For the past two years Aaron Hannigan of Pasadena has juggled classes at Anne Arundel Community College, practices with Chesapeake Caledonian Pipe and Drum Corps, and work - about 25 hours a week at the Annapolis Police Department.

But his hard work is paying off. Hannigan is graduating from high school with an associate degree in criminal justice - with honors.

"I would have to say (I'm proud of) the work, being able to work and still get honors," he said. "It set me up and made me more competitive."

Hannigan is one of 1,750 students in the county who were home schooled during the past school year; the number of...