A high school diploma is of vital importance, as 90% of jobs in the US are inaccessible to a high school dropout. Unfortunately, some of us simply cannot go to a physical school or traditional homeschool for a number of reasons. The solution is an online high school, and we can show you how to choose the best one.
1. Study the virtual school’s accreditations
National and regional accreditation is vitally important when choosing your online high school. The proper accreditation ensures online high schools are in compliance with federal regulations and are using high standards of academic quality. The difference between an online high school with the right accreditation and one without also means your diploma could be illegitimate in the eyes of college admissions and job hiring professionals.
- National accreditation: There are national accrediting bodies for online high schools, the most recognized being the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
- Regional accreditation: Regional accreditation is more common in the online high school industry. AdvanED, the world’s largest educational accreditor, is the parent organization of the following regional accreditors: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS-CASI), North Central Association Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA-CASI) and Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC).
- State accreditation: Some online high schools are public schools and are accredited by the states in which they operate, just like their brick and mortar counterparts.
2. What is the online high school’s curriculum offerings?
Many families choose online high school due to the need for alternative education. Whether you need to learn a skilled trade or want to finish out the rest of your remedial studies, online high schools can offer curriculums tailored to the needs and goals of each student.
- Honors/AP classes: Gifted students, especially those in underserved areas, can benefit from a full range of Honors and AP classes offered by online high schools.
- Vocational Technical training classes: Students who would like more preparation in specific areas, beyond a general high school curriculum, may find appropriate classes for credit at online high schools.
- College preparatory: These courses are ideal for students planning to attend a 4-year college or university. Remember, colleges around the country accept online high school graduates as long as the diploma is from an appropriately accredited school.
- General studies: Geared toward students planning to attend a community or technical college, or who are going to join the military or workforce after graduation.
3. Look for alternate ways to earn credit
With some online high schools, students can get credit from previous education, life, and work experiences. Make sure to approach the school’s admissions and see if they offer any of the following, this may be able to save time and money.
- Credit for experience: Some online high schools offer credit for life and work experience. This is especially attractive for older learners and learners employed in the trade they are studying. Usually, an assessment is necessary to earn credit.
- Transfer credits: Often, a student's credits from other accredited high schools can be transferred, especially if the previous schooling credits earned in remedial classes like basic math or science course. In some cases, an assessment test may be necessary.
- Earn college credit: Some online high schools offer students the ability to earn college credit while still in high school. These credits can be used towards a high school diploma as well as a college degree.
4. Ask about all payment options
Payment options can be a big factor for future students, especially if the student also happens to be the breadwinner splitting time between work and school. However, many online high schools offer different types of payment options from flexible payments to sliding payment scales to public opportunities that may even make your experience free. Don’t be afraid to speak with the financial aid and billing departments about payment questions, as well as these options.
- Free tuition: Some online high schools are public and therefore free of charge.
- Flexible course purchase: While some programs require payment of full tuition for an academic period, other online high schools allow for payment of individual courses if a student just needs supplemental course work.
- Financing: Some online high schools offer financing which can often be free of interest and financing charges.
- Scholarships: Those needing assistance with tuition and equipment costs may be able to find online high schools that offer scholarships.
5. Inquire about academic support
A student's success can often be traced back to the support they receive in their educational journey. This is also true in the world of online high school. For those returning to school after a few years (or decades) of absence, you may need extra help to acclimate back into school life.
- Academic counselors: Most online high schools provide parents and students with an academic counselor. The counselor works with families to create an education plan that meets the goals and needs of the student.
- Peer support: Students at online high schools can often find many ways to enjoy peer support either through forums, chat rooms, social media and sometimes in-person community events.
- Teacher support: Families may turn to online high school as a way to provide their child with more one-on-one support from teachers than is possible in the traditional academic setting.
