Getting the best online high school diploma can be exciting. Students sometimes find that a traditional high school diploma doesn’t meet their needs. In such a setting, many people find it hard to do well. In other situations, students fall behind in class and need extra help to catch up. Some students can’t get the advanced education they need in a regular classroom, and they want to move ahead. These are just a few of the many ways an online high school can help and support the needs of high school students today.
The Best Value Method
We ranked the Top 25 Best Online High Schools in our country using the Best Value Methodology. Our method takes the following into account:
Accreditation
Some people think that distance education programs are “less than” those that take place on campus. Not true for any of the schools on this list. Every school on this list has been approved, and many of them have been approved by AdvancED or one of its similar organizations. AdvancED is a non-profit organization that gives accreditation. It does thorough, on-site reviews to make sure that educational institutions help all students reach their full potential.
Tuition costs
What makes a program affordable depends on the person, but it’s always a good idea to read the fine print about tuition, discounts, payment plans, and any other fees. Also, if you have a student who is working toward a college degree, think about whether the online high school you’re interested in has any classes that count toward both high school and college. Dual enrollment classes let students get both high school and college credit for the same course. This saves them money on college classes in the future. “Early college” or “pre-college” programs may even let students finish an associate degree while they are still in high school.
All of these programs have costs, but we’ve tried to put together a list that takes into account a wide range of financial situations. Every school has a different way of charging for tuition. One school might have a flexible payment plan, while another might give discounts. It’s important to remember that the price listed is only for tuition unless it says “total for the program” or “all-inclusive.” Schools can charge extra fees on top of the standard application and registration fees for things like transcripts, copies of diplomas, textbooks, proctoring exams, and more.
Make sure to check each school’s website for the most up-to-date information on all fees, whether they are hidden or not. Better yet, send an email to a representative or set up a call with an advisor to find out more and see if your financial situation qualifies you for any scholarships, grants, or discounts. Sometimes you have to ask to find out.
Rate of graduating
The best online high schools help students get ready for college or the workforce by giving them courses that are creative, challenging, and right for them. Preparing students for success after high school means offering college credit or dual enrollment programs, as well as career preparation like career certificates or training courses.
Educational success track record of the institutions
We think about how successful the school as an institution has been. History, structure, and awards are all looked at to see how successful the schools have been in the past.
Also, as a reminder, all of the schools on this list are recognized by the government. Many of them offer different ways to get a degree or different online course options. Some of these are Advanced Placement (AP) classes and classes in other languages. Also, some schools have classes for both high school students and adults who want to learn.
25 Best Online High School Diploma Awarding Institutions
1. Stride K12
Stride K12, which used to be called K12 Online School, is a free online school that is offered in all fifty states (and Washington, DC). Students who want to learn at their own pace and in their own space can use Stride. This best online high school has a curriculum made by a team of experienced teachers that is fun and interactive. K-12 also has private classes, but you have to pay for them. This best online high school also has classes for special education and STEM.
Cognia has said that K12 Online School is one of the best online high schools. This worldwide nonprofit works to make sure that everyone has access to a great education. The online teachers for K12 are all certified by the state. They get regular training in the best ways to teach students online and remotely.
Students can start getting ready for their future careers at K12 Online Schools as early as middle school.
Interested? See the school website!
2. International Virtual Learning Academy
One of the best online high schools is the International Virtual Learning Academy (IVLA). They give students another way to do well in school. This best online school for high school has been around since 2007. It offers personalized learning in a safe and flexible environment. They give students the chance to learn at their own pace. Cognia and the Northwest Accreditation Commission have given the International Virtual Learning Academy their seal of approval, making it the best online high school (NWAC). They are OK with the NCAA for students in the U.S.
More than 900 students from 50 states, 30+ countries, and eight time zones take classes at the International Virtual Learning Academy. Students can choose from more than 1,900 online courses at the International Virtual Learning Academy. They offer three ways to finish high school:;
Interested? See the school website!
3. Excel High School
Excel High School (EHS) is one of the best online high schools in California and beyond. They have self-paced programs with online tutoring for as long as you need it. All programs for high school and middle school are full-time. This best online high school has three ways to get a standard high school diploma, a high school diploma for adults, or an honors high school diploma. Students from Excel High School have gone on to four-year schools like Michigan University, the University of Baylor, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Duke, and the University of Arizona State.
Excel High School is one of the best online high schools out there. It has been approved by Middle States Accreditation Commission for Elementary and Secondary Education in addition to Cognia. It is a distance-learning school that has won awards. They use the most up-to-date online tools to give students in the U.S. and around the world a world-class education.
Interested? See the school website!
4. The NorthStar Academy
NorthStar Academy (NSA) is a Christian online school that doesn’t make money. They help students from the fourth grade to the twelfth grade. NorthStar Academy is a member of the Network of International Christian Schools. It is one of the best online high schools in northern Mississippi (NICS). This best online high school gives students a lot of freedom in how they learn. Christian educators who are dedicated and trained are committed to a Biblical worldview.
NorthStar Academy is one of the best high schools you can go to online because it combines faith and learning. More than 3,000 students from grades four through twelve learn in 200 classes around the world. Cognia and ACSI, which stands for the Association of Christian Schools International, have both given NorthStar Academy their full approval.
NorthStar Academy is consistently ranked as one of the best online Christian high schools that offer a high school education. Every Monday, they have start dates that are open.
Interested? See the school website!
5. James Madison Online High School
James Madison Online High School (JMHS) is one of the best online high schools in Georgia and elsewhere that offer distance learning. As the best online high school, James Madison Online High School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The DEAC, which is short for the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, has given them national accreditation. This best online high school offers programs that don’t have to be done at the same time and can start at any time.
James Madison Online High School is an online high school that makes money. It started around the middle of the 1990s to give students another way to get their high school diploma. James Madison Online High School has teamed up with the University System of Georgia’s eCore academic programs for 10th through 12th graders who want to earn college credits while getting their high school diploma.
When you graduate from a Tier 1 school, you can join the military.
Interested? See the school website!
6. BYU Independent Study
Brigham Young University Independent Study is one of the best online high schools. It gives students in grades 9 through 12 a cheap and different way to get their high school diploma. As one of the best online high schools in Utah, BYU offers students a faith-friendly academic environment, as well as personalized help with academic advice, interactive teaching and class options, planning for graduation, and tutoring services. Cognia and MSA-CESS both agree that Brigham Young University Online High School is a good school.
Brigham Young University Independent Study started out as Brigham Young Academy in the middle of the 1800s and ran for almost 90 years. Now, students in Utah can sign up for this best online high school through Brigham Young University.
Brigham Young University Online High School tries to make students well-rounded by giving them classes that are both intellectually and spiritually challenging and that teach them to love learning and helping others for the rest of their lives.
Interested? See the school website!
7. Virtual school in Florida
The Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is one of the best online schools in the country for high school, middle school, and elementary school students who need a safe, flexible, and alternative way to learn. Any student who lives in Florida can go to the Florida Virtual School and learn online for free. FLVS is one of the most innovative and best online high schools in Florida. It offers part-time, flexible, and full-time educational programs and the Florida Virtual School Global school makes it available to students all over the world.
In the late 1990s, the Florida Virtual School became the first public distance-learning high school in the country to serve the whole state. It has its own school district in Florida.
This best high school online now offers online classes for students in kindergarten through 12th grade in all 67 school districts in the Sunshine State.
Interested? See the school website!
8. Penn Foster Online
Penn Foster High School Online (PFHS) is one of the largest, most innovative, and best online high schools in the country. It offers self-paced academic high school programs and classes that lead to a diploma. This best online high school offers a traditional diploma, college-level classes early, and vocational tracks in plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, information technology, and health care. The DEAC and the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools both agree that this is the best online high school.
Penn Foster Online High School is a high school that lets students learn from home. It was started in the 1890s as a correspondence school to help coal miners get better jobs and make the workplace safer.
Penn Foster Online High School is the largest high school in the country, with students from all fifty states.
Interested? See the school website!
9. Mizzou Academy
This Academy is the best online high school because it is new and offers a variety of different ways to learn to meet the needs of each student. It is the only program of its kind that is housed at a college with a strong focus on research. Mizzou Academy is one of the best online high schools in Missouri. It serves students from all over the world, with students coming from more than forty different countries. This online high school is ranked as the best in the country by Cognia and the NCAA.
The University of Missouri’s College of Education and Human Development created Mizzou Academy to offer innovative cross-disciplinary education programs, first for high school students and now for students in elementary and middle schools as well. Mizzou Academy has classes for more than 7,000 students from the United States and other places around the world.
Mizzou Academy gives its students more than 200 different courses to choose from.
Interested? See the school website!
10. Virtual Learning Academy Charter School
Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS) is one of the best and most unique online high schools in New England and beyond. It has a variety of programs for elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as programs for adults and working learners. Any New Hampshire resident can use these free learning options from the best online high school in New Hampshire. The state’s Board of Education, the NCAA, and an A+ non-profit organization all agree that Virtual Learning Academy Charter School is the best online high school.
The Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS) opened in 2007 and has about 700 students. It is a state-approved charter school. After ten years, the school has more than 13,000 full-time students and almost 30,000 part-time students.
The only goal of Virtual Learning Academy Charter School is for their students to do well in school and in life.
Interested? See the school website!
11. Virtual Virginia
Virtual Virginia (V.V.) is one of the best online high schools in Virginia. It gives students in the commonwealth the chance to get a virtual education instead of or in addition to a more traditional high school education. This online high school is the best because it uses cutting-edge technology to give online students the same opportunities and access as those in a physical school. This best online high school has programs that are tailored to each student’s interests and can be changed to fit their needs.
Virtual Virginia (V.V.) is a program run by the state’s Department of Education. It began in the 1980s with the Virginia Satellite Education network. Virtual Virginia’s goal is to give students who live far away a new way to learn and meet their specific needs.
Aside from online programs for students, Virtual Virginia also offers cutting-edge training and support functions for teachers.
Interested? See the school website!
12. New Learning Resource Online
New Learning Resource Online (NLRO) is one of the best online high schools in the South. It has a simple, easy-to-use online education system that gives students an alternative way to get their high school diploma. As the best online high school, New Learning Resource has programs that have been made by professionals and are open for enrollment all year. Students who sign up for this best online high school can also finish the program at their own pace. There are programs for high school students, adults who want to learn, and summer school students, and there is also a job corps center.
New Learning Resource Online is a platform for learning at a distance that has national, regional, and state (MDE) accreditation. All of the teachers at New Learning Resource are certified by the state.
Students can get their high school diploma through either the standard path or the district diploma path on New Learning Resource Online.
Interested? See the school website!
13. National High School
National High School (NHS) is one of the best online high schools in the southern U.S. It offers complete high school courses made by certified teachers and curriculum developers. This best online high school also has classes for adults who want to get their high school diploma, as well as classes for credit repair and recovery. Students between the ages of 13 and 18 can go to this best online high school, which has two ways to graduate: with an advanced diploma or a regular high school diploma. To graduate from each of these programs, you must earn 24 credits.
National High School is a platform for online students who want to get their high school diploma in a different way. It is set up to meet the different needs of online students.
National High School is a well-known online high school that has been approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.
Interested? See the school website!
14. Oak Meadow School
Oak Meadow School (OMS) is one of the best online high schools in Vermont. It offers innovative learning options and high academic standards that try to bring out each student’s natural talents and interests. This best online high school is also open to students in middle school, elementary school, and preschool. The curriculum at Oak Meadow School is creative, and hard, and encourages students to think critically and analyze. Oak Meadow School knows that the Waldorf Education has had a big impact on the way it teaches.
Oak Meadow School was started in the 1970s as a nonreligious day school that gives students a happy and supportive place to learn. Active military members and veterans can get a discount on tuition at this best online high school for military members.
Oak Meadow is the first program in the history of the NEASC to be approved as a homeschool program.
Interested? See the school website!
15. Sevenstar Academy
Sevenstar Academy is a Christian online high school that is ranked as one of the best in Texas. It has a rigorous online learning program and teaches from a biblical worldview. Accreditation has been given to this best online high school by ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) and Cognia, which used to be called AdvanceED. In fact, the NCAA and the U.C. have approved all of the classes that Sevenstar Academy offers. Students in grades 6–12 can take classes, such as honors, world languages, etc.
Sevenstar Academy was started in 2007 as an online Christian school. It is one of 200 schools that offer a Kingdom education. This best online high school gives students the chance to start classes every Monday, and if they want, they can move through the classes faster.
Students can choose to take classes with Christian Universities that give them two credits.
Interested? See the school website!
16. Laurel Springs School
Laurel Springs School (LSS) is one of the best and most unique online high schools. Professional athletes and actors who need to finish their education but can’t go to a traditional school often use LSS. As the best online high school, Laurel Springs School has options for students in kindergarten through the twelfth grade. Newsweek says that Laurel Springs School is one of the best online high schools that you can choose from. The WASC and Cognia have approved Laurel Springs School, and the school offers a number of courses that are approved by the NCAA.
Laurel Springs School was started in the early 1990s so that students with different needs could get a distance education that was flexible and could be made to fit their needs. The students at Laurel Springs School come from all 50 states and more than 100 different countries.
Elijah Wood, Lindsay Lohan, Kristin Steward, Emma Roberts, Kendall Jenner, and Evan Rachel Wood are just a few of the famous people who went to Laurel Springs School.
Interested? See the school website!
17. Liberty University Online Academy
Liberty University Online Academy (LUOA) is a private Christian online school that is ranked as one of the most innovative and best online high schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond. This best online high school offers personalized learning plans, flexible enrollment, and teachers who have been trained and certified. As the best online high school, Liberty University Online Academy has programs for elementary, middle, and high school, and 11th and 12th graders can enroll in both high school and college.
The Liberty University Online Academy is a part of Liberty University, which is one of the largest Christian universities in the world. The teachers at Liberty University Online Academy are certified and have advanced degrees in their fields.
Students from all over the world can join the Liberty University Online Academy. All they need is a computer and access to the internet.
Interested? See the school website!
18. Texas Tech University Independent School District
Texas Tech University K-12 (TTU K-12) is one of the best online high schools in the Lone Star State. It is one of the most innovative and best online high schools. This Lubbock-based best online school for high school offers full-time, tuition-free classes for students in kindergarten through grade twelve. Texas Tech University K-12 is a candidate for NCA CAI and SACS CASI. Students in Texas Tech University’s K-12 program can work at their own pace, make up failed credits, add to a traditional curriculum with classes that aren’t offered, or take summer classes without going to a more traditional summer school.
In the 1990s, a “special purpose school district” called Texas Tech University K–12 was made for students who couldn’t get what they needed from a regular school.
Students have come to Texas Tech University K-12 from more than 70 countries around the world.
Interested? See the school website!
19. North Dakota Center for Distance Education
The North Dakota Center for Distance Education (NDCDE) is one of the most innovative, cutting-edge, and best online high schools in North Dakota. This best online high school in North Dakota has been approved by the NCAA, Cognia, and the Department of Public Instruction of the state. This best online high school has programs for elementary, middle, and high school students. It also offers dual college-level courses in partnership with Mayville State University. Students can start at any time, and the end date is set for 20 weeks.
The North Dakota Center for Distance Education was set up in the middle of the 1930s to help non-traditional students around the world get the education they needed. The Dakota Center for Distance Education also works as an educational institution that is not for profit.
Students can take classes through the North Dakota Center for Distance Education at times that work with the school calendar in their district.
Interested? See the school website!
20. The Forest Trail School
Forest Trail Academy (FTA) has the best online high school classes in South Florida. It offers students who don’t learn well in a traditional high school setting new ways to learn. The classes at this best online high school follow a national standard curriculum, but they are only available online. Accreditation has been given to this best online high school by Cognia, NACOL, Accreditation International (A.I. ), MSA CESS, and the National Council for Private School Accreditation.
Forest Trail Academy is a private school that was set up and is registered with the Department of Education in the Sunshine State. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can take part in programs at Forest Trail Academy. Forest Trail Academy also has two options for homeschooling: a secular program and a Christian-based program that is done through the mail.
Students who graduate from Forest Trail Academy get an online high school diploma from a school that has been approved.
Interested? See the school website!
21. Franklin Virtual High School
Franklin Virtual High School (FVHC) is one of the most innovative and best online high schools in northern Florida and the southern U.S. This online high school in Tallahassee has been approved by the Florida Board of Education and Cognia (AdvancED). This best online school for high school gives students and families who need an alternative way to get a high school diploma a low-cost way to learn. Full-time students at Franklin Virtual High School can choose from more than 200 accredited classes at the high school level.
Franklin Virtual High School was started in 2010 to help students in the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades learn and do well in school. In addition to high school classes, Franklin Virtual High School offers classes to help students get ready for the SAT and ACT.
Interested? See the school website!
22. The Greenways Academy
Greenways Academy (G.A.) is an online school for high school students that is based in St. Louis but serves students from all over the world. Greenways Academy is one of the best online high schools in the Midwest. It serves as a resource for students who need extra help or a different way to learn for those who need a different educational setting. This is the best high school online, and you can take just one class or go full-time. Both WASC and Cognia and the NCAA have given their approval to the programs and courses.
Greenways Academy is the best online school in St. Louis. It offers programs and classes from many different companies, such as Rosetta Stone and Florida Virtual, to name a few. Students with IEPs or 504 plans can get programs that are made just for them. Because Greenways Academy works with Arizona State University, high school students can take classes at both schools at the same time.
Interested? See the school website!
23. North Carolina Virtual Public School
North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS) is the largest and best online high school program in the Tar Heel State and the southern U.S. Students at the best online high school can choose from more than 150 classes, including AP, flex, and blended courses, to name a few. This best high school online even lets middle schoolers who are eligible to do so earn high school credit.
North Carolina Virtual Public School was founded in 2007 and is now the official virtual school for the state. It lets students all over the state learn from a distance. North Carolina Virtual Public School has more than 35,000 students every year. This makes it the second-largest virtual school in the country. North Carolina Virtual Public School offers subjects that are hard to find elsewhere, such as Mandarin Chinese and Arabic.
Interested? See the school website!
24. Keystone School
In the mid-Atlantic part of the United States, the Keystone School (KS) is one of the oldest and best online high schools. Students at the best online high school get programs and classes that have been approved by Cognia. The Keystone School is open to students of all ages, including those who are enrolled in the best online high school in the world, which is based in Pennsylvania. Keystone School encourages students to do their best, so students who are interested can move ahead in their classes.
The Keystone School was started in the middle of the 1970s as an extra program for high school students and as an option for those who wanted to homeschool. The Keystone School has had more than 200,000 students sign up for its programs.
Maria Sharapova, who used to be the best tennis player in the world, went to Keystone National High School.
Interested? See the school website!
25. The Indiana University High School
The Best Schools says that Indiana University High School (IUHS) is the second-best online high school for distance learning. I.U. Online High School is one of the best online high schools in Indiana and elsewhere. Cognia has given High School its full seal of approval. GetEducation.com has a list of I.U. High School is the fourth-best online high school for college prep, AP, and honors programs. The courses at Indiana University High School have also been approved by the NCAA.
Indiana University High School was started in the middle of the 1920s. Students from all over the United States could take classes through the mail. Every year, nearly 2,000 people go to Indiana University High School. The Indian Virtual Learning Consortium was started by schools, and Indiana University High School was one of the first schools to join.
Interested? See the school website!
What Is An Online High School?
To put it more simply, an online high school is a type of modern school. They teach students through the internet even though they are in different places. People will sometimes call these schools “virtual high schools.” Some people will call these schools “cyber schools.” But it’s important to know that an online high school has the same lessons as a regular school.
An online high school is an online school that gives the same kind of education as a regular high school. Students can finish their assignments online. Students usually study things like math, science, English, history, art, and languages other than their own. Some students can also take part in the usual after-school activities at a traditional high school. There could be sports teams and clubs, and there could also be field trips.
Students at many online high schools can also get college credit while they are still in high school.
The best thing about an online high school is that students don’t have to spend as much time on schoolwork. An online high school can work around a student’s schedule, so they can do their work when it’s most convenient for them. This is often in the morning or later in the evening, so students don’t have to go to class very early or very late.
Students who have dropped out of school might also benefit from online high school. Students who dropped out of regular school might not like the GED process and still want to go to school. To get a GED, you have to push yourself a lot. There are a lot of online high schools that let students finish their high school diploma at any age. So, they can reach their goal and go back to school to get their high school diploma online.
Online high schools also help students get ready for college. Some ways to get ready for college are:
- standardized exams
- counseling
- study skills
- college courses
- advanced placement
A track for online high school students that helps them prepare for college can get them ahead quickly. Think about whether your program offers a way to get a college prep diploma or a college preparatory diploma.
How Do I Get Started?
Most of the time, starting high school online is the same as starting traditional high school. How it works may depend on the laws in your state. There are a few steps you should know about.
First, check with your local school district to see if you can apply for your high school diploma online. You might also want to find out how much the online high school costs. Some states give students a discount if they take online classes from private online high schools. When deciding if an online high school is right for you, keep this in mind.
Start making a schedule for yourself like you would if you were going to a regular high school. Online high school isn’t easier, it’s just more convenient. Even if you want to move ahead, it will still take time and hard work.
When deciding whether or not an online high school is right for you, there are a few things you should think about. First, find out what laws your state has about these kinds of schools. Find out how long it takes to get a high school diploma from an online high school. Many students who sign up for these schools end up dropping out, so if you want to keep going to school, it might be best to take more than one class at a time.
Are Online High Schools Accredited?
It is important to choose a high school that is recognized by the government. Colleges and universities make up a lot of online high school programs. They have to make sure that the online high school programs they make meet the same high standards as the Department of Education. This is true for both public and private schools where students go to class in person. They may not use the word “accreditation,” but high schools that are nationally accredited must meet the highest standards for school improvement.
Accredited online schools will give students everything they need to graduate and pass aptitude tests like the SAT or ACT. Colleges use these tests to make sure that students are in the right classes. Students who go to the best accredited online high school have every chance to do well. They learn important things and get useful tools that they can use as they move forward in their education. Many of the best online high schools that are recognized by the government give college credit for advanced placement. Students can start going to that level of school when they start to show that they are ready.
Your student’s progress will be tracked by a recognized online high school. Then, they give them courses that are hard but will help them move forward. Students who study online often make much more progress because there are fewer things to distract them. They don’t waste as much time doing things they don’t like. They can give their schoolwork their full attention and concentrate on the things they think are most important.
The Department of Education has a list of online high schools that have been approved and accredited.
Is it free to go to high school online?
Many public schools let students of all ages use free online programs. These start in kindergarten and last, until they graduate from high school. Free online high schools may be the best choice for students who went to public schools when they were younger. This is true, especially for students who didn’t do well in school. They might be worried about their health, feel distracted, or not be comfortable. You don’t need to look for low-cost online high schools. Most kids can go to high school online for free. The cheapest online high school is one that is free.
Private online high schools, on the other hand, will cost you money. A private online school can set any price for tuition that it wants. There are, however, a lot of online charter schools today. As a mix of public and private, online charter schools offer the best of both worlds.
Online public high schools that are free must follow the strict rules set by the Department of Education for online learning. A private school that meets online may not. Standards include both what to teach and how to teach it. This makes sure that online students get the same high-quality education as students who still go to school in a classroom. Students in high school who learn online will get the same benefits as those who learn in a classroom. Students still get breaks or time to play to take a break from studying.
Free online high school diploma school is available in every state that offers online diploma programs. This includes a lot of different ways to learn from afar. Even though some states may be more advanced than others, they are all working to make their online diploma programs the same for everyone. Students would rather finish high school at home than at school. Students have the upper hand, especially when they are facing problems that no one else has. They might not be able to pay attention in class because of problems with learning or health.
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