Why include transcripts under the series of “Distance Learning Options for Homeschoolers” and not under “college”? It could fit under either category because it is “the” document colleges are interested in, but the record-keeping and documentation for transcripts is done while your student is in highschool.

I chose to include it in this series, for the latter reason plus if the thought of doing a transcript paralyzes you, it could be a deciding factor in your choosing a distance learning option, simply because most distance learning schools will take care of the record–keeping and provide you with a completed transcript at graduation.

On the other hand, you can do your own transcript and there are a number of ways you can make it look “professional”. The downside is the additional record keeping you will need to do. You will need to document all the activities your highschooler does that shows that the learning took place, keep track of hours so you will know how much credit to award and assign a grade, which can be a bit of a challenge if you’re not doing the traditional textbook/test routine.

Having said that, it’s worth noting Read the rest of this entry »

I’ll tell you what….Homeschooling has come a long way! Oh yeah, baby! Sincere, heart-felt thanks to all of you who fought so hard for the freedom to educate our children at home, paving the way for the rest of us! Thank you!!!

Next time we’ll look at some of the various types of private distance learning options for homeschoolers – their similarities and differences. But, before we get into the specific options available, let’s talk about a common consideration in any of the private distance learning options, accreditation.

Accreditation means that the school has been evaluated by and determined to meet the standards of the (private) accrediting agency. Two such agencies are National Association of Private Schools or National Council for Private School Accreditation.

Is the distance learning school you’re considering accredited or not? How important is accreditation? Read the rest of this entry »

You’ve done it! Your child has completed their home school highschool education and is ready to graduate. Wow! In some ways it seems like just yesterday when you began homeschooling and in other ways, it seems like a lifetime ago. But, nonetheless, the day is here & you want to give your high school grad a diploma in recognition of their accomplishment (and yours! ).

Very seldom do colleges or workplaces ask to see a diploma – most often, it’s the transcript that bears the greater weight & we’ll talk about transcripts in days to come. But for now, let’s look at some of the ways you can inexpensively or even freely produce the important-to-your-highschool-graduate diploma. Read the rest of this entry »