Can Homeschoolers Get Recruited? (Yes - Here’s How)

If you’re homeschooling or enrolled in an independent study program like BEST Academy, you may be wondering: Can my student still play college sports?

The answer is yes. Student athletes who complete their education outside of a traditional classroom setting can absolutely compete at the NCAA, NAIA, and even junior college level—as long as they meet a few key requirements.

This article will walk you through what those requirements are and how we support that process at BEST Academy.

NCAA Eligibility for Homeschool and Independent Study Students

To compete in NCAA Division I or II athletics, student athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and complete the academic requirements set by the NCAA. This includes:

The 16 Core Course Requirement

The NCAA requires all student athletes to complete the following 16 core high school courses:

●      English – 4 years

●      Math (Algebra I or higher) – 3 years

●      Natural or Physical Science (including one lab) – 2 years

●      Social Science – 2 years

●      Additional English, Math, or Science – 1 year

Additional core courses (can include foreign language, religion, or philosophy) – 4 years

BEST Academy is a fully accredited public charter school that aligns its coursework with NCAA-approved standards. This means students enrolled with us can meet all 16 core course requirements through our approved curriculum.

In addition, students are supported by credentialed academic advisory teachers who meet with them regularly to:

-       Review academic progress

-       Select appropriate college-prep courses

-       Ensure pacing and completion of NCAA core subjects

-       Monitor eligibility throughout high school

What is the NCAA Homeschool Tool Kit?

The NCAA Homeschool Tool Kit is a publicly available guide created to help families of homeschooled or independent study athletes understand the NCAA eligibility process. It includes detailed checklists, required forms, examples of transcripts, and FAQs about college-bound athlete documentation.

You can access the official NCAA Homeschool Tool Kit here:

NCAA Home School Tool Kit (PDF)

According to the NCAA:

“Advise your student to register with the Eligibility Center at eligibilitycenter.org before ninth grade.”

BEST Academy staff are familiar with the process outlined in this toolkit and are ready to support families through transcript building, course selection, and official submission.

Get in touch today!