how to prove you finished a course while you were homeschooled

by Lucius Weimann 9 min read

Much like private school diplomas, homeschool diplomas generally state that the homeschool has “conferred” the diploma on the student, or that the student “has completed the course of study prescribed by” the homeschool. Make sure the words “high school” appear somewhere on the diploma.

Just like a home school diploma, a homeschool transcript will be issued by the parents of the homeschooled student. It is the parents job to track the homeschooler's courses and studies completed in order to provide a completed transcript once the homeschool student has graduated.

Full Answer

Can a homeschool diploma be used as proof of graduation?

A homeschool diploma should include: The name of the institution (i.e. the homeschool) issuing the diploma. The name of the student. The city and state in which the diploma is issued. The date the diploma is issued. Language stating that the student has been granted a high school diploma.

How do I Prove my homeschooling is legal?

Aug 31, 2020 · Overall, your child's transcript should include the following information: 3. Your student's name, the name of your homeschool, address, and telephone number. The high school course list in order by year (grades 9-12); include grades 7 and 8 if your student took high school level courses in those grades.

How do homeschoolers graduate high school?

First, each letter grade is assigned a value (A = 4, B = 3, etc.). Next, for each course that value is multiplied by the number of credit hours. The resulting grade points are added together and then divided by the total number of credits. The result is the student’s GPA.

How do I create a homeschool diploma?

Homeschool Diploma Requirements. A homeschool diploma should include: The phrase “High School Diploma”. Full legal name of the student. Name of your homeschool (“institution”) Standard phrasing that the student completed the required studies for secondary education and have been granted a high school diploma.

How do I get a homeschool transcript?

How to Create a Homeschool TranscriptStep 1: Make a list of all coursework and material the student has covered. ... Step 2: Look up your state's requirements for high school graduation. ... Step 3: Create course names and assign credits. ... Step 4: Enter the information into a formal transcript template.More items...

How do homeschoolers keep records?

Keep Track of Homeschool Attendance with Google Sheets. Many states require parents to keep homeschool attendance records. ... Keep Track of Homeschool Academics with Trello. ... Issue Homeschool Transcripts and Report Cards with Google Sheets.Mar 11, 2022

How do homeschoolers get a GPA?

Take the sum of the grade points and divide them by the sum of the course credits taken in a given year, and then round to the nearest two (2) decimal places. This is the yearly GPA.

Do homeschool transcripts need to be notarized?

You don't need to get your transcript notarized. Your homeschool transcript is official because you are the counselor, the supervisor of a legitimate homeschool. However, it is your job to create one that provides context and shows you took your homeschooler's education seriously.

What records do I need to keep for homeschooling in California?

In addition to state-required records, you should keep the following important records for your homeschool:Attendance records.Information on the textbooks and workbooks your student used.Samples of your student's schoolwork.Correspondence with school officials.Portfolios and test results.More items...•Jun 29, 2020

Can a homeschooler go to Harvard?

What if I am homeschooled? Each applicant to Harvard College is considered with great care and homeschooled applicants are treated the same as all other applicants. There is no special process, but all relevant information about your educational and personal background is welcome.

How do homeschoolers graduate?

Homeschoolers graduate the same as other school graduates: they take the required high school courses and meet the homeschool high school requirements set forth by their state laws (if there are any). The parents, as the educational institute, then issue a print homeschool diploma for the student.

How do I calculate my GPA 9th grade?

The GPA formula is as follows:Sum of all decimal grades for all classes / Total number of classes you've taken.35 / 10 = 3.5 GPA.Sum of all added decimal grades for all classes / Total number of classes you've taken.101.8 (decimal totals for 9th, 10th, and 11th grade) / 30 classes = 3.39 GPA.Is a GPA of 3.8 good?More items...•May 14, 2018

What colleges are looking for homeschoolers?

In fact, many homeschooled students are recognized as high-achieving students and are actively recruited by schools such as MIT, Harvard, Duke, and Stanford.

When will homeschooling start in 2021?

on May 23, 2021. iStockphoto. When it comes to homeschooling, parents of high school students often wonder how their homeschooled students will get a diploma. They also may wonder if a diploma is necessary in order to attend college, get a job, and even join the military. The good news is that many traditionally homeschooled students get ...

What information should be included in a high school transcript?

Overall, your child's transcript should include the following information: 3. Your student's name, the name of your homeschool, address, and telephone number. The high school course list in order by year (grades 9-12); include grades 7 and 8 if your student took high school level courses in those grades.

What is a high school diploma?

Overall, a high school diploma is an official document awarded by a school indicating that the student has successfully completed the necessary requirements for graduation.

What should graduation requirements be based on?

Consequently, your requirements should be based on your child's abilities, interests, and future career goals.

Do you have to keep track of your senior year?

Ideally, you have been keeping track of their courses and grades throughout their schooling. After all, creating a transcript during their senior year can be a daunting task. So, make sure you keep track of grades and courses and add those to their transcript document each year.

Is homeschooling a good idea?

It's always a good idea to check your state's laws and regulations regarding homeschooling, not just regarding diplomas, but also to be sure you are following all their guidelines, especially with regards to high school courses and requirements.

How to get credit for homeschooling?

A homeschooled student may earn 1 high school credit by: 1 Completing a high school level textbook 2 Taking a semester-long course at a local college 3 Taking a standard year-long course at a local high school 4 Taking an online course (at either the high school or college level) 5 Completing a year-long unit study

What does it mean when you get a transcript for homeschooling?

A homeschool transcript that indicates that a student did not meet state standards for high school graduation may be seen as evidence of a subpar education. It is typical for a state to require 4 years of English, 3-4 years of math, 2-3 years of science, 3-4 years of social studies, and a smaller number of years in areas like physical education ...

Why do we need high school transcripts?

High school transcripts are generally necessary to pursue higher education. Even if a homeschooled student intends ...

How many credits do you need to graduate high school?

Most states consider a year-long course as one credit, and require around 20-24 credits for graduation from high school. However, this does vary.

How many credits are required for a year long course in Indiana?

In Indiana, for example, a year-long course is considered to be worth two credits, and 40 credits are required for graduation; in New Jersey, a year-long course counts as five credits, and 120 credits are required for graduation. Make sure to follow your state’s system for calculating credits and obtain the number of credits required for graduation.

How to calculate GPA?

To calculate a student’s GPA, you will first need to assign grades to each course. Some courses, such as choir, can be considered pass/fail. Pass/fail courses do not need a grade and do not count toward the grade point average. For all graded courses, make sure that the grades you assign are fair and reflect the student’s effort and mastery of the subject material. Consider the effort a public school student must put into a course to receive a given grade, and the knowledge and skills they would be required to master. Try to make your grades as fair and accurate as possible.

How many years of social studies are required?

These requirements are often broken down further; many states, for example, stipulate that the required 3 years of social studies must include one year of U.S. history, one year of world history, and one semester each of U.S. government and economics. In addition, states generally require a certain number of years of electives.

What is a certificate of completion for homeschooling?

A homeschool certificate of completion meets two basic needs. First, if your child plans to attend college, a certificate of completion, or diploma, will be a valuable piece of paper for his or her application packet.

Why do you need a certificate of completion?

The second reason for a certificate of completion is to give your child the satisfaction and sense of achievement that comes with completing a high school education. He or she may not display that piece of paper on the wall but will certainly feel that sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with a job well done.

Can colleges discriminate against homeschooled students?

Legally, colleges cannot discriminate against homeschooled students thanks to the efforts of the Home School Legal Defense Association. Christopher J. Klicka quotes the law on their website. “The law now simply states that, in lieu of an accredited high school diploma or GED, a student is eligible for federal financial aid if ‘the student has completed a secondary school education in a homeschool setting that is treated as a homeschool or a private school under state law.’ [Pub. L. No. 105-244, amending 20 U.S.C. 1091 (d)]. Nothing else is required.” Unfortunately, even with this law in place, homeschooled students may face difficulties in their college application process.

Is homeschooling more popular?

Even though homeschooling has become more popular in recent years and has gained more respect from the educational community, a child who has been homeschooled faces a unique set of hurdles when faced with college applications.

Is a GED a stigma?

This option does provide a legally recognized approval of your child’s education, but it probably will not accurately reflect the education that your child has received. Also a stigma comes with a GED that you may not want tied to your child for the rest of his or her life. Still, for some families this is the best option.

Is homeschooling better than GED?

Still, these are often a better option than taking the GED.

Is homeschooling accredited in Pennsylvania?

If you are lucky enough to homeschool in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency offers a diploma program that is recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The agency sets requirements that each student must complete and show in his or her educational portfolio.

How to get a high school diploma for homeschooling?

A homeschool diploma should include: 1 The phrase “High School Diploma” 2 Full legal name of the student 3 Name of your homeschool (“institution”) 4 Standard phrasing that the student completed the required studies for secondary education and have been granted a high school diploma 5 Name and signature of person issuing the diploma (parent) 6 Date the diploma is issued 7 City and state where the diploma is issued

What do you need to get a homeschool diploma?

A homeschool diploma should include: Name of your homeschool (“institution”) Standard phrasing that the student completed the required studies for secondary education and have been granted a high school diploma. Name and signature of person issuing the diploma (parent) Date the diploma is issued.

What does ged stand for in school?

GED stands for General Educational Development or General Education Diploma (and is sometimes called the High School Equivalency Certificate ). It is a test that people take to prove they are proficient in high school level academics. Unlike previous generations, homeschoolers today don’t necessarily need to take a GED.

Do homeschooled students score higher on ACT?

Homeschooled students and homeschool high school graduates often score higher on standardized admission or entrance exams. According to ACT.org, “Mean ACT Composite scores for homeschooled students were consistently higher than those for public school students.”.

Is a homeschool diploma valid?

Yes, homeschool diplomas are valid, the same way a regular high school diploma is valid. In the United States, homeschool diplomas carry the same weight as a public school or private school diploma. Instead of the diploma being issued by a public or private school, the parents of the homeschooled student issue the diploma after ...

Is a high school diploma the same as a homeschool diploma?

Is a homeschool diploma the same as a high school diploma? Yes, a high school homeschool diploma is the same as a high school diploma from a traditional school. The diploma is issued from the homeschool educational institute, which is the parent and the home school. The parent provides a print homeschool diploma, the same way a high school would.

Do homeschoolers graduate the same as other school graduates?

Homeschoolers graduate the same as other school graduates: they take the required high school courses and meet the homeschool high school requirements set forth by their state laws (if there are any). The parents, as the educational institute, then issue a print homeschool diploma for the student. Check your state’s homeschool laws to ensure ...

Why do homeschoolers give pass/fail marks?

Some homeschoolers choose to give pass/fail marks because they can’t imagine a college taking a homeschooler’s grades seriously. I would advise against this in most cases because your child’s transcript will be compared to those with traditional transcripts.

Does test prep boost your score?

This is an obvious one, right? The reality is that many schools still put a lot of weight into these scores. Test prep can boost a score, so do your best in backing up great courses and great grades with a great test score.

Who is Lisa Davis?

Lisa Davis is a homeschool college admissions consultant and high school mentor. She is a champion for passionate and talented homeschool outliers who live and learn authentically. Visit her at fearlesshomeschoolers.com.

How many years of high school do I need to go to college?

Most colleges and universities require high school course basics, such as four years each of English and math; three to four years of science; three years of social studies/history; and two years of foreign language, along with several elective credits.

What should I do if my student doesn't change his mind?

And, if your student doesn’t change his mind, the high school education you provide will be the highest level of education he receives. Even if your student’s plans include a college alternative, such as trade or vocational school, an apprenticeship, or going into the workforce, you want to provide him with a solid high school education.

Do you need to keep high school transcripts?

Keep High School Transcripts. Keeping transcripts is a must for college-bound teens. And, you may be surprised to find that other post-secondary education options ask for transcripts. My oldest attended a private cosmetology school. They only teach cosmetology, so it’s a trade school.

Can I graduate high school from homeschool?

Most states don’t maintain guidelines for graduating a homeschooled student. In most cases, the homeschooling parent determines the graduation requirements for your student. Upon completion of those requirements, you issue your graduate a high school diploma. Some notable exceptions are Pennsylvania, New York, and North Dakota.

Is an umbrella school diploma non-accredited?

When the student satisfies the graduation requirements, the umbrella school issues a high school diploma. Both parent-issued and umbrella school diplomas are usually non-accredited.

Can homeschoolers get scholarships?

Homeschooled students can get college scholarships just like public and private schooled students. For example, homeschoolers are eligible for the National Merit Scholarship, based on PSAT and NMSQT scores, as long as they take the qualifying test at an approved testing location.

How many college credits do homeschoolers get?

Homeschoolers also tend to earn more college-level credits via dual enrollment than their traditionally-educated counterparts: a study by The Journal of College Admission found that while public and private school students average six college credits prior to freshman year, that number jumped to 14.7 for homeschoolers.

What GPA do you need to get a homeschool grant?

Learners must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher to keep their grant. Providence Christian College Homeschool Scholarship This private Christian school in Pasadena, California provides scholarships of up to $5,000 to learners who were homeschooled all or part of high school and have been accepted to the school.

How many homeschoolers were there in 2010?

Though the number of home-educated students is still tiny when compared to the number of learners attending public and private schools – homeschoolers made up just four percent of all students in 2010 – they are well-known and liked by admissions officers due to their unique backgrounds.

What is the average GPA for homeschoolers?

By senior year, homeschoolers maintained an average GPA of 3.46 compared to 3.16 for other seniors. Homeschoolers also maintained a higher graduation rate, with 66.7 percent leaving college with a diploma (compared to 57.5 percent for other populations of students).

When are Arizona homeschool scholarships due?

The award amount varies each year and applications are due March 9.

Is online education good for homeschoolers?

Online education is a great option for homeschoolers looking to save money, as the ability to continue living at home and bypass the commute means they don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars each month on dorms, transportation, and meal plans. Additionally, many public schools now allow out-of-state learners to pay in-state tuition, making it possible for students to attend a prestigious school without paying a premium price.

Does Yale University have a homeschooling website?

Yale University provides a page on their admissions website that gives homeschooled students a sense of what’s expected from them in terms of testing , letters of recommendation, and personal qualities.

Why do parents want to homeschool?

The reason your parents might want to homeschool you is they feel they can help you to learn better themselves when its just you and them. Ask your parents for a time to talk about their wishes to homeschool you. Talking to your parents on the spot could only cause an argument, so schedule a time everyone is free.

Why is home schooling important?

Home schooling can offer children the chance to get an education in a more relaxed environment at home with their parent or caregiver. For some this can be perfect for their learning needs, but for others not so much. This could be due to many things, you might want to keep a more social lifestyle, or enjoy the fast paced ...

What to do when your parents are concerned about your grades?

If they are concerned about your grades, then promise to get them up the best you can. If they dont like the people you are talking to at school, promise to focus more on friends they approve of. Try a compromise. If your parents are still pretty adamant on homeschooling you, suggest a compromise.

What is wikihow like?

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 2,169 times.

Consider Your Options

Getting The Sheepskin

  • If your child’s satisfaction is your main goal, it is very easy to write your own certificate of completionfor your homeschooler. When you write a certificate of this type, you are saying that your child has fulfilled the requirements you have set for his or her high school education. 1. If you have a word processing program, select horizontal or l...
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Taking The Test

  • On the other hand, if your goal for the completion certificate is for use with college applications and their financial aid programs, the process is more complicated. Even though homeschooling has become more popular in recent years and has gained more respect from the educational community, a child who has been homeschooled faces a unique set of hurdles when faced with …
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Organizational Options

  • If you are lucky enough to homeschool in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency offers a diploma program that is recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The agency sets requirements that each student must complete and show in his or her educational portfolio. When your child meets these requirements, he or she is …
See more on brighthubeducation.com

It’S The Law

  • Legally, colleges cannot discriminate against homeschooled students thanks to the efforts of the Home School Legal Defense Association. Christopher J. Klicka quotes the law on their website. “The law now simply states that, in lieu of an accredited high school diploma or GED, a student is eligible for federal financial aid if ‘the student has completed a secondary school education in a …
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Crossing The Finish Line

  • For students who plan to attend college, the sooner they can single out some potential schools, the easier it will be to determine what type of homeschool certificate of completion is the best option. If your child has possible schools in mind even as early as ninth grade, you can make sure your curriculum meets the requirements of that school. If your child is already graduating and yo…
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References

  1. Bell, Debra. The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling. Tommy Nelson, Inc. 1997.
  2. Image: Books and graduate cap by Fotolia http://office.microsoft.com by royalty free agreement
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