What Is Virtual High School, And Is It Right for Me?

A virtual high school allows students to pursue their education online, offering a variety of courses and diploma options. Students access lessons, submit assignments, and interact with instructors via the internet.

There are three main types of virtual high schools, including:

Public online high school: Since mid-2020, many school districts started offering hybrid and fully virtual courses for high school students. Getting your high school diploma from your local school district is usually free, not including supplies and technology costs.

Private online high school: Funded by tuition fees, private online high schools offer a diverse curriculum, sometimes with specialized courses. They tend to have flexible schedules and can be completed in fewer than four years in some cases. Penn Foster High School is an example of a private online high school.

Online charter high school: Charter schools, both virtual and in-person, operate independently but are publicly funded. Every charter school has something that they specialize in, whether it’s STEM, the arts, outdoor learning, international/multi-lingual, etc.

Read more: 12 Biggest Myths About Online High School

"Virtual high school" and "online high school" are essentially the same. Both refer to schools that offer their curriculum and instruction via the internet, allowing students to study remotely. While the terms can be used interchangeably, there's generally no significant difference between them.

Yes, a diploma from an accredited online high school is usually recognized by employers, just like one from a traditional school. However, it's crucial to ensure the school is accredited by a legitimate agency. While many employers respect online diplomas, preferences can vary by industry, so researching specific career paths can be beneficial.

Read more: Beyond Graduation: How High School Prepares You for Success

Absolutely. Many colleges and universities accept diplomas from accredited online high schools. It's important to check the accreditation of the school before enrolling, especially if your plans include college.

Earning a diploma from a virtual high school usually takes four years, like in traditional schools. However, the flexible nature of virtual programs can allow students to finish faster or slower based on their pace and transferred credits.

While there are many positive things about virtual learning, it does have drawbacks for some learners. Not every student will thrive in an online learning environment, and that’s okay! Here are some factors that you need to consider before enrolling in a virtual high school program.

Students who thrive on in-person social interactions, or those who learn best through direct face-to-face teaching, might find virtual high school isolating and less engaging.

Virtual high school requires a significant degree of self-motivation and discipline. Students who struggle with time blindness or easily succumb to distractions may find it challenging to keep up with their coursework.

Some subjects, like certain sciences or arts, benefit from hands-on learning experiences. Virtual schools can sometimes lack the tangible, in-person experiments or art projects that help solidify understanding.

Students without reliable internet access or a suitable device might encounter difficulties. Likewise, those who are not technologically inclined might struggle with online platforms.

Those who want to join extracurriculars like sports, clubs, or theater might miss out on these experiences, as many virtual schools don't offer these kinds of activities.

In a traditional classroom, students can often get immediate feedback or help. In a virtual environment, they might have to wait for email responses or scheduled virtual office hours.

For students who rely solely on school for social development and peer interactions, a virtual high school might not provide the same friend-building experiences.

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To enroll in a virtual high school like Penn Foster, start by visiting their official website and selecting the high school diploma program that fits your goals. Complete the online enrollment application, providing personal details and any required educational history, such as transcripts. Finally, make your first tuition payment, and be prepared to attend an online orientation to familiarize yourself with the platform.

Read more: How to Choose an Online High School

Your experience is going to be different than anyone else’s. Ryan, a Penn Foster High School student, says, “This school is wonderful, and the ones that say the opposite may be better attending onsite classes instead of online. This is for self-motivated people that don’t require an instructor to be chasing them around.”

When it aligns with your learning style and life circumstances, virtual high school is good. However, a virtual high school might not be for everyone.

Christina Mesta, Penn Foster High School Graduate, says it best: "My favorite part was that even though I was at work, I could go onto my cell phone during my breaks and lunches, read my material, and test. I always had time. It has boosted my confidence a lot."

Virtual high school can be done anywhere, at any time, as long as you have wifi!

It depends on the individual. High school students are way more tech-savvy than ever, so tackling their classes entirely online may come easier to them. Here’s what Lauren, Class of 2020, says about virtual learning: “Penn Foster High School gave me my confidence back. My only regret is that I didn't know about it after I finished middle school.”

Are you self-disciplined, tech-savvy, and ready to take control of your education? Penn Foster High School offers virtual high schools for both school-age students and adult learners. Contact our Admissions Specialists at 1.888.427.6500 to learn more and start your high school journey!