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What Is a High School Transcript? A Complete Guide for Students and Parents
If you’re in high school or planning to apply to college, you’ve probably heard about transcripts—but what is a high school transcript, exactly? Why is it so important, and how do you get one?
Whether you’re a student transferring schools, applying to college, or enrolling in an online school like Forest Trail Academy, understanding your transcript for high school is a key step in your academic journey.
In this blog post, we’ll break down what a high school transcript is, what it includes, why it matters, and how to get your high school transcript—especially if you’re making the switch to online high school mid-year or exploring homeschool options.
What Is a High School Transcript?
A high school transcript is an official academic record that documents a student’s coursework, grades, and academic progress throughout high school. It serves as a formal summary of everything you’ve completed during grades 9 through 12 and is often required for:
- College and university applications
- Scholarship opportunities
- Job applications or internships
- Military service eligibility
- Transferring to another high school
- Enrolling in an online high school program like Forest Trail Academy
There are two main types of transcripts:
1. Unofficial Transcript
This version can be accessed by the student or parent and is typically used for personal reference.
2. Official Transcript
This is sent directly from your school to a third party (like a college or employer) and includes the school seal, signature, and other authenticating details.
What Does a High School Transcript Include?
While transcript formats can vary slightly from school to school, most transcripts for high school will include:
- Full name of the student
- Name of the high school or online high school attended
- Academic year and grade levels completed
- Course titles and levels (honors, AP, dual enrollment, etc.)
- Final grades and GPA (cumulative and by semester or year)
- Credits earned per course
- Graduation status or expected graduation date
- School contact information and official seal
At Forest Trail Academy, we ensure that every student’s transcript accurately reflects their progress, achievements, and course completions in our self-paced online high school curriculum.
Why High School Transcripts Matter
If you’re applying to college, trying to switch to an online school, or simply want a record of your academic progress, your transcript is essential. Here’s why:
- Colleges and universities use transcripts to assess academic readiness and compare applicants.
- Employers and internship programs may request a transcript to verify educational background.
- High school transfers rely on transcripts to evaluate which credits will transfer to the new school.
- Online school enrollment teams, like those at Forest Trail Academy, use transcripts to place students in the appropriate courses and grade level.
How Do You Get Your High School Transcripts?
If you’re asking, “How do I get a high school transcript?” or “How do you get your high school transcripts?”, you’re not alone. Here’s a breakdown of how to request one—whether you’re still in school, have graduated, or are switching to online education.
If You’re Currently Enrolled in a Traditional School:
- Visit or call your school’s guidance counselor or registrar’s office.
- Request either an official or unofficial transcript.
- Provide any necessary forms or fees.
- Specify where you want the transcript sent—especially if you’re transferring or applying to college.
If You’ve Already Graduated:
- Contact your former high school directly. Most maintain transcript records for several years.
- You may need to fill out a request form and provide ID or verification.
- Some schools partner with third-party services like Parchment or Naviance to process transcript requests.
If You’re Switching to Forest Trail Academy:
If you’re transferring into our online high school program, we’ll walk you through the process of requesting your transcript for high school from your current or previous school. Our admissions team can even help you contact them if needed.
Forest Trail Academy Accepts Transfer Credits
If you’re coming from another school and worried about starting over, don’t be. Forest Trail Academy accepts transfer credits from accredited schools.
Our academic team will:
- Review your high school transcript
- Apply eligible credits toward your diploma
- Place you in the appropriate grade level or course track
- Ensure you stay on track for graduation
We accept mid-year online high school transfers, which means you can join us any time during the school year—even in the middle of a semester.
What If You’re Starting from Scratch?
If you’re just beginning your high school journey or enrolling from a homeschool background, we’ll help you build a new transcript from the ground up.
Forest Trail Academy provides complete academic records that include:
- Online high school curriculum records (grades 9–12)
- Course completion status and GPA
- Grade level performance
- Credits earned toward graduation
We also offer Christian homeschool curriculum and secular home school curriculum to suit your family’s preferences, with transcripts available for both paths.
Transcripts for All Grade Levels
Although this blog focuses on high school, it’s worth noting that Forest Trail Academy supports K–12 learners—including:
- Online kindergarten curriculum
- 1st–5th grade curriculum
- Online middle school (6th–8th grades)
- Online high school curriculum (9th–12th grades)
Every student, regardless of grade level, receives academic records to document their progress and achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a high school transcript for college?
Contact your school’s guidance office or registrar and request an official transcript be sent directly to the college. If you’re with Forest Trail Academy, our academic team handles this for you.
Can I get my transcript if I studied online?
Yes! Online schools like Forest Trail Academy issue official transcripts just like traditional schools. These documents are recognized by colleges, universities, and employers.
What if I lost my transcript?
You can request a new copy from the school that issued it. If you graduated from Forest Trail Academy, simply contact our support team.
Why Choose Forest Trail Academy?
At Forest Trail Academy, we make record-keeping and transcripts for high school simple and stress-free. Here’s why families trust us:
Fully accredited online K–12 school
Self-paced and flexible learning model
Accepts high school transfers and mid-year enrollment
Offers both Christian and secular curriculum options
Fast, responsive student support and academic advising
Accurate, detailed high school transcripts for every student
Whether you’re switching schools, starting fresh, or preparing for college, we’re here to ensure your transcript reflects your hard work and academic success.
Got Questions About Our Online School?
Let us know if you have any questions about online schooling. We’re here to assist you.
Call us: 561-537-5501
Email us: support@foresttrailacademy.com
Submit an inquiry to our admissions team
