A diploma is a document that shows a record of the completion of a course of study, in this case high school. If you’re wondering, can my homeschooled student get a high school diploma, the answer is yes! As the parent, you decide and create your child’s course of study and you can provide a diploma that indicates he or she has successfully completed it.
In Canada, there is no single, government-issued homeschool diploma. Instead, parents create custom transcripts to document their teen’s coursework, and diploma certificates can be purchased or created by parents to commemorate the high school graduation milestone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Do I Get a Diploma?
A blank diploma can be purchased from some retailers and organizations (learn how to order one from HSLDA Canada) or downloaded from the internet (make sure copyright laws are not violated). Websites like Canva also provide templates to make a diploma. The diploma is not valid until signed by the person who verifies that the student finished the prescribed course of study.
Can I Make My Own Diploma?
Yes, but bear in mind, a diploma that looks like it was prepared by an amateur may not make the desired impression. When creating a diploma, include at minimum the following items:
- Statement that it is a high school diploma;
- Name of student;
- Statement that the student finished the program of secondary education required of him or her;
- Signature of the person who verifies that the student finished the program;
- Date the diploma was issued or signed.
Postsecondary institutions in Canada primarily evaluate homeschooled applicants based on transcripts rather than diplomas. Some employers ask job applicants to provide a high school diploma showing the completion of secondary education.
Diploma vs Transcript
It’s important to remember that achievements, not the diploma, matter. Postsecondary institutions place more emphasis on the student’s transcript than the diploma itself. The benefit of this is that transcripts are easily made at home. Members of HSLDA can access fillable transcript templates and sample transcripts to help them with this task.
While a diploma is more ceremonial, a transcript gives the homeschooled student a chance to show the courses they have completed and to what level. This can be an important part of the application process, which is what postsecondary institutions use to determine admission eligibility. For this reason, it’s important to know what courses are required for the desired postsecondary program so they can be completed and present on the transcript.
It is wise to start documenting for a transcript by the beginning of high school (if not before). As you plan and prepare for homeschooling high school, it is important to keep in mind what aspirations your child has for postsecondary and fill their transcript with courses that will help in that pursuit.
