Receiving a diploma is a monumental occasion for those who have completed high school coursework, as it signifies the end of an era and serves as a physical reminder of the hard work invested in education. But does it matter whether you receive a high school diploma or a homeschool diploma?
The primary difference between a homeschool vs high school diploma is the institution issuing it. Another difference is the accreditation body, as a traditional high school is accredited through the state board of education, while a homeschool is accredited through either a state or private board.
This article will discuss the differences between homeschool and high school diplomas, including the institution issuing the diplomas and the contents. You’ll also learn:
- Commonly confused aspects of high school education, such as the GED, transcript, and diploma.
- The purpose of the diploma.
- How to create a homeschool diploma and host a graduation ceremony for a homeschooler.
The Institution Issuing the Diploma Is Different
The primary difference between homeschool and high school diplomas is the institution issuing them. The educational institution which oversees the coursework completion is responsible for providing the diploma.
In the case of homeschoolers, parents are often the educational institution. Therefore, the parents are the ones to issue the diploma. If homeschoolers engage in an online school or take courses through an alternative school, that entity supplies the diploma.
The adult leading homeschool must understand the state’s homeschool requirements to earn a diploma. The Home School Legal Defense Association offers an interactive map that allows users to select a specific state and read the corresponding homeschool laws.
Additional resources for that particular state are also provided.
For students who attend traditional high schools, like a public or private school, the high school issues the diploma. Graduation ceremonies take place to provide students with their diplomas.
Accreditation Status
A difference between parents issuing the diploma and a high school is the accreditation status. Typically, traditional schools are accredited, and therefore their diplomas come from an accredited institution. However, a diploma issued by a parent won’t be accredited.
Accreditation shouldn’t be a cause for concern for homeschooling parents. As Jeanne Faulconer of The Homeschool Mom discusses, having a parent-issued diploma won’t negatively impact homeschoolers in most cases.
For additional information on homeschool diplomas, watch this YouTube video created by a homeschool mom:
The institution that issues the diploma may differ between homeschool and high school students, but it doesn’t impact the diploma itself.
Contents of the Diploma Are Similar
Typically, diplomas across varying institutions are similar. Diplomas contain basic information that signifies a student has completed the requirements to earn the distinction.
Essential diploma contents include:
- Graduate’s name
- Name of the educational institution issuing the diploma
- Signature of the person overseeing coursework
- Acknowledgment that required coursework was completed
- Date of issuance
In addition, diplomas are typically printed on excellent quality paper. Some like to frame their diplomas to display as a visual reminder of their hard work. While the specifics of a diploma vary from person to person based on the issuing institution, the structure and contents of a diploma are generally uniform.
The Differences Between GED, Transcript, and Diploma
The layers of high school certifications and paperwork can be perplexing. As GEDs, transcripts, and diplomas are commonly confused, let’s dive into what each item is.
GED
GED stands for General Educational Development Test, which is a series of tests students take to determine whether or not they have a high school level of education. The areas tested include:
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Language Arts
- Science
- Social Studies.
A GED doesn’t replace a transcript or a diploma. To learn more about GEDs, view the short YouTube video below:
Transcript
A transcript is a detailed report of performance on courses taken at an institution. Examples include homeschool transcripts, traditional high school transcripts, and college transcripts. A transcript serves as evidence to support the issuance of a diploma.
Therefore, homeschooled students must have detailed records of performance in courses through high school.
Diploma
While a transcript is detailed and contains a lot of information, a diploma is a formal and straightforward document. It states a student has completed requirements for high school education and is eligible for future opportunities which require it, including college, military, and some occupations.
After viewing the differences among a GED, transcript, and diploma, it’s clear they each serve an individual purpose.
A student who completes any coursework can have a transcript, and a complete high school transcript detailing required coursework can result in a diploma. A GED is independent of these accomplishments and stands alone.
While these items each serve a purpose, there’s no need for all three. Typically, a student will either earn a GED or a diploma, complete with a corresponding transcript.
Purpose of the Diploma
A diploma is a valuable piece of paper, as it is proof of successful high school course completion. Sometimes, people who earn one will frame it to display their accomplishments. In addition to a new piece of art, there are various practical uses for a diploma.
High school diploma uses:
- College or university
- Trade school
- Apprenticeship
- Military
- Scholarships
- Employment
When filling out paperwork, homeschooled students who have earned their diploma should indicate that they graduated from high school and have a high school diploma. If the paperwork requests the name of the high school, homeschooled students can list the name of the high school as “homeschool” or the name of the homeschool, if there’s one.
While a diploma is essentially a certificate, it’s an important one that has many practical uses. Any student, traditionally schooled or homeschooled, would benefit from one.
Resources To Create a Homeschool Diploma
While creating a homeschool diploma may sound intimidating, numerous resources are available to assist with the process.
If you’re researching how to create a homeschool diploma, check out these websites:
- Canva offers diploma certificate templates. To create one, sign up for a free account. From there, select your favorite template from the options provided and personalize it.
- Check out Etsy.com. You can search for “homeschool diploma templates” and find many options. Some shops will personalize for you, while others provide an editable template that you fill out yourself.
- Homeschool offers Homeschool High School Diploma Templates. Upon providing your first name and email address, you’ll receive the files in your inbox and can select which template you like.
- Home School Legal Defense Association offers a diploma shop. Customized options, including diploma cases, are available.
- Homeschool Diploma is a highly rated company that supplies all graduation needs, including diplomas, caps and gowns, and announcements. This option is ideal for those who wish to order a diploma without customizing or creating anything themselves.
If you select any options to print the diploma yourself, choose high-quality printing and use excellent paper.
Alternatively, you could get it printed at a local print shop. However, be aware that some companies may not be reputable in supplying diplomas. Ensure the diploma you select has the necessary components and aligns with your state’s standards.
As you can see, options range from creating the diploma yourself to customizing a template to ordering a completed product. When the time comes for you to supply your teenager with a hard-earned high school diploma, many options are available to do so.
Graduation Ceremony for a Homeschooler
Homeschooled high schoolers, as with traditionally schooled high schoolers, have a lot to celebrate upon completing their course work. A high school graduation is a special opportunity to signify the end of high school with loved ones.
Similar to how completing classes look different between homeschooled and traditionally schooled students, graduation ceremonies vary.
A traditional high school graduation ceremony includes a formal ceremony with students walking across a stage to receive their diplomas. Common parts of high school graduation have speeches, singing the alma mater, and throwing caps into the air at the end.
Homeschool high school graduation has a lot of freedom, as it’s wholly decided by those hosting it. Traditional graduation aspects can be included or not, depending on wishes.
Consider the following aspects when planning a graduation ceremony for a homeschooler:
- Check if any local or regional homeschool groups are hosting a graduation ceremony. Or, if an individual ceremony is preferred, plan as you please.
- Invite loved ones to attend the ceremony.
- Send graduation announcements to family and friends.
- Secure a diploma, cap, and gown.
High school graduation is a rite of passage indicating the student is ready for adulthood. Homeschoolers have the freedom to plan the ceremony to be exactly as they want it.
Final Thoughts
Homeschool diplomas and high school diplomas look the same and serve the same purposes. The main difference lies in the entity supplying the diploma, whether through a traditional high school or a parent overseeing homeschool.
Ultimately, a certified high school diploma from any source is a huge accomplishment to be celebrated.
Sources
- HSLDA: Homeschool Laws By State
- HSLDA: Diplomas
- YouTube: WILL & HOW YOUR CHILD WILL GET A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
- TheHomeSchoolMom: Ask Jeanne: Do Homeschoolers Get a Diploma?
- GED: What Is a GED?
- YouTube: What is a GED?
- Canva: Diploma Certificate Template
- Etsy
- Homeschool.com: Homeschool High School Diploma Templates
- Homeschool Diploma: Homeschool Diploma