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Distance & Alternative Learning
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• Do you need a diploma?
• How to write a diploma
• Transcripts vs. Portfolios
• Financial Aid & Scholarships
• Homeschooling Graduates
• Alternative Paths to College
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There are many resources on the Internet to help you out. One of the best is our discussion group for homeschooling and our many other specific discussion groups for Homework Help.

Shari Henri is the senior editor of Homeschooling Today magazine and has written for various parenting and homeschooling publications. She is a frequent speaker at homeschooling conventions and workshops. Here are some of her thoughts on:

Alternative Education Programs
Reprinted by permission of the author from "Homeschooling: The Middle Years"
All rights reserved. This may not be reprinted without the express written permission of the author © 1999 Shari Henry

Though not an option for most homeschoolers, in some states, the public school system opens its door to homeschoolers for a variety of classes. Some middle years children also take advantage of extended education programs of local community colleges and universities.

For lab sciences, upper mathematics courses, and all sorts of specialty classes (interior design, computer programming, cake decorating, and so on), having the option of school classes with paid-for materials is a bonus for many homeschoolers.

The programs may look convenient, or even necessary to some homeschoolers, but it's worth thoughtful consideration before deciding whether to participate. There is no way around the fact that, on some level, you'll be exchanging personal freedom for convenience and cost, and setting a precedent that may eventually affect homeschoolers.

Rebecca's son takes two classes at the local community college one of which is computer repair.

Deb says, "We never rule out using any resource in the future, including public schools. We like to keep any options open that would benefit our children."

Gail's two daughters took drama and advanced chemistry at the local public high school. She says, "It gave them a taste, without complete immersion, of public school life, and no desire to be there full time." The two girls returned home full time the following year.

Janice says, "We use these programs for subjects I can't do easily at home, or don't want to do at home because it would be too demanding for me. We consider ourselves 'educational consumers.' We look where we can get the product we want at the nest value. Sometimes that means we pay someone else to teach the kids. Sometimes we send them to the public school for a class or two. Sometimes we join with our families to pool our efforts in some area, and sometimes we stay home and do it ourselves."

Will my child have have a high school diploma?

According to Michael & Mary Leppart who wrote the Homeschooling Almanac, "Depending on your state's laws, probably yes - if you choose to obtain one.
But check first.
Generally speaking, you child can acquire a GED diploma through your state, or you, as the principal of your own certified, private school (if you establish one), can create your own high school diploma. Tou may also use a nationally recognized, certified correspondence school to obtain a diploma. Check with the parent-run organization in your state to find out firsthand your state's requirements and guidelines".

Going to College
While in Homeschool High School
Interview with CPCC President Tony Zeiss
on the Concurrent Enrollment Program
hosted by Sue Spataro
Author Cafi Cohen said, "More than 90 percent of high school homeschoolers have taken college classes concurrent with their high school homeschooling. Several had accumulated more than a year’s worth of college credits." There are an increasing number of these programs around the country that provide alternative paths to college. In this Faces of Homeschooling Profile, we looked at a "Concurrent Enrollment" of CPCC (Central Piedmont Community College) in Charlotte, NC. We asked CPCC President Tony Zeiss to ask him a few questions about this program for high school homeschoolers. High school homeschoolers can take college courses while still homeschooling. The college credits are real and are transferable to four year colleges.
Find out more and see how it might help you.

The Complete Home Learning Source Book:
The Essential Resource Guide for Homeschoolers, Parents, and Educators Covering Every Subject from arithmetic
by Rebecca Rupp
read a FREE excerpt from this book
"To School or Not To School"

Designed for the more than half-a-million families who are homeschooling their children, this book contains annotated lists of sources, including books, CD-ROMs, Web sites, audiotapes, and other essential tools.
About the Author
Rebecca Rupp, Ph.D., has homeschooled her three sons for more than ten years and has been a leading proponent of the burgeoning homeschooling movement. She is the author of many books and articles on education and natural history, including How We Remember and Why We Forget (Three Rivers Press, 1998).

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