High school graduation... what an accomplishment! How exciting!
Now, what about the diploma?
Diplomas In Kentucky
Here in Kentucky, according to The Kentucky Homeschool Information Packet found on the Kentucky Department of Education's Home School page, when a child graduates from a home school it is the responsibility of the home school to issue the diploma. Not in Kentucky? Check your state's requirements for high school graduation and for the issuing of a high school diploma.
Customized Diplomas
When our twin boys graduated from high school (after being homeschooled all 12 years), I decided to create personalized diplomas for them. After searching the internet and gathering ideas for various styles and wording, my diploma forms were edited and tweaked in Word until they were just right. Then they were printed out, signed by my husband and me, framed, presented to the boys, and put on display in their rooms.
Keepsake Documents
With their
framed diplomas proudly on display, I stepped back to
admire them. And then it hit me. A major milestone had been reached. Our long but rewarding
homeschooling journey had finally come to an end. Their high school diplomas are not just documents stating they have completed a particular course of study. They are precious reminders of the many memorable moments and accomplishments made during our family's unique educational journey.
Free Diploma Form
This same diploma form is available as a free, fully editable download (Word doc) to customize for your high school student along with a finished sample for reference.
- Edit the red text and any other text as desired.
- Change all text to black.
- Proofread. Double check all names and dates.
- Print two copies. One to file with permanent records and one to frame.
- Add signatures in ink.
- Frame. Display. Admire. Reflect.
Disclaimer
The use of this diploma form does not confirm the completion of any particular high school course of study or program.
Related Links
Donna Young
HSLDA
Let's Homeschool High School
Homeschool Diploma
Microsoft Office
In Kentucky, parents may choose to educate their children at home. Homeschools are considered to be private schools. There are no qualifications for homeschool teachers in Kentucky. All children between the ages of 6 and 16 must be enrolled in school. For complete details, refer to the Kentucky Department of Education's Home School page and print out the Kentucky Home School Information Packet. Read the information carefully and keep it with your homeschool permanent records for reference.
Letter of Intent to Homeschool
Homeschool parents are to send a letter to the public school district at the beginning of each school year stating their intent to educate their children at home. The school calendar on your local public school district's website will indicate the first day of the school year. A sample letter may be found in the Kentucky Home School Information Packet. It is recommended that a copy of the letter be kept with the homeschool's permanent records, and that the letter be sent by certified mail with a return receipt. Attach the returned receipt to your homeschool's copy of the letter.
Progress Reports
Progress reports (report cards) are to be maintained to document the subjects taken and to monitor progress each year. Report cards are not required to be sent to the Kentucky Department of Education nor to the local school district. Maintaining a portfolio containing samples of the student's best work is recommended (not to mention that it becomes a precious keepsake of your child's work and progress through the years).
Links to printable report card forms are listed below for your convenience. Print report cards on card stock for durability. For the Elementary and Middle School report cards, print on both sides of one sheet, fold in half, and place in a 5x7 manila envelope. Keep report cards with your homeschool's permanent records.
Elementary Report Cards
Middle School Report Cards
High School Report Card
Attendance Records
Accurate attendance records are to be kept in a notebook, computer, calendar, etc. The minimum school term is 185 days, which includes the equivalent of 177 six-hour instructional days plus non-instructional days (recordkeeping days and/or holidays).
On this Attendance form, simply write the dates of instructional days on the numbered lines. Dates for non-instructional days may be written and highlighted for easy reference. Personally, for the "non-instructional" days, I enter and highlight dates for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day as holidays, and at the end of each quarter enter and highlight one or two recordkeeping days. Print the Attendance form on card stock for durability and keep it with your school's permanent records.
Subjects Taught
Kentucky law states that homeschooled students are to be taught subjects that will educate them to be intelligent citizens. Instruction is to be presented in the English language. Subjects taught are to include, but not be limited to, reading, writing, spelling, grammar, history, mathematics, and civics.
High School Graduation Requirements
Minimum high school graduation requirements in Kentucky are listed below, for a total of 22 credits. It is the responsibility of the homeschool to issue the diploma.
Language Arts, 4 credits
Social Studies, 3 credits
Mathematics, 3 credits
Science, 3 credits
Health, 1/2 credit
Physical Education, 1/2 credit
Visual and Performing Arts, 1 credit
Electives, 7 credits
Pre-college curriculum requirements in Kentucky are the same as those listed above, except that two of the Elective credits are for two years of one Foreign Language. Please note that the minimum graduation requirements are listed; taking even more courses is preferred for college-bound students.
Homeschool Support Groups
Joining a local homeschool support group in Kentucky is a great way to connect with other homeschooling families and to find encouragement, support, activities, and up-to-date information. If a support group isn't listed for your area, ask about homeschool contacts at your local public library.
Be a Responsible Home Educator
Educate yourself concerning state homeschooling requirements and diligently work on a regular basis to maintain your homeschool's documentation in order to conduct your homeschool in Kentucky with confidence.
