Choosing to homeschool our children was one of the most significant decisions we’ve made as a family. While traditional education often emphasizes standardized paths to success, we’ve embraced the flexibility and creativity that homeschooling offers. A homeschool diploma, in our view, is more than just a piece of paper—it represents a personalized journey tailored to each child’s passions and goals. This approach has allowed our kids to thrive, pursue unique opportunities, and cultivate skills that align with their dreams, proving that education isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Our family is a bit unorthodox when it comes to education. While I boast a BFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and my husband made it through high school with a brief, unsuccessful stint in college, we've opted to homeschool our kids. And guess what? It hasn’t stopped them from chasing their dreams. Our oldest daughter, for example, has a fierce passion for travel—she spent four months trekking across Europe, immersing herself in different cultures, learning five languages, and meeting all sorts of fascinating folks. She has already started planning a trip to New Zealand and Japan. for this coming year. Our youngest is exploring various career options while taking online courses to enhance her fine metal jewelry business, crafting beautiful pieces from PMC Clay.
In our household, the question of whether a diploma is essential after high school is a frequent topic of conversation. It’s a big world out there, and we often wonder whether our children are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate it, secure employment, and engage in meaningful conversations with their peers.
The truth is, the necessity of a diploma heavily depends on one’s career goals. Professions like medicine, law, or becoming an FBI agent, as my daughter once considered, certainly require formal education. However, for those inclined toward the arts, such as artists, graphic designers, computer animators (like myself), or game designers, skipping college might not block the road to success. Similarly, for entrepreneurial pursuits, management roles, or culinary arts, formal education isn't always a prerequisite.
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So, what’s the catch? Well, choosing a path less traveled is inherently challenging and uncertain. It's a source of anxiety for parents and relatives who wish nothing but success for their children, fearing they might end up unemployed and dependent. Yet, there is a world of opportunities for those without a diploma, and here’s how to explore them:
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Find Your Passion: Encourage children to explore different fields and interests to discover what they truly love. My daughter’s travels, for instance, helped her find a passion for languages and cultures that no classroom could have provided.
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Try Everything: From internships to volunteering, the experience gained is invaluable and often provides a better understanding of what one might want to do in life. Volunteering, especially, can open doors to new opportunities and is something everyone should try at least once.
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Continuous Learning: The internet offers endless resources for learning. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or even YouTube provide courses on everything from business management to arts and crafts. This has been particularly beneficial for my youngest daughter, whose online classes are helping her refine her jewelry-making skills.
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Networking: Meeting people from various backgrounds and industries can lead to unexpected opportunities. Networking isn’t limited to professional events; it can happen anywhere, just like it did for my daughter during her travels.
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Starting a Business: Entrepreneurship is a viable path that doesn’t always require formal education. Many successful entrepreneurs started their businesses without a degree. The key is a great idea, determination, and a willingness to learn on the go.
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Freelancing and Gigs: Many jobs today don’t require employees to hold a degree. Fields like writing, programming, design, and more offer freelance opportunities that rely more on skills and a solid portfolio than formal education.
Here are a few inspiring reads and resources for those considering a non-traditional education path:
- "UnCollege Me" by Jeff Lively
- "The Uncollege Alternative" by Danielle Kwatinetz Wood
- "No Degree, No Problem" by Donald W. Desaulniers
- Mike Rowe on Fixing Public Education
- Lifehacker article on securing jobs without a diploma
In conclusion, while the decision to forego a traditional college education isn't easy, it’s important to remember that education is what you make of it—whether that’s in a classroom or through the rich experiences of life. As parents, our role is to support and guide our children in finding their path, equipped with the right tools and mindset to succeed, diploma or not.
Here are some great video to watch on alternative education:
Lifehacker has published an insightful article detailing strategies for securing employment sans a diploma. Additionally, a thought-provoking TEDxSFU talk titled "Why We Should Shred Our Diplomas" by Dr. Charles Bigham sheds light on this topic in an engaging manner.
