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:

1. It still carries the stigma of being a high school dropout (even if you are not);
2. 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;
3. Some employers will not consider hiring applicants with a GED; and
4. When filling out forms, homeschoolers with a GED cannot check that they have a high school diploma.

Because homeschooling is more accepted now—by the military, community colleges, four-year colleges, and employees—HEAV recommends a parent-generated diploma in lieu of a GED. If a parent has complied with the state’s homeschool statute, a homeschool diploma should be treated equally with a public or private school diploma.

Regards,

Yvonne Bunn
HEAV Director of Homeschool Support and Government Affairs