Homeschooling through the high school years and preparation for what comes next often brings a shift in questions, expectations, and confidence for teens and parents. At this stage, families are no longer just thinking about “learning at home,” but also about how home education translates into credits, credentials, and future opportunities. This article was written in response to the growing need for a clear overview of the main pathways available to homeschoolers in high school, including online learning for credit, the Adult Dogwood Diploma, the traditional High School Dogwood Diploma route, and the option of continuing without formal, accredited schooling. It also explores how these choices connect to post-secondary admissions in trades, univisities and colleges, including mature student routes, transcript alternatives, and other “side door” paths that are especially relevant for homeschoolers navigating the system.
Part One: The High School Years
High school doesn’t have to take a traditional path. For many families, this stage marks a shift away from simply “homeschool as usual” and toward more intentional planning about how learning will look going forward.
This is often the point where things start to feel different. There is a greater focus on independence, and in some cases, on credits, transcripts, and longer-term direction. Families begin making decisions that may not have mattered as much in the earlier years such as whether they want formal credits or not, what kind of documentation (if any) they want to keep, and whether they are aiming toward post-secondary study, trades, or simply keeping a range of options open.
It can feel like there are more decisions to make, but it’s helpful to remember that there isn’t just one correct route through this stage. Journeys can be flexible, and many families shift between approaches over time as needs and goals change.
Understanding the options for moving through the high school years can take some of the pressure off. The goal isn’t to fit into a single model, but to find a combination that supports the student’s learning, and future direction.
Option 1: No School-Based Learning
In this option, the teen remains fully homeschooled (no need to register after 16) and is not enrolled in any school including online learning. There are no formal credits earned, and learning is not tied to a required curriculum or external reporting structure. Instead, learning is parent-directed, student-directed, or a combination of both, depending on what works best for the family.
Families may choose to start keeping records and documentation. This may include portfolios, informal learning records, or samples of work that reflect what the student has been doing over time. This isn’t required, but some families find it can be useful later on.
One important point to remember is that this approach does not close doors later on. Students can still move into credit-based learning or other structured pathways at a later stage if their goals change or if they decide they need or want formal credits.
Option 2: Cross-enrolling in Online Learning While Remaining a Homeschooler
In this option, the teen remains officially a registered homeschooler but chooses to take one or more courses through an online learning school. These courses are completed through accredited BC Online Learning schools, and the successful completion of each course results in credits being added to a BC transcript.
Families often use this option because of its flexibility. Courses can be selected based on interest, to meet specific post-secondary prerequisites, or to gradually work towards a Dogwood Diploma. The credits earned may also contribute toward an Adult Dogwood Diploma, depending on the course selection and timing.
This approach allows families to combine structured, credit-based learning with continued independent homeschooling at home. It creates a blended pathway where formal coursework and self-directed learning can sit alongside each other, rather than replacing one another.
Option 3: Enrollment in the School System
In this option, the teen becomes fully enrolled in a public or independent school as a student, either in a classroom setting or through an Online Learning school. Learning follows the school timetable and course structure, and credits are issued and tracked through the school.
Students enter Grade 10 without needing prior course prerequisites, and then progress through the required courses toward graduation. This pathway leads to completion of the Dogwood Diploma through the standard school system.
Points to Keep in Mind
There isn’t just one way to do high school, there are a few different pathways available. The right choice depends on a teen’s goals, learning style, and how much structure or flexibility they need. Families can choose one approach or move between options over time as circumstances change. No single route is required for success; what matters most is planning in a way that supports the teen now and keeps future options open.
Part Two: Post-Secondary Entrance
Moving from high school into post-secondary education is not a single, fixed process for homeschoolers. Unlike the traditional school pathway, where students typically apply with a standard transcript and set of required courses, homeschoolers may arrive at this stage through a variety of different routes.
Some teens will have completed a Dogwood Diploma through online or traditional schooling. Others may apply using a combination of courses, portfolios, or documented learning. In some cases, prospective students enter post-secondary through upgrading, open studies, or alternative admission pathways rather than a traditional graduation credential.
Because of this flexibility, there is no single “homeschool admission route.” Instead, post-secondary institutions look for evidence that a prospective student is prepared for their chosen program, and that evidence can take several different forms depending on the pathway taken.
Admission Using a Dogwood Diploma
This is the most common admission pathway used by BC high school graduates. Homeschoolers can also choose to enrol in an online or traditional school program in order to become students in the school system and work toward completing the Dogwood Diploma. Admission is then based on a BC transcript and graduation credentials, although many post-secondary programs also require specific Grade 11 and 12 courses as prerequisites. Requirements and competitive averages vary depending on the institution and the program being applied to.
Admission Using an Adult Dogwood Diploma
Some teens and young adults may choose to earn their Adult Dogwood Diploma. This requires the completion of 5 specifc courses which can be obtained by cross-enrolling in BC Online Learning schools. The certification requires that three of the five courses be completed after the age of 18. Once the Adult Dogwood Diploma is awarded, it is treated as equivalent for post-secondary admission purposes. As with the standard Dogwood, some programs may still require specific Grade 11 and 12 courses or prerequisites depending on the field of study.
Admission as a Homeschooled Applicant (Without a Diploma)
Some institutions have specific admission pathways for homeschoolers who do not hold a Dogwood Diploma. In these cases, applicants may be asked to provide evidence of learning and readiness in place of a standard transcript. This could be parent-generated transcripts, course descriptions, portfolios, reading lists, reference letters, interviews, written essays, or assessments, specific prerequisite skills, or employer sponsorship (specifically in trades).
A portfolio or evidence package may include materials such as:
- a short letter of academic intent
- a transcript of the subjects studied
- scope and sequence of resources used (a table of contents of the textbook, for example)
- transcripts of any accredited courses taken (secondary school courses, open studies, or sdult upgrading courses)
- assessment outcomes
- dated work and writing samples
- reading lists
- extracurricular activities (music, sports, volunteering, employment, etc.)
- letters of recommendation or references from instuctors, employers, parents
Requirements vary significantly between institutions, and each school may assess these materials differently depending on the program being applied to.
Open Studies/ Non-Degree Pathways
Some institutions allow students to begin post-secondary study through open studies or general studies programs without being formally admitted into a degree program. This means a prospective student can take individual courses on a part-time or exploratory basis, rather than committing immediately to a full program.
In some cases, successful completion of these courses can later be used when applying for formal admission, and may be considered alongside or in place of traditional high school credentials depending on the institution. Open studies can be a practical option for those who want to gradually transition into post-secondary learning, explore interests before committing to a program, or strengthen a future application through demonstrated academic performance.
Admission with Individual Prerequisite Courses on a BC Transcript
Many homeschoolers meet post-secondary program admission requirements by completing only the specific Grade 11 or 12 courses needed for a chosen program, rather than following a full high school pathway. This is usually done through cross-enrolling in online learning schools or adult upgrading. In some cases, institutions may also consider additional evidence of readiness alongside required courses.
This pathway is typically used once a specific program has been identified and admission requirements have been confirmed through post-secondary advising or program information. The focus is then on completing only the required prerequisites for that program, rather than building a full transcript.
This approach can be a practical way to prepare for targeted program entry, but it depends on early clarity around requirements and making sure all prerequisites and supporting evidence are completed in time for application deadlines.
Mature Student Admission
Mature student admission is available at many post-secondary institutions once an applicant reaches the institution’s mature student age threshold — anywhere from 16-23 depending on the institution. This pathway does not place emphasis on the completion of high school and a full transcript is not required.
In most cases, admission is based solely on an English or communication assessment to determine readiness for post-secondary study. Specific programs of study may also require certain prerequisite courses depending on the area of study, but the focus is generally on current readiness rather than past schooling history. Pre-requisit course can be obtained through Online Learning, Continuing Ed, or most conveniently, at the school in which you have been admitted.
The BC Transfer System
In BC, most colleges and universities are part of a transfer system where credits from one institution are recognized and accepted by other institutions.
This benefits homeschoolers in that a homeschooler can enter an institution with a low mature student age or a preferable classroom size and environment and later transfer their credits to another institution as the child matures or settles on their end goals. The new school would look at the recent post secondary credits, not the lack of high school credits.
Students complete a set number of university transfer courses or one or two years of a certificate or degree program of study in a local college, for instance, before transferring to finish their degree or trades program at another institution.
https://www.bctransferguide.ca/
There is no timeline for any of this. Life does not unfold in a straight line, and learning does not need to follow a set pace or schedule. While planning ahead is a great idea, remember that people grow, experiences shift our direction, and goals change. Even without a Dogwood Diploma or a BC transcript, the system is set up to accommodate different life and learning journeys.