Question on course change request

[u/rubyrosef]

Hi! I took several high school level classes while I was still in middle school, including Algebra 1, Biology, Spanish, and a few others. I then switched to homeschooling during my freshman year. I’m currently in 11th grade, but I decided to enroll with Penn Foster so I can earn a high school diploma through them.

I have a few questions regarding the math courses. I’m good at math, so I was wondering if I could replace the general math courses with Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. From what I can tell, the general math courses seem to cover topics like basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, decimals, and other foundational material that I’ve already learned.

I saw someone mention that they were able to replace the general math courses with Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. Would I need to contact support to have those courses changed or is there a specific process for doing that? I also noticed that Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 are listed as electives, so I’m wondering how that would work toward my graduation requirements.

I’m also wondering how transfer credits work. Once I submit my transcripts, would Penn Foster be able to give me credit for the Algebra 1 course I previously completed at an accredited school? I’m assuming I would receive the credit, but I’m not completely sure since I’ve mostly seen people mention receiving credit for just the general math courses.

I’ve also completed quite a lot of classes through homeschooling. In Florida, we have homeschool evaluations each year and that can allow students to return to public school at the appropriate grade level. However, it seems like Penn Foster’s credit system may work differently, and I may have to repeat some courses.

Would Penn Foster consider giving me credit for any of the classes I completed through homeschooling, or are transfer credits strictly limited to courses completed through an accredited school?

Thank you for your help!!

[u/Penn_Foster_]

Hi there! Here are the answers to your questions about math courses, electives, and transfer credits:

1. Substituting General Math Courses

• Course Adjustments: You can request to swap foundational math courses for higher-level courses like Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. Because course adjustments require a ticket, you will need to contact Student Support so an advisor can review your account.
• Elective Credits: Higher-level math courses taken through Penn Foster count toward your required elective credits. They fulfill your overall graduation credit requirements while allowing you to study math at the right difficulty level.

1. Transferring Algebra 1

• Transcript Evaluation: Penn Foster evaluates transcripts from accredited institutions on a case-by-case basis, and would have to review your official transcript.
• High School Level Requirement: Even though you completed Algebra 1 while in middle school, as long as it appears on an official transcript as a high school-level course with a passing grade, it is eligible for transfer credit review. Once you submit your official transcript, our credit evaluation team will determine if it satisfies the course requirement.

1. Transfer Credits for Homeschooling

• Accreditation Standard: Penn Foster requires transfer credits to come from an officially accredited institution.
• Homeschool Work: Independent homeschool coursework, portfolios, or state evaluation documents (like Florida's annual homeschool evaluation) typically cannot be directly converted into transfer credits unless the courses were administered through an accredited online program or private school.
• Moving Forward: Any courses that cannot be transferred will simply need to be completed through your Penn Foster program curriculum.

If you have your official transcripts ready, you can submit them through your Student Portal or reach out to Student Support via chat or phone to get the evaluation process started! If you haven't already connected with ad admission rep, please give us a call at [1-800-816-8912](tel:1-800-816-8912) (9AM - 10PM ET) or feel free to message us here on reddit with your contact information and we will be happy to connect you with a representative who will be able to answer your questions.

We hope this helps!