The Home Education Exchange has been, and continues to be, successful in working with students at the high school levels and helping to prepare them for post-secondary education, whether that is at college, universities, or technical schools.

We have had the pleasure of seeing many of our high school graduates pursue their goals and dreams, which, for many, begin by gaining admission to the academic or vocational program of their choice. For more information on home schooling through the high school levels, and preparing to enter a post-secondary institution, contact our office or send an email to office "at" thee.ca. Students who will be home schooling through the high school grades (grades 10-12) have essentially the following 4 routes from which to choose for the purpose of preparing to enter an academic or vocational/technical training program:

1. The Alberta Diploma Route
2. The Course/Credit Route
3. The Individual Preparation Route
4. The Apprenticeship Route

An overview of each of these routes is provided below. We encourage the student to give serious thought, together with his/her parent(s), regarding the route that he/she will choose, keeping in mind that the chosen route should lead the student to achieving the academic or skills preparation that will be required by his/her future goals, interests, and planned-pursuits for post-secondary education. At the Alberta Learning Information Services (ALIS) website, you'll find a tremendous resource that lists the admission requirements of numerous universities and colleges, and you’ll be able to use this information in your decision-making processes regarding the route that is best for you and for your desired future.

1. The Diploma Route
   In Alberta, home-education is a recognized and legitimate method for completing a high-school program. Students can study course outlines on their own, write tests, and be granted high-school credits for their home-education efforts. These credits are the same as if they were earned in a traditional day school and allow home-education students the opportunity to earn a full high school Alberta diploma. Families who desire to home educate their children do not have to give up on home learning once their son or daughter reaches grade 10 and desires to earn an Alberta diploma. Home-based learners may choose to earn a Alberta diploma at home via correspondence classes through the Alberta Distance Learning Center (ADLC). Various tutoring programs are available to assist students reach their high school goals.
2. The Course/Credit Route
   Most post-secondary institutions do not require that a student have a high school diploma. Institutions are only interested that the student produce marks and credits in pertinent subjects; i.e., Faculties of Engineering would likely want to see proof of competence in Math 30, and some specific sciences. Families who desire to home educate their children do not have to give up on home learning once their son or daughter reaches grade 10 and desires to earn Alberta Education credits to gain post-secondary entrance. Home-based learners can earn Alberta Education class credits for specific classes that are needed and/or required by certain universities or vocational colleges. Please ask your home schooling facilitator regarding the options for earning an Alberta credit, options which include a challenge exam and portfolio work.
3. The Individual Preparation Route
   A growing number of post-secondary institutions are willing to accept home-education students without diplomas or credits, simply on the strength of a portfolio review of their high-school studies. Generally these institutions are looking for a demonstration that the student is proficient at reading and writing at a college level. Probationary enrollment may be a first step.
4. The Apprenticeship Route
   As a quick reference, we have provided the following information to give you an idea of the variety of admission requirements that exist among universities and colleges so that you can see that the path that you will choose for your high school studies will, indeed, affect your ability to pursue your dreams and calling.

Canadian institutions that require a high school diploma:

• Northwest Bible College

Canadian institutions that require Accredited Courses in relevant areas:

• University of Alberta
• University of Lethbridge
• University of Calgary
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
• Grant MacEwan Community College
• Concordia College
• Augustana University College
• Red Deer College
• Olds College

Canadian institutions that require Portfolio Review and English Competence:

• King's University College
• Athabasca University
• Vancouver Film School
• North American Baptist College

Note: Enrollment policies are known to change periodically, so we advise you to make contact with the admissions department to research for yourself what is needed for enrollment. Sometimes admissions clerks are not clear about how home-education students register at their institutions. Ask to speak to the registrar, and remember to keep notes about what you have been told, when, and from whom.