....I have some questions. We live in PA, so the PDE does recognize 3 or 4 different organizations to make diplomas. We can also go with a self-issued one, but for college loans/financial aid, you do need to have a recognized diploma. We were part of one organization last year when my eldest entered 9th grade. We chose it because it offered the opportunity for a class government, Senior Trip, Senior Dance, and "class advisor" parents, as well as transcript tracking, service and ultimately a Graduation. It is only $40/year per family, so inexpensive, too. There are fees once you're a Sr. but it covered graduation, cap and gown (that you got to keep), the diploma, etc. It also happened to be local, and we really liked that. AND the woman that was our evaluator was also an accepted evaluator for them. It all seemed to work out. Well, this year in August, just before re-upping for the year, the board sent out an email and their dropping all the services except for the transcript tracking and the diploma. They're not even doing a graduation anymore! And they kept the fees the same? Really??? So, I sent them an email explaining that was extremely disappointed in all that they dropped and that I would go elsewhere to get the same thing for cheaper (goodness, I can join an online transcript service for $40 lifetime membership!). Anyway....now I'm here deciding, at least for my oldest who wants to go to culinary school....do I just want to go the route of a parent-issued diploma. Would love to hear thoughts.
I think I would talk to the admissions office of the culinary school she wants to go to. See what their policy is related to diplomas, GEDs and all that. Also, ask about scholarships she might be eligible for, so she can be working toward those.
I graduated one using Mason Dixon here in PA. I think it did made life easier when she was applying to colleges. I, too, did it to keep the state financial aid option open. I have two friends who have graduated children with and without the diploma program. They both say that having the "official" diploma made life easier when their children applied to college. It's not that the children with the parent-issued diplomas did not get into college; it's just that the process was more time consuming.
ochumgache - Mason Dixon is the other one we're looking at...what makes me MAD is this other one is 20 minutes from my house. Everything was local. Thankfully, our evaluator is approved for Mason Dixon (in fact, her own daughter got one through Mason Dixon). I don't really want to switch, but after this nasty email, I feel I must. Just really turned me off. Of course, my first dealings with this other one way back in 3rd grade turned me off, too....I"ve been dealing with this "not good vibe" for a long time, but A LOT, and I mean A LOT of my friends use them... We are going to set up a tour at the Culinary School. The advantages of MD is that they will let my daughter graduate early, which she wants to do....I'm thinking Culinary school - 15 minutes from the house - I'd be sending her to community College for her Sr. year anyway. I'm warming up to the graduating early - but not a huge fan of the idea! LOL
You do know about House Bill 1013 which is in the state senate right now that will make our diplomas recognized, right? It will Also eliminate the district from seeing our portfolios. If you haven't I urge you to write and email you senator and every senator you can to get the to bring it to the floor when they reconviene on the 6th. There are only 6 more session days to get it to the governor or it dies. It still needs to be considered twice before time runs out.
Yes, I do....that's sort of another thing I'm waiting to pass! I've emailed, called, forwarded on FB, everything I can think to do!!!!
