High School Diploma via Correspondence?

[Cataholic]

He is nineteen, and quit school a while ago. His reasons had nothing to do with being bullied or being unhappy, he is fine. He has tons of friends and a lovely girlfriend. He just doesn't want to go back to a traditional school at his age, and at this stage of his life.

He does not want to get a GED, and I fully support that decision.

I'm sure he will go to college or a trade school, but perhaps not right away.

There are several fully accredited online and correspondence schools, that any college in my area will accept. I was just wondering if anyone had gone that route, and what their experiences were.

How come no GED?

[Twisterdog]

How come no GED?

If it comes down to the last resort, then he will get one. However, (and I hate to say this, lest I start a GED war), a GED is NOT the same as a diploma, no matter what kids looking to get one are told.

A GED is better than nothing, by a LONG shot. But it is not viewed the same as a diploma, even if it is supposed to be. For example, a community (two year) college will accept a student with a GED, but a regular, four-year college will not. To attend a four-year college, a student with a GED has to first earn an associates degree at a community college, then transfer the Associates degree to the four-year college.

And many employers specifically hire only people with diplomas, not GED's. I'm not sure it's strictly legal, but I've seen it many times in the "Help Wanted" section of our local paper.

He could pass the GED easily. He scored in the 99% percentile on the pre-test. It's a very simple test. My fifteen year old step-son passed in on the first try, without studying. (NOT with his father's permission, btw, his mother signed for it. ) I'd much rather he get his diploma, he is very close.

Marigold, no problem. It was a logical conclusion, and a thoughtful, caring post.

[caseysmom]

Could he do independent study through a local high school? A few of my daughters friends did this and it worked out well.

[lizbud]

First of all, no, I don't know of anyone who has done it.

Have you already checked out the High Schools in your town, or State
to see who has it or doesn't offer it? I agree with you on the GED vs Diploma.

Seriously, have you qoogled the question.You might be surprised at the
info available that way. Best of luck.

[Cataholic]

TD- I have often thought there was a difference in the way people treated a GED v. a diploma, but didn't know it was actually true. I have heard that obtaining a GED is actually harder than obtaining a diploma...considering you obtain your diploma essentially one class at a time, one year at a time, through 4 years of high school. A GED? It puts a lot of it on the line all at once...(though I think I also heard that you can now take it in sections???).

Dunno. BUT, what about an IEP/private tutor/home school idea?

[Pembroke_Corgi]

If it comes down to the last resort, then he will get one. However, (and I hate to say this, lest I start a GED war), a GED is NOT the same as a diploma, no matter what kids looking to get one are told.

A GED is better than nothing, by a LONG shot. But it is not viewed the same as a diploma, even if it is supposed to be. For example, a community (two year) college will accept a student with a GED, but a regular, four-year college will not. To attend a four-year college, a student with a GED has to first earn an associates degree at a community college, then transfer the Associates degree to the four-year college.

And many employers specifically hire only people with diplomas, not GED's. I'm not sure it's strictly legal, but I've seen it many times in the "Help Wanted" section of our local paper.

ETA: I didn't know you could test for the GED at 15? I thought you needed to be at least 16, but maybe things have changed.

He could pass the GED easily. He scored in the 99% percentile on the pre-test. It's a very simple test. My fifteen year old step-son passed in on the first try, without studying. (NOT with his father's permission, btw, his mother signed for it. ) I'd much rather he get his diploma, he is very close.

Marigold, no problem. It was a logical conclusion, and a thoughtful, caring post.

I'm not sure where you've heard this. I got my GED as a teen, and went straight to a 4-year school. If he is in the 99th percentile then I'm sure he should have no difficulty scoring high on the ACT or SAT which would allow him entrance into any public college.

Though this is just personal experience, I don't think getting my GED as opposed to a HS diploma negatively affected my educational career. I have a Master's Degree and in the fall I am beginning a PhD program at DU.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

I also wanted to add that there are some free online schools for a HS diploma. I don't where you live in Wyoming, but Connections Academy has a free school in Jackson Hole: http://www.connectionsacademy.com/wyoming-school/home.aspx

I think you do most of the coursework online, but may need to go to the center for tests and assessments. They are also accredited by the state, which is an important thing to look for.

[Karen]

Another thought - what does he need to complete his high school education according to his old school? Is it a matter of one or two classes? Might he be able to test out of them and get his diploma that way?

[Twisterdog]

I'm not sure where you've heard this.

From the counselors at his former high school, our community college, and two four-year colleges. We are 200 miles from Jackson.

His former school does not allow "testing out" of anything, ever. He doesn't qualify for an IEP, and he is no longer a minor, which makes things more difficult.

There is a state-wide free online public school here, which he can start in the fall. My nephew just got his diploma via correspondence courses in Utah, and it was easier and quicker than the online school sounds. Which is what got him interested in the idea.

[caseysmom]

My daughter took health via the Utah correspondance school since she wanted to take drivers ed before her school would allow it and they were combined so she didn't want to waste that slot on health, it worked out fine. It was a bit pricey.

[Cataholic]

From the counselors at his former high school, our community college, and two four-year colleges. We are 200 miles from Jackson.

His former school does not allow "testing out" of anything, ever. He doesn't qualify for an IEP, and he is no longer a minor, which makes things more difficult.

There is a state-wide free online public school here, which he can start in the fall. My nephew just got his diploma via correspondence courses in Utah, and it was easier and quicker than the online school sounds. Which is what got him interested in the idea.

I am not fighting you...just throwing out some other ideas. I believe, here in Cincinnati (and it might be state wide) that the local public school *must* accept a 19 year old as a student. And, if that is so, why can't he be home schooled til he acquires a degree?

According to the Wyoming Constitution, it is 21 years of age:

Wyo. Const. Art. 7, § 9

The legislature shall make such further provision by taxation or otherwise, as with the income arising from the general school fund will create and maintain a thorough and efficient system of public schools, adequate to the proper instruction of all youth of the state, between the ages of six and twenty-one years, free of charge; and in view of such provision so made, the legislature shall require that every child of sufficient physical and mental ability shall attend a public school during the period between six and eighteen years for a time equivalent to three years, unless educated by other means.

Is the local public school pushing back? I recognize he doesn't WANT to attend the public high school...but free education, that we can presume is 'legit', for less than a years worth of credit? Otherwise, if the state has to provide schooling for him, can't he be home schooled???

[Twisterdog]

I guess I've been unclear in my posts, sorry.

Yes, he can be homeschooled ... that is essentially what free online public school is. You do your work at home via the internet. He is enrolled in this and can start in the fall. It will take him the typical nine month school year to finish his classes. He is committed to doing this, but not wild about the time frame.

He asked me about diploma by mail correspondence course, however, because my nephew just did this in Utah, and finished in about 1/3 the time it would have taken him in a regular school setting.

I was just asking if anyone had gotten a diploma by mail correspondence course, and how that worked for them.

Either way, he will be doing high school courses this fall, whether via internet or mail, and he will receive a diploma. That's not the issue. I was just wondering about mail vs. online.

Sorry to be unclear.