Is There a Real Online High School?
There are many online high schools, but is there one better than the rest? The answer to that question may depend on your individual needs and situation. Some parents may prefer online public schools, while others prefer private high schools. There are also charter online high schools, which can be an excellent option for students who want more flexibility in their school schedule.
When looking for an online high school, it is essential to consider the cost, accreditation, and curriculum. Some online high schools are more affordable than traditional high schools, but others may be more expensive. Make sure to check out the accreditation of any online high school you are considering. The curriculum should also be taken into consideration. Some students may prefer a school that offers solid academics, while others may choose an online high school for the social opportunities or athletic program.
How Can You Compare Online High Schools?
The best way to compare online high schools is by looking at their accreditation. The US Department of Education recognizes six regional associations of colleges and schools and national accreditation. If a school is accredited, this means that it has been recognized by one of those associations as providing students with quality education and preparing them for college and/or work after graduation.
You want to make sure that any online high school you consider is accredited by one of these organizations:
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncac-ccsl.org/home)
- Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (www.coasistlouis.org)
- Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools (www.msaecse-msaes.org)
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (www.neasc.org)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (www.sacscoc.org)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (www.wasc-accredited.org)
- National Council for Private School Accreditation (www.ncpsa.org)
The US Department of Education has also recognized organizations that accredit individual diploma programs or courses of study. These include:
- American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (www.actfl.org)
- Association of Christian Schools International (www.acsi.org)
- National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (www.ase.com)
- National League of Nursing (www.nlnweb.org)
- Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (www.rid.org)
There are also numerous specialty accreditations available through national organizations for more specialized high school programs, such as arts, business, or technology.
What to Look for in an Online High School
When looking for an online high school, there are a few things you’ll want to consider:
The cost of the school.
Some online high schools are more expensive than traditional high schools. Make sure to check out the accreditation of any online high school you are considering.
The accreditation of the school.
The US Department of Education recognizes six regional associations of colleges and schools and national accreditation. Make sure to check out the accreditation of any online high school you are considering.
The curriculum of the school.
Some students may prefer a school that offers solid academics, while others may choose an online high school for the social opportunities or athletic program.
The size of the school.
Some online high schools have a large student body, while others have a small one. You can also find some that limit their enrollment to ensure that each student has individual attention from the teacher.
How Can You Find Student Support?
If you’re considering an online high school, look for one that offers student support services. These can include:
- An admissions office to answer questions and get you started with the process of enrolling in their school.
- Tutorial programs to help students get caught up if they’ve missed assignments or failed tests.
- Counselors to provide academic and career counseling.
- A disability services office to provide accommodations for students with special needs.
- A student services office that can help you with anything from registering for classes to finding a job after graduation.
- Technology support to help with any technical problems you may be having with the school’s learning management system or email.
Is Online School a Good Idea for High School?
There are pros and cons to online high school. Some of the pros include:
You can study from home, so you don’t have to worry about getting to school on time or fighting traffic.
The coursework is available 24/7, so you can work on your classes at any convenient time.
You can complete your classwork at your own pace, which can be suitable for students who have a hard time keeping up with the rest of the group.
You can study around your schedule, so you don’t have to quit any jobs or activities to attend classes. Some students even take college courses while they are still in high school.
One of the cons of online schooling is the lack of face-to-face time with teachers and other students. If you’re not self-motivated, it can be easy to get behind in your work. However, most online high schools have policies to ensure students don’t fall too far behind.
Another con is that you may not get the same social experiences you would receive if you attended a traditional high school. However, some online schools offer extracurricular activities, and many students join clubs and organizations online.
The bottom line is that an online high school is a good option for students who want more flexibility in their schooling or who need to work around a busy schedule. It’s also a good choice for students who wish to get a head start on their college education. Talk to an admissions counselor at the online high school you’re interested in to determine if it’s the right fit for you.
How Does Virtual School Work?
When you enroll in an online high school, you will be given a course schedule and access to the school’s learning management system. This is where you will find your course materials, including video lectures, readings, and assignments. You can usually complete the assignments offline and then submit them for grading.
Many online high schools use chat rooms, discussion boards, and email to allow students to communicate with their teachers and classmates. This can be a great way to get help if you’re struggling with a particular concept or want to discuss the reading for that week.
What Can You Do Outside of Class?
When you’re considering an online high school, you will probably have many questions about what the school is like and what life as a student is really like. An admissions counselor at your high school can help you find out more about their program and answer any questions you might have.
Most online high schools offer activities where students can interact, such as chat rooms or discussion boards. This is an excellent way for students to share ideas and get feedback from their classmates. Some schools also host online clubs or hold virtual field trips.
After graduation, many online high school students continue their education at a college or university. If you want to earn a bachelor’s degree, you can usually transfer your credits from an accredited online high school. Talk to an admissions counselor at the college you’re interested in to find out more.
Can I Do Online School Instead of Going to School?
Many high school students choose to do online schooling instead of attending traditional classes at their local high school. Having the option to take online courses is excellent for students interested in pursuing an individualized education or who wish to be home-schooled.
Virtual schools are another option for students that prefer independent study. Some virtual schools offer complete diploma programs, and others only offer specific courses. Students can usually find virtual schools that cover a wide range of topics, such as business, history, and science.
Can I Get a Legit High School Diploma Online?
Yes! You can get a legit high school diploma online from an accredited online high school. Many students choose to do this to get a head start on their college education. Most colleges and universities usually accept credits earned from an accredited online high school.
High School of America is a trusted online high school that offers 100% online diploma programs. The diploma program covers the basics of high school education in reading, writing, math, science, health, and history. AdvancED/SACS/CESS approves all courses.
Can I Finish High School Online?
If you are about to graduate from high school but do not have enough credits to get a diploma, online schooling could be an option for you. Many students find that taking some courses online can help them get the credits they need before graduation.
You might also want to consider taking classes online if your schedule is too busy for traditional high school. Online schooling can often be more flexible than conventional classes if you’re working or have other commitments.
Some students choose to do their entire high school education online. This is an excellent option for students who want to study at their own pace or want more control over their education. Talk to an admissions counselor at your chosen online high school to determine if colleges and universities accept your credits.
If you want to get a high school diploma online to start college, make sure that the online high school is accredited. Colleges and universities may not accept credits earned from an unaccredited school. Look for online schools approved by agencies such as AdvancED/SACS/CESS.
Do High Schools Offer Online Classes?
Yes! Many high schools offer online classes as part of their curriculum. These classes are great for students who want to get ahead or have a busy schedule. Talk to an admissions counselor at your chosen high school to learn more about the online courses they offer.
If you’re in high school and considering online schooling later in life, ensure that the online high school is accredited. Some students find they prefer traditional classes to individualized courses. Others wish they had more interaction with their peers.
What States Have Virtual Schools?
Many states have virtual schools. There are many virtual schools to choose from, so you should find one that fits your needs. Some online high schools only offer a specific course, while others have full diploma programs.
Some of the most popular virtual schools include:
- Arizona Virtual Academy — Offers full curriculum and individualized learning
- California Virtual Academy — Offers full curriculum and online student support
- Florida Virtual School — Offers full curriculum and more than 180 courses
- Georgia Cyber Academy — Offers full curriculum and online student support
- Kentucky Virtual High School — Offers full curriculum and online student support
- Michigan Virtual School — Offers full curriculum and online student support
- Nevada Virtual Academy — Offers full curriculum and online student support
- Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School — Offers full curriculum and online student support
You can find a virtual school in your state by doing a quick Google search. Be sure to look for reviews from current or former students to understand what the school is like.
Can I Get My High School Diploma Online?
Yes! You can get your high school diploma online from an accredited online high school. Many students choose to do this to get a head start on their college education. Most colleges and universities usually accept credits earned from an accredited online high school.
High School of America is a trusted online high school that offers 100% online diploma programs. The diploma program covers the basics of high school education in reading, writing, math, science, health, and history. All courses are approved by AdvancED/SACS/CESS.
Is It Difficult to Earn a Diploma Online?
Online high schools make it easy for students to complete their diplomas online. Most online diploma programs are self-paced. This means that students can complete the course material at their own pace, even if they have a busy schedule.
What Are Distant Learning Courses?
Distant learning courses are also known as “correspondence courses.” These courses allow you to take some high school classes without being physically present in a traditional school setting.
If you consider taking distant learning courses, make sure that the online high school is accredited. You should also verify whether or not your credits will transfer to another college or university if you decide to further your education later.
How Do I Get Started?
If you’re interested in online high school, the best thing to do is talk to an admissions counselor at your chosen virtual high school. They can answer any questions you might have and help you get started on your diploma program.
Take the Next Step: If you are considering online classes or need help understanding how this type of education works, please fill out the form below to speak with an online high school representative.