Homeschool electives
Courses beyond the core that teens can earn credit for, and how to write them down.
An elective is any course outside the core subjects of English, math, science and social studies. Peabody's state law pages list diploma rules for 19 states, and in most the parent decides what counts. Count hours, keep a description and work sample for each course, and put it on the transcript with a title and a credit.
Checked October 27, 2026.
This is a plain-words summary, not legal advice. Laws change: check your state's current law and its education department before you act.
Ideas
| Interest | Elective ideas |
|---|---|
| Arts | Drawing, painting, photography, music, band or choir, theater, film |
| Technology | Coding, web design, robotics, 3D design, typing and keyboarding |
| Life skills | Cooking, personal finance, first aid, home repair, gardening, driver's education |
| Languages | Spanish, French, Latin, American Sign Language |
| Work and service | A paid job, volunteer work, a family business, an internship |
| Health | Physical education, nutrition, a sport |
How to count it
- Log hours, using the hours log.
- Write two sentences on what the course covered.
- Keep one work sample or photo.
- Give it a title and a credit on the transcript.
Check your state
See your state's diploma and credit rules and law page.
Sources
- Peabody's state homeschool law pages (each lists its statutes and state education department pages) (checked October 27, 2026)