MDHSA Diploma Program & COVID-19 – MDHSA Diploma Program

While it is recognized that some students faced challenges in completing their coursework for the 2019-2020 school year due to cancellation of classes and other COVID-19 related problems, the MDHSA Diploma Program is still requiring evaluations (or school transcripts) for all years of high school INCLUDING the 2019-2020 school year.

Diploma Requests:
The processing time for a Diploma Request remains 30 days after the office receives all final/correct paperwork (subject to change based on fluctuating COVID-19 conditions). If you require the diploma for a specific date, please keep this timeline in mind when considering when to submit paperwork.

MDHSA Extensions:
In light of COVID-19 challenges, MDHSA has extended deadlines to provide for additional time for students to complete course requirements for the 2019-2020 year only. Evaluations and Annual Summary Forms and Transcripts (ASF/TX) for the 2019-2020 school year may be submitted to MDHSA with the 2020-2021 yearly paperwork. Please keep in mind, there should be a SEPARATE evaluation and ASF/TX for both years. If the evaluator is reviewing both years of material during one appointment, please be mindful of the additional time the evaluation will take when reviewing two portfolios and be prepared to compensate the evaluator accordingly. Additionally, evaluations may be done remotely via phone or an online meeting app (i.e. Skype, Zoom, Facetime, etc.).

Extension Exceptions:
1. College-bound students: Students completing a Transcript Request Form (fee applies) to MDHSA for official transcripts to be sent to colleges/universities must mail the signed evaluations and Annual Summary Forms and Transcripts (ASF/TX) to MDHSA prior to completing a Transcript Request Form, regardless of whether the Transcript Request is ordered online or by mail.
2. Seniors who are not receiving a diploma in the MDHSA Graduation Ceremony: Final paperwork may be sent to MDHSA at any time. Diploma Requests received more than two years past the anticipated graduation date will incur an additional late fee of $25.00 attached to the Diploma Request (standard policy prior to COVID-19).
3. All seniors who are participating in the MDHSA Graduation Ceremony and who have completed all credits will need to submit evaluations, Annual Summary Forms and Transcripts (ASF/TX), and the Diploma Request Form and fee to MDHSA by May 29 in order to receive their diplomas at the Ceremony. Students who were unable to complete the requirements in time for the Ceremony may participate in the Ceremony, but will receive an empty diploma folder. The actual diploma will be mailed to the student within the 30-day processing period upon receipt of the final paperwork.

Honors Requirements:
If a student had been working towards an honors diploma consistently and had his work disrupted due to COVID-19 social distancing and stay at home requirements, an evaluator will need to use his judgment when recommending an honors distinction, as there may have been issues for students who were in the process of fulfilling the internship, recital, exhibition, or other honors requirement. The evaluator or other instructor should provide a letter of explanation with the final paperwork if a student encountered a problem completing honors requirements that typically take place outside the home environment. MDHSA may be contacted for guidance, if needed.

Contacting the MDHSA Office:
The office is temporarily closed, but the staff continues to work remotely to ensure the needs of the students, parents, and evaluators are met in a timely manner. If you need to contact a member of the MDHSA staff, email (diploma@masondixonhomeschoolers.org) is the fastest way to receive a response. You may also call OR text 717-925-0585 and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.

When sending paperwork to the MDHSA office, please do not send your packages via any method that requires a signature for delivery (including Certified Mail, UPS, FedEx, etc.) because mail is checked only once or twice during the week. Any mail requiring a signature will be held at the post office causing a significant delay in its receipt (it may even be returned to you before the MDHSA staff is able to retrieve the item). Regular USPS postal mail is the fastest way to send paperwork.