Emma Posted September 5, 2009 Share Posted September 5, 2009 Does anyone here use this school? We are not TN residents, but I am wanting an official diploma/transcript for my dd. I've looked at NARS and they just seem to have too much paperwork. I've emailed HLA several times and I can't get anyone to return my emails. Not a great way to impress a potential new family...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tree House Academy Posted September 5, 2009 Share Posted September 5, 2009 No, but we use FCA in TN and have been really happy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lolly Posted September 5, 2009 Share Posted September 5, 2009 We use them. I've never had any problems getting in touch. Have you tried calling instead? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emma Posted September 5, 2009 Author Share Posted September 5, 2009 Do you have a link for your umbrella school? Do they accept out of state students? Can you use whatever curriculum you want? What do you have to send to them as proof of a completed course (to receive high school credit?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emma Posted September 5, 2009 Author Share Posted September 5, 2009 We use them. I've never had any problems getting in touch. Have you tried calling instead? Lolly, What do you send them? NARS requires so much (tests, papers, lab reports.) How hard is it to navigate their online grading system? Have you ever heard of a college not accepting a diploma or transcript from them? It just seems too easy... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted September 5, 2009 Share Posted September 5, 2009 We use Home Life Academy. How long has it been since you emailed them? We usually get a response within a day or two. No problem getting eldest ds in to college with their transcript. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8filltheheart Posted September 5, 2009 Share Posted September 5, 2009 Does anyone here use this school? We are not TN residents, but I am wanting an official diploma/transcript for my dd. I've looked at NARS and they just seem to have too much paperwork. I've emailed HLA several times and I can't get anyone to return my emails. Not a great way to impress a potential new family...... I personally would not consider HLA's transcript and diploma any more official than one I printed off my own computer. I did use them to create my oldest's transcript, but only b/c we lived in TN and they were my umbrella to meet state law. I actually had to tell them how I wanted several classes labeled on the transcript. Universities certainly didn't see it as anything more than a homeschool transcript and a homeschool diploma. You can easily generate your own transcript (which would probably look even more professional) by using a computer program and high quality paper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lolly Posted September 5, 2009 Share Posted September 5, 2009 Lolly, What do you send them? NARS requires so much (tests, papers, lab reports.) How hard is it to navigate their online grading system? Have you ever heard of a college not accepting a diploma or transcript from them? It just seems too easy... I enter the grades, attendance, and books used online. For high school, you do have to have certain subjects covered for a diploma to be issued. There is no type of testing or proof required though. It is all extremely easy to do. I would think a college would view their diploma the same as a homeschooling one. I think it is pretty obvious that this is what it is from the name of the school. I use them just for the purpose of getting around reporting to the state. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emma Posted September 5, 2009 Author Share Posted September 5, 2009 Can anyone compare HLA to NARS? Would a college view a diploma or transcript better from NARS? I've read a lot lately about homeschoolers having trouble getting financial aid and scholarships with just a homemade diploma, hence the reason I'm looking for an umbrella. However, I don't want to give up my freedom and be forced to use a specific set of curriculum. Nor do I want to have to send in tons of "proof" that our work is completed to their satisfaction (NARS.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8filltheheart Posted September 5, 2009 Share Posted September 5, 2009 Can anyone compare HLA to NARS? Would a college view a diploma or transcript better from NARS? I've read a lot lately about homeschoolers having trouble getting financial aid and scholarships with just a homemade diploma, hence the reason I'm looking for an umbrella. However, I don't want to give up my freedom and be forced to use a specific set of curriculum. Nor do I want to have to send in tons of "proof" that our work is completed to their satisfaction (NARS.) Well, any school that will not accept a homeschool diploma is not going to be more willing to accept HLA's. The best solution is to look into the perspective universities you are considering and find out what expectations they have for homeschool graduates. Some recommend SAT IIs, etc. CC or AP/CLEP test scores often validate a homeschool transcript. There is not a one-size fits all answer. However, unless you go with a fully accredited program (one recognized by one of the major accrediting associations), I do not believe that you are going to achieve anything by having an umbrella provide the diploma. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corraleno Posted September 5, 2009 Share Posted September 5, 2009 Well, any school that will not accept a homeschool diploma is not going to be more willing to accept HLA's. :iagree: NARS is an accredited private school in the state of Maine. The reason you have to provide paperwork to prove your child did the work is because the diploma they issue is not a "homeschool" diploma, it's a private, accredited HS diploma. You will not find an accredited school that will give you a diploma just by filling out a few forms. And the places that will give you a diploma without any proof are not worth any more than the one you print yourself. BTW, NARS does not require that you use any particular curricula, or follow any particular schedule. You choose your own materials and set your own schedule. As long as you track your hours and show proof of the work (which can even be in the form of a video or other alternative media), they can give you credit. Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnitWit Posted September 5, 2009 Share Posted September 5, 2009 Hi, I live in MS and am not required to have an umbrella school, however, I chose to join HLA this year because my *first* child is a senior. I don't regret it. Maybe I will feel the same as momof7 *after* this year, but for now, I am grateful to have them. I joined during the summer and received very quick responses to calls/emails. Over the last two weeks, it has been harder to get in touch, but I am SURE this is because EVERYONE is getting started again and they are inundated. I like being able to access my dd's records online anytime. I have not had too difficult a time coordinating their software with my way of doing things. I hope this is helpful. Personally, I like having someone hold my hand this time, and I think it is saving *me* some time researching answers that I've just gotten from HLA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnitWit Posted September 5, 2009 Share Posted September 5, 2009 Have you spent some time on the website on the highschool section? It might answer some of your questions. No testing required. I was going to add that LAST year, when my dd was a junior and I wanted her to take the PSAT, not ONE school here would allow her to! Not even the local Christian academy. (They said they didn't want her to *skew* the results for their school. <snort> Good thing she didn't since she's a NMSemi-Finalist! - no, no issues here! LOL! ) I called HLA. I was not even a member, but they GRACIOUSLY allowed her to test with their group! They were SO KIND! They gave me lots of advice then, when I had not paid them a DIME! Just thought I'd share re: their character. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emma Posted September 6, 2009 Author Share Posted September 6, 2009 Thanks to all who took the time to answer. You've all helped and given me lots to think about. I wonder though, does anyone ever have trouble getting into a college with a simple homemade transcript? What are the benefits for something like NARS? Are there any NARS users here who would like to answer a few more questions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted September 6, 2009 Share Posted September 6, 2009 I wonder though, does anyone ever have trouble getting into a college with a simple homemade transcript? I suspect that in most cases it is the content of the transcript (and the rest of the application package) that determines whether or not a student will be accepted by a college rather than the fact that it is homemade or accredited. My daughter's transcript was a homemade one, and she was accepted by eight of the ten colleges to which she applied. I'd be happy to share a copy with you if you send me a personal message with your email address. Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted September 6, 2009 Share Posted September 6, 2009 We use HLA. As I said earlier, no problems getting in to college. The college did require an official transcript for scholarship purposes. Ds is getting a great scholarship package. My thoughts are.... it doesn't hurt! We're in TN so we had to either register with an umbrella or the school system. It was the providing of an official transcript that most heavily swayed us. Or at least one of the major factors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emma Posted September 6, 2009 Author Share Posted September 6, 2009 So, HLA was considered an "official" transcript or did you have to find a school to validate your credits? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 HLA was considered an official transcript at state schools in TN. It is also considered as being a qualifying diploma for academic scholarships at ds college. Significant since he gets $6000/year on top of the state's Hope scholarship. So, HLA was considered an "official" transcript or did you have to find a school to validate your credits? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emma Posted September 7, 2009 Author Share Posted September 7, 2009 HLA was considered an official transcript at state schools in TN. It is also considered as being a qualifying diploma for academic scholarships at ds college. Significant since he gets $6000/year on top of the state's Hope scholarship. Did he apply to any schools outside of TN? I'm wondering if it would be just as accepted at other colleges in the US? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 No but one of his friends went through HLA, and is attending GA Tech. I asked his mom, and she said all they sent was the HLA transcript and ACT/SAT scores. Did he apply to any schools outside of TN? I'm wondering if it would be just as accepted at other colleges in the US? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emma Posted September 8, 2009 Author Share Posted September 8, 2009 Ok, that clears up a few questions. How do you find HLA to work with? Are they pretty accepting of your classes? Is there ever a question of grades or courses? How difficult is their online grading system? I guess with NARS I feel like you've got to jump through a lot of hoops and I'm searching for a solution for that problem. I don't have the energy for hoop jumping... :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lolly Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Ok, that clears up a few questions. How do you find HLA to work with? Are they pretty accepting of your classes? Is there ever a question of grades or courses? How difficult is their online grading system? I guess with NARS I feel like you've got to jump through a lot of hoops and I'm searching for a solution for that problem. I don't have the energy for hoop jumping... :001_smile: I haven't gotten all the way to graduation yet. But, yes, they are accepting of classes. No question about grades or courses. The online grading system is extremely easy. All you do is choose the class title and enter a grade and a credit amount if it is high school. You are also supposed to put down what book(s) or publisher you are using for each class. I find the hardest part to be the attendance chart. All it requires is indicating which days you have school or don't. Honestly, it is exceptionally simple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emma Posted September 8, 2009 Author Share Posted September 8, 2009 Wow. That sounds easy enough that even I could manage it. <sigh> I'm just not sure what to do. I HATE the thought of sending in tests, papers, essays, lab reports, and a ton of othe stuff to NARS. I mean, that's why I homeschool, to be independent. :001_huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Wow. That sounds easy enough that even I could manage it. <sigh> I'm just not sure what to do. I HATE the thought of sending in tests, papers, essays, lab reports, and a ton of othe stuff to NARS. I mean, that's why I homeschool, to be independent. :001_huh: Above poster says it all.... We submit our list of books/classes in the beginning of the year. Report grades and attendance twice a year. Grades would just be the semester grade, not each assignment. They have a portfolio feature you can use to keep track of outside activities too. That is optional but nice if you want an easy to use reference for college apps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-FL Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Wow. That sounds easy enough that even I could manage it. <sigh> I'm just not sure what to do. I HATE the thought of sending in tests, papers, essays, lab reports, and a ton of othe stuff to NARS. I mean, that's why I homeschool, to be independent. :001_huh: For here in FL, you have to do a Natl Test or have a portfolio review yearly. NARS has Fl certified teachers, so they can do the portfolio for both them & the school board. I didn't like Homelife because they are listed as a Florida "600" school which makes you a private school student here so you can't participate in anything at the ps & it makes dual-enrollment more complicated. We're using NARS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emma Posted September 8, 2009 Author Share Posted September 8, 2009 Thankfully in MS we don't have to have a portfolio review or any standardized testing. I don't believe that homeschoolers are allowed to participate in the public school activities either. (Although I've never checked, because it wasn't an issue for us.) If she took a few cc classes, I wonder if the HLA transcript would be acceptable? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-FL Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Thankfully in MS we don't have to have a portfolio review or any standardized testing. I don't believe that homeschoolers are allowed to participate in the public school activities either. (Although I've never checked, because it wasn't an issue for us.) If she took a few cc classes, I wonder if the HLA transcript would be acceptable? So why are you worrying about an umbrella school exactly? Tons of kids get into college (state or private, selective or not) every year w/a "mommy" diploma and test scores. Check the colleges you're interested in & see what they require of homeschoolers. Some (like U of FL) require SATII tests, some don't if the regular SAT/ACT scores are high enough. Check what the agreements are between your cc & the rest of the state U system. Here it's all equal--Fresh Comp I @ Podunk CC is equal to Fresh Comp I @ U of FL. Are there some recent hmscl grads in your Real Life acquaintance that you can quiz? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.