Homeschool curriculums do not need to be accredited. Many popular homeschool curriculums have no accreditation whatsoever. Students may be concerned about applying for university if their education is not accredited, but they can overcome this through documentation and standardized testing such as SAT and ACT.
Whether or not a homeschool curriculum is accredited should not be a primary concern of parents. It is far more important that the student enjoys the learning experience. A student who does not find their studies enjoyable can become unmotivated.
One way to help foster enjoyment is by utilizing homeschooling science curriculums that feature hands-on science kits. Home Science Tools offers a wide variety of science curriculums from accredited and non-accredited organizations.
Below is some additional information on accreditation and its role in homeschooling.
Flexibility is the key reason to choose a non-accredited curriculum. Accredited programs may offer some flexibility, but the core concepts remain the same as public schools. Many students find taking tests and sticking to a rigid syllabus to be tedious. The ability to decide which classes to take also allows students to focus on what they enjoy most.
Furthermore, some accredited programs have a particular teaching style they emphasize which may not align well with your child’s preferred method of learning. Finding a curriculum with a teaching method that your child intuitively understands is priceless. Remember–the goal is for the child to enjoy their education to foster learning. Sometimes, going outside the box to a non-traditional curriculum is the best way to accomplish that.
Standardization is the primary advantage of an accredited curriculum. Future universities and employers want to know who they are dealing with. From a university admissions and job recruiter standpoint, accredited institutions are measurable, whereas non-accredited homeschool classes are not.
Deciding to take on a non-accredited candidate is a gamble for the institution. This makes the accredited candidate’s application process much easier.
Credit transfers in college are another important advantage of an accredited curriculum. Many universities will recognize and provide college credit hours towards a diploma for certain high school classes, particularly for AP or advanced placement courses.
Students whose homeschool program was not accredited can have issues receiving credit for these classes. They may need to repeat these subjects in university to meet the degree requirements, creating additional class and material expenses that could have been avoided with an accredited curriculum.
Understandably, accredited Common Core homeschool curriculums are more expensive than non-accredited ones. They must adhere to standardized guidelines set forth by state education laws and committees and educational bodies must examine and approve the curriculum before publication. All of this extra work costs money.
Children utilizing accredited curriculums must also be tested based on established guidelines. This creates a need for administrative fees related to grading student’s work. Students who struggle with a rigid curriculum may also need additional help in the form of tutors, which adds further costs. Over time, these costs can be significant.
With your child’s future on the line, non-accredited curriculums may be more beneficial thanks to their flexible schedules, class choices, and teaching methods. Many students excel in these laid-back environments. Non-accredited curriculums are also lower in cost.
Once the non-accredited student reaches university, however, they may have to work harder than their peers to adjust to the new environment. They will also be expected to demonstrate their competency through testing or need to retake classes to catch up.
Ultimately, the right path for you is about your child’s enjoyment of their education, regardless of its accreditation status. Seeking additional alternatives, many parents even ask, “Can I make my own homeschool curriculum?” It’s possible, but having materials that are well regarded in the educational world can help make life a lot easier for everyone. The choice is up to each parent and student to decide what’s best for them.