Geds
Q: What does a homeschooler get upon completion of "home high school"? Is a
GED about it or are there mechanisms for getting a diploma?
A:Homeschoolers completing high school may be awarded a diploma by the
homeschool or by an independent-study school. For our two kids, we just
sat down at the word processor and typed them out a diploma. Both are
now attending college on substantial scholarships (actually, our son is
on a full scholarship, since he's at the Air Force Academy).
Most colleges do NOT require a diploma to be considered for admittance.
Harvard's catalog specifically states: "A high school diploma is not
necessary for admission to Harvard." Most job applications only ask if
the student has a high school diploma, NOT if he has a diploma from an
accredited institution.
Of course, the GED is always an option, but one many homeschoolers don't
find necessary. You really ONLY need an accredited high school diploma
IF you attended public high school full time.
Here in Washington State, there are a couple more options:
1. Adult High School Diploma offered by community colleges (which would be for 18+)
2. Running Start (junior & senior year of high school spent at a community college, earning both high
school and college credits simultaneously...with the goal of 2 years equalling a h.s. diploma and an AA
degree)