Worthless High School Diploma?

Question

I've graduated from Continental Academy on September 12, 2005. It is a home based high school located in Miramar, Florida. When I graduated, I found out they weren't accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. As of May 10, 2006, they were awarded accreditation by the SACS & CITA, which are both U.S. recogized agencies. I wanted to know if employers & colleges will accept my diploma. Will they say they can't accept it because it was un-accredited at the time of my graduation? I've heard of a few colleges & governments that wont accept it. I'm twenty years old, and would feel really embarrassed & ashamed if I have to go back to high school. Any information would be helpful. I've provided links to the school website & accrediting agencies below.

http://www.continentalacademy.com/home.html

http://www.sacscasi.org/citaschools/Proceedings_Accredited_CITA2_US_SACS_CASI.html

http://www.citaschools.org/index.php?option=com_civicrm&task=civicrm/profile/view&reset=1&id=153&gid=1

Answer 1

Don't be concerned about what each type of employer will do - YOU go out and find out the actual value of your diploma. Contact the accrediting agency or agencies immediately. Ask them if your diploma has any validity. In my state, it's the state board of education that sets guidelines for diplomas, so you can also contact that government office if you cannot get the information from the accrediting agency.

This is a very sad situation, but remember, in the worst case scenario, you should be able to take GED or Proficiency tests to obtain a diploma equivalent. You have done the work and you are so young you can easily do what is needed in order to secure that important diploma.

The High School itself may have information on what options you have - you were probably not the only student in this predicament. But you MUST contact the accrediting agency first. They will know the facts and can probably advise you as well.

Answer 2

Worthless, well, you can still get a job on the Union Pacific Railroad with no high school diploma, and after a few years earn $70,000 annually, but the railroads have not changed since they invented the diesel locomotive. As for why they have become worthless else where, it is because we sent all the jobs overseas in the late 70's, and then tightened down regulations on jobs like logging, bring the factories back home, and get rid of regulations, and things will go back to the way they were.

Answer 3

If you attended this school in good faith that it was accredited, and it wasn't, you need to find out right away how this will affect your future. Flood the market with job applications and contact several colleges. IF it turns out this situation is the cause of not getting a job you're qualified for or a college telling you that's the reason, find a personal injury lawyer and file suit against the school. Keep good records.

Answer 4

If you find that they were not accredited, take the GED. If the school was any good, you should be able to pass it.