Reasons to Consider an Accredited Homeschool Diploma

by Andrea Hermitt | More from this Blogger

In my post, "Is Accreditation Necessary", I wrote about the current debate of accreditation in the homeschool community. The arguments on each side are very convincing. First, let us cover the reasons to consider an accredited diploma.

A level of legitimacy: With Accreditation, you are ensured colleges and future employers will not challenge your children's homeschool career. You do not have to supply a homeschool portfolio for college entry, and your child will not have to explain to future employers why he or she did not "graduate" from high school. The reason is that with accreditation, the accreditating agency or accredited school will supply a diploma and high school transcript.

Objectivity: Accreditation allows a level of accountability through an outside "objective" agency. Many people balk at grades given by mom. With accreditation, you have someone who backs up those grades by reviewing your children's work or supplying their own tests.

Credits: Accreditation will allow a homeschooler to who goes back to school to transfer "credits". Calculating credits can be complicated. Whether they are based on the number of work hours in a subject, or the amount of work covered, having a stamp of approval by an accreditating agency will make it easier for a child to re-enter high school, or be accepted into college.

Quality: If you are using an online school or other homeschool program, accreditation lets the parents know the program is approved qualified to teach your child.

Future Changes: While colleges seem to have no problem accepting homeschoolers with a homeschool portfolio right now, in 5 or 6 years, the competition between homeschoolers trying to get into college will be fierce. Many parents fear that by the time their child makes it to college, accreditation will be a requirement, so by using an accreditation agency, they are covering their bases.

*Have a question about homeschooling? Just ask.

*Want to know more about homeschooling? Start with the 2006 homeschool blog in review!

* Have you seen the homeschooling curriculum glossary?

Learn more about Andrea Hermitt

Andrea Hermitt is a native New Yorker currently residing in GA. She has been married for over 16 years and has two teenage children.

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