Homeschool Q&A: Graduation

This post is part of a new series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series will feature questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics—and the answers!

Q. What records do I need to keep while I homeschool? How does a homeschooled student graduate from high school? Does a homeschooled student get a valid diploma?

A. From grades K through 8, parents may choose to keep grades and informal school records for their own reference. The superintendent’s record of a parent’s Notice of Intent only verifies that the parent has complied with the Virginia homeschool law and the compulsory attendance law. It does not lead to a high school diploma.

At ninth grade, which is considered the beginning of high school, parents should begin developing a more formal record of courses and grades. This type of record is known as a high school transcript.

I recommend The High School Handbook by Mary Schofield. This book will help you narrow down the goals you have for your student and develop a course of study in keeping with these goals. For each course, you will assign and record appropriate grades and credits for completed high school work.

When your high school student has completed the course of study you have planned, you then sign and issue a diploma. Parent-generated, homeschool diplomas and transcripts are accepted by community colleges, state and private colleges, employers, and by a variety of other post-secondary educational training facilities.

For more information about high school, click here!

Yvonne Bunn @ August 25, 2010