Contents
Accredited online high school diploma programs offer students the opportunity to get their education online in a flexible, personalized environment. Online high school diploma programs meet quality standards and make sure that the education provided will be beneficial to students’ academic future and career opportunities. In this article we will have a closer look at the online high school programs and discuss the types of courses and the benefits they have.
What Is an Online High School?
An online high school is a virtual institution where students complete their high school education in an online environment. This allows students to access their studies and resources from anywhere. This makes education a more flexible and personalized learning experience. Unlike traditional high schools, online high schools allow students to set their own schedules, learn at their own pace, and even customize their learning styles to match with their needs. To show students that the education provided by accredited online high schools is equivalent to that of traditional high schools, they meet all accepted educational standards.
“Online learning is not the next big thing, it is the now big thing.”
Types of Online High School Courses
Online high schools offer different courses to cover interests and learning needs of different students. Below are types of online courses typically available.
- Main Courses cover subjects that are a must for a high school education like Mathematics, Science, English, and History.
- Elective Courses include optional subjects that allow students to study something based on their interests outside of the main academic courses.
- Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) Courses offer more challenging courses for excellent students who want to go deeper into subjects and get extra college credits.
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) covers courses focused on specific career skills and prepares students for different professional fields.
- Credit Recovery includes specialized courses for students who need extra credits for failed or missed classes.
Benefits of Earning a High School Diploma Online
Earning a high school diploma online offers several benefits that improve the accessibility of the education and let you customize it. The online high school is more adaptable and convenient as it covers various individual needs.
Flexibility
Online high school programs provide the freedom to organize your own study schedule and study at your own pace. Online schools allow students to balance their studies with other commitments such as work, family, and other activities. By studying at their own pace, students can use their time more efficiently.
Personalized Learning
Online education lets students match their learning experiences with their individual needs and interests. They can go through the material online at their own speed and focus on subjects they find most needed. This personalized approach improves both the studying motivation and learning experience.
Accessibility
Online high school programs provide students an opportunity to access their studies from anywhere with an internet connection. This means they do not have geographical limitations and can study any place they want. Online high schools make education more convenient especially for students who do not have physical ability to attend traditional schools.
Don Passey from Lancaster University did a study titled “Effectiveness of Online High School Programs: A Review of the Literature” and found that online programs can be as effective as traditional high schools if they have the same quality standards and use effective teaching methods.
How to Enroll in an Online High School Program
Enrolling in an online high school program is usually simple and flexible. First, students complete an application form that includes personal details and educational background. Sometimes, they may also need to submit important documents to show their learning history, like identification, or previous grades. Some online high schools may also require placement tests to evaluate the student’s proficiency in different subjects. This is important so that the school will place them in the right level of studies. Once accepted, students have to pay tuition fees, but there are some programs that offer financial aid to make learning more affordable.
Curriculum and Instruction in Online High School Programs
Online high school programs, just like the traditional ones, offer a flexible and full curriculum. The curriculum covers both the core subjects and some electives. For those who are up for more challenging learning, advanced Placement (AP) and Honors courses are available.
Instruction during online learning is provided with the help of video lessons and online discussions. These make sure that students engage during the learning in different ways. Teachers are always available via email or virtual chats to support children at each stage of their learning.
Legacy Online School is a good example of an online school with a respectable US-certified curriculum. When students graduate from high school, they get an accredited diploma, which shows that the education they received is of high quality.
Conclusion
Online high school diploma programs are flexible educational institutions which cover different needs. They offer the students an opportunity to learn anywhere, anytime and at their own speed. The online high schools make sure that students receive a quality education anywhere and are well prepared for their educational and career future.