Let’s look at the college options available to your homeschooled high school student.

16+ years old + placement scores at college level Eng/Math = free college tuition*
(*Until high school graduation requirements are met, then tuition is no longer free.)

1. Running Start
This is a program offered by many community colleges, whereby high school students can start taking college courses; earning dual credits for high school & college. Students are required to score high enough on a placement test to show they are ready for college level courses in Eng. and math. (Placement tests are usually Compass or Accuplacer. Check with the community college you are interested in attending.)
If your student places in college courses, they can begin going to the community college with tuition paid by the state. (The state student funds are sent either directly to the community college, or the local high school will receive them and transfer the funds to the college.)
Your child will earn dual credits for each class they pass. So when they have met the high school graduation requirements, a high school diploma is issued. So depending on what credits your student still needs for graduation, and what courses they take in college; your child will most likely earn their high school diploma in 24 months. At that point any additional college courses are at the expense of the student.

16+ years old + placement scores at high school level Eng/Math or better = free college tuition* (*Until you are 23 years old!)

2. Technical High School
A technical high school accepts students who are still testing Eng/Math at high school level. The tech hs will teach high school level Eng./math and allow you to take college level courses – tuition free. This tuition is paid for by the state, until your student earns a high school diploma. However, you can transfer in with as few as 10 credits if you’re between 16-18, or with zero credits if you’re 18+. You are eligible for free tuition until you’re 23. By transferring in, particularly as a homeschooled student, with few credits, you have the opportunity to attend the college until you’re 23. This is usually sufficient time to complete an associates, or even two.

The state is interested in having your child / young adult earn their high school diploma. As a result, there are several high school completion programs out there, all paid for by the state. Technical high school is just one name of several for these types of programs. Here is a list for Washington State programs like this: http://www.sbctc.edu/college/abe/hs_options_contacts.pdf

Technical high school programs are usually a part of a technical college. This means that start dates generally follow the Federal student aid funding dates. For example, spring quarter starts March 10th. Popular programs may have a waiting list. Call the school or attend an orientation early, so you can get started when you want.