Colleges & Universities | Adult Education | scholarship & Aids |
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Not all
online high schools are created equal. Private programs offer quality
at a high price tag. Public online high schools educate students for
free but aren’t available in all areas. Students can also
earn a diploma at no cost from online charter schools. |
Read on to learn more about the four types of online high school.
Private online high schools are not controlled by the government. Just like brick-and-mortar private schools, private online high schools vary in terms of quality. Private schooling is generally the most expensive option. However, many private online high school programs are regionally accredited (the most-trusted form of accreditation) and offer students one-on-one access to counselors, teachers, and tutors. When choosing a private online high school make sure that the school is properly accredited, has a track record of successfully educating students, and is easy to communicate with. Ask about hidden charges and fees (curriculum costs, graduation fees, etc.) and admission requirements. Learn More: Private Online High Schools.
Public Online High SchoolsMany states are creating public online high schools. These schools are free to minor students in the state; many also lend students curriculum and computers at no cost. Almost all public online high schools meet basic state and national school requirements and are regionally accredited.Some online public schools are designed to augment the traditional classroom experience and do not offer high school diplomas. When choosing an online public high school |
Students attending online charter schools often receive a unique education at no-cost. Online charter schools are funded by the government; however, they are run independently and are subject to less government oversight. An online charter school may target a certain demographic (dropouts or honors students, for example) or focus on a particular subject (such as technology or the arts). Because online charter schools are technically public schools, they cannot charge tuition or have strict admission policies.
In many
states charter
schools are sponsored by a school district and may only accept students
who live in that district. When selecting an online charter school ask
about the school’s boundaries, its accreditation,
and its track record. Be aware that charter schools often fail and are
closed by the state or school district; carefully choose a school that
has proven itself.Learn More: Online
Charter Schools.University-Affiliated Online High SchoolsA growing number of universities are |
embracing the online high school movement.Because
colleges want to protect their good name,
university-sponsored programs generally offer high quality education.
Costs, admission policies, and program
requirements vary widely.
Before enrolling in a university-sponsored online high
school make sure the program is regionally
accredited. Ask about the teachers’ qualifications
and the potential to earn university-level credit. Some programs allow
students to earn a limited amount of college credits while working
towards a high school diploma, a benefit to anyone planning on pursing
further education. Learn More: University-Affiliated
Online High Schools.