
Juniper Tree
Enrichment
K-8th Grade
"Education begins the moment we see children as innately wise and capable beings. Only then can we play along in their world."
(Children must be 5 yrs of age to start)
We are an Ocean Grove approved vendor


Now enrolling for Fall 2025!​
New Early High School Diploma Program Option!
​
New Extended Afternoon Program (3 to 5pm)
​
How Do Homeschoolers Graduate As Early As 14 Years of Age?


Tired of the high school rat race? There’s a better way.
Juniper Tree now offers an Early High School Diploma Pathway for students ready to graduate as early as 14 years of age! Our program is designed to be doable and meaningful with personalized guidance, flexible pacing, and real-world relevance.
Inquire Today!
Early High School Graduation Pathway
1
Know California Law for Homeschool High School Diploma Requirements
California Department of Education currently does not provide guidance on how to homeschool your child or issue a high school diploma - www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/homeschool.asp
Homeschool students are therefore not subject to state-mandated graduation requirements this includes A-G course requirements.
​
​
​
​
3
How Can Juniper Tree Help?
For homeschool parents who may not have the time and resources in creating a high school curriculum, an academic transcript, and diploma documentation on their own, Juniper Tree can offer a supportive partnership with families to provide coursework, transcripts, and diploma documentation support that are holistically aligned with California Standards and are college-and career-ready. Our early option program will allow students to complete their High School requirements as early as 14 yrs of age.
​
​
5
California State High School Graduation Requirements vs Juniper Tree's Early Option Program
California state mandated minimum requirements for High School Graduation:
22 Carnegie Units
English - 3 years
Math - 2 years including Algebra I
History - 3 years (World History, US History, Government & Economics)
Science - 2 years includes Biology with lab and Physical Science with lab
Physical Education - 2 years
Visual or Performing Arts or Foreign Language - 1 yr
9 Elective or academic classes are used to complete the remaining 22 unit requirement.
2
Parent-issued Legal Homeschool High School Diploma
California homeschool parents can legally establish their own private school for their child by simply filing a Private School Affidavit ( 2 min online form) with the Department of Education -www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/affidavit.asp
Once filed, parents would be in charge of determining their child's graduation requirements. They can issue a High School diploma and graduate their child at any age. They would also create their child's transcripts.
4
What Happens After Graduating Early?
After graduation, students can focus on classes they’re truly interested in during their teen years. They may continue with Juniper Tree for:
​
-
Community college dual enrollment which offers tuition free college classes for students under the age of 18
-
Career and Trade School Path
-
Internships and Mentorships
-
AP college courses
-
Project-based Academic and Elective classes ​
By completing their high school requirements early (age 14 to 16), students gain time and space to explore their passions—whether in the arts, science, trades, entrepreneur etc. This intentional pause between high school and college gives them a head start on building a life they truly love.​​​
6
Juniper Tree Early Option Program
Juniper Tree's Early Option Program Requirements:
​22 Carnegie Units
Academic Core Classes
English - 3 years
Math - 2 years including Algebra I
History - 3 years (World History, US History, Government & Economics)
Science - 2 years includes Biology and Chemistry with lab
Physical Education - 2 years
Visual or Performing Arts - 2 year Foreign Language - 1 yr
​
Practical Life Skill Classes
Entrepreneurship/Event Planning - 1 year
Cooking & Nutrition - 1 year
Public Speaking & Debate - 1 year
​
Capstone Project & Electives - 1 year
Electives - 4 classes
Student Choice: Gardening, Typing, Choir, Machine Sewing etc.
​
Same number of classes and units required by California State High School Minimum Requirements.
7
What are A-G Requirements?
A-G Requirements are a specific set of High School classes that students must complete to be eligible for admission to a UC or CSU system. They are not a requirement for Private Universities. They are also not required for a Homeschool High School diploma that's widely accepted by colleges and employers.​​​​
9
Are Homeschoolers Evaluated Differently for College Admission?
Homeschool students are definitely evaluated differently by most universities compared to traditionally schooled students, and in many cases, they are given a more holistic review. Most universities, especially selective ones, understand that homeschoolers tend to have more diverse learning experiences, unique learning structures, non-traditional transcripts. As a result, they look beyond GPA and class rank and focus on student portfolios and projects, types of courses and subjects covered, standardized test scores, extracurriculars and community involvement, interviews and more.
10
Growing Preference for Homeschoolers By Universities and Employers
Many universities actively recruit homeschoolers because they:
-
Are often independent learners
-
Have strong writing and critical thinking skills
-
Bring unique life experiences and perspectives
-
Perform as well or better in college compared to traditional students
Some top schools (like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard) publicly state that they welcome homeschoolers and provide custom application guidance for them.
​
With the rise of AI and shifting career paths, more companies, including Google and Apple, now hire based on ability, not just degrees. They value project-based learning, independence, and practical experience over standardized credentials. Homeschoolers often stand out because they’re self-motivated, creative, and used to learning independently. Many have real-world experience through internships, projects, or running their own businesses.
8
How Homeschoolers Can Fulfill A-G Requirements
There are several flexible ways for homeschoolers to meet A–G requirements before or after earning an early high school diploma. Juniper Tree provides support and guidance for families exploring these options:
Dual Enrollment
Take courses at a California community college. Many are tuition-free for students under 18. These count as A–G–approved. If a student completes their AA degree, it can replace A-G requirements for UC/CSU College Admission.
AP College Classes
AP (Advanced Placement) classes are automatically A–G approved. They meet or exceed A–G subject standards. AP Board exams with a test score of 3 or higher (1-5 scale) can be granted college credit for UC, CSU and Private Universities.
​
Private School Satellite Programs (PSPs)
Some homeschool PSPs offer A–G approved courses under their school umbrella. If your child is enrolled in one, their transcript may already reflect A–G status.
​
​
​
​​​​​​​​​​​​
11
What About the High School Experience?
Juniper Tree is developing a post–high school graduate program for homeschool teens that offers a mix of advanced academics and hands-on experiences. The program will include AP courses, trade school pathways, internships, and as well as fun project based academic and elective classes, while still providing the social experience students love, with clubs, field trips, events, and celebration parties.
12
Is the Early Option Program Too Advanced or Stressful for My Child?
Our program is designed to be accessible for motivated learners of all kinds. We offer personalized support, flexible pacing, and meaningful projects. Students can earn a valid diploma without stress, burnout, or busywork—and without lowering the bar.
Students don't have to be geniuses or overachievers to thrive here. With a focus on purposeful learning, we guide each learner to success with practical goals, real-world skills, and deep engagement.
We remove the obstacles of traditional schooling so students can move forward with confidence, curiosity, and joy.