerated diploma programs and correspondence classes offer credits in a reasonable amount of time. Your first step is to check with your local high school to see what kinds of programs your district can offer you. Many times, summer programs allow you to earn the extra credits you need. Schools generally grant these requests on an individual basis.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• High-speed internet

Instructions

1. Talk to your school counselor. Many times, there are programs in place for accelerated learning through the high school. Counselors have access to local and state programs in your area. Programs through your school are often free to students.

2. Contact your board of education to see whether they accept home school credits. There are different guidelines for each state. There are benefits to home schooling. You can have year-round classes so you can finish early, you have individualized attention suggesting your scores will be higher and you receive your credits faster than the average high school student.

3. Investigate online credits. Some school districts will allow you to work toward your diploma by taking online classes. You will need a high-speed computer and Internet access. Most students who are in these programs are straight-A students and have special permission to take the extra classes.

4. Earn your extra credits during summer school. In some states, you will have to pay for this. Some school systems offer summer school only to students who have fallen behind in their grades. Summer school is the best way of getting extra credits through the local school system.

5. Test out of your classes. Testing out means you have enough knowledge on the subject to not take the class. Once you test and pass, you are given full credit for that course. This is how many kids with high IQs make it to college by the age of 12.

Tips & Warnings

• Verify any program not sanctioned by your school district with the board of education. You want to be in compliance with your state so you can receive your diploma.

References

• John Adams Virtual School
• Mayflower High School Academy
• Novi Community School District

Resources

• Home School Legal Defense Association: You Can Do It
• The Oliverian School: Summer School