# City rejects firefighter's application over homeschooling diploma

> Fremont city denies firefighter Andrew Coates' job application because his unaccredited homeschool diploma failed to meet requirements.
- Title: City rejects firefighter's application over homeschooling…
- Summary: Fremont city denies firefighter Andrew Coates' job application because his unaccredited homeschool diploma failed to meet requirements. Fremont city rejected…
- Keywords: fremont, firefighter, andrew coates, homeschool, nebraska, civil service commission, emt license, news, local, City, rejects, firefighter's
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/19/city-rejects-firefighters-application-over-high-school-diploma-showing-he-was-homeschooled
- Published: 2026-09-19T17:23:40.21+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: fremont, firefighter, andrew coates, homeschool, nebraska, civil service commission, emt license, news, local
## Firefighter seeks career
Andrew Coates, 22, wants to become a paid firefighter.

> Making a career out of it would be the goal: to get paid to do what you love.
## Diploma shows homeschooling
His high school diploma indicated he was homeschooled, an unaccredited education in Nebraska.
## City rejects application
Fremont city rejected his firefighter application because of unaccredited homeschool diploma.
## City clarifies requirement
City HR director said accredited high school was implied by the job description.

> I would say it’s a standard understanding that when someone requests a high school diploma or GED that they’re asking for an accredited diploma.
## Legal appeal underway
Coates appealed to Civil Service Commission after city rejected his application.
## Legal deadline looms
Coates' father says they have 30 days to file a court case after commission ruled no action.
## Key takeaway

Fremont city rejected Andrew Coates' firefighter application due to unaccredited homeschool diploma, prompting legal action.