Here's How to Find the Right Online High School

With so many online options available for high school students, it can be hard to sort through them all. However, with a little research you can separate the wheat from the chaff. Here are some things to look for when choosing an online program for your high school student.

Accreditation
Accreditation may be the single most important thing to look for in online high school programs. Accreditation allows your child’s credits to be accepted by other high schools, colleges, and employers, including the military. Before you look any further at any online program, make sure that it is accredited.

Flexible Pacing
One of the most important reasons parents choose online education is that their children study and learn at a faster or slower pace than traditional classrooms can provide. To really take advantage of the benefits of online schooling, look for a school that will allow your student to find the right pace and make steady progress.

Curriculum
The best curriculum provides coursework that will prepare your student to work and learn in today’s world, while fitting into the traditional mold well enough to allow credits to transfer easily. Also, look for programs that provide plenty of options for electives instead of a rigid, one-size-fits-all program of study.

AP and Honors Courses
If your student is college-bound, be sure to ask about AP and Honors courses. These intensive courses not only teach students what they need to know for college, but also help them get used to college-style coursework.

Dual Credit Courses
Dual credit courses allow your student to earn high school credits and college credits simultaneously. High schools pair up with universities or community colleges to offer these courses. College credits earned this way may be accepted at colleges and universities that accept the partner institution’s credits. Students who earn college credit this way can eliminate some or all of the classes needed to earn a college degree.

Payment Plans
If paying an entire year’s tuition all at once puts a strain on your budget, you may want to look for online programs that offer payment plans. Some schools provide plans and some don’t. Others partner with lenders that offer loans for tuition.

Fortunately, since they are based online, reputable high school programs typically have well-organized websites and a staff that is eager to answer your questions. For example, American High School’s site addresses the most frequent concerns parents have on its site, http://americanonline.education/,while also providing a direct phone number that connects to a live person for more specific questions.