Graduation and Diplomas

This FAQ answers questions about diplomas and graduate recognition ceremonies.

• How does my homeschooled child receive a diploma?
• Is a homeschooled student's diploma accredited?
• Where can I purchase a diploma?
• Is there a graduation ceremony for homeschooled students?
• Does AFHE validate a homeschooled student's diploma?
• Does AFHE offer a graduation ceremony for Jr. High students?
• Should my child take the GED?
• Where can I get more information about homeschooling through high school?

Q: How does my homeschooled child receive a diploma?

A: The parent of a homeschooled child is responsible for setting the graduation requirements, creating and maintaining their child's transcript, and issuing the diploma.

Q: Is a homeschooled student's diploma accredited?

A: No, it is not. The homeschooling parent accepts responsibility for issuing a diploma and certifying the student's status as a graduate.

Thorough documentation of a student's academic record on a transcript makes the diploma meaningful. For more information on transcripts, you may want to read the following article by Inge Cannon:

"Why Transcripts Are Crucial for Home Schooled High School Graduates"

Q: Where can I purchase a diploma?

A: There are a number of vendors that carry diplomas and graduation supplies for homeschooled students. A couple of them include:

HSLDA offers a beautiful form in a leatherette case with an attractive gold seal at an economical price - All you have to add is the calligraphy and the signature.

Homeschool Diploma has personalized diplomas and diploma covers, caps, gowns, tassels, graduation announcements, and ideas to help you make this a special time for your graduate.

Q: Is there a graduation ceremony for homeschooled students?

A: AFHE sponsors an annual statewide Graduate Recognition Ceremony for homeschooled seniors each May.

The AFHE Sr. High Graduate Recognition Ceremony is a very reverent, formal ceremony with caps and gowns that commemorates the achievements of the students and their parents. AFHE includes a diploma for each participating graduate that the parent signs.

Click here for dates and registration information.

NOTE: The registration deadline for the AFHE Sr. High Graduate Recognition Ceremony is in January. Check the web site in September or October for registration information for the following year.

Q: Does AFHE validate a homeschooled student's diploma?

A: No. AFHE does not validate or certify that a homeschooled student has completed their high school course work.

Q: Does AFHE offer a graduation ceremony for Jr. High students?

A: Yes. AFHE sponsors a Jr. High Graduate Recognition Ceremony which is held on the Friday evening of the annual homeschool convention and curriculum fair.

Click here for dates and registration information.

Q: Should my child take the GED?

A: Taking the GED is a controversial issue in the homeschool community. There is a stigma attached to the GED because of its association high school dropouts. However, a few post secondary education programs, such as some trade schools, require a homeschooled student to have a GED rather than accepting the student's homeschool high school transcript and diploma.

In Arizona, one must be age 18 or older to take the GED test. For homeschooled students between the ages of 16 and 18, verification that they have withdrawn their affidavit of intent to home school must be provided. Rules for taking the GED in Arizona can be found on the Arizona Department of Education web site: http://www.ade.state.az.us/adult-ed/gedhome.asp

Please visit the HSLDA web site for more information about testing.

Q: Where can I get more information about homeschooling through high school?

A: HSLDA offers a wealth of information to encourage parents as they teach their children all the way through high school.

Visit their web site at http://www.hslda.org/highschool