How to Get a Fine Arts Credit on the Homeschool Transcript for All High School Students (E60)
Today I’m excited to share why I believe every single high school student—no matter their goals, abilities, or interests—should earn a fine arts credit before they graduate. But, better than that, I’ll tell you how to easily get a fine arts credit on the homeschool transcript!
Whether your teen plans to go to college, join the military, head straight into the workforce, or get married right after high school, a fine arts credit can benefit them in so many ways.
Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through affiliate links in this post.
Why Fine Arts Matter
1. Fine Arts Connect the Dots Between History and Culture
Studying music, visual art, dance, and theater brings historical time periods to life. When students explore how the arts reflect and influence society, they develop a more integrated and meaningful understanding of history and culture.
They’ll start to see connections in books, movies, and even everyday conversations—like recognizing a famous painting in a TV show, knowing the backstory behind a classical piece used in a movie, or understanding the reasonings behind the references to a Shakespeare play in a book. It’s a great way to make learning stick.
2. Studying Fine Arts is Fun and Refreshing
High school work can be rigorous. Between algebra, physics, and foreign languages, students need something enjoyable on their schedule too! Fine arts classes often feel more like a creative outlet than a chore. For many teens, it’s the subject they look forward to most.
What Counts as Fine Arts Credit on the Homeschool Transcript?
While the traditional definition of “Fine Arts” includes music, art, dance, and theater, I love to broaden that to fit the unique interests of each student. Here are just a few options that could count for a fine arts credit:
- Art, voice, piano, guitar, or other music lessons
- Choir, band, orchestra, praise team, or music ensembles
- Drama productions, camps, or musicals
- Ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, ballroom, or praise dance
- Attending or participating in concerts, ballets, or musicals, plays
- Visiting art museums, art shows, or galleries
- Music theory, music or art appreciation, and music or art history
- Photography, painting, ceramics, sewing, jewelry-making
- Scriptwriting, video production, audio editing
- Poetry study or recitation
- Graphic design, animation, or 3-D design
- Composition or songwriting
- Fashion design and costume history
- Technical theater, puppetry, and more!
Chances are, something on this list sparked your interest. That’s the point—there’s something in the fine arts for everyone!
How to Award High School Credit on the Transcript
In the U.S., a high school credit typically equals about 180 hours of work (or 90 hours for a half credit) at the upper end. Doing a search online will help you to see that there is no “one answer,” and most say you can go lower on those numbers. Think about a typical public school high school class. They do about 45 minutes a day, 5 days a week. But, some of that time is administrative (not actual learning), and they lose a lot of class time due to assemblies and other school events.
Here are two simple ways to structure a fine arts course:
Option 1: Use a Pre-Made Curriculum
Choose a textbook or online course that is already designed for high schoolers. Many will clearly state whether they provide a full or half credit. Many places online say that you can award the credit if ¾ of the textbook is completed.
Option 2: Log Hours
If your student is doing something more interest-led or creative (like my son’s advanced graphic design course that I discuss in the podcast episode below), simply log the hours. Track when they start and finish each day, and once they’ve completed enough time (about 90 for ½ credit or about 180 for full credit), you can count it as credit.
Use a notebook, app, or homeschool planner to keep records, and be sure to write a course description and grading method for your transcript.
How to Grade Fine Arts for Your Homeschool Transcript
Grading can be based on:
- Effort and participation
- Completion of assignments or projects
- Skill improvement over time
If your student puts in solid effort and takes the class seriously, that’s an A! If they’re just going through the motions but still completing the work, maybe that’s a B.
Make It Meaningful
Fine arts classes can go beyond the basics. Have your student extend their learning by doing one or more of the following:
- Write about what they’re learning
- Present a project or speech
- Attend performances or museums related to what they’re learning in the course
- Try to sell their creations
- Dive deeper into the subject with biographies or documentaries
All of this adds richness and depth to the experience!
Ideas for Courses You Can Use for Fine Arts Credit on the Homeschool Transcript
- Guitar Time with Ben
- Bass Guitar Time with Caleb
- 10 Weeks of Shakespeare
- Music Appreciation: Middle Ages Thru Classical Era
- Romantic Era Music Appreciation
- 20th Century Music Appreciation
- Beginning Music Theory for Teens
- Advanced Music Theory (presently only available inside the Music in Our Homeschool Plus membership but will be added as a stand-alone course in summer 2025)
20th Century Music Appreciation for High School
36 Lessons to Earn a 1/2 Credit in High School Fine Arts
990 students enrolled
Conclusion for Fine Arts Credit for Homeschoolers:
I hope this post inspires you to include fine arts on your homeschool high school transcript. It’s more than just a credit—it’s a chance to nurture creativity, connection, and a love of learning that will last a lifetime.
See the YouTube Video “Why I Believe Every Student Should Get Fine Arts Credit on Their High School Transcript”
Listen to Podcast Episode 60: Why Every Homeschooled Student Should Get Fine Arts Credit on Their Homeschool High School Transcript
Listen here or subscribe and follow The Music in Our Homeschool Podcast through your favorite podcast app, such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Read the Podcast Transcript here.
Related Posts:
- Why Use Online Courses in Your Homeschool?
- 100+ Online Courses for Homeschoolers: The Ultimate Guide for Homeschool Success
- 5 Notable Romantic Era American Composers to Study during High School
- All about “Music Appreciation: Middle Ages Thru Classical Era” high school online course
- The Charlotte Mason Inspired Way to Get a Homeschool High School Fine Arts Credit
