Will the word "Home" in "HomeLife Academy" make a difference legally? Or will the word on a diploma hurt my student's chances of getting into a good college?
(Original
question from a concerned parent: I LOVE the concept of your school. However, one thing I'm
looking for as a homeschool parent is a diploma for my children when
they graduate that doesn't scream "homeschool." The name Home Life
Academy does just that. Any chance you might change it? Thanks.)
When we first started thinking and praying for a name this was
certainly on my mind. I loved the name HomeLife Academy because of the
words HOME and LIFE. They both have deep significance in what we're
doing. However, we considered for quite awhile what ramifications there
might be for students wanting to get into good colleges. After some
prayer and advice seeking we decided to stick with our favorite for the following reasons.
#1 - WE **WANT** THEM TO KNOW WE'RE HOME EDUCATOR!!
First,
with homeschoolers winning top prizes at National Spelling and
Geography Bees, college administrators are sitting up and taking
notice. Some colleges even have special recruiters now
for homeschool applicants. The positive perception of homeschooled
students is gaining national attention. Colleges/Universities are
now expect homeschooled students to be ahead of the average in
academic and social areas. Christian colleges/universities are
expecting above average in these as well as spiritual areas. With over 400 graduates so far we have already experienced a great thing: the successes of homeschooled students is so well documented that the name HomeLife Academy has actually become an incentive to colleges/universities. Here is why.
#2 - COLLEGES LOOK AT THE ACT/SAT SCORES FIRST
In our experience colleges/universities are most concerned about
ACT/SAT scores because that is what they use, not only for admission
standards, but for promoting their own school. If a
student scores a 21 to 27 on the ACT in the state of TN (21 is the
state average) colleges/universities will often grant some partial
academic scholarship. Anything higher than a 27 and most students can
get nearly a full scholarship. This is regardless of the name on the
high school diploma. Because ACT/SAT scores are so important we have dedicated an entire topic to helping students prepare.
#3 - HOMESCHOOLING IS LEGAL!
Finally, using the name "Home" in HomeLife Academy does not create a legal issue because home education is indeed legal. We have nothing to hide. If home education was illegal then we would reconsider as I'm sure we would all desire to teach our own children.
So, with nothing to hide and every reason to declare your family is homeschooling, we think the word "Home" in HomeLife Academy is a great addition. And because we walk by faith and not by sight we believe God sees it this way too.
May you and your family be blessed this summer as you begin the homeschool journey this new year.
In Christ,
David Parkerson
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