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Homeschooling with Keystone

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Does homeschooling really work?

Although we can't speak for all homeschooling programs, our 30 years of demonstrated success shows that Keystone's homeschooling program does work and helps students to achieve their potential.

Keystone National High School graduates have been accepted to many colleges and universities including Stanford, Yale, Duke, Rice and Notre Dame; military academies like West Point, state university systems like the University of Washington, and many other two- and four-year colleges nationwide. College entrance exam scores reported by Keystone National High School students are higher than the national average. SAT scores of 1045 are 25 points higher than the national average*; ACT scores are of 23.0 are 1.2 points higher than the national average.

Homeschooling may not be for everyone, but Keystone has demonstrated success with students from all backgrounds, situations and varying educational needs. Our students thrive in an innovative learning community that allows them to explore their interests, connect with teachers and fellow students whenever they wish, and develop time management, organizational skills, and personal responsibility along the way.

*The SAT scores noted here are based on the 1600 point scale. Figures will be updated when new data becomes available.

Do I need to be with my child all day while he/she is working?

Keystone National High School students thrive in a learning community, connecting with teachers, other students and parents whenever they wish. That being said, as a Keystone parent, the amount of time you spend giving your child instructional assistance will depend on your personal situation and schedule.

Although Keystone encourages parent participation in their child's education, our program is designed so that students get a great education with minimal parental involvement. Keystone students study at their own pace and quickly learn to manage their study schedule around the rest of their life; they develop valuable organizational and decision-making skills.

In terms of specific academic issues, our teachers are subject matter experts and are available to instruct and support the student. They are regularly available to answer questions and offer assistance to any child looking for help. In addition, Keystone's Student Services team offers more general program support.

If I choose Keystone, will my child be able to maintain social contact?

Absolutely. Keystone National High School students thrive in a learning community, connecting with teachers, other students and parents whenever they wish.

Social contact is a key element within the Keystone learning community. Online courses provide opportunities for students to connect with others through emails and discussion boards. Online chats offer dynamic interaction between teachers and students.

Our KeyNotes quarterly newsletter serves as a meeting place for students who want to make a Pen Pal connection or present their thoughts, artwork, or poetry. Posting a message in Keynotes or in the Keystone Community Forum is a great way to initiate contact with fellow students.

If my child decided to go back to the public school system, will he/she be accepted? Will Keystone credits transfer?

Keystone National High School is accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, and recognized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. This means the high school's program meets the academic and administrative standards required for admission to colleges and universities, and for transfer to other high schools. Keystone National High School is also licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as a private high school. This allows the school to grant high school diplomas that are recognized by colleges, universities, military organizations and employers.

Although students rarely have any problem transferring Keystone credits back to their local high school, Keystone cannot guarantee that every credit will transfer back to every high school. Should you have a doubt, you should contact your local school official directly or contact Keystone to work with you and your local school officials to determine acceptance of Keystone credits.

If my child receives a Keystone diploma, will he/she be accepted to a college or university?

Thousands of parents have confidence in Keystone National High School because of its demonstrated record of student success. Keystone National High School graduates have been accepted to over 140 colleges and universities including Stanford, Yale, Duke, Rice and Notre Dame; military academies like West Point, state university systems like the University of Washington, and many other two- and four-year colleges nationwide.

The ultimate success of your child lies primarily with your child. However, Keystone will help your child reach his/her potential. If our prior students are any indication, your child has a great likelihood of getting into college with Keystone. For a full listing of those schools Keystone students have been accepted to, visit www.keystonehighschool.com/homeschool-families/credits-colleges.php.

How does your program compare to other available programs?

Keystone's mission is to help students achieve their individual potential. We do this by offering an innovative, flexible, student-focused education that uses the latest distance learning approaches and technology. Thousands of parents have confidence in Keystone because of its 35 year record of demonstrated success:

Founded in 1974, Keystone National High School (and its predecessor company) has served more than 200,000 students.

Keystone National High School is accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, and recognized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. This means the high school's program meets the academic and administrative standards required for admission to colleges and universities, and for transfer to other high schools.

Keystone National High School faculty members are all certified teachers with an average of seven years of instructional experience; more than 45% percent of Keystone National High School faculty members have earned master's or doctoral degrees in education or areas of instructional specialty; more than 85% percent of Keystone National High School's faculty members are "highly-qualified" as determined by the criteria established in the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

Currently, thousands of students from all 50 states and 34 countries are actively enrolled in Keystone National High School.

To meet the educational needs of all its students, Keystone National High School offers its courses both online and by traditional correspondence using the mail. All courses are supported by high-quality industry-leading textbooks.

Keystone National High School graduates have been accepted to over 140 colleges and universities including Stanford, Yale, Duke, Rice and Notre Dame; military academies like West Point, state university systems like the University of Washington, and many other two- and four-year colleges nationwide. College entrance exam scores reported by Keystone National High School students are higher than the national average.

It is this demonstrated record of success that makes Keystone stand out and above all other programs of its kind.

Will the military accept Keystone graduates?

The Army, Navy, and Marines are allowed to accept 10% of enlistees from Tier 2 schools. The Air Force will only accept enlistees from Tier 1 schools. Keystone has previously been listed as a Tier 2 school, and many of our graduates have gone on to start a military career. However, schools can be re-categorized by the military at any time, so we recommend that you check with your local recruiter for specifics.

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