Online learning is an increasingly popular choice among students. Of course, there are benefits to this method of education. Students can enjoy a flexible schedule which means taking courses on their own time and not adhering to a school bell. Plus, some homeschooling programs even offer the same opportunities as public, on-ground high schools, like dual enrollment and AP courses. Accredited homeschool programs have played an instrumental role in making online education more accessible. Now, students can learn from a challenging and certified high school curriculum from the comfort of home. The best homeschool programs provide top-notch educational materials, student support, and rigorous academics for students at any grade level. Plus, accredited homeschool programs employ licensed teachers and offer highly-rated career and college prep guidance. That way, students don’t miss out on access to these valuable resources.
Maybe you’re considering switching from a public high school to an online institution and are weighing the benefits of homeschooling. If you are considering making the change to one of the best homeschool programs, then you’ll want to review your options before making a final decision.
Below we have assembled a list of accredited homeschool programs and defined where each school’s accreditation is from. While this list is ordered numerically, it is important to note that the list does not not intend to provide any kind of further ranking.
Additionally, it is also important to note that this is not a comprehensive list. There are other homeschooling programs available that offer wonderful curriculums.
So, now that we’re all on the same page, let’s get started!
Accredited Homeschool Programs
1) K12
Accreditation: Cognia
With a heavy emphasis on college preparation, K12 offers a program called Stride Career Perp for grades 9-12. In addition to taking core classes, students can also take elective and interest-specific courses to tailor their schedule to their future career goals. For example, students can take courses in the hospitality & tourism, IT, marketing, and criminal justice fields, among others.
Classes are online and synchronous, and students will attend regularly scheduled lessons with state-certified teachers. Plus, some teachers at K12 have advanced degrees and all are trained to teach online instruction.
Students also have access to a Learning Coach who will help support and guide students on their path to graduation. With the help of their college prep coaching, students will learn how to create a resume, set attainable goals, solidify their career direction, and more.
2) Connections Academy
Accreditation: Cognia
Along with comprehensive lesson planning online and in print, Connections Academy provides lesson materials and a curriculum that meets state standards. To access these lessons, students can utilize the Pearson Online Classroom any time of day, including weekends and holidays, for maximum scheduling flexibility. Both teachers and Learning Coaches work with students to determine and customize a best-fit schedule based on their interests and goals.
Students will need to be able to attend teacher-led synchronous online sessions. However, the student has a lot of flexibility to determine the best use of their free time. This way, high school students can still make time for socializing, sports, and community involvement.
Plus, if students are interested in pursuing athletics at the collegiate level, they will be happy to know that Connections Academy offers NCAA-approved classes.
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3) Bridgeway Academy
- Accreditation: Cognia; NCAA Approved
Bridgeway Academy is a highly-flexible program where students can create their own schedule. For example, students can learn through traditional textbooks or online. When learning online, students take live classes with highly skilled and certified teachers.
Through this homeschooling program, students have access to 1:1 advising support through a personal advisor. Plus, if students want to get a head start on their college careers, they can enroll in the dual credit program to being able to work toward an Associate Degree. In this case, the dual credit program is also accredited through The Higher Learning Commission.
Additionally, students have access to Virtual Field Trips to help them connect to their peers. Every month, students “travel” to a new and exciting location together. Previous visits include the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and more.
4)Acellus Academy
With this online program, students have access to engaging video-based lessons, extra help videos, and personalized instruction. Plus, students have the opportunity to select between two graduation pathways: standard and honors. For the honors pathway, students must graduate with a 3.0 GPA and 26 credits. Students may enroll in the program at any time during the year.
In addition to core courses like sciences, mathematics, and language arts, students have the opportunity to select electives and even AP courses. For example, students can take AP courses in US History, biology, calculus, psychology, and more. Furthermore, students have options to take foreign language courses in Spanish, Portuguese, French, and German.
Plus, students can also take career & technical education courses. These courses include business management, electrical technology, plumbing technology, and accounting, among others.
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5) The Keystone School
- Accreditation: Cognia; Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS).
At the high school level, students who partake in this homeschooling program can enjoy flexible, online courses. If needed, students can also take print courses and receive all learning materials in a print format. Not only are AP and honors courses available, but students can also enroll in a wide variety of electives.
For example, students can take classes in fine arts to experience subjects like music appreciation, 3D modeling, and art history. Plus, students can learn world languages such as Spanish, Chinese, French, and ASL. Electives include culinary arts, criminology, and game design, among others.
Middle and high school students will receive guidance counseling and Student Success Advisors to help plan the best path toward graduation. These advisors can help with course selection and overall education planning. Additionally, students can also receive one-on-one support from licensed and certified teachers.
6) Forest Trail Academy
At Forest Trail Academy, the high school curriculum is thoughtfully developed at each stage to ensure students in grades 9-12 meet certain benchmarks. For example, students in 9th grade will enhance their understanding of core subjects like English, math and social studies. By 12th grade, students are introduced to more advanced topics and have the opportunity to take AP classes and seek dual enrollment opportunities.
Students can also choose from many practical and interesting elective courses. For instance, students can enroll in zoology, career planning courses, theatre, dance history appreciation, and even television production.
This academy offers two options for diplomas. Students can either graduate with a college prep diploma (24 credits) or a general education diploma (21 credits).
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7) Oak Meadow
- Accreditation: New England Association for Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Families can choose between either a book-based curriculum that can be used independently or enrollment in a teacher-supported distance learning school. While based in Vermont, the school can enroll students from every U.S. state and even international learners.
High school curriculum covers many college-prep subjects. Additionally, students can take art and health classes. Plus, enrolled students can take world language courses. For enrolled students to earn a diploma, they must earn a total of 22 credits across 10 disciplines.
Independent students can take advantage of a fee-based college counseling service. Enrolled students do not have to pay an additional fee for college counseling. These students receive an annual transcript review each spring and a guidance counselor review of college application materials.
8)Calvert Academy
- Accreditation: Cognia
Whether you are looking for AP classes, Career & Technical Education classes, or personalized electives, Calvert Academy offers it all. With AP classes like U.S. History, biology, psychology, and Spanish Language and Culture among others, the high school course catalogue is sure to include specialized classes for every learner.
With flexible scheduling, students are also to create their own school calendar and take lessons at any time of day. Students can take advantage of one-on-one teacher support and move at their own ideal pace.
Furthermore, students have the option to participate in an online curriculum, which is interactive and created to promote academic exploration. Additionally, students can also use a print-issued curriculum.
Best Online Accredited Homeschool Programs (Continued)
9) Archway Online
With the vision to help students transfer from traditional high school to homeschool, Archway Online was founded in 2008. Here, students are allowed flexible scheduling so that high schoolers still have time for socializing, work, internships, and other daily activities.
If students are transferring to Archway Online, the school will need to review a transcript to see which courses are recommended for graduation requirements. Additionally, students may also need to take an exam to validate any transfer credits.
Students can enroll year-round. Plus, students will also have access to their coursework 24/7 for maximum flexibility.
10) Abeka Academy
A Christian-focused homeschool, Abeka provides flexible options for students looking to homeschool. If desired, parents can develop their own curriculum from available Abeka products. For example, Abeka provides DVD or streaming video lessons, subject kits, teacher editions, quiz and test books, and more.
With an emphasis on intellectual, spiritual, and moral development, the academy takes an approach to learning called Spiral Learning. Essentially, this means that students begin with basic concepts and then progress into more evolved topics at age-appropriate times. The desired outcome of this approach is for greater learning retention over time with multiple opportunities for reinforcement.
As well, the Academy participates in homeschooling conventions and hosts online events. Families can learn more about specialized topics in these events, as well as participate in general Q&As.
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11) Northgate Academy
- Accreditation: Cognia; Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools
This homeschooling program is a Christian-based program. Students here have a lot of flexibility over their schedules. For example, students do not have a designated class time, or synchronous online sessions, so students can learn at their own pace in their own time. It is expected that students will spend 15-20 hours a week on coursework.
At this school, high schoolers can choose between one of two tracks for graduation. For example, students can complete the standard track (21.5 credits), or the college prep track (24 credits).
Either way, students will be expected to complete English, math, science, social studies, health, P.E., art, and elective classes. Students on the college prep track will be required to take foreign language classes.
12) Ignite Christian Academy
- Accreditation: Cognia
As its name suggests, this homeschool offers a Christian-focused curriculum. The academy features the benefits of a private school “combined with the customization and flexibility of homeschool.”
For students looking to get a jump on their college education, juniors and seniors can earn college credit toward an Associate Degree with Oklahoma Christian University. To be eligible, students must start making progress toward this degree in the fall semester of their junior year.
For maximum flexibility in scheduling, students can create their own school calendar. Students also have access to courses and lessons at any time of day.
Online Accredited Homeschool Programs – In Review
Whether you are looking to transfer into one of these programs or are enrolling as a freshman, you are sure to find a program that fits your individualized learning style.
Plus, homeschooled students can still take advantage of opportunities like summer programs and internships to make the most of their high school experience. Plus, students who enjoy online learning can even continue on to enroll in online colleges. In this case, online learning at the high school level may be the right choice for you.
Ultimately, if you are looking for a customizable and flexible learning experience, homeschooling and online learning may be the right way to go. With many options for accredited homeschool programs, you are sure to find a curriculum that best fits your needs.
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