Graduation & Diplomas

Clear information on how Pennsylvania homeschool diplomas work, along with practical steps for helping your student meet graduation requirements.

Schedule a 12th Grade Evaluation
Start planning in 7th grade. Some graduation sub-subject requirements can be fulfilled as early as 7th grade — keeping records from that point forward protects your student's options.

Diploma Options in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Department of Education does not directly issue diplomas to homeschoolers. Instead, it recognizes organizations that provide diploma programs, and allows parent-supervised diplomas when specific criteria are met.

Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency (PHAA)

State-wide organization providing diploma programs, resources, online courses, and evaluation services.

  • Requires proficiency in reading, writing, and public speaking
  • Transcripts accompanied by narrative evaluation letters
  • Letters serve as recommendation letters for college or employment

Erie County Homeschoolers Diploma Association (ECHA)

State-recognized, inclusive organization serving diverse backgrounds and educational philosophies.

  • Standards closely aligned with PA homeschool law
  • More flexible than PHAA; still more rigorous than most public schools

Other Diploma Programs

Additional PA-recognized options: Aleithia Learning Community, Susquehanna Valley Homeschool Diploma Programs, Bridgeway Academy, and Mason Dixon Homeschool Association.

GED / Post-Secondary

Students may obtain a Commonwealth Secondary Diploma by passing the GED or completing a year of postsecondary education. If your student completed all coursework, a parent-issued diploma is preferable.

Parent-Issued Diploma

A change in PA home education law in October 2014 established the parent-issued diploma as a fully state-recognized option. When it meets PA requirements, it carries the same rights and privileges as an organization diploma — for college applications, scholarships, and employment.

Required Coursework for Graduation

  • 4 years of English (language, literature, speech, composition)
  • 3 years of Mathematics (general math, algebra, geometry)
  • 3 years of Science
  • 3 years of Social Studies (civics, U.S. & PA history, world history)
  • 2 years of Arts and Humanities
  • Geography, art, music, PE, health, and safety education (at some point in grades 7–12)
Documentation is key. The diploma itself is less important than the comprehensive records backing it up. Keep transcripts, portfolios, and course descriptions starting in 7th grade — recommended — and no later than 9th grade.

For the 12th grade evaluation, I review your student's 7th–12th grade records to ensure all requirements are met. If everything is in order, I will sign the PA-issued diploma in the Evaluator Signature section. The Homeschool Mom has a great Transcript Template.

Graduation Evaluations

Ready for Your 12th Grade Evaluation?

Bring transcripts and portfolio samples for all secondary required subjects. I'll review your records and sign off when everything is in order.

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