GED vs. Diploma
Q. Should my child take the GED exams?
A. Although a GED credential can be earned by a homeschool graduate, HEAV does not recommend a GED for several reasons:
- It still carries the stigma of being a high school dropout (even if you are not);
- A military candidate with a GED will be placed in Tier 2, while a homeschool graduate will be placed in Tier 1. A Tier 2 candidate will not be afforded the same opportunities or bonuses;
- Some employers will not consider hiring applicants with a GED; and
- When filling out forms, homeschoolers with a GED cannot check that they have a high school diploma.
HEAV recommends a parent-generated diploma in lieu of a GED. When a parent has complied with the state’s homeschool statute, a homeschool diploma should be treated equally with a public or private school diploma. Home instruction is a lawful form of education in Virginia, and homeschool diplomas are universally accepted by colleges, federal financial aid programs, trade schools, military recruiters, police academies, and employers.
Regards,
Yvonne Bunn
HEAV Director of Homeschool Support and Government Affairs
