Home Schooled Students

Southwestern Michigan College welcomes home schooled students who are ready for college-level work. When home schooled students over the age of 13 are ready for the challenge of a higher level math class, a science lab class or a technical course, SMC can provide a safe and welcoming academic environment.

SMC's role for home schooled students is to build upon the academic skills the student has mastered in reading, English composition and math, including elementary algebra by offering students college-level courses.

To ensure that home schooled students receive the same quality experience as other SMC students, we request that they meet some general eligibility requirements.

First, all potential students must apply to the college. Students must take the entrance assessment and successfully place out of all of the developmental classes before taking any college course.

Home schooled students, unlike high school graduates who wish to attend SMC, are given more than one opportunity to take the entrance assessment. Taking the assessment test provides students with beneficial feedback about his or her current skill levels.

Second, every student at SMC has an advisor who provides academic support and guidance to ensure that student's academic success. The Dean of Students and Academic Support serves as the advisor for all home schooled students until they complete their high school curriculum, at which they will be assigned a faculty advisor.

The first meeting with the dean generally occurs after the student has successfully placed out of the developmental classes. The meeting will include a review of the student's goals and the parent's desired outcomes for the child. A general educational plan is also developed, if appropriate.