Graduating high school is a defining moment for any student. Numerous teens are unable to attend traditional public or private schools due to a variety of reasons, yet they still have the right to earn their diploma.
Luckily, there are several options still available for students whose homeschool curriculum is not accredited. In this article, we’ll explore some of these alternatives and answer some of the more common questions around graduating without an accredited homeschool curriculum.
What Is an Accredited Homeschool Curriculum?
Accreditation is an assurance of the quality of education a student will receive. Accredited homeschool curriculums typically involve an adhere to set standards and guidelines, as established by a governing body.
Not all students necessarily have their homeschool curriculum accredited, however, for reasons such as distance or financial resources.
Who Sets the Guidelines for Accreditation?
In the United States, each state sets their own guidelines for accreditation. Some states, including Texas, have one or two governing bodies which they choose to certify and monitor, while other states require all homeschool curriculums to be approved by their state board of education. Some states have their own accreditation standards which do not necessarily need to meet the guidelines of a nationwide governing body.
Is Accreditation Necessary for Graduation?
Accreditation is not a requirement for earning a diploma. However, if a student’s homeschool curriculum is not accredited, they may need to adhere to certain guidelines in order to be eligible to graduate. The parameters of these requirements can vary from state to state, and may involve needing to pass a certain number of tests or courses.
Can My Kids Take the GED Test Without an Accredited Homeschool Curriculum?
If your children are unable to adhere to the guidelines for graduation, the General Educational Development Test or GED may be another option. The GED test is intended to assess a student’s competency in five primary subject areas, and is an extended test which typically lasts up to 8 hours.
There are eligibility requirements which must be met in order to take the GED test and these typically involve an age minimum and proving residence of the state where the test is being taken.
Are There Other Tests to Consider If the GED Is Not an Option?
If the GED is not an option, there may be other types of tests available. These tests typically require the student to answer questions on certain areas of learning. These exams can vary in difficulty and in the amount of subject areas they cover.
Some states recognize tests by outside organizations, including CLEP or College-Level Examination Program tests, or even tests set by private companies.
Are There Other Alternatives Available for Students Without an Accredited Homeschool Curriculum?
In addition to testing or coursework options, some students opt for programs such as distance learning or work-based education. In some states, it is possible to receive a diploma from a distance learning program, which typically can be done online.
Work-based education is sometimes offered as an alternative to a traditional high school curriculum and can involve completing projects or exams to demonstrate knowledge in specific subject areas.
What Types of Flexible Learning Paths Are Available?
Flexible learning paths are a great way for students to earn their diploma, even if their homeschool curriculum is not accredited. Flexible learning paths typically involve bypassing a certain number of courses, in exchange for successful completion of a certain number of projects or exams in various subject areas.
These are often organized in such a way that allows the student to receive credits which they are then able to apply to the amount of credits required in order to graduate.
Are There Any Qualified Organizations Which Offer Diplomas?
Some qualified organizations which offer diplomas include distance learning programs, accredited college correspondence courses and virtual schools. Distance learning programs typically involve completing a certain number of courses online and may also involve hands-on training or exams. Accredited college correspondence courses involve completing college-level courses which are typically offered by universities and accredited by the Department of Education.
Virtual schools are online schools which offer students the opportunity to complete courses at their own pace, and these courses are typically accredited by the Department of Education.
Do I Need to Have an Accredited Homeschool Curriculum to Be Eligible for College Admissions?
Not necessarily. The admissions requirements for college or university programs can vary from school to school, and may even vary from year to year.
Colleges and universities typically require transcripts from the student’s previous institution in order to assess their educational background and decide on whether or not to accept them.
Are There Scholarships Available for Students Graduating Without an Accredited Homeschool Curriculum?
Yes, there are a variety of scholarships available for students graduating without an accredited homeschool curriculum. Many private organizations, such as corps and churches, offer scholarships to students who have graduated without an accredited homeschool curriculum. These scholarships typically have their own individual requirements, though they are typically much more relaxed than traditional scholarship requirements.
Are There Tools Available to Help Prepare for College Admissions?
Yes, there are a variety of tools which can help students prepare for college admissions. There are online courses and study aids which can help students prepare for standardized tests, as well as college-level coursework.
Additionally, many colleges and universities offer workshops or events which can help students prepare for admissions interviews and provide advice on applying to the college or university of their choice.
Do I Need a High School Diploma to Obtain a GED?
No, a high school diploma is not a requirement for obtaining a GED. To be eligible for a GED, the student must typically meet certain age and residence requirements and pass the test.
However, for some students, it may be beneficial to earn their high school diploma, even if their homeschool curriculum is not accredited, as some employers may still prefer to hire someone who has a high school diploma.
What Other Types of Programs Might Help Me and My Kids Graduate?
There are a variety of programs which may help students who wish to graduate without an accredited homeschool curriculum. Tutoring, apprenticeships and job training programs are just some of the options available. Tutoring programs can help students to brush up on certain subject areas, while apprenticeships and job training programs can help to prepare students for the working world.
Are There Any Other Important Considerations?
Some other important considerations for students graduating without an accredited homeschool curriculum include ensuring that all the necessary credits have been earned and that all paperwork necessary for graduation has been submitted. It’s also important to research the various college and university applications processes, as well as any scholarship opportunities which might be available.
Conclusion
In conclusion, graduating without an accredited homeschool curriculum takes a bit of work and research, but it can be done. There are various alternatives such as the GED, distance learning programs, flexible learning paths, college correspondence courses and virtual schools.
Having an accredited homeschool curriculum is not essential in order to graduate, though it is a nice bonus to have. Students must ensure that they have all the necessary credits and paperwork in order to be eligible to graduate, as well as to make themselves eligible for college admissions and any scholarships available.