Everest Academy

2026-09-02T08:31:37.688-05:00

The Alabama Homeschooling website is sponsored and maintained by Everest Academy but offers information FREE to all Alabama homeschoolers.

Most Recent Posts:

College Admissions Guide & Dual Enrollment

2026-09-02T08:30:57.337-05:00

College Dual Enrollment

One semester of a college dual enrollment course is equal to 1 high school credit. We have listed below what colleges commonly require for dual enrollment. Please contact the college of your choice for more information on their specific requirements.

An ACT/SAT score - If the student has not taken the ACT/SAT and/or did not score high enough, they may ask the student to come in and take the COMPASS test.
Official transcript - If you are an Everest student, you can find that info here: http://www.alabamahomeschooling.com/2011/01/transcripts.html .
Dual Enrollment Agreement - Please obtain this form if required and send it to us for signature. We are happy to assist you in this process at no charge.

College Admissions Guide

College/Scholarship: It is up to each student/parent to research requirements and regulations of your colleges of choice when considering enrollment in these institutions. This includes making sure that your student has taken all of the courses required and whether or not they will accept a homeschool diploma. (Please see college anti-discrimination information below).

Alabama College Anti-discrimination Provisions: “Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, no public two-year or four-year institution of higher education in the state may deny admission to or otherwise discriminate against an otherwise qualified student based on the consideration, whether in whole or in part, that the student attended, graduated from, or is enrolled in a nonpublic school, including private, church, parochial, and religious schools, or was home schooled.” Ala. Code § 16-1-11.4.

*College Requirements - Please note that Ala. Code § 16-1-11.4 is specific to any public two-year or four-year institution of higher education in Alabama and does not apply to privately-ran colleges or colleges in other states. We have not had any problems with students being accepted into colleges and earning scholarships, but that does not mean that there is not the possibility of experiencing issues. You will want to make sure to check ahead of time with any college of choice concerning their specific credit requirements (all colleges) including whether or not they will accept a homeschool diploma (if the college is not a public two-year or four-year institution of higher education in Alabama).

How to Apply to College

Many colleges prefer the Common Application https://www.commonapp.org/.
Students should look at applications early to know what is expected of them. Many applications may be filled out online. Meet deadlines.
If using a paper application, be sure to proofread it and make a copy for your files.
Some colleges or universities require letters of recommendation. Ask for these in advance.
Visit as many campuses as possible, as early as possible.
Organize files of all college-related materials (applications, resumes, ACT/SAT information, letters from schools, passwords for websites, etc.).
Give time and attention to applications. Neatness counts. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Follow directions.

Freshman Year

Take a look at the 3 levels of diplomas and decide which one you think you might want to work towards.
Consider taking the PLAN test (pre-ACT test) and/or PSAT/NMSQT (the practice SAT). The results will help you focus on areas that need improvement.
Print out the check off list of requirements.
Keep records of all classes and activities on a blank transcript form.
Look at your personal interests for fulfilling elective credits.

Sophomore Year

Register to take the ACT and SAT at least once, preferably during the spring.
Extracurricular and leadership activities are important so become involved, but also remember that colleges prefer quality over quantity.
If you haven’t done so already, compile a list of all of your honors, awards, activities, volunteer work, and jobs. This will be useful when it’s time to create a resume and fill out applications. Keep a running list; nothing is too small to list.
Start looking at colleges and their websites keeping in mind such variables as tuition, location, and size.

Junior Year

Attend a National College Fair in the fall.
Register to take the ACT and SAT at least once, preferably during the fall.
Continue to develop your list of possible college choices. Check out their websites and request materials for prospective students.
Register to take the ACT and SAT at least once, preferably during the spring.
Begin your scholarship search. Pay special attention to deadline dates.
Begin narrowing your college choices and schedule campus visits, tours and interviews.
Update your list of awards, achievements, activities, etc., and use it to create a resume.
If appropriate to your interests, begin developing portfolios, audition tapes, writing samples, or other evidence of talents required for college admission and/or scholarships.

Senior Year

If you have not taken the SAT and/or ACT or need to retake tests, do so early in the fall.
Decide which colleges you will apply to, and gather all application materials for admission and for scholarships/financial aid.
Be sure you know each college’s procedures and priority deadlines for scholarship and financial aid applications.
Organize your college files, so you won’t miss any deadlines.
Approach mentors and teachers for recommendation letters.
If you haven’t already, request that ACT and SAT send your official test scores to the colleges to which you are applying.
Continue to look for outside scholarship opportunities.
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after January 1 as possible.
Notify your chosen college about any outside scholarships you receive.

Alabama Transfers Program

The Alabama Transfers program (formerly known as STARS) is a statewide system designed to ensure your community college credits easily transfer to a public four-year university in Alabama. It provides official transfer guides so you can preserve your earned credits and complete your degree without taking unnecessary or duplicated courses. https://alabamatransfers.com/

Oct. 27, 2026 Deadline, Moody: AP Testing

2026-08-19T16:43:48.395-05:00

Crossroads Christian School will again offer AP testing. If you have a student who wants to take an AP test, contact Karen Cunningham at records@crossroadschristian.us by October 27 and tell her what test(s) you want your student to take. Total cost for each AP test is $145; we are requiring a $45 deposit per test by October 27, 2026. Full payment will be required by April 8, 2027. Checks may be made out to Crossroads Christian School. If you choose not to take an AP exam after October 27th, a refund of up to $90 (but not the full $145) per test will be given.

All AP testing is digital, so your student will have to provide their OWN computer/ipad. There will be an app they will install and test questions they answer prior to exam day. This information is also readily available on the AP College Board site. We will be sending you more details about installing and testing the app well before test day. We provide testing only - you will need to take care of the classroom learning on your own or through a tutor. Also, please be aware that we will only be doing standard testing and will not do any accommodations.

Tests will be given at Crossroads Christian School, 825 Oak Blvd, Moody, AL. Test dates are May 3-7 and May 10-14. Specific dates and times, as well as other helpful information, can be found on the College Board AP site.

If you have any questions, contact Karen Cunningham at records@crossroadschristian.us or 205-640-2174.

Blessings,

Jenny Bartz

Administrator

Alabama Ballet Performances

2026-07-09T16:18:22.330-05:00

2026/2027

Alabama Ballet Performances

Please note that this info is fyi only and is not sponsored by Everest Academy.

Please contact the organization directly if you have any questions.

We would like to invite you to bring your students to our Educational Outreach Performances this coming season. Admission is FREE to all K-12 students and teachers/chaperones only pay $25. Please note that no children under 4 will be admitted. We believe it is important to share the art of ballet with the students of Alabama. Each educational performance includes a talk back session and a question and answer time. For more information about making your reservations for performances such as George Balanchine's The Nutcracker follow this link https://alabamaballet.org/educational-performances/.

***Important Note***

If you want to be seated together as a group, make sure to order your tickets together on the same form. If your tickets are not ordered together, you will not be seated together.

Homeschool groups may have no more than one chaperone per student.

First Wednesdays, Harpersville: Homeschool Goat Yoga

2026-01-13T14:56:00.004-06:00

🐐 Homeschool Goat Yoga: Learn, Play, Repeat! 📚Calling all Shelby County & Surrounding Area Homeschoolers! 🗓️Every first Wednesday of the month

Ditch the desk and grab a goat! Join Goat Yoga Alabama for an un-baa-lievable adventure. It’s the ultimate outdoor classroom where you can stretch, smile, and make un-goat-gettable memories.

💵 The Essentials

Cost: $25 per person

Location: 56 Harvest Ln, Harpersville, AL

Go here for more information!

Contact Info for Education Verifications

2025-08-20T16:03:00.002-05:00

CONTACT INFO for EDUCATION VERIFICATIONS:

Email: everestacademy1@gmail.com (quickest response)

Fax: 1-866-858-5775

*Please note our office is closed on Fridays. Any correspondence received after 5:00 p.m. on Thursday will be addressed the following week.

Transcripts

2025-08-20T16:03:00.001-05:00

Transcripts

From time to time, you may need a transcript generated for various reasons. If you are withdrawing from Everest, you must also fill out a Withdrawal Form found here.

Requesting Transcripts

Please use the following Transcript Request Forms for requesting official Everest Academy transcripts. These forms need to be printed out and completed:

Grades K - 8: Transcript Request Form
Grades 9 and up - High School Transcript Request (This includes college application, scholarships, withdrawing from Everest, and final transcript/diploma requests.)

Please note the following:

Two-week notice - Make sure to give a two-week notice on all transcripts. If it is during a busy time of the year (beginning or end of traditional school year), it could take longer. You can pay a "rush fee" to have your transcript moved to the top of the pile.
Fees - All fees must be paid before a transcript is generated.
Grades Included - A Transcript Request Form should only be made out for the time spent at Everest Academy. Everest Academy WILL NOT generate a transcript for any credits obtained outside of Everest Academy. For instance, if 11th and 12th grades are completed at Everest Academy, we will not make the transcript out to include 9th and 10th grades as well. (If the student is coming from a homeschooling background, exceptions may be made).
Where do you want the transcript sent? All transcripts will be returned to the parent/guardian unless otherwise requested. If you want a transcript sent on your behalf, please provide the complete and correct mailing address, email address, or fax number where you would like it sent.
Please note that there is no guarantee that a homeschooling transcript/diploma will be accepted. It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to research requirements of any school, college*, scholarship, military**, job opportunities, etc. of interest.
Please note that there is no regulation on what a public/private school may require from a homeschooler enrolling in their school. They may/may not accept a homeschooling transcript and may require testing, work samples, etc.
Please keep a copy of your finished transcript on file. Everest will keep a copy on file for a duration of three years from the date of issue.

*College Anti-discrimination Provisions: “Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, no public two-year or four-year institution of higher education in the state may deny admission to or otherwise discriminate against an otherwise qualified student based on the consideration, whether in whole or in part, that the student attended, graduated from, or is enrolled in a nonpublic school, including private, church, parochial, and religious schools, or was home schooled.” Ala. Code § 16-1-11.4.

**Military - Homeschool graduates are free to enlist in the military on the same terms as any other high school graduate. For more information, please look here: http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/2014/201403180.asp .

Withdrawal

2025-08-20T16:03:00.000-05:00

In the event that you choose to withdraw from Everest Academy, please be aware of the following information:

Withdrawal Form - Please fill out the Withdrawal Form found here.
GED Withdrawal Form - If you are withdrawing in order to obtain the GED, please fill out this withdrawal form.

Transcripts - Your student may need a transcript to give to the new school. If so, please find the information for requesting a transcript here.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can my child return to a school setting after homeschooling? In most cases, yes. The new school will probably require a copy of a transcript for the work completed at Everest Academy. Please see information below.
Will the new school test my child for grade placement? Maybe. You will want to check with the new school to see what they are requiring. It is possible that the new school may want a transcript, samples of work, lists of curriculum, testing, etc. It is completely up to the new school what they may require and what they will accept.
Standardized Testing - If you are putting your child in a private or public school, the parent/guardian may consider administering a CAT (California Achievement Test). The CAT is a standardized test for grades k-12. Here is a link for the CAT : http://www.setontesting.com/cat/
It is up to each parent to research requirements and regulations of other schools including public schools, private schools, church schools, and colleges when considering enrollment in these institutions.
Past School Records & Immunization Forms: Everest Academy does not hold any past school records. If the school before Everest sent in any records, they have already been forwarded to you.

Special Needs

2025-08-20T16:02:00.000-05:00

Special Needs Homeschooling

Noteworthy Homeschoolers

2025-08-20T15:48:00.002-05:00

Wow! Have you noticed how many homeschoolers there are these days? Have you heard people refer to this "new" craze of homeschooling? But is it new? Absolutely not! In fact, just the opposite. Homeschooling has been around for hundreds of years, far longer than the relatively new compulsory school laws. What? You don't believe me? It's true! The first compulsory attendance law was adopted in Massachusetts in 1852. During the next 15 years, no other state followed Massachusetts, but beginning in 1867, a steady stream of states began adopting compulsory attendance laws, and by 1918 all states had enacted them.

Why would the government enact a compulsory school law? Government control baby! Do you notice the dates? This huge turn toward compulsory schooling was immediately following the ending of the Civil War. Well, they certainly didn't want THAT to happen again, so they decided to transfer the responsibility of the education of the children from the family unit to the state. In other words, they wanted to make controllable "sheeple" out of the people by giving the children their version of history, agenda, etc. This still goes on today.

So now that you know that homeschooling is not a new phenomenon, let's look at some of the folks from the past and the present who have made it big. There are countless homeschoolers in history, and I have listed just a few. I have also tried to list some of the present-day homeschoolers that your children can relate to. You know, on one of "those" days, you could say, "Hey! Did you know that Miley Cyrus homeschooled?"

Activists

Peter Jennings, News Anchor - During his lifetime, Peter Jennings amassed numerous journalism rewards. He received 14 Emmys and 2 Peabody Awards. He was also granted the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004, and the Fred Friendly First Amendment Award in 2001. Shortly after his death, Mayor Bloomberg of New York City designated part of 66th street as Peter Jennings Way, in recognition of Jennings’ sterling contributions to journalism.

Artists

Claude Monet
Grandma Moses
Leonardo da Vinci
Rembrandt
Peale

Athletes

Michelle Kwan - American figure skater who won nine U.S. championships, five World Championships, and two Olympic medals. She competed at a high level for over a decade and is the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history. Known for her consistency and expressive artistry on ice, she is widely considered one of the greatest figure skaters of all time.
Kaitlyn Weaver - ice dancer
Jason Taylor
Tim Tebow
Serena & Venus Williams - Venus and Serena Williams, known the world over for their remarkable tennis playing abilities, were home-schooled by their father from middle school on. As part of their education, they put on tennis clinics for underprivileged children and spoke in inner city schools.

Authors

Agatha Christie
Alex Haley

ALEX AND BRETT HARRIS founded TheRebelution.com in August 2005 and today, at age 19, are among the most widely read teen writers on the Web. The twins are frequent contributors to Focus on the Family's webzine Boundless, serve as the main speakers for The Rebelution Tour conferences, and have been featured nationally on MSNBC, CNN, NPR, and The New York Times, as well as in publications like WORLD magazine, Breakaway, and Ignite Your Faith. Their first book, Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations, was released on April 15, 2008, by Multnomah Books. Sons of homeschool pioneers Gregg and Sono Harris and younger brothers of best-selling author Joshua Harris (I Kissed Dating Goodbye), Alex and Brett have a passion for God and for their generation. Their personal interests include politics, filmmaking, music, basketball, and soccer. And food. They like food. Alex and Brett are freshmen at Patirck Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia. When they're not at school or out doing conferences they live with their parents and three younger siblings near Portland, Oregon, where they attend Household of Faith Community Church.
C.S. Lewis

Charles Dickens
Christopher Paolini - Christopher began writing the first volume of the Inheritance trilogy when he completed a home school high school curriculum at the age of 15. The trilogy consists of Eragon and Eldest, and Brisingr.

George Bernard Shaw
Hans Christian Anderson
Louisa May Alcott
Margaret Atwood
Mark Twain
Phillis Wheatley
Pearl S. Buck
Robert Frost practiced education by poetry with his children, since to him, the two were one and the same. Thus, poetry became part of the everyday life of the Frost family. His daughters Lesley, Irma, Marjorie and son Carol were home-schooled by their parents. Along with the basic instruction, they were encouraged to develop their powers of observation and cultivate their imaginations. Reading and writing were intended to be both pleasurable and a vehicle of discovery.
Virginia Woolf

Businessmen

Andrew Carnegie
Colonel Harland Sanders
Dave Thomas

Joseph Pulitzer
Ray Kroc

Composers

Felix Mendelssohn
Irving Berlin
John Philip Sousa
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Conservation

Bindi Erwin - Bindi Sue Irwin was born on the 24th July 1998 in Queensland, Australia to her two proud parents Steve and Terri Irwin. From the very first day of her birth, Bindi has been involved with her Mum and Dad's filming and wildlife conservation work and handled everything from spiders and snakes to crocodiles and elephants. She has traveled extensively all over the world with her family and made numerous appearances in not only most of her parent's television programs but guest spots on many worldwide talk shows. Bindi is homeschooled and making excellent grades — a first class student who likes "creative writing" best and not too keen on math. She sponsors a World Vision unprivileged child in Asia and donates a lot of her time and pocket money to help Wildlife Warriors Worldwide (her dad's conservation charity) and assists at the Australian Wildlife Hospital.

Entertainers

Aaron Carter - Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter
Adam Paskowitz - lead singer, The FlysAlan Alda
Alyson "Aly" Michalka and Amanda Joy "AJ" Michalka - sister singing duo and actresses
Alexander Gould - actor, voice of Nemo in Finding Nemo
Barlow Girl - Alyssa, Rebecca, and Lauren Contemporary Christian Music
Brenda Song
Charlie Chaplin
Chris Brown - R&B singer, dancer, actor
Chris Thile, the recording artist and mandolin genius, was homeschooled, as were Sarah and Sean Watkins.
Christina Aguilera
Cole & Dylan Sprouse
Dakota Fanning
Demi Lovato
Devon Werkheiser - actor known for the role Ned Bigby on "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide"
Elijah Wood actor best known as Frodo in the The Lord of the RingsEmile Hirsch, Actor - Recently starred in Into the Wild, Speed Racer and Milk. Graduated from Beach High, a homeschool program.
Erika Christensen - actress
Evan Rachel Wood
Frankie Muniz - child actor
Hanson
Harry Houdini, born Ehrich Weiss on April 6, 1874, in Budapest, Hungary, was the son of Dr. Mayer Samuel Weiss, a Jewish rabbi, and Cecilia Steiner Weiss. He legally changed his name in 1913. Houdini is said to be one of the most influential magicians of the 20th century. His specialty was any type of escape, including slipping out of ropes, chains, and handcuffs while locked in trunks and milk cans or submerged under water.

Houdini became world famous by barnstorming across America and around the globe. He died on October 31, 1926, at the age of 52, after his appendix ruptured and peritonitis set in.

Houdini had little formal education, but his self-education was a lifelong pursuit. "My mind," he is often quoted as saying, "is the key that sets me free."
Hayden Panettiere - actress best known for her role as Claire Bennet in Heroes and in "Remember the Titans"
Hillary Duff
Hume brothers - Jon, Peter, and Dann of the Evermore alternative rock band from New Zealand
Jacob Clemente - Broadway Actor Jena Malone
Jennifer Love Hewitt
Jeremy Sumpter - actor
Jonas Brothers - Kevin, Joe, and Nick Performers
Jordin Sparks - singer, actress, model and American Idol winner
Justin Timberlake
Kristen Stewart

LeAnne Rimes
Lindsey Shaw - actress known for her role as Jennifer Mosely on "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide"Louis Armstrong
Maria von Trapp - one of the Von Trapp Family Singers, the third child of Captain von Trapp
Miley Cyrus

Moffatts - Canadian version of Hanson
Nickel Creek Band - 3 Members
Raven Symone - actress
Rebecca St. James - contemporary Christian recording artist
Ryan Gosling - Most notable for his role as Noah on "The Notebook". His mother started homeschooling him because he got into too many fights in school.
Selena Gomez
Sofia Vassilieva - actress
Spencer Breslin and Abigail Breslin, Actors - Spencer starred in Disney's "The Kid," "The Cat in the Hat," "Raising Helen," and "The Santa Claus Part 2." Abigail starred in "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl."
Taylor Swift
Tyler Hoechlin, Actor - In many ways, the real star of Road to Perdition is California homeschooler Tyler Hoechlin, who plays 12 year-old Michael Jr. Hoechlin, in his first major role, gives a convincing portrayal of a young man who both idolizes and fears his father.
Whoopi Goldberg
Yehudi Menuhin - child prodigy violinist

Explorers

Davy Crockett
George Rogers Clark

Inventors

Alexander Graham Bell

Benjamin Franklin
Cyrus McCormick
Eli Whitney
Thomas Edison - The world’s greatest inventor, Thomas Edison, was home schooled by his mother, Nancy Elliot Edison. After performing poorly in the traditional one-room schoolhouse of yesteryear, his mother refused to believe the teacher’s assessment that young Tom’s “brains were addled” (mentally slow). Clearly Tom was experiencing the world quite differently from his classmates, and mother Nancy knew her son had quite a bit of capability from the things he was doing and experimenting with around the house. Through a great deal of nurturing and leadership, she gave him the basic tools to learn, both in the form of process and content; and empowered him to learn.

Nancy Edison encouraged her son to have both a head and hands approach to learning, allowing him to have his own laboratory in their small basement-a place where his father became quite concerned as various small explosions emanated, along with strange smells. Nancy endured over dad’s protests and imbued Tom with four life-long pillars of learning:
- Do not be afraid to fail, keep trying, learn from your mistakes
- Read across the entire span of literature, not just what you like
- It is OK to work with your hands and learn from life, not all important things come from books
- Never stop learning, keep improving yourself.
In later years, a grown and very successful Thomas acknowledged that his mother’s discipline for a focused life was responsible for his great success. Today we hear a great deal of classroom interest in involving children in a head and hands learning environment. Renovated and new museums almost always involve head and hands exhibits or hands-on themes for learning.

Tom obviously learned differently from the standard rote learning and recitation of the day. It was fundamentally necessary for Edison to have a visceral feel for the information he was learning, especially for a need to experiment and react to the results of those experiments. Throughout his life Edison developed a love for literature and could quote many great poems and passages.

His life-long learning style motivated his strenuous recording of experiments, thoughts, and observations in thousands of detailed laboratory notebooks, which scholars are still mining today, 79 years after his death. So intense was his love of information, communications, and learning that he placed his own corporate office in his beautiful and well-stocked library. To him, a corporation was a continuous learning environment. In our Information Revolution today, symbolized by the ubiquitous Internet, Edison would be one very happy fellow!
Orville & Wilbur Wright

Military Leaders

Douglas MacArthur
George Patton
John Paul Jones
Robert E. Lee
Stonewall Jackson
Matthew Perry

Photographers

Ansel Adams was an American photographer and environmentalist, best known for his black-and-white photographs of the American West, especially in Yosemite National Park.

Presidents

Abraham Lincoln
Andrew Jackson

Franklin Delano Roosevelt
George Washington
Grover Cleveland
James Garfield
James Madison
John Adams
John Quincy Adams
John Tyler
Theodore Roosevelt
Thomas Jefferson
William Henry Harrison
Woodrow Wilson

Religious Leaders

Brigham Young
Dwight L. Moody
Joan of Arc
John & Charles Wesley
William Carey

Scientists

Albert Einstein
Luther Burbank, the renowned horticulturist (plant breeder) was born in 1849. His experiments in agriculture that resulted in over 800 new plant varieties, changed farming in California and across the world. Visit the Luther Burbank Virtual Museum to learn more. Get a plant field guide and identify some of the common plants that grow in your area as you spot them in your car travels.

Blaise Pascal
Booker T. Washington
George Washington Carver
Pierre Curie

Statesman

Alexander Hamilton
Daniel Webster
Patrick Henry
William Jennings Bryan
William Penn
Winston Churchill

United States Supreme Court Judges

John Jay
John Marshall
John Rutledge
Sandra Day O’Connor

Women

Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams
Clara Barton, started the red cross
Florence Nightingale, nurse
Martha Washington, wife of George Washington
Susan B. Anthony, women’s rights leader

Famous Homeschooling Parents

Lisa Whelchel
Kelley Preston and John Travolta
Chuck Norris

Tom Cruise
Darrell Waltrip - NASCAR RacerNASA
Astronaut Homeschools - Just a brief mention in the biography of astronaut Duane G. "Digger" Carey that he and his wife homeschool their two children.
Jimmy "Jimbo" Wales, Wikipedia Founder - He and his wife, Christine, home-school their six-year-old daughter, Kira, who is already doing third grade maths and reading at 12-year-old level.

Homeschooling Methods

2025-08-20T15:37:00.000-05:00

Homeschooling Approaches

Although every homeschool is unique, certain homeschooling "styles" have become very popular. Most homeschoolers do not follow one style or method exactly. Instead, they select the ideas and suggestions that fit their family and eventually end up with a method all their own. It may take some time to develop your own routine and you may discover that you start out more structured in the beginning and become more flexible and relaxed as time goes on. The following are the most popular homeschooling styles.

School-at-Home

Unit Studies

Lapbooking

"Relaxed" or "Eclectic" Homeschooling

Co-ops

Unschooling

Wildschooling

Classical Homeschooling

The Charlotte Mason Method

The Waldorf Method

Montessori

Multiple Intelligences

DVD/Video Schooling

Internet Homeschooling

College Dual Enrollment

Getting Started

2025-08-20T15:33:00.000-05:00

Getting Started!!!

Okay, you have made the decision to homeschool your child. You are scared to death and wondering if you have made the right decision. What if you don't do something right? What if you don't do enough? Where do you get the curriculum? What IF you are not smart enough to teach them everything they need to know? So many "what ifs"!!!

Let me stop you right there...

Let me assure you that homeschooling is not NEARLY as hard or as scary as what you are thinking it is going to be!!!

So... You have made the great leap of faith and decided to educate your child(ren) at home? But what now? Where do you start?

Okay, first things first.... Make sure you read, familiarize yourself, and understand Alabama State Law regarding homeschooling.

Okay, you understand the law.... Now what?

Find or form a support group. This is very important!!! I cannot stress it enough. You will find so much support, information, and friendship in the right support group.

Find or form a play group. Again, this is super important! Don't keep your kids in because they haven't finished a lesson or you are behind... This part of homeschooling is just as important as the academics... IF NOT MORE SO!!!

Research different Homeschooling Methods. Pick and choose what is right for your family. Don't listen to negative talk. Do what you think is the best fit. Be flexible. Be flexible. BE FLEXIBLE!!!

Try to avoid grade-level thinking. Kids learn different things at different times. Your child might be a brilliant scientist and really stink at spelling. Does that mean they are not at grade level? No! It means they are really good at science and not so good at spelling. It will come when the time is right.

Play and learn with your children. Talk to your children about what and how they would like to learn. Their idea of how and what they would like to learn might not be the same as your's. Listen to them and then make a decision.

Read! Read! Read!

Visit your local library. Make this a treat! Have fun, play in the rain, go camping, laugh, sing, dance, and learn!!!

The Socialization Factor

2025-08-20T15:32:00.001-05:00

Have you ever been out with your kids doing something really cool like doing volunteer work or with a group of friends at the movies, and someone starts asking you questions about homeschooling? You know they are just curious, so you are chatting right along looking over every once in awhile and noting that your awesome son just opened the door for a little old lady and your daughter is helping a young mother with her toddler when you get "the question". You know the one...."but what about socialization?" Oh my gosh!!!! Will it EVER end!???? Do these people even know what they are saying?

so⋅cial⋅i⋅za⋅tion

[soh-shuh-luh-zey-shuhn] - The process whereby a child learns to get along with and to behave similarly to other people in the group, largely through imitation as well as group pressure.

Hmmmm....There are lots of directions I could go with this. I could talk about the teen pregnancy rate, high school illiteracy rate, drug use, school violence, suicide, high school dropout rate, rude manners, alcohol abuse, and lots of other factors that I don't particularly want my children to "learn to get along with and to behave similarly to other people in the group, largely through imitation as well as group pressure". No thank you!

I don't REALLY think this is what people are referring to. I think most of them are generally concerned about the children's "social life". They have this concept, or rather misconception, that homeschoolers are hermits who never see the light of day. They have the "school mind set" and think that school is the only place that children could possibly make friends. Children are "supposed" to go to school!

You may be one of those people who is concerned about the socialization issue! Most everyone knows or has met someone who homeschools. You may know several homeschoolers, but there is that one family that just sticks out in your mind that is just totally against the "norm" in your mind. Okay, okay...one time a long time ago you met some really weird homeschoolers. Perhaps you met some homeschoolers that all dressed alike in matching jumper outfits and all had the same haircuts. Maybe you met some homeschoolers that had 15 kids. You were in town and saw some homeschoolers who were talking about home birth and breast feeding, and you just don't believe in doing that in public (even though it is the healthiest thing you could possibly do for your child). Your next-door neighbor homeschools, and they have chickens, bake bread, have a garden, and go around bare footed all the time (which pretty much describes my family, except the chicken part, which I am working on). Homeschoolers are just.... Well, yes they are! Yep, you got it... That's exactly what homeschoolers are like and much more. Can you pick a homeschooler out of a crowd? Probably not (unless you were noticing their nice manners and behavior which is commented on quite often). Homeschoolers by nature are really smart, really dumb, fat, skinny, black, white, rich, poor, Christian, Jewish, tall, short, healthy, sick, urban, suburban, drive mini vans, drive Hummers, very strict, not strict at all, blonde, brunette, and everything in between. Homeschoolers are just people. People with one thing in common. They have chosen to take on the responsibility and joy of home educating their children. They have decided to live life spending their time with their children. They are a very diverse and interesting crowd.

One thing to stop and consider is the "socialization" that children are getting in the public school setting. Most children in the public school setting get straight out of bed, get ready for school and arrive at school between 7:00 - 7:45 a.m., still groggy and grouchy, and get home sometime between 3:30 p.m. (for the lucky ones) and 6:00 p.m. They spend all day long with other children who are basically the same age, same socioeconomic status, and sometimes even divided into the same gender. They have to spend their whole day around people they may or may not like and may or may not have any common interests with, all without any consideration for their personal choice. Their day is full of "hurry up" and "wait", having to sit in assigned seats, and being quiet even when they have something to say. They have to learn what (even if it is something your family does not agree with), when (even if they are not ready), and how they are told (even if it is not the optimal learning style for the individual). They can't even go to the bathroom at their own leisure. They are in a volatile atmosphere where it is either be part of the crowd, be left out, or even worse - get singled out of the crowd. When the children finally get home from school, half of them have an after-school activity such as soccer and are completely worn out, do their homework, shower, eat, and go to bed. They are running so fast and furious that they don't have time to relax. Where is their social time? Let alone time to spend with their family!

On the social level, homeschoolers can choose to be or not to be around who they choose. Homeschoolers are able to have a real-world experience by being around a diverse group of people of all ages, socioeconomic levels, education levels, etc. throughout their day by choice. Do homeschoolers hide in the house all the time and never see other people? Puhlease! Homeschoolers have so many social outlets at their fingertips that sometimes it is hard to decide what activity to participate in. There are tons of field trips, groups activities, park days, support groups, classes, etc. that are available to homeschoolers. Are all homeschoolers very social? Why no! Are some homeschoolers anti social? Of course! There are very social and anti-social homeschoolers just like there are very social and anti-social public schoolers.

On the academic playing field, homeschoolers are able to learn at their own pace in their own way having the freedom to choose resources that are suited to their way of learning. For instance, if a curriculum is not working for a homeschooler, they are free to find something that appeals and works for them. If a homeschooler is working at a fast pace, they can move on to the next subject when they are ready or conversely repeat a subject if they did not "get it". Homeschoolers are free to school year round or follow a more traditional schedule which opens up all sorts of possibilities. Homeschooling is a completely different way of life where you are able to LIVE your life. You can structure your life and schedule around your family instead of the other way around.

Socialization? Am I worried about socialization? Why, yes I am... That's why we homeschool!

written by Deb Spradlin

Standardized Testing

2025-08-18T18:43:00.003-05:00

STANDARDIZED TESTING INFORMATION:

Please note that if you are planning on putting your child back in the public/private school setting, having test scores could be a plus, especially for a high schooler.

CAT Test

1-800-405-8378

The CAT is a standardized test for grades k-12.

Christian Liberty Academy

847.259.8736

Hewitt Educational Resources

1-360-835-8708

This test is designed specifically for home educated students.

IOWA Basic Skills Test - Check with Bob Jones University

1-800-845-5731

Homeschool Testing Services

ASVAB, PSAT, & AP TESTING

Life Christian Academy in Harvest, AL annually offers testing open to all homeschoolers. You can find more info here: http://www.lifechristianacademy.org/admissions/testing/.

Alabaster - AP Testing is offered by Evangel Christian

Shelby County - Brandy Dahlen usually offers AP testing in the spring. For more info, please contact her at bldahlen@aol.com

Moody - Crossroads Christian School

825 Oak Blvd. Moody AL 35004

records@crossroadschristian.us

SAT & ACT TESTING

Education Solutions - ACT/SAT Test Prep, Bham & Online

Lovella Jones

Education Solutions

www.YourEdSolutions.com

[P] 205-960-6444

[F] 205-623-0818

ACT & SAT Testing

2025-08-18T18:14:00.003-05:00

ACT & SAT
Testing

Testing Requirements

Virtually all colleges and universities require students to take either the ACT or the SAT I Reasoning Test; however, specific testing requirements vary from college to college. It is important that you are aware of the testing requirements for all the schools that you are considering. Contact each college or visit their web sites to be sure that you know what is required and when.

Many colleges require students to have all scores sent directly from the testing agency, and you must request that your scores be sent to the colleges of your choice.

When Should I Take the ACT and /or SAT?

Juniors should take the ACT or SAT I in the fall. You can take the test as many times as you would like; however, fees do apply. Make plans to retake the one on which you do better during the fall of your senior year. Most colleges will take the highest score.

How Do I Register?

SAT Registration
ACT Test

Homeschool Test Codes:

ACT 969-999

SAT 970-000

PSAT - there is no longer a homeschool code.

More info can be found here.

Resources

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

ACT Preparation Booklet (PDF; 80 pages, 1,075KB)–FREE Includes test information, a complete practice test with scoring key, and a writing prompt with sample essays.

KAPLAN - This site has great information on the college application process, ACT & SAT testing, and CLEP. They also offer opportunities to take a free practice ACT & SAT test.

Number2.com's online test preparation courses for ACT & SAT are totally free! By creating an account you can access a customized course that includes user-friendly tutorials, practice sessions that dynamically adapt to each student's ability level, a vocabulary builder, and more... I went in an created my own account here and was very impressed.

Military Families: FREE SAT & ACT Test Prep Software is DONATED to Military Service Members and their families worldwide. Over the past three years, eKnowledge Corporation and a handful of patriotic NFL players have delivered more than 100,000 SAT/ACT test prep programs normally priced at $200, FREE to military families worldwide. The total value of the donation is now over $20 million. Click HERE to learn more and sign up!

Education Solutions - ACT/SAT Test Prep, Bham & Online

Lovella Jones

Education Solutions

www.YourEdSolutions.com

[P] 205-960-6444

[F] 205-623-0818

AllPencilsDown is a partnership owned by George Mizzell and Laura McDanal. After 8 years of providing ACT/SAT test preparation classes and one on one tutoring services we have diligently poured over dozens of former ACT tests to pull together everything you need to know to do your very best on this test. The classes in our area are frequently packed which has put us in the position of turning away students. This motivated us to package everything we know and teach in our classes and provide it to students in this video course. It looks like this Bham-based resource provides in-person classes as well as online classes. There is also a free section on the website.

Driver's License/Permit

2025-08-18T17:57:00.001-05:00

Driver's Permit/License Information

Wow! I remember when I got my driver's license... I was so excited...and scared!!! Hopefully I can make the process a little less painful!

There seems to be some discrepency recently on which form a homeschooler needs to bring in to obtain a learner's permit/license. We have been told two different things, so for now, we suggest that you bring both forms with you to the DMV office:

Home School Student Affidativ Form - only requires a parent/guardian signature

Enrollment/Exclusion Form - this is an online form for Everest Academy students only

You can find more information about obtaining your learners permit and license here.

Need to study? Download the...

Alabama Driver's Manual

Alabama DMV Free Sample Tests

Scholarships & Financial Aid

2025-08-18T17:43:00.001-05:00

College Financial Aid & Scholarships

Man, oh man! College can cost an arm and a leg! Look below for lots of information on college financial aid and scholarship information.

All info is FYI only. Please contact the institution offering the scholarship or financial aide directly.

FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid application & informatio

Finaid.org - Loans, scholarships, and military aid

Welcome to the College Board's Scholarship Search! We created this online tool to help you locate scholarships, internships, grants, and loans that match your education level, talents, and background. Complete the brief questionnaire and Scholarship Search will find potential opportunities from our database of more than 2,300 sources of college funding, totaling nearly $3 BILLION in available aid! College Board
Homeschool Buyer's Co-Op - This site has a huge listing of scholarships and contests available to homeschooler's of all ages.
Fastweb.com - Free scholarship and college search

The Homeschooler’s Guide to Getting Into College

2025-08-18T17:23:00.003-05:00

Article published with permission from http://www.onlinecollege.org

The Homeschooler’s Guide to Getting Into College

There's a common misconception that homeschoolers have difficulty when it comes to getting into college. This may have been true 20 years ago, but these days, colleges are making the process of admissions for homeschoolers simple and fair. In fact, many colleges are now seeking out homeschoolers themselves, as homeschooled students tend to be excellent college students. Here, we've gathered several facts, tips, and helpful resources that you can put to work to ensure that your college admissions process as a homeschooler is smooth and successful.

FACTS

Did you know that Harvard recruits homeschoolers, and that most homeschoolers have a higher GPA than regular students? Read on for these facts and more.

Harvard wants homeschoolers:Top schools including Harvard, MIT, Duke, Yale, and Stanford are all actively recruiting homeschoolers. These schools don't just grudgingly accept homeschooled students, they do everything they can to get them in the door, recognizing that homeschoolers are often better prepared for college than their brick-and-mortar schooled peers.
Many colleges are adjusting their admissions policies:Some homeschoolers may remember a day when it was difficult to get into college as a homeschooler, but these days, colleges are increasingly adjusting their admissions policies to be more homeschool-friendly. Many accept portfolios of work instead of transcripts, and offer a more flexible admissions procedure.
Being a homeschooled student can help you stand out:In highly competitive admissions situations, it can be hard for students to differentiate themselves from the rest of small army of applicants all vying for the same spots. Students with homeschooled experience have an advantage here, as they're different, in a good way.
You don't need a GED to get federal student aid:A rumor has been floating around that if homeschoolers want to be eligible for federal student aid, they'll need to get a GED. This is not true: homeschooled students are specifically exempt from this requirement. But be careful, some colleges and universities believe this myth to be true.
Homeschoolers often earn more college credits in high school:University of St. Thomas researcher Michael Cogan has found that often, homeschool students earn more college credits before their freshman year of college than other students. On average, homeschoolers had 14.7 college credits, versus 6.0 credits for traditional school students.
Homeschooled students do very well in college:Throughout their college careers, students from a homeschooled background tend to do better than traditional students. Homeschool freshmen in their first semester at college average a 3.37 GPA to the 3.08 of other freshmen, and continue to keep their advantage even into senior year with 3.46 versus 3.16.

TIPS

Follow these tips to make your college admissions process easy as a homeschooler.

Know what's expected and keep good records:Colleges will expect to see that you've met certain criteria, so be sure that you know ahead of time what you need to complete in your high school years. Keep careful records and be ready to share what you've learned in a transcript so that colleges can better understand what you've been working on.
Don't slack on deadlines:Find out when you'll need to take the SAT, submit your application, and work out your financial aid well in advance. Add all of these important dates to your calendar and don't let them slip.
Don't wait to start getting college credit:You don't have to be in college to get college credit these days. High schoolers, including homeschooled ones, can earn college credit while in high school, taking advantage of duel enrollment, CLEP tests, distance learning, and AP courses.
Get out, and get active:Most homeschoolers do a great job of this already, but it's important enough to point out, even if it's just a reminder: extracurricular activities, community groups, and taking extra initiative to do things will really help you shine. Remember to keep a record of each of these activities so you don't forget to mention them when applying.
Your application essay is of utmost importance:Experts report that even schools that typically don't read every essay will almost always read essays from homeschoolers. Why? Most admissions officers presume a bias in transcripts and give special attention to other documentation. That means that you'll really have to deliver when it comes to your essay, letters of recommendation, and test scores.

RESOURCES

Many resources exist to help homeschoolers have an easier time getting into college. Here you'll find step-by-step guides, advice, and even sample documents designed to help you get it all together.

HSLDA | Preparing for College:The Home School Legal Defense Association has created an extensive resource that explains the steps you'll need to take to prepare for college as a homeschooled student. Designing a four year high school program, preparing your transcript, and preparing for college are all covered in great detail.
Homeschooled Applicants | MIT Admissions:Matt McGann, Associate Director of Admissions of MIT put together this guide for homeschooled students who are interested in attending MIT. In the guide, McGann explains some of the things that MIT and other prestigious colleges look for when admitting homeschooled students, offering a great resource for students planning their high school years with a leap to college in mind.
FAQ About Unschooling High School and College:Homeschool.com offers this excellent resource that answers many of the common questions homeschoolers and unschoolers have when it comes to college.
FairTest:Some homeschooled students do not believe in taking the SAT or ACT. Although many colleges require these test scores for admission, there are still plenty more that do not. FairTest offers a list of SAT/ACT-optional four year universities here.
College Admissions Planning List and Timeline:Although written for brick-and-mortar high school students, InLikeMe's timeline offers many helpful points for homeschoolers planning their high school years with college in mind.
HSLDA Sample Transcripts:Check out this HSLDA's collection of sample transcripts to get an idea of what yours should look like when you send it off to colleges.
And What About College?:This guide from Cafi Cohen is often referred to as one of the best resources for homeschoolers in search of college admissions information. Find study tips, admissions policies, testing requirements, and scholarship information in this extensive book on sending homeschoolers to college.

Re-enrollment Info

2025-08-18T16:34:00.005-05:00

Re-Enrollment with Everest

The school year ends every year on May 31 regardless of your date of enrollment. Each year, to remain enrolled, each family must complete the re-enrollment process. Dates and fess are listed below. Please inform Everest Academy if you plan to enroll somewhere else as we are required by Alabama Law to send an official notice stating that you are no longer enrolled in Everest Academy.

2026 Fee Schedule:

Early Bird Re-enrollment: May 1 - May 7: $90 per family
Regular Re-enrollment: May 8 - May 31: $100 per family
Late Re-enrollment: June 1 - June 15: $150 per family
Last Chance Re-enrollment: June 16 - June 30: $175 per family
Please note a notice goes into the BOE for all students who do not re-enroll.

Re-enrollment Payment & Paperwork:

Please note that there are NO REFUNDS after you pay re-enrollment fees.

Enrollment Addition - There is a $50 fee to add on students to your already existing family enrollment. The fee is $50 total, not $50 per student.

Events

2025-04-15T09:53:00.002-05:00

Events Listing

Come & Join In!!!!

There are tons and tons of activities and opportunities that are offered by the community that are fun and educational! All of the activities and resources that are listed are open to all Alabama homeschoolers (unless otherwise noted). Some activities are homeschool specific, and some are offered to the general public. Please note that these activities are not sponsored or organized by Everest Academy unless specifically noted. If you have questions concerning one of these activities, please forward your questions to the contact listed. If you would like to add a resource or if you find a broken link, please let us know.

When attending an Everest-sponsored event, please review the

Everest Academy Participation Policy.

Chelsea: Messy Art Classes

2025-03-20T14:09:00.002-05:00

Messy Art Classes

Chelsea, Alabama

UPDATE!!! Student Spotlight: Kaitlyn Johnson, Graduates at 19 with Bachelors in Accounting (Master of Science in Accounting at 20)

2024-12-02T11:05:00.000-06:00

~Way to go Kaitlyn and Stephanie!!!~

UPDATED POST:

I wanted to share this with you! Last year I sent you Kaitlyn’s articles for graduating at the age of 19 with her bachelor’s degree in accounting. This year Kaitlyn graduates with her masters degree in accounting. She will begin her doctorate in business administration in the new year. This all began through the support of Everest Academy. Thank you for all you do to encourage and support home school students. You were such a blessing to me when we started this journey. Deb, I really appreciate all of your guidance and encouragement.

Thank you,

Stephanie Johnson

(Proud mom of Connor and Kaitlyn Johnson)

FIRST POST:

Hello! I am Stephanie Johnson. I homeschooled my two children through Everest Academy. I wanted to share with you an article from Athens University about my daughter Kaitlyn Johnson. She graduated Saturday, Dec 2 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting at the age of 19. Many outlets have picked up her article. Al.com is one news outlet that has picked it up. She has an interview scheduled with our local paper in Walker Co.

We wanted to share with your organization. You have been helpful and we are so thankful that we had the opportunity to homeschool our children because of your organization. Thank you. Keep up the good work. You are so needed, now more than ever!!

Stephanie Johnson

https://www.athens.edu/success-stories/meet-kaitlyn/

Rise Therapy Services: Handwriting Help

2024-09-10T12:22:00.003-05:00

Rise Therapy Services provides group and one-on-one handwriting help for children three and up. We can help and support foundational skills, including prewriting and fine motor skills, muscle strength, coordination, motor planning, and handwriting development. We work with each child and their specific needs and strength profile to develop writing skills in print, cursive, and written expression in fun and engaging ways. We are certified Occupational Therapists and Handwriting Specialists with advanced training and certifications, specifically in working with children and teens with learning differences. Insurance can cover/partially cover one-on-one intervention, but we offer group sessions and parent classes. Please contact us in any of the following ways for more information.

Website: www.risetherapyllc.net

Email OT@risetherapyservices.net

Phone 251-689-8153

On a side note, I am the parent of a dyslexic student I have homeschooled for five years and love it. Shannon

Student Spotlight: Maria Musante - Way to go!

2024-03-04T16:03:00.001-06:00

Maria Musante - Where is she now? Her mom has given me permission to share this email she sent to me recently:

I can’t thank you enough for offering me the opportunity to homeschool Maria using very unconventional methods tailored to her personality. After graduating from UAH she went on to earn an MBA from Liberty University and a MS in Integrative Physiology from University of Colorado in Boulder. Maria is very unique (like all children are) and had many social and academic challenges when trying to learn in a standard classroom environment and would not have been able to achieve what she has achieved if she had not been able to homeschool in high school. You have provided a great service to our family and to all the homeschooling families of Alabama!!!!!!!

She is married and living in Colorado now. They plan to homeschool their children all the way through school.

Student Spotlight: Marie Rhodes, Award-Winning Potter

2024-02-05T18:51:00.010-06:00

Marie Rhodes

Award-Winning Teen Potter

This is a great article on Marie Rhodes, award-winning potter, Everest Academy student, and founder of Mud Toad Pottery: https://www.cullmantimes.com/news/teen-potter-marie-rhodes-is-making-a-name-for-herself-as-a-skilled-artist-and/article_c835531c-c069-11ee-822a-d33d30c7668e.html

Congratulations Marie (and Mom)!