Stratford Career Institute Another way to file a complaint! Town Of Mount Royal, Washington District of Columbia

This is in reply to Rachael,

I too have investigated both Penn Foster and SCI's sewing programs, and I do know SCI is not accredited, but I only wish to learn some skills for myself and not for employment as I am retired and need a hobby. So my questiion to you is did you go ahead with the sewing course, and how was it?  I know PF is more expensive but SCI seemed to offer more information.  On another note, anyone out there wanting to do a home study course please check out DETC (Distance and education Training Council) the accrediting body for online schools detc.org, they also have links for CHEA Council for Higher Education, and Dept. of Ed.  All these websites have a list of the schools that are accredited, nationally, regionally, etc, you can search by school name or by course subject.  Also, If a school bears the DETC accreditation, you will have to check with a college if u plan to further your ed. to see if they will accept the credits, most will.  I hope this info helps someone.

I was laid up with Cancer a short while back and needed to study while I was almost bedridden so I took the Administrative/Secreterial course through Penn Foster. I had attened college in the past and had never took correspondence courses before. I was actually employed as an Office Manager but there were things offered within the course that I never had to do before even though I was employed in the Administrative field. Yes their prices were a little higher but I was happy with the course and I am getting ready to take their MOUS Certification and Desktop Publishing. This along with trying to complete my associate degree at a brick & morter community college in Radio Broadcasting.

I have not really looked into Stratford Career School, but I will say that any type of post sceondary education is an asset and unless you are in a completely rip off school like UOP, Westwood, Sanford Brown, AIU, Kaplan, Axia, etc, You will still learn something even if you end up going to a brick & morter college or community college and taking the exact same class over again.

I have now taken 2 diploma courses from 2 different career schools. The first school, Penn Foster was accredited and charged 300 dollars more. I had a horrible time, my information was sent off campus to a private house unsecured.

The school had broken their own policies by failing to accept my work and sending it back ungraded and were forced to send me my diploma by the accreditation commission after I filed a complaint. I notice now the very career diploma course I took...freelance writer...now has a prerequisite of an English course. I questioned why a refresher English course was NOT part of the course during the problems I was having.

After much debate I decided to take another study at home course. I am developing a mystery novel and needed so insight on detective work. After finding only basic private detective licensing outlines from the state, I knew at that point in time you basically need a college degree in criminal justice to gain that insight. So, I looked to the home study introductory courses.

I went with Stratford because it also touched on how to do geneology research and since I figured that was something I could actually use it made the course seem viable financially. I knew the course was accredited but to be honest...it really doesn't matter. I found out from previous on goings with TPTB that it only means two things: first, the school SELF regulates and applies for certification. Second, the school pays big bucks to get that little seal which only applies IF they break THEIR own rules.

So, over all...the course I took was informative to me needs and pretty good quality. The school was very concerned with myself keeping up with my studies and would send out reminders when I started to slack off.

The test were all multiple choice and the very first chapter of the very first book stated this course was an introduction to the field and to go to college if you plan on continuing your education.

I am planning on taking a sewing course next - I did compare the course with Penn Foster's sewing course and I noticed Penn Foster is more expensive and has hidden fees. The course through Stratford informs you of the equipment you will need to purchase on your own and doesn't offer a sewing machine as part of the course...thus, allowing me to buy the machine that I want. Penn Foster also states it will send your sewing machine till the course and tuition is 90 percent completed.

Stratford is geared more towards personal enrichment and everyday needs in their courses and course structures. I have had no problems so far, but if I ever do...you will find my complaint listed too.