Q:  Hello,

 My son has been home schooled for over two years now. I do remember filing paper work with the state stating my intent to home school.

At this time my son is 16 years old and still being schooled at home.
We never really kept track of what grade level he is at mainly due to with learning at his own pace and the amount of different things chosen to study where he might be at a 10th grade level in English he's at a college level in history.

Recently I lost my job and as I'm the only source of income for our household (My son and I) I have been forced to apply for cash assistance from the state. I was told I will need proof of him attending school and grade he is in.  The case worker had no idea how I could obtain this proof being my son is home schooled.
I now have (a short time) to turn in said proof and I have no idea what would be acceptable or where to find it.
Could you help in this matter? Or direct me to someone who can?

Thank you for your time.
              VZ

 A: 
Dear VZ,

Thank you so much for your note.  I am sorry that you have lost your job and are going through tough times.

First, let me suggest that you contact the Maricopa County Superintendent's office.  That would be where the paperwork was filed.   Candace Cochran is the contact person, and her phone is 602-504-3144.  She would be able to attest that the paperwork has been filed and may have a legal angle on the situation.

As for proof of currently homeschooling, do you have any records of curriculum that you have recently purchased, or attendance at the AFHE conference in the summer, or any testing that your son took?  I don't know if these would work for the government office, but they are worth a try.  Run these ideas by Candace, as well.

As far as grade level, if you were to compile a transcript, would you be able to pull out the items that would be considered high school level or above?  Currently, 20 credits (full year courses at the high school level) are required for graduation, so each 5 credits equals one year.

Required courses:

English--4 years
Math--4 years for college prep/ 2 years for state minimum graduation requirements (Beginning with Algebra 1)
Science-3 years of lab work (typically Biology, Chemistry, Physics, but other can be used if appropriate)
Social Studies/History --3 years
Fine Arts--1 year
Foreign Language--2 years
PE--1 year needed for state minimum. 0 needed for ASU entrance
Electives:  4- 8 credits (based on whether the college prep track is taken)

I would love to know how this turns out for you.  Please let me know if you have further questions.

Blessings,

Holly Craw 
Office Manager
Covenant Home School Resource Center
602-277-3497