NEWS RELEASE: Building on Momentum of National School Choice Week, Senator Moody Introduces Bill to Ensure Equal Treatment of Home-Schooled Students & Streamline Financial Aid

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Building on the momentum of National School Choice Week, Senator Ashley Moody is introducing the bipartisan Home School Graduation Recognition Act to make it crystal clear that home-schooled graduates count as high school graduates. Currently, under federal law home school graduates are listed as "students who are not high school graduates." This qualification has prevented access to financial aid in certain instances. Senator Moody's Home School Graduation Recognition Act would close this loophole so all qualified students regardless of their schooling choice may take advantage of the financial aid process. Senator Jim Banks cosponsors this legislation.

Senator Ashley Moody said, "Home-schooled students who work hard to meet rigorous standards and graduate from their programs should not be discriminated against while applying for college. I'm proud to introduce the Home School Graduation Recognition Act to help qualified students take advantage of the financial aid process."

Senator Jim Banks said, "Home-schooled students work just as hard as any student in Indiana - but their diplomas don't always carry the same weight. This bill ensures they're treated equally and are given the same opportunities as every high school graduate."

The Higher Education Act currently places home school graduates under the heading "students who are not high school graduates," although both Congress and the U.S. Department of Education have recognized home school graduates and therefore eligible for federal student aid. However, there are some colleges and universities who still misinterpret the law, resulting in some home school graduates facing barriers to admission.

Read full bill text here.

This legislation is supported by the Home School Legal Defense Association.

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