Should I Use an Accredited Homeschool Curriculum Program?

Many parents ask this question about homeschool programs they are considering. This comes up especially as your children get older. Concerns about accreditation arise as parents look at high school graduation, transcripts, and applications for college. 

What is accreditation?

Accreditation simply means that a third-party, outside organization has examined and certified the educational program as meeting or exceeding certain standards. Accreditation is generally not a one-time step, but typically involves periodic review and updating. Accreditation began as a way to certify that school were teaching certain standardized subjects in appropriate ways. Many states require accreditation for their public schools, and many private schools also seek out accreditation. Accreditation helps build a school’s reputation and increases parent trust of the school. 

Who does the accrediting?

There are many certifying organizations that provide accreditation for schools. However, there isn’t an accreditation agency that focuses on Catholic homeschool curriculum programs. Secular accreditation agencies can provide accreditation for a Catholic homeschool program. However, it is using standards created for schools. Some people are surprised that there is no one “official” accreditation agency for schools. In fact, there is no legal designation for an accrediting agency or legal standards that must be met by the accrediting organization. 

How does a homeschool program get accredited?

A Catholic homeschool curriculum program must apply to a school or online learning accreditation agency, as there are no accreditation agencies that offer services to homeschool programs. 

Can I trust the accrediting process?

Accreditation is actually not highly regulated itself. Accreditation is a voluntary process. It is administered by private organizations and is not conducted by a governmental agency. There is no central authority for accrediting organizations. Because of this, the strength of accreditation programs lies in a school or college’s acceptance of the certification of the program by a particular accreditation agency. When a homeschool program seeks accreditation, it typically will seek accreditation from an agency that works with public schools, private schools, or online learning programs. 

If I use an accredited program, is my child considered to be enrolled in a “school”?

No, your homeschooled student will not be treated as if he or she is enrolled in a school, simply because of the program’s accreditation status. Homeschooling is just education in a home setting. Whether you need to register with your state or not depends on the laws in your state. But simply choosing an accredited program does not mean that you are then enrolled in a school. 

Is it necessary to use a fully accredited homeschool curriculum program?

You do not need to use an accredited program for your homeschooling. Many homeschooling families find that accreditation never comes up in the college application process. In most cases, a homeschooling family can have a successful educational experience and outcome without any accreditation needed. 

Does accreditation ensure a quality education and learning experience?

Some people mistakenly believe that accreditation ensures a student has learned what they should to advance to a college or university. However, accreditation of the program does not necessarily imply that the student has acquired that knowledge and learning. That is up to the parent and child as they work together through the curriculum. 

Are there benefits to using an accredited program?

When a homeschool program chooses to become accredited, it is seeking to add an assurance to parents that they act professionally and have a quality program. Since a substandard program or a “diploma mill” would most likely be unable to acquire accreditation, it can be a first step in the screening and decision-making process for parents as they choose their children’s homeschool curriculum program. Some parents also believe that it can be helpful for high school transcripts and the college admission process. Virtually all U.S. colleges and universities do not require a homeschool program or associated transcript to be from an accredited program. Parents should not be concerned that their child won’t be accepted unless an accredited program is used. 

How should I decide whether to use an accredited homeschool program or not?

Whether accreditation is important comes down to a parent’s preference. It can increase confidence in parents who are hesitant about the homeschool process. Most accredited programs offer a full-line of program materials and support, often including live support, grading services, transcripts, and online classes. However, accreditation does not ensure that these services are offered or that they are superior to a non-accredited program. 

When it comes down to choosing the right homeschool curriculum for you and your children, accreditation should not be at the top of the list. More important is whether the curriculum program meets your needs. Does it mesh well with your child’s learning style? Does it provide the support you need to succeed as you guide your children in their education and learning? Is it priced well for your family’s situation? Does it offer the specific features you’re looking for, such as grading service or transcripts? If you find a curriculum program that you love, but it is not accredited, don’t worry! You and your children can be successful without having that extra perk. 

Further, stating that there is a need for accreditation is contrary to the very nature of homeschooling. Home education is controlled by the parent and does not seek out validation or oversight by outside entities or authorities. Of course, there are often state regulations and requirements for homeschooling families. But the notion of the need for a third-party agency to “approve” or “certify” curriculum is unnecessary when parents pursue independent education for their children. 

The most wonderful thing about homeschooling is that you are able to choose exactly what your child needs. You are in control of everything from the subject matter to the learning method used to the materials to the amount of time spent on learning each subject. Homeschooling is a completely customized approach to your child’s education. No accreditation is needed to address any of these choices.

Colleges and universities have had years of experience working with homeschooling families during the admission process. They rely primarily on submitted transcripts and standardized test scores (ACT, SAT, GED, CLT). Some may ask for a portfolio of high school work, reading lists, or course descriptions to round out the admission criteria. Having a diploma from an accredited program would never be enough on its own to fulfill the requirements for admission of a homeschool student. So students from both accredited and non-accredited programs should expect to submit a transcript and test scores during the admission process.

While accreditation is not necessary, it still is important to some parents. If a program’s accreditation gives you an extra layer of reassurance, then it may be something you are looking for in a Catholic homeschool curriculum program. Accreditation does require the curriculum program to meet certain standards, and most accreditation programs require periodic review, reporting, and updates. While an accreditation agency does not tell a program what to teach, it works to ensure that they do teach what they say and that they are teaching in an effective, professional, and quality manner.