There is a difference between an "accredited transcript" and an "official homeschool transcript." First of all, it is important to identify the difference between an accredited and an official homeschool transcript. Homeschool credits are official, and our transcripts are official. Homeschool transcripts are usually NOT accredited, however. Homeschoolers do not have to pay for the word "accredited" when their own homeschool transcript is official. Accreditation is usually provided by a certified program, with some sort of government oversight. There are some schools that are not accredited, just like homeschools are not accredited. Certified programs are not necessarily better than your own homeschool program. It is entirely possible to provide a superior high school education on your own, without the addition of a certified program. Independent homeschool transcripts may not accredited, but they are official when you act within your state law. There are many programs that can accredit your transcript - for a price. They may cost a hundred dollars or more per credit or more. It adds can add up quickly and become VERY expensive in the long run. At one point I calculated that accrediting a 4-year high school would be $2000-$5000 just for a piece of paper that said "accredited." Accreditation agencies make a lot of money this way! Accredited programs generally come with strings attached. You have to enroll, use their curriculum, follow their rules, and work at their speed. Often you must choose a curriculum they provide, rather than choosing from unlimited sources. The parent may need to keep additional records, causing additional work for the parent. You may sacrifice your independence and flexibility to create the perfect homeschool high school experience for your child. Our family eventually decided that the cost of accreditation was not necessary. Both of my children applied to four colleges, and apparently accreditation didn't matter to our college choices either. My sons received admission and scholarships from every college where they applied. They were also both given four-year full-tuition scholarships based on my "mommy-made" official (but unaccredited) transcripts. The admissions director at one university said my transcripts and records were the best he had ever seen - and he had seen lots of transcripts, with and without accreditation! If you are considering homeschooling high school, remember that you can provide an official homeschool transcript that can help your students achieve their college dreams! There is no reason to be scared. Just remember that your homeschool, operating within your state law, is an official homeschool, and you can provide an official homeschool transcript.
Article Source: http://www.bizymoms.com/expert-advice
Lee Binz is a veteran homeschooling mom of two and the owner of The HomeScholar, “Helping parents homeschool high school .” She has a free homeschool minicourse called “The 5 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make When Homeschooling High School.” You can sign up for her free email homeschool newsletter , The HomeScholar Record.