I know we have discussed names for our homeschools before, but I have a little bit of a different dilemma. We don't have a school name, per se. We have used one in the past that I stole from Jackie, I think (Way of Wisdom Christian Academy). But now that we are nearing the end of the journey for my oldest, I'm not sure we would want that printed on a diploma and transcripts for the rest of his life. Long question short, which is more commonly used: school names, last names, or something I haven't thought of yet?
Ya know, Brooke, I KNEW I should have copywrited that! You'd owe me BIG TIME, lol!!! (I plan on printing that on the kids' diplomas, btw!)
Remember that the diploma might be viewed by colleges or employers...so I would recommend using a professional sounding school name rather than your last name. It makes the diploma appear more official and not so "homeschool-y." Also, avoid using any "cutesy" sounding names...you want your graduate to still appreciate the name years from now and not groan "what was mom thinking" when they look at it! Avoid long names as well since it will need to fit nicely on the diploma (and roll off the tongue nicely without being a mouthful) and skip overly pretentious sounding names. It may cause a few eyes to roll. If you need some suggestions on a school name...I'm sure there are lots of folks here who can offer some great ideas. Our homeschool is called TreeStone Academy. Names that pull from nature sound good..."Oak Meadow," "Cobblestone Creek," "Edgewater Academy" etc.
Nothing at all wrong with the school name you've used before, Brooke. Or shorten it to just Wisdom Christian Academy or The Way Christian School. I like "schooly sounding" (including "nature-related") names more than "my last name" Academy, but that's a personal opinion, and YMMV.
I am leaning toward something different, Jackie, but I thought it was you. I like the idea of nature names (maybe cuz my parents were hippies and we all have names from nature ) We have also tossed around Edbrooke since it combines Dh's name and my own. A part of me feels like I need to use "Home School" in it just to keep putting it out there in front of the public; however, there is a balance between helping kids tomorrow and helping your own kid now.
I kinda like Edbrooke! But I'd probably go with Edbrooke School or Academy, with or without Christian in the middle. But that's just me.
I like EdBrooke. I think EdenBrooke sounds nice as well...it still incorporates both of your names and gives a nice mental picture when said or read. Location is also a great way to create names. For example: If you live on the coast, you could name your school EdBrooke Coastal Academy. Or, if you live in a woodsy area near a creek, your name could be WoodCreek Academy. Landmarks like Lighthouses give you an option...Lighthouse Christian Academy or Lighthouse Coastal Academy.
You are to funny Jackie. We have always used God's Amazing Grace Academy but the kids hate the initials. GAGA like googoo gaga! I get ribbed about it when I bring it up. I claim I was in hurry and had to come up with a name real quick and since the kids were little at the time I thought of the first thing I needed from God...his Amazing Grace. I put the Academy part on it after an online bogus school came out with a similar name. We even have the lion and the lamb as our mascots. I drew a picture of a baby lion and baby lamb when we first started and over the years they have gotten older along with the kids. Yeah I'm cheesy I know. It made me feel better so
I'm pretty sure Lighthouse Christian Academy is already taken by a commercial school... Isn't that the ACE distance academy?
Well, it seems the consensus is to use a school sounding name as opposed to using (insert last name) Homeschool. I think I'll come up with a few options and then discuss some ideas with the kids. After all, they are the ones who have to wear it for the rest of their lives. ....this will also make Dd12 very happy since she is already talking about a class ring....sigh.... ETS....I doubt Edbrooke will make the cut if they opt for class rings. :lol:
Brooke, I was never ashamed of the fact that we homeschooled. I have always been very proud of how well my kids have blossomed as homeschoolers. I used (last name) Family Home School on my oldest son's diploma and will do the same with my other children as well.
I don't feel any shame associated with using a school name instead. Here in IL, each homeschool is actually legally considered a private school. I just wanted to find out which is more common....and my kids might appreciate less hassle on some level. Not that they will be harassed for having been homeschooled, but maybe they will be able to avoid a few of the gratuitous conversations pertaining to how the person interviewing them thinks about the subject. :roll:
Our school name is Thornfield Academy. When Ems receives her diploma, hopefully it will look a lot like my diploma. It will have the school name, her full name, the pricipals name, and in our case, the teachers name. If I am able to get clever, I will also have a picture of our house faded in the background. I really like the look of my high school diploma. It has the school in the background, faded behind all the lettering.
Yep, I think a statement is a statement, if your school name is what its about then why not? Mine would be Agape Academy
I agree with Brooke, I don't think NOT putting "Homeschool" on a diploma means you are ashamed of being homeschooled. It just helps to avoid possible discrimination or uncomfortable situations for the graduates if the diplomas are viewed by potential colleges or employers who may not feel the same way we do about homeschooling. Really, it's up to each of us, as parents and educators, to choose what we would like on the diploma...whether we use our last name and/or the term "homeschool" or not. We may also want to ask the graduates themselves what THEY would prefer...since they worked so hard for the diploma. In the end....every family has the freedom to choose what is best for their own family.
The way I see it, the college is going to know Ems was homeschooled one way or another. My transcripts look nothing like public school transcripts and most colleges know the names of the schools applicants are coming from. So if they are going to discriminate, they are going to discriminate. Most likely it will not be because of the name of the school as much as the fact they do not understand homeschooling.
