Frequently Asked Conventional Non-Public School Questions - Independent Study Programs

May conventional North Carolina non-public schools also offer high school diplomas to non-classroom attendees through independent study/distance learning programs or to post high school age adult dropouts through diploma equivalency programs?

Yes, but only to high school age students. 

Current North Carolina non-public school laws do not address this topic. 

Consequently, a North Carolina conventional non-public school is legally free to offer such programs to students currently of high school age.  As a practical matter, however, high school diplomas earned entirely in this manner are usually not accepted by the military, colleges or the business community unless the suggested guidelines listed below are followed. 

Implementing them should help prevent potential misunderstandings and confusion relating to the recognition of such diplomas for high school age students.  Non-public school laws do not apply to high school diploma granting programs for post high school age students. 

Privately operated high school diploma granting programs for post high school age students are not under the jurisdiction of any North Carolina government agency and, therefore, usually not recognized by the military, colleges or the business community. 

Post high school age students wishing to obtain a high school diploma are strongly encouraged to contact the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges about its GED Program or its Adult High School Diploma Program instead of paying a private provider for a high school diploma.

1. Academic standards:  As much as is reasonably possible, apply the same academic standards to students enrolled in these type programs as you require of your traditional high school classroom attendees.
2. Nationally standardized tests:  Always require the same nationally standardized test for graduation as required of your school's regular high school program grade 11 classroom attendees.  Be sure the test is always proctored by school staff; that the test publisher's procedures for administering the test are followed; and, that the graduation cutoff score on the test be the same as required of the grade 11 classroom attendees.
3. Diplomas:  The words "high school equivalency diploma" or "equivalent diploma" or "non-traditional diploma" should appear on the student diploma.  Do not use the term "GED" or "General Equivalent Diploma" as used by community colleges.  Don't imply on the diploma that your school answers to or is approved by the North Carolina State Board of Education, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction or the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges.
4. Transcripts:  Place an asterisk next to each subject taken via independent study or via a non-traditional classroom setting and so denote; also, note on the transcript that the diploma awarded to non-classroom attendees is a "non-traditional" or an "equivalent" diploma.
5. Promotional materials:  A written disclaimer statement should be provided in advance to the client stating that:  "Since the State of North Carolina does not provide legal oversight to high school equivalency diploma programs, some institutions of higher learning, branches of the US military and some businesses may not accept this high school equivalency diploma."

Also, see diploma mills and G.S. 14-118.2; G.S. 14-122.1; G.S. 14-117 and G.S. 14-225.