Regretful Dropout

What options does a high-school dropout have to receive a diploma?
Q
I am 17 years old and I dropped out of high school. I want to know if my father could homeschool me or do you think it's possible for me to go back to school? Dropping out was the worst thing I could have done and I really want to go back. What can I do?
A
It is wonderful that you now realize the importance of getting an education. It is definitely difficult to succeed in the workplace without a high school diploma or equivalent.

What you should do first is visit the local high school to find out if you can return and earn a diploma. While you are at the high school, check out if there is a continuation school in the district that would accept you. These programs work well for students who have had difficulty in regular schools. You can also find out if the district has an adult education program.

After learning about different high school programs, visit a local community college. Many have programs that let students take courses that count toward a high school diploma. At the same time, you could be building college credits toward a degree or certificate program.

You also need to find out about getting a GED. In many states, there are age and residency requirements that must be met.

Finally, your father could homeschool you and even award you a diploma. Unfortunately, it will not mean as much as a high school diploma to employers or colleges who may require GED, ACT, or SAT tests.

You have a lot of things to take into consideration when making your decision -- what is the best education setting and are you willing to make the necessary effort and time commitment?

We wish you luck.

Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts are experienced teachers who have more than 60 educational publications to their credit. They began writing books together in 1979. Careers for Bookworms was a Book-of-the-Month Club paperback selection, and Pancakes, Crackers, and Pizza received recognition from the Children's Reading Roundtable. Gisler and Eberts taught in classrooms from kindergarten through graduate school. Both have been supervisors at the Butler University Reading Center.

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