High School & Diploma Options

“What’s the best option?

It’s easily the most common question I get from homeschool families as they enter into the homeschool years, or are coming to me for the first time. Currently there is a pretty set/basic level of requirements to graduate in Pennsylvania:
-4 years of English
-3 years of Math
-3 years of Social Studies
-3 years of Science
-2 years of Foreign Language
Between 7th and 12th grade: (2) At the secondary school level, the following courses shall be taught: English, to include language, literature, speech and composition; science; geography; social studies, to include civics, world history, history of the United States and Pennsylvania; mathematics, to include general mathematics, algebra and geometry; art; music; physical education; health; and safety education, including regular and continuous instruction in the dangers and prevention of fires. Such courses of study may include, at the discretion of the supervisor of the home education program, economics; biology; chemistry; foreign languages; trigonometry; or other age-appropriate courses as contained in Chapter 5 (Curriculum Requirements) of the State Board of Education.  24 P.S. § 1327.1(c)(2)

Proof of this completion, a diploma, can be done 1 of 2 ways.
The first, is a “home given,” or really what I consider, an evaluator given, diploma. This diploma is available to families at the completion of senior year, and must be signed off on by an evaluator that ensures that you have met graduation requirements per PA law. To receive this diploma, the above minimums are required.

The second is a diploma program. These are essentially 3rd party groups, that have been approved by the state, to issue diplomas. This is like the equivalent of a public school diploma as it’s got the “endorsement” of the PDE. You are often required to pay a fee to the program, either 1 time or yearly. You must also use one of their approved evaluators, and will receive transcripts through them as well. They often have requirements above and beyond the minimum. These may include extensive writing, reading requirements, public speaking, etc….

You may notice on my evaluation info page, that for high school, I have 2 evaluation costs.
The first is for a general evaluation. This is for families who plan on just giving a parent given diploma. Families who chose this option will receive a basic evaluation, and evaluation letter, & diploma endorsement. The second option is for diploma track. This applies to families who would like me to help track their credits, create transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and endorsing a PDE diploma. It is also for families who are working through the Mason Dixon Diploma Program. MDDP & I will track/update your transcripts, and at the end of the program, you will be able to receive the diploma of your choice- a standard diploma or one of the 4 honorary diploma options.

Legally, the PDE diploma and diploma program carry the same weight.
Colleges are just as likely to ask for additional information like course descriptions from one as the other.
Diploma programs are not required, but an option for those who have that preference.

Additional High School Information to Consider:

• Minimum Courses – These courses must be studied some time between 7th and 12th grades: Geography, Civics, World History, General Math, Algebra, Geometry, Music, Art, Physical Education, Health and Physiology, History of the U.S., History of PA, Safety Education/Fire Safety
• Credits – Any ONE of these methods may be used to earn one unit of credit:
  • Completion of at least two-thirds of a textbook. One-third of a textbook counts as one half of a unit of credit.
  • One hundred twenty daily logged entries of study or activities related to the course content.
  • Logged entries describing at least 120 hours of study and/or activities related to the course content. Note: Logged Entries and hours are not interchangeable.
  • Completion of a substantial research paper or research project using a minimum of three non-encyclopedic resources, including at least two non-internet resources.
  • Completion of a college course, by correspondence, on the Internet, or on campus.
  • Passing test score on an Advanced Placement (AP) or College Level Examination Program Exam (CLEP) or other specific college course exam.
  • Participation in an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program.
  • Completing a public or private high school course.
  • Any other evidence of completion of a course, at the discretion of the evaluator.

When completing your form for evaluation requests, please denote if you would like a general evaluation, diploma evaluation, or Mason Dixon Evaluation!