How to Choose an Online High School
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Key Takeaways
- Online high school offers flexibility for a variety of learners, including teens seeking an alternative to traditional classrooms, adults returning to finish their diploma, and families looking for a more personalized educational experience.
- Choosing an accredited online high school is essential. Accreditation helps ensure the school meets recognized educational standards and that the diploma is accepted by colleges, employers, and many trade schools.
- Not all online high schools are the same. When comparing programs, evaluate curriculum, tuition, admissions requirements, transfer credit policies, support services, and whether the program is self-paced or follows a set schedule.
- Online learning can be a great fit for students seeking flexibility and control over their education. Benefits can include flexible scheduling and the ability to learn at your own pace, while also providing opportunities to build valuable skills such as time management, self-direction, and personal accountability.
Whether you’re traditional high school age, the parent of a high school student, or an adult learner, you may have considered online high school. Online high school is a valid and widely accepted alternative to brick-and-mortar high school. There are several good options out there, but how do you choose the one that’s the right fit for you or your situation? Here’s everything you need to know to help you pick the best online high school option!
Why switch to online high school?
There are so many reasons why someone might decide to make this switch. If you fall into any of the following categories, you may relate.
For teens still in high school
There are so many reasons why you might opt to leave traditional school for an online alternative. Being in person at school every day can be anxiety inducing if you suffer from social anxiety or even test anxiety. If you’re a victim of bullying, being in school can actual torture. Online school can be appealing and maybe even life saving if you experience some or all of these things.
For adult learners returning to finish high school:
As an adult without a high school diploma, online high school allows you to complete this academic milestone without disrupting what is likely a very busy life full of responsibilities. Many online high school programs are self-paced so you can work on your course work without disrupting the other aspects of your life that demand your attention. You can keep up with your work schedule and be a present and involved parent if you have kids while earning your high school diploma at the same time. The self-paced nature of these programs can also allow you to finish earlier than other options, like taking night classes. Once you have your diploma, you may find a wider pool of career options and maybe even an increase in salary after you’ve increased your education level.
For parents comparing options:
Parents want what’s best for their kids. It’s why so many people choose where they’re going to live based on the school district. They want them to have a good education. Sometimes, however, even the best school district can be a negative experience for a child. Whether your child is being bullied, suffering from anxiety, or simply struggling to keep up with the pace, an online school can be a great alternative. You don’t have to worry about them falling behind if you choose a self-paced program and they won’t be exposed to bullies who make their day-to-day life difficult. There are still instructors and other support staff at many online schools who your learner can connect with when they need help.
Why more students are choosing online high school
Online high school has become much more popular in recent years. According to Graduation Alliance, school districts are increasingly offering virtual learning options to support instruction in at least one way, whether full time or for a blended learning model. Online learning can be flexible and better for learners who have a lot of responsibilities or who struggle in a traditional classroom setting.
Here are some differences between virtual learning offered by school districts and private online high school programs.
| Feature | District Virtual School | Private Online School |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment rules | Geographic limits | National availability |
| Schedule | Often fixed | Self-paced |
| Start dates | Semester-based | Rolling enrollment |
| Pace | Cohort-based | Individualized |
| Adult learner eligibility | Often limited | Usually available |
| Career-focused electives | Varies | Often broader |
| Graduation timeline | Standard | Flexible |
Read more: Parents of Gen Z Are Rethinking the Path to Success in an AI-Driven Job Market
How do I choose a good online high school?
An important thing to look for when choosing an online high school diploma program is whether or not that online high school is legitimate. Being a legitimate school means being accredited and licensed. Penn Foster High School, for example, is regionally accredited by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and Cognia. These accreditations show that the school and curriculum meet the standards set by these accrediting bodies, ensuring that students receive a good education! These accreditations show that the school and curriculum meet the standards set by these accrediting bodies, ensuring that students receive a good education! These accreditations show that the school and curriculum meet the standards set by these accrediting bodies, ensuring that students receive a good education!
Besides accreditation, you’ll also want to look at reviews and student stories to learn more about how the program works from a student and alumni perspective. This can help you determine if the school is a good fit for you or your child.
What should I look for in an online high school?
When you’re checking out and comparing different online high schools, you’ll also want to look for a few things to make sure that the program is the best fit for you and your goals, or if you’re a parent, the best option for your child. These include things like
Curriculum
Learning more about what the online high school has to offer in the curriculum is important to make sure that you are studying what you need to. An online high school curriculum should have the standard courses that are offered in any school, whether it’s a public, private, or online one. These include classes like English, math, science, and social studies.
You’ll also want to learn more about what kind of electives the school offers. Do they have classes that you’d be interested in? Do they offer any courses that can help you prepare for a future career? Are there classes that can help you prepare for college? This may be particularly important if you’re a parent worried about your child getting the same level of knowledge they would at a traditional school.
Tuition
In general, most online high schools will have tuition costs. When choosing the right online school for you or your child, you’ll want to make sure that the tuition is affordable and fits your budget! Check to see if there are payment plan options, as well, so you don’t need to pay the full tuition upfront if that isn’t something you’re able to do.
Admissions requirements
Some schools may have different admissions requirements to enroll. These could be things like a minimum age to enroll, a maximum age to enroll, transfer policies, and more. For example, with Penn Foster, you’ll need to be at least 13 to have a parent enroll you into the high school program and you must have completed at least the 8th grade or an equivalent. There’s no maximum age limit, so whether you’re 13 or 85, you can become a Penn Foster student! You can also transfer up to 15 credits from your previous school, so you won’t need to start from scratch.
If you’re an adult looking to finish your high school diploma, you can enroll online whenever you’re ready to get started. If you’re a student under 18, you’ll need your parent or guardian to enroll you.
Read more: A Parent's Guide to Online High School
Program deadlines and schedules
Another important thing to consider when choosing an online high school is their semester start dates, enrollment deadlines, and class schedules. Many online schools may have set schedules and classes that you need to attend at certain times. Others, like Penn Foster, are completely self-paced. That means that there are no deadlines to enroll or certain times of year you have to start.
Penn Foster High School grad Ian Moore specifically sought out an online program. He explained, "What made me seek out an online program was I like the autonomy of doing things myself."
Read more: Real Grads, Real Stories: How Amanda Rewrote Her Story with Penn Foster
How do you know if online school is right for you?
So, you’ve narrowed down your online high school options, but how do you really know if online school is right for you or your learner? An online high school diploma may not be for everyone, but it does tend to be a great fit for students who
- Like to work at their own pace.
- Are independent and can learn on their own.
- Don’t want a set schedule and prefer to learn when it works best for them.
- Find sitting in a classroom distracting.
If you’re someone who can manage your own time and likes being able to take the lead in your education, online high school could be the perfect fit for you!
Nancy Moore, the parent of Penn Foster High School grad Ian, shared that when her son was enrolled "he learned a lot about himself and learned a lot about how he learns." She went on to say, "Online school helped Ian. He actually was very motivated, goal-oriented. He knew exactly what he needed to do every morning."
Read more: Going Back to School as an Adult (FAQs)
What are the pros and cons of online high school?
Like anything, there are pros and cons to attending high school online. But, when choosing an online school, you’ll want to weigh the benefits against any potential cons. Are there more benefits than disadvantages?
The pros of going to high school online include
- Being able to study on your schedule
- No set class times or test due dates
- Being able to study wherever you are as long as you have access to the internet
- Being able to take your time when you’re struggling with a subject
- Having access to help from teachers through email and phone appointment
The cons of going to high school online include
- No deadlines and due dates, which means you have to have good time management skills
- No live classes
- Teachers don’t lead classes, you’re in charge of your own education
- No extracurricular activities through the school
Read more: 6 Advantages of Having a High School Diploma
Does online school look good for college?
Online school doesn’t necessarily look better or worse than a public high school when you’re applying for college. At the end of the day, colleges all have different things they look for when reviewing applications so some may appreciate that you didn’t go the traditional route for high school while others may be unsure about it. If you know you want to attend college after graduating, it’s a good idea to reach out to the admissions department of some schools you may be interested in to make sure they accept an accredited online high school diploma like Penn Foster’s. Each school has their own admissions requirements so this is the best way to determine if there will be an issue down the road.
Besides that, colleges will mostly focus on your grades, GPA, and things like your admissions essay, if they require one. It’s also a good idea to start adding some volunteer work to your experiences, which can help you stand out a bit when applying to colleges. When you’re enrolled in an online high school that is self-paced, you’ll be able to make time for different activities – like volunteering or a part-time job – that could look good on your applications.
Read more: GED vs High School Diploma: Which Is Better for Your Future?
Can you go to technical school or trade school with an online diploma?
Just like with colleges, trade or technical schools may have different requirements for enrollment, so it’s important to check in with schools you’re interested in to make sure an online high school diploma will work. However, if the diploma is legitimate and accredited, most trade or technical schools are likely to accept it.
Are online schools worth it?
It absolutely can be! An online school can be a great experience for many students. It’s definitely worth it if you’re someone who wants to have a more flexible schedule and learn at your own pace, especially if you are an adult learner. For parents, if your child is struggling or having issues in a traditional classroom, it can be in their best interest to move them to an online platform.
Read more: Q&A With a Penn Foster High School Parent
How does online school affect GPA?
For many students, transferring to an online high school helped them improve their GPA! Online schools will have similar grading systems, so it won’t hurt your GPA just by attending. Your GPA is all dependent on how well you do and what grades you get. However, since you’re able to take your time and study at your own pace, online high school can offer the opportunity for you to improve your grades and, ultimately, your GPA.
Is online high school self-paced?
Sometimes! Not all online high schools are self-paced. Some follow a similar class structure to a traditional public high school, which means having to start your day at a certain time and attend classes at a certain time. Others are completely self-paced, allowing you to choose when and where you study and take exams.
How to switch to online school in the middle of the year
Because online high schools are often flexible and don’t have set enrollment or semester start dates, you or your child can transfer whenever you’d like. To transfer to Penn Foster, for example, you’ll need to enroll and then fill out any necessary paperwork with your previous school to make sure you have everything taken care of. You’ll also have your previous school send us an official copy of your transcripts. With your transcripts, we can take a look at what classes you’ve already completed and transfer in those classes that match up with our curriculum. That means you may be able to pick up where you left off when you start your online classes.
If you’re transferring to a school like Penn Foster in the middle of the year, you’ll follow the same steps but it’s important to note that the classes you’ve started may not transfer to your new school. Generally, if you transfer in the middle of the year, you haven’t fully completed the classes so therefore haven’t earned a credit or credits that could be applied to your online classes. Any courses you’ve fully completed can still transfer in if they match out courses.
For example, if you finished 9th grade and decide to transfer to online school in the middle of 10th grade, you could transfer in those 9th grade classes but may have to start your 10th grade classes from the beginning.
Read more: High School Diploma Requirements by State
Learn more about online high school today
If an online high school sounds like it could be the perfect fit for you or your child, you can learn more about how to get started and how Penn Foster works by requesting information or reaching out to our expert Admissions Specialists at 1-888-427-6500! They’ll be able to answer all of your questions, help you get started, and walk you through the process of transferring from your current school!
