12 Online High Schools to Consider

COVID-19 has forced schools to venture into remote learning through online instruction, with varying degrees of success. We all know that the quality and execution of instruction this spring varied greatly, and understandably, not all schools were able to successfully adapt to remote instructions. However, the experience certainly gave many families a taste of what possibilities lie with online schools, and there has been a significant interest in already existing virtual schools. Online high schools were created for the purpose of online learning. The teachers have years of experience teaching through remote instruction while still being able to have a structured, engaging and effective class.

Online high schools historically catered to non-traditional students who wanted to graduate high school at an accelerated pace. This includes young performers, athletes, and older students returning to school in order to earn their high school diplomas. However, in recent years, demand for online high schools is growing and the growth is fueled primarily by families that are looking for better and more personalized education for their children. In many instances, a local high school isn’t challenging a student enough, or doesn’t have a particular curriculum that a family is seeking. In some cases, due to social and emotional issues, online high school would be preferable for a student. For families looking at this option, we have compiled a list of twelve accredited and widely known online high schools to consider along with their tuition, course offerings, and other notable facts. 

The following schools are not listed in any ranked order.

Stanford University Online High School

Part of one of the most competitive universities in the country, Stanford Online High School is a private high school that offers academically gifted students from grades 7-12 a rigorous college prep program. In addition to its rigorous academics, the school offers online extracurriculars, science colloquium, assemblies, and sponsored events.

Physical Location: Redwood City, California

Tuition: $24,220/year

Courses offered: Many AP courses as well as 28 post-AP and university-level courses.

Notable facts: 

• 64% of teachers hold PhDs in their fields.
• Students come from 48 U.S. States and 31 countries.

University of Texas High School

As a part of the University of Texas, UTHS offers online classes for high school students. The school has partnerships with over 250 school districts around the globe and students have 24/7 access to coursework. Qualified students are able to choose a dual credit program through the University Extension of the University of Texas online college program.

Physical Location: Austin, Texas

Tuition:$3,640/year

Courses offered: Courses in 60 subject areas including many AP and IB options.

Notable facts:

• Courses are NCAA-approved for future collegiate athletes meeting eligibility requirements.
• All courses and exams are designed by expert teachers and approved by the NCAA and College Board.

James Madison High School

James Madison High School, a part of Ashworth College, offers an open enrollment policy and the courses are self-paced. James Madison High School helps students pick up wherever they left off in their high school education, whether they need just a few classes or an entire high school diploma program. The school offers various academic tracks, whether it be the general track or the college prep track.

Physical Location: Norcross, Georgia

Tuition: $1,299-$1,799 (depends on payment plan)/year

Courses offered: Full high school offerings plus online college dual enrollment options.

Notable facts: 

• Students can transfer up to 75% of their credits - one full year must be earned at JMHS to earn a diploma.

George Washington University Online High School

George Washington University Online High School is a private college-preparatory high school that uses curriculum from K12. K12 is a renowned research driven educational organization that is known for its integrated blend of online content with hands-on material. Upperclassmen declare an area of concentration that they focus their curriculum around. Students are encouraged to take AP courses and have plenty of resources such as Summer AP boot camp, coordinators and AP Mentor. The school offers plenty of college preparation assistance as well as extracurriculars for students to participate in.

Physical Location: Ashburn, Virginia

Tuition: $12,000 per year

Courses offered: Offers 16 AP courses and instruction in five world languages.

Notable facts:

• $2.7 million in scholarships have been awarded to GW grads

University of Missouri High School: Mizzou K-12

The University of Missouri High School: Mizzou K-12 is part of the University of Missouri’s College of Education. Students may choose from one of two diploma program options: Standard Path(24 credits) or College-Prep Diploma Path (25 credits). Course options include AP, honors, special topics, and NCAA-eligible classes. Additionally the school offers various academic extracurriculars for students to partake in.

Physical Location: Columbia, Missouri

Tuition: $250 per course (in-state); 500 per course (out-of-state)

Courses offered: 230 classes including a number of unique electives, 9 AP courses, and 23 foreign languages.

Notable facts: 

• In addition to 45 full-time instructors, the school employs 10 course designers/developers.
• Multiple Olympic athletes and budding sports stars have graduated from MU High.

Oak Meadow School

The school takes a progressive, compassionate, and child-centered approach to education. The curriculum is unique to each student and the idea of independent learning is heavily emphasized. The school offers credit for work experiences and extracurricular participation such as music, sports, arts, etc. The school accepts credit from other academic programs.

Physical Location: Brattleboro, Vermont

Tuition:$1,800 per course (full year)

Courses offered: Many options within each major discipline, but no honors or AP courses.

Notable facts: 

• This school is philosophically opposed to standardized testing.
• Oak Meadow supports dual enrollment and will accept credit earned at outside colleges.

Northstar Academy 

NorthStar Academy is a Christian online high school that offers a multitude of academic options. Students are given the option to take asynchronous courses (which promote a self-paced education) or enriched virtual classes which are weekly live sessions with teachers. Students are able to pursue standard, advanced or AP international high school diplomas. Additional programs include homeschooling assistance, supplemental courses, Christian school support programs, dual credit college courses, Bible studies, and interest clubs.

Physical Location: Southaven, Michigan

Tuition:$3,930

Courses offered:Northstar offers 200 core courses including 13 honors and 19 Advanced Placement classes.

Notable facts:

• Must complete work before 21st birthday.
• Offers many different start dates and operates year round.

University of Nebraska High School

The University of Nebraska High School (UNHS) serves high school students in all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Students with a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible for dual enrollment. College credit courses are available through the school’s partnership with the University of Nebraska.

Physical Location: Lincoln, Nebraska

Tuition:$250 per course

Courses offered:100+ courses including AP and dual enrollment options.

Notable facts:

• Accredited by Cognia and the school meets NCAA standards.
• The student-to-teacher ratio is 6:1.

CompuHigh/Whitmore School

Whitmore School seeks to provide a supportive, challenging, and alternative learning environment that emphasizes content mastery. Students may choose between three programs: the Diploma Program, the Diploma PLUS Program, and the Diploma PLUS with Math Tutoring Program. The school holds an in-person, live graduation ceremony every year at its headquarters in Morgantown, WV. Regional graduation ceremonies are also held throughout the year.

Physical Location: Morgantown, West Virginia

Tuition:$1,599 per year

Courses offered: Does not host AP courses but offers an array of courses (including honors options) in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, the Fine Arts, and Computer Science.

Notable facts:

• Students have all year to finish their courses at their own pace.
• Whitmore School has year round, open admissions.

Laurel Springs School

Laurel Springs School is an online private school that focuses on a college preparatory experience with a vast range of academic offerings. Laurel Springs School has offered courses approved by the University of California for transfer credit. Laurel Springs School delivers instruction through a series of asynchronous courses. Additionally, the school offers a Gifted and Talented Academy for students who have exceptional learning needs. Students meet monthly with a personal coach that guides them through the college preparatory journey.

Physical Location: West Chester, Pennsylvania

Tuition:$1,100-1,700 (depending on course selection)

Courses offered: 22 AP courses as well as honors options for most subjects.

Notable facts:

• If a student has interest in a University of California college, admissions coordinator and school counselor will work with the student and the family to ensure that the student’s academic plan is created with attention to UC standards.

Davidson Academy Online

The Davidson Academy is a school with two options for profoundly gifted students: an online campus for those living anywhere in the U.S. and Canada, and a middle/high school on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Unlike most schools, Davidson groups the students not by age, but by the ability level that they show. Students follow a personalized learning plan and can make decisions with the guidance of parents and staff for any customizations they wish to make. Classes are all synchronous, meaning live sessions where they can interact with their peers and instructors.

Physical Location: Reno, Nevada

Tuition: $15,000

Courses Offered: Students create a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP). Courses are highly rigorous but do not have AP designation

Notable Facts:

• Although there are no AP courses, most students take AP tests
• This school is for extremely gifted students who score in the 99.9% of above on nationally-normed intelligence tests.

Christa McAuliffe School of Arts and Sciences

The Christa McAuliffe School of Arts and Sciences (CMASAS) aims to educate the next generation of leaders to be fully prepared for the dynamic world of the 21st century. CMASAS upholds the idea of personalized education, using curriculum and teaching methods based on current brain and educational research. The school offers three types of high school diplomas for students to pursue: standard, college prep, and career prep. Courses include asynchronous and live sessions, where students can engage in discussions and receive help from instructors. Additionally, the school offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities for students to participate in.

Physical Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon

Tuition:$5,795-$8,795 per year (depending on level of service)

Courses Offered: Offers a wide array of honors and AP options as well as a curriculum that is developed in-house.

Notable Facts:

• There are additional fees for science labs and certain AP courses.
• Courses are mostly mastery-based and students must earn a minimum of 80%.

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