
When we talk about foreign language with parents, the most common questions we get are about Rosetta Stone. Is it good, is it bad, do colleges accept it, will it work for my child? Let’s talk about it!
Foreign language requirements vary from college to college. Plenty of colleges do accept Rosetta Stone foreign language credits, and several do not. Check with the college website and see what their policy is. Go to a college fair and ask questions of each college, to get their opinion. You’ll be surprised at the variety of answers, I’m sure!
Some colleges do not accept homeschool credits or testing for proof of a foreign language, and yet they will have a policy of “reviewing the whole student.” In those colleges, you may be able to find a way around their fussy policies by explaining their education in concrete, whole-student ways. Letters of recommendation, proof of translation skills, etc., may convince them that your child has the necessary skills.
Some colleges are real sticklers. A non-homeschool-friendly college will have additional hurdles for homeschooled students. They may insist on studying a foreign language with a certified teacher. In that instance, you may decide not to pursue that college. You might also decide that the college is SO desirable that you are willing to have foreign language classes in the public high school or community college, to meet the admission requirements.
It’s better to teach foreign language than avoid it. Even if you find out that your child must take the foreign language again in the community college, it will only end up improving their community college GPA. Don’t let the fear of one college or one rumor change your homeschool or the way you educate your child.