One of the biggest concerns for homeschool parents using a Charlotte Mason approach is how to translate their student’s coursework into a traditional high school transcript. The good news is that even though Charlotte Mason’s model differs from the conventional system, we can align the credit requirements in a way that colleges and school administrators can understand.
Understanding High School Credits
In a traditional school setting, students complete approximately 180 days of school per year, divided into two semesters. They take 5-6 courses per year, with each full-year course earning one credit and each semester-long course earning half a credit. A full credit is typically measured by:
- Completion of a standard high school course or textbook, or
- Approximately 150 hours of study
Charlotte Mason’s model also includes 180 days of school per year, but it divides the year into three terms instead of two. High school students typically spend four hours per day on morning lessons, with additional time dedicated to occupations, free reading, and nature study in the afternoon. Because individual lessons are shorter (typically 20-40 minutes each), subjects are spread throughout the week, often resulting in a broader, more interdisciplinary approach to education. (What Miss Mason called the “broad feast”.)
Science in the Charlotte Mason Model
Science in a Charlotte Mason education is divided into multiple streams, allowing students to explore a broad range of topics simultaneously. Rather than taking a full year of biology in one year, followed by chemistry, and then physics, students engage with multiple sciences each year. A typical high school student following a Charlotte Mason model will complete four SMH guides per year:
- Biology (one guide per year for three years, plus fieldwork/nature study)
- Chemistry (one guide per year for three years)
- Physics (one guide per year for three years)
- Earth Science (one guide per year for three years)
So, how do you fit a Charlotte Mason curriculum—like the Sabbath Mood Homeschool science courses—onto a transcript designed for a system that expects 5-6 daily courses? Let’s break it down.
Assigning Credit for Science Courses
Fortunately, Sabbath Mood Homeschool provides complete science courses, meaning when your child completes three science guides in one subject, you can confidently assign credit without counting hours.
Each guide, however, is generally 1/3 of a credit, and high school students should complete four guides per year. This allows for flexibility in how credits are assigned.
OPTION #1
Consolidate coursework into categories that make sense in a traditional format. This is the same method I used for assigning electives such as Art History and World History. The kids learned about it over the whole of high school, but they only got credit for it one semester or one year respectively.
| Course Title | Credit Value |
|---|---|
| High School Biology | 1.0 Credit |
| High School Chemistry | 1.0 Credit |
| High School Physics | 1.0 Credit |
| High School Earth Science | 1.0 Credit |
OPTION #2
Alternatively, the following is another option if you prefer a more incremental approach.
| Course Title | Credit Value Per Year |
|---|---|
| HS Biology | 0.33 Credit per Year |
| HS Chemistry | 0.33 Credit per Year |
| HS Physics | 0.33 Credit per Year |
| HS Earth Science | 0.33 Credit per Year |
Both methods are valid; the choice depends on what feels most comfortable for you as the record keeper. (I personally chose Option 1, to keep the transcript simple and clear.)
Meeting State and College Requirements
Most states require at least two to three science credits for high school graduation, with at least one including a lab component. Many colleges have similar requirements, but it is important to research both your state’s high school graduation requirements and any prospective college admission requirements. Some states or universities may require:
- 2 Science Credits with 1 Lab, or
- 3 Science Credits with 2 or 3 Labs
For students interested in STEM fields, additional science coursework can be counted as elective credits beyond the required amount. (And, I just learned if your student completes the Form 3-4 curriculum as well as the High School curriculum, you may be able to count some of it as honors courses, according to one transcript specialist.)
Key Takeaways
- A full-year high school science course typically equals 150 hours of study or a complete curriculum.
- Sabbath Mood Homeschool science guides provide high school-level coursework and should be counted as full-credit courses.
- You can assign credit in a way that best fits your transcript format, either as traditional one-credit courses or spread out incrementally across multiple years.
- Research your state’s and prospective colleges’ science credit requirements to ensure your student meets them.
- By following Charlotte Mason’s educational model, your student will not only meet but exceed traditional science expectations while developing a deep, living knowledge of the subject.
For more details on the subject of transcripts when using Charlotte Mason’s method, check out A Delectable Education podcast, episode 80 and download the FREE ADE High School Transcript Planner.
