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Everest Academy is a ministry of Everest Family Church in Hayden. We offer freedom along with quality resources, information, activities and support to those homeschooling in Alabama. We believe that the parent has the best interests of their children at heart. We believe that the parent is the first and only teacher that a child needs. In keeping with this philosophy, we wish to be a very hands-off church "cover" school and allow the parent to lead and guide their children in the direction and at the pace they feel is best suited to their children. We ask only for what the law requires while offering support along with quality resources to aid families in their efforts.

Awarding High School Credits



Awarding High School Credits

Confused about how to award high school credits to earn a high school diploma?  Don't worry, you are not alone! 

First, a little perspective...  It is important to remember that you aren’t taking classes just to get out of high school.  Knowledge is power and is its own reward.  It is also important to keep in mind any post high school plans you may have.  Students planning on going into the military or attending a trade school, certificate program, community college or a four-year public or private university should research the credits needed for entrance and to be well prepared for success once there.

There are generally two different methods used to determine high school credits; curricula completion and Carnegie Credit Units or a combination of the two.


  • Curricula Completed:  If you are using a set curricula, a general rule of thumb is that you can award a credit in that subject upon completion of at least 75% of the curricula.
  • Carnegie Credit Units:  One credit of high school equals 120 - 180 hours of class work, labs, research, independent reading, review, and field trips.
  • Combination:  Most homeschoolers award credits using a combination of curricula completed and Carnegie Credit Units.  Carnegie Credit Units awards credits on time spent and not material covered. Most homeschoolers award credit by the quality of the work completed, not just the time spent. Some students work at a fast pace, while others take more time. Many homeschool students are bogged down using the traditional school methods for awarding credit. Their goal is knowledge of the subject taught, not just to spend a certain amount of time on the subject.
  • College Dual Enrollment - One semester of any college class equals one high school credit.  

When Do You Start Awarding High School Credits?
At Everest Academy, you can start awarding high school credits as early as the *7th grade as long as you are using high school level materials.  This is especially true with electives.  The final transcript at graduation for college purposes will reflect only the 9th-12th grades, so all high school credits earned from 7th grade and up will be incorporated in the 9th-12th grade transcript.  High school is more about fulfilling credit requirements than grade levels.  Starting early just means that you can take your time and do it right or that your child can do more advanced courses as needed. 

*This policy is if you plan to homeschool throughout.  If you return to the public/private school system, it is up to them what they will/will not recognize as a high school credit.