Find answers to common questions about online high school and homeschooling resources
Online schools provide structured curriculum and certified teachers, while homeschooling gives parents more control over curriculum and teaching. Many families use a hybrid approach with online resources supporting parent-led education.
With online schools, students typically follow a set schedule and curriculum designed by the school, with teachers delivering instruction, grading assignments, and providing feedback. Homeschooling allows parents to select materials, set the pace, and tailor the approach to their child's learning style, often drawing from multiple resources rather than a single program.
Look for schools accredited by recognized agencies like Cognia (formerly AdvancED), Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Accredited schools will prominently display their accreditation status on their website and in their materials.
You can verify a school's accreditation status by checking the accrediting agency's website, which typically maintains a searchable database of accredited institutions. Be wary of schools that claim to be "accredited" but don't specify the accrediting body, or that are accredited by organizations that aren't recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Yes, colleges and universities accept diplomas from accredited online high schools. Many homeschooled and online school graduates have been accepted to prestigious universities, often with comparable or higher acceptance rates than traditional school graduates.
Most colleges have established processes for evaluating applications from online school and homeschooled students. These students may need to provide additional documentation such as detailed course descriptions, reading lists, grading scales, and standardized test scores. Some colleges even actively recruit homeschooled students because they've found these students to be well-prepared for college-level work.
Costs vary widely. Public online schools are often free for state residents. Private online schools typically charge $1,500-$10,000 per year. Individual courses and supplemental resources range from free to several hundred dollars per course.
Many factors affect cost, including whether the school is public or private, full-time or part-time, and what support services are offered. Some programs include all materials, while others require additional purchases. Financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans may be available, especially for private schools. Homeschoolers assembling their own curriculum typically spend $300-$1,000 per year per student depending on which resources they select.
Homeschool laws vary significantly by state. Some states require parents to submit curriculum plans, maintain attendance records, and administer standardized tests, while others have minimal reporting requirements.
In general, states fall into three categories:
Organizations like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) provide detailed information about requirements in each state. Parents should always check with their state's education department for the most up-to-date regulations.
Synchronous learning involves real-time interaction between teachers and students, such as live video classes and discussions. Asynchronous learning allows students to access course materials and complete assignments on their own schedule.
Most online schools use a combination of both approaches. Synchronous elements provide structured learning time, immediate feedback, and social interaction, while asynchronous components offer flexibility and allow students to work at their own pace. When evaluating programs, consider your student's learning style and schedule needs to determine which balance works best.
Many online schools offer virtual clubs, group projects, and discussion boards. Homeschool students can participate in co-ops, community classes, sports leagues, volunteer opportunities, and extracurricular activities to develop social skills.
Local homeschool groups often organize field trips, social events, and collaborative learning experiences. Community resources like libraries, museums, and recreation centers frequently offer programs specifically for homeschooled students. Many online students also participate in dual enrollment at local community colleges, providing both academic advancement and social opportunities with peers.
Basic requirements typically include a computer with a webcam and microphone, reliable high-speed internet connection, and a printer. Some programs may require specific software or have additional hardware requirements.
Most online schools provide a list of technical requirements before enrollment. Some programs offer loaner equipment or subsidies for internet service for families who qualify. It's also helpful to have a dedicated, comfortable learning space free from distractions. For science courses, you may need to purchase lab materials, though many programs are now using virtual labs or simplified home experiments.
For science labs, online schools typically use a combination of virtual lab simulations, home lab kits, and documented real-world activities. Physical education requirements are usually met through activity logs, fitness apps, community sports participation, or specialized programs.
Many programs allow students to count regular physical activities like dance, martial arts, swimming, or team sports toward PE requirements. For science labs, some schools organize occasional in-person lab days or partnerships with local schools or colleges for access to lab facilities. Parents should review how these components are handled when evaluating programs, especially for students interested in STEM fields.
The process typically involves requesting transcripts from your current school, filing withdrawal forms, and completing enrollment with the new program or filing a homeschool declaration with your state's education department.
For online schools, the admissions process usually includes an application, transcript review, and sometimes placement tests. When transitioning to homeschooling, parents must research state requirements, which may include submitting a notice of intent to homeschool, curriculum plans, or other documentation. Many families find it easier to transition between school years, though mid-year transfers are possible. Online schools and homeschool organizations often provide transition support services to help students adjust to their new learning environment.