Information for High School Teen Learners

Through flexible online classes, you set your own schedule, study at your own pace, and graduate on your timeline.1 96% of Penn Foster High School survey respondents* say they are proud to be learning at PFHS. Learn how to start your online high school diploma today!

 

 

Not a teen learner?
Find the right page below by clicking on the option that best fits you!

 

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I'm a Parent of a Teen Learner

man studying.

I'm an Adult Learner

Save up to $540 Ends 5/13/2025

Cost of Program

$1,099

$1,639 Save $540

or

$55/month, Start for as low as $20

Enroll Now Request Info

1-888-427-6200 (9AM - 9PM ET)

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“[Penn Foster] really helped me enjoy the rest of my teen years... I didn’t feel stressed out and worried about all these different things I had to do.”

 

- Gabriella S., 2024 Penn Foster High School Graduate

College Readiness and Recognized Accreditation

Penn Foster High School 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 and Cognia.

See Accreditation Details
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How Does Online High School Work?

Celebrate your graduation in person!

Each year, we hold an in-person graduation ceremony where you can celebrate your accomplishments with your peers, family, and friends. At our 2024 ceremony, over 1,000 grads walked the stage!

Prepare for the Future You Want

Haven’t completed high school

$36,816/yr

High school graduate

$46,748/yr

 

Earning a high school diploma can be essential to setting yourself up for the future you want. Whether you want to find a good job, go to college, or open the door to other opportunities, getting your high school diploma is the first step toward success! After graduating from high school, you can

 

  • Earn more. The average high school graduate can earn as much as $8,000 more per year than someone who didn’t graduate.**
  • Further your education. While it’s possible to be accepted to college without a diploma, most colleges do prefer to accept students who have graduated high school or earned a GED.
  • Job opportunities. Only 10% of jobs go to those without a high school diploma as of 2021 and it’s projected that, by 2031, only 6% of jobs will go to those without a diploma. Having your diploma can help you set yourself up for more opportunities in the future!

State Licensing Requirements

If you are interested in pursuing post-secondary education within your state, you should check with your state to understand the requirements. State may impose certain requirements. For example, an online High School diploma may not be recognized by some colleges and universities within your state to receive financial aid. We recommend you check with the institution for any specific restrictions.

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6 Advantages of Having A High School Diploma

Student Success Stories

 

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Isabella G.

2024 Penn Foster High School Graduate

“I’m so grateful that I was able to do Penn Foster and graduate so early! I picked Penn Foster because it was at my own pace, and I felt no pressure when doing my work. I’m planning to continue doing my education through Penn Foster as a pharmacy tech in the future!”

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Tyra K.

2024 Penn Foster High School Graduate

“Earning an education has meant a lot to me! It has opened up so many doors and opportunities in my life. I've gained knowledge, skills, and experiences that have helped me grow and succeed. Education has empowered me to pursue my passions and make a positive impact in the world. It's been an incredible journey and I'm grateful for the opportunities it has provided.”

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Joyce G.

2024 Penn Foster High School Graduate

“Penn Foster has been amazing! At the high school in my town, I learned you can't graduate early, no matter what your work ethic is, they don't allow it. Penn Foster allowed me to work at my own pace, and graduate in March! I was able to get a full-time job to save money for college, and I had less anxiety about school. It gave me more opportunities to be involved in my community and make a difference!”

Read More Student Stories

Learn more about how the Penn Foster High School Program worked for this graduate!

Penn Foster Alumni Spotlight on Wyatt Taylor, 2024 PFHS graduate.

How Wyatt Used Penn Foster High School Online to Graduate Early

Online High School Diploma Curriculum

  • 17 core courses
  • 5 elective courses


Estimated completion time:

  • Fast track = 6 months
  • Average time = 14 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from November 2019 - October 2020, excluding withdrawals.

Our online high school diploma curriculum is a total of 21 credits, including 2 half-credit startup courses and your basic general education requirements, like English and math courses. Penn Foster High School students get to choose 5 elective credits, ranging from academic electives like American literature and algebra to career electives, like pharmacy technician, or vet assistant. If you choose to focus on a specific career in one of our pathway high school programs, your electives will be focused on skills needed for your chosen career path. Your general education courses include:


  • English 1: Introduction to Language Arts
  • General Math 1
  • Biology
  • US History

Show Full Curriculum

How to Get Started at Penn Foster High School

  1. Enroll. The first step to get the process moving is to enroll in the program! Have your parent or guardian help you enroll and get started.
  2. Fill out paperwork. If you’re transferring from another school, it’s important that you meet the requirements of your school. Once you’re enrolled, your parent or guardian should work with your school to fill out any paperwork they need.
  3. Transfer credits. If you have completed any high school classes, you’ll have your school send us an official, sealed copy of your transcripts. Our transcript evaluators will review your courses and match them to Penn Foster’s curriculum. You’ll get a notification when your review is complete and be able to see which classes transferred over.
  4. Get started! While waiting on your transcripts to come in, you can start your first three Penn Foster classes. Once you’ve had your transcripts evaluated and applied to your courses, you can start your classes!
Learn More About Admissions
Teen girl sitting on living room floor with laptop studying.

Our Proven High School Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their goals

Flexible

  • Start anytime
  • No exam due dates
  • Self-paced

Interactive

  • Digital study guides
  • Self-check quizzes
  • Simulations and videos

Connected

  • 24/7 access to online resources
  • Learning Resource Center
  • Dedicated Learner Center

Supportive

  • Expert faculty
  • Dedicated student services
  • Robust learning resources

Local Public High School vs Penn Foster Online High School:
What's the Difference?

  Local Public High School Penn Foster High School
Accredited? checkbox icon. checkbox icon.
Asynchronous learning on your time? x icon. checkbox icon.
Start and finish on your timeline? x icon. checkbox icon.
Help and support? checkbox icon. checkbox icon.
Something you can be proud of? 100 percent icon. 100 percent icon.

Explore These High School Resources

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Talking to Your Parents about Transferring to Online School

Girl in black cap and gown with yellow tassel smiling on orange background.

How to Stay Motivated and Graduate High School Online

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

High School Diploma Tuition

Take the first steps toward joining the workforce, advancing in your career, attending college, or joining the military with our accredited online high school diploma. Whether you choose our traditional high school curriculum or one of our career-focused high school pathways, you can choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today!

Option 1: Pay in full

Save up to $540 Ends 5/13/2025

Cost of Program1

$1,099

$1,639 Save $540

  • Best price. Best value.
  • Pay the full cost today
  • No monthly payments
Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Save up to $100 Ends 5/13/2025

Cost of Program1

$1,539

$1,639 Save $100

  • Pay $55 per month
  • Start for $20 down
  • All major credit and debit cards accepted
Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

cost of program1

$1,639

  • Pay $55 per month
  • Start for $39 down
  • Mail your payments
Enroll Now

Tuition Comparison

Comparison of tuition from private online high schools.


School Tuition
Penn Foster High School $1,099*
Excel High School $1,900/school year
Acellus Academy $2,000/school year
Liberty University Online Academy $3,568.50/school year
Pearson Online Academy $8,050

Note: The chart is meant to illustrate the difference between pricing at various online private high schools and is a not guarantee pricing for Penn Foster or our competitors. Actual pricing can vary depending on the number of transfer credits brought into the program, as well as other factors. Tuition rates were gathered from competing school websites on August 26, 2024 and are updated yearly.


* Total for the entire program when you pay tuition in full. The total cost is subject to change and cost can vary based on several factors, such as potential transfer credits from previous schools.

Need more info or ready to enroll?

Looking for more information on transfer credits, military benefits or our refund policy. Find this information and more about tuition and enrollment.

Tuition & Payment Options
Request Info Enroll Now

Dedicated and Supportive Instructors

Our high school instructors are dedicated to helping students succeed! Learners are able to contact instructors for guidance, questions, and help through their Learner Center or 1:1 appointments.

 

Meet Some of Our High School Instructors

 

 

Brian Brown

Academic Manager, Penn Foster High School

“It takes a special learner to enroll in an online program. Our learners are a self-motivated group who show they have what it takes to succeed. Our learners embrace the responsibility of their education. When I hire anybody, I look to the characteristics that our Penn Foster High School student body possesses.”

Daniel Sciarrillo

Spanish Instructor, Penn Foster High School

“As their high school faculty, we understand everyone’s unique journey and we are excited to help them achieve their academic goals. I’ve seen how resilient, motivated, hard-working, and determined our students are; I’ve also seen how successful they have become after putting so much effort into completing the program, to benefit their lives in countless ways.”

Mariam Dawoud

Math Instructor, Penn Foster High School

“The Penn Foster High School program is a great option for busy passionate people who eagerly aim to advance forward in their career or education without putting employment or family duties on hold. It’s also a valuable alternative for parents who wish to provide their children with high-quality education away from emotional and social destress.”

Meet More Instructors

Online High School Tools, Tips, and Stories

Penn Foster Graduate pointing at the camera and smiling during Graduation 2024.

Overcoming Adversity: 5 Inspiring Stories from Penn Foster’s Graduate of the Year Finalists

12 Myths about Online High School

You Can't Get into College with an Online High School Diploma (and Other Myths about Online High School)

Teen boy in yellow shirt using tablet.

Is Penn Foster High School Homeschooling?

High School FAQs for Teens

Can I graduate early with Penn Foster?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to graduate early if that’s what you want! Our classes are self-paced, allowing you to complete your courses and exams around your schedule. The more time you devote to your studies, the quicker you may be able to finish. However, if you’re someone who prefers to take their time, you’ll have 3 years to complete all of your classes so you don’t need to stress about working at a fast pace.

Does Penn Foster online High School accept transfer credits from other schools?

Yes! We do accept transfer credits from other schools. To begin, you’ll need an official, sealed transcript sent from your previous school for evaluation. Your credits will likely transfer if the courses are equivalent to our curriculum and are from a regionally accredited high school. Visit our high school credit transfer page for more details.

What is Penn Foster's online high school curriculum like?

To get your high school diploma from Penn Foster, you will need to complete 16 core credits and 5 elective credits. Your elective requirement gives you the chance to customize your learning experience to support your unique goals. Whether you’re preparing for college or want to get a head start on your career, you’ll select 5 electives ranging from subjects like chemistry and psychology to vocational pathways, like plumbing and veterinary assistant.

Our core curriculum includes English, math, social science, science, arts, and humanities, as well as health and physical education courses. If you are transferring credits, your coursework may vary.

Can I take only the classes I need?

Yes! Whether you only need a few credits to graduate from your high school or you want to take summer classes to get ahead, Penn Foster offers a variety of individual classes that can help you reach your goals!

Are online high schools accredited?

While not every online high school has achieved accreditation, Penn Foster High School is both regionally and nationally accredited. One credential to look for is from the Distance Education Accreditation Commission, or DEAC. The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Can I go to college with a Penn Foster diploma?

Yes, though it’s important to note that all colleges have different admissions requirements, so admission isn’t guaranteed. Before enrolling, it’s important to check with colleges and universities you may be interested in to see if they accept Penn Foster.

You can view the schools alumni have told us they’ve been accepted to after graduation to get a better idea of what kind of colleges have accepted our students in the past.

What types of degree programs can I pursue after graduating from Penn Foster High School?

Graduates can pursue a wide range of degree programs, including associate and bachelor's degrees. Our partnerships with higher education providers University of Maryland Global Campus, National University, Sophia, and Southern New Hampshire University offer diverse program options in various fields. These partnerships allow our graduates to seamlessly transition to college-level courses and degree programs with exclusive benefits and support.

Additionally, our alumni have been able to attend a variety of 2 and 4-year colleges after graduation! While we recommend checking with schools you’re interested in to see if they accept Penn Foster, you can check out this list of colleges our alumni have enrolled in!

What benefits do Penn Foster High School graduates receive from educational partners?

Penn Foster High School graduates can enjoy various benefits from our educational partners, including:

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC): 8-week asynchronous, online courses with multiple start dates per term, no SAT® or GRE requirements, a waived application fee for first time applicants, and up to 25% off on tuition.

Sophia: Access to 60+ ACE® and DEAC-recommended courses that are designed to be transferred for college credit, self-paced learning with no deadlines, and a discount on the first month of subscription.

National University: 190+ career-relevant programs, financial aid opportunities, flexible 4- and 8-week online classes, and a 25% tuition reduction for Penn Foster graduates.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): Affordable tuition rates, financial aid for qualifying students, priority admissions support, and access to 200+ career-focused degree programs.

How do you get your high school diploma online?

Each state has different options for online high school programs, some even through the public school districts. Most have set scheduling for study time as well as for taking exams. Penn Foster offers flexibly paced scheduling, meaning you study when it’s best for you and complete your tests once you feel you are well-prepared. As a traditional-aged learner, you can have your parent or guardian enroll you online. You’ll need to have an official copy of your transcript sent to us if you’ve already started high school to help you pick up right where you left off.

Are you a Spanish speaker who needs to earn their high school diploma?

Learn more about our High School Diploma + English Language Training!

Need more info or ready to enroll?

We're here to help.   Call 1-888-427-6200 (9AM - 9PM ET)

Request Info Enroll Now

 

Disclaimers:

1Depending on where you live, you may be charged taxes in addition to the total cost of your program.

2The Penn Foster High School Diploma is a proprietary program. You are solely responsible for ensuring that the program and program award satisfy the education requirements of potential employers, desired postsecondary institutions, and all other relevant agencies. Neither job placement nor postsecondary admission are guaranteed to graduates upon program completion. Students who attend and complete the program as an adult, age 18 years or older, who wish to further verify their earned award may request a Certificate of Preliminary Education according the process outlined in the student catalog. The program name on file with the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed schools is High School 9-12.Students can take additional courses to meet high school graduation requirements in their respective states. Students and their parents/guardians should always review local education laws and guidance to make informed decisions on graduation requirements and postsecondary acceptance eligibility.

Sources:

*Based on Penn Foster student responses to the Biannual NPS and Satisfaction Survey in February 2024.

**Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. "Education Pays" Career Outlook Handbook. Accessed November 14, 2024.

Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.