Key takeaways
Legacy Online School and Excel High School provide accredited online education but cater to different learning styles and needs. Legacy offers a structured environment with live classes and personalized support, making it ideal for students seeking interaction and community. In contrast, Excel is designed for independent learners who prefer a self-paced approach without live instruction.
- Legacy Online School charges approximately $149 per month for full-time enrollment, while Excel High School's tuition ranges from $99 to $249 per month depending on the program (2023).
- Legacy provides daily live classes, personalized academic support, and extracurricular activities, fostering a sense of community among students.
- Both schools are accredited, but Legacy is working towards NCAA approval for its courses, while Excel's courses are not NCAA-certified (2023).
- Excel High School is better suited for older, self-directed learners who prioritize flexibility and do not require structured support or socialization opportunities.
Contents
- 1 Accreditation & Approvals
- 2 Curriculum Offerings
- 3 Instruction Style
- 4 Flexibility & Scheduling
- 5 Student Support Services
- 6 Socialization Opportunities
- 7 College Prep & Guidance
- 8 Tuition & Scholarships
- 9 NCAA Eligibility for Student-Athletes
- 10 Bottom Line
- 11 Important Disclaimer; The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. While we strive to keep content accurate and up to date, program details, certifications, tuition, and offerings may change over time. Readers are encouraged to verify information directly with each institution before making decisions.
If you’re looking for a flexible, accredited option that supports both independent learning and real-time connection, this comparison between Legacy Online School and Excel High School can help.
Accreditation & Approvals
Both Legacy Online School and Excel High School hold respected accreditations, ensuring their diplomas are widely accepted.
Legacy is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and its AP courses are audited and approved by the College Board.
Excel High School is accredited by Cognia and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS). Excel also holds Cognia STEM Certification, Competency-Based Education (CBE) Certification, RAIL AI Certification, and has been recognized as a Cognia School of Distinction (Top 10%). Excel reports NCAA-approved core courses.
Accreditation & Approvals
| Accreditation & Approvals | Legacy Online School | Excel High School |
| Regional Accreditation | ✔️ (WASC-Accredited) | ✔️ (Cognia & MSA-CESS Accredited) |
| NCAA-Approved Courses | ❌ (Approval in progress) | ✔️ (NCAA-approved core courses) |
| AP Courses (College Board Authorized) | ✔️ (AP courses available) | ✔️ (AP courses available) |
| STEM Certification | ✔️ (STEM-integrated curriculum) | ✔️ (Cognia STEM Certified) |
Curriculum Offerings
Legacy Online School delivers a full K–12 curriculum, covering elementary, middle, and high school with a broad selection of core subjects and electives. Legacy offers Honors and AP courses and structured academic support.
Excel High School serves grades 6–12 and provides a standard high school diploma curriculum. Excel offers Honors and AP courses, adult high school diploma pathways, credit-recovery options, dual enrollment opportunities, accredited college ownership structure, and reports partnerships including Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, and the University of Texas.
Curriculum
| Curriculum | Legacy Online School | Excel High School |
| Grades Served | ✔️ K–12 (all grades) | ✔️ (6–12) |
| Advanced Courses | ✔️ Honors & multiple AP classes | ✔️ Honors & AP classes |
| STEM Focus | ✔️ Strong STEM emphasis | ✔️ STEM Certified |
| Special Programs & Pathways | ✔️ Gifted & IEP support | ✔️ Adult diploma, credit recovery, dual enrollment |
Instruction Style
Legacy’s instructional approach is interactive and teacher-led. Students attend live online classes in real time and can access recorded lessons for flexibility. Certified teachers provide feedback, guidance, and structured instruction.
Excel High School primarily operates through online coursework and flexible pacing. Students progress through structured modules with instructor access and academic support available through the learning platform.
Instruction Style
| Instruction Style | Legacy Online School | Excel High School |
| Live Online Classes | ✔️Available | ✔️Available |
| Pre-Recorded Lessons | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes |
| Teacher Interaction | ✔️ High (live instruction & feedback) | ✔️ Instructor-supported online model |
| Structured Progress Monitoring | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes |
Flexibility & Scheduling
Both programs are designed with flexibility in mind.
Legacy Online School allows full-time diploma enrollment or part-time course enrollment and offers both structured schedules and self-paced tracks.
Excel High School allows year-round enrollment and self-paced progression. Students can accelerate or extend coursework within defined academic timeframes.
Flexibility
| Flexibility | Legacy Online School | Excel High School |
| Full-Time Diploma Program | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes |
| Part-Time / Single Courses | ✔️ Available | ✔️ Available |
| Rolling Enrollment | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes |
| Self-Paced Options | ✔️ Optional track | ✔️ Core delivery model |
Student Support Services
Legacy Online School provides dedicated academic advisors, accessible teachers, and IEP accommodations.
Excel High School reports licensed IEP specialists, Certified Autism Resource™ designation, academic support services, counseling availability, and structured academic monitoring.
Student Support
| Student Support | Legacy Online School | Excel High School |
| Assigned Academic Advisor | ✔️ Dedicated advisor | ✔️ Academic support available |
| Teacher Assistance & Tutoring | ✔️ Live support & tutoring | ✔️ Instructor support available |
| Special Education Support | ✔️ IEP accommodations available | ✔️ Licensed IEP specialists & Autism certification |
| Counseling Services | ✔️ Academic guidance | ✔️ Counseling services available |
Socialization Opportunities
Legacy Online School offers virtual clubs, collaborative projects, interactive activities, and virtual events.
Excel High School offers student engagement opportunities including clubs, structured peer interaction sessions, graduation ceremonies, honors events, and leadership programming.
Socialization & Community
| Socialization & Community | Legacy Online School | Excel High School |
| Virtual Clubs & Groups | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes |
| Graduation Ceremony | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes |
| Honors & Awards | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes |
| Leadership Programs | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes |
| Peer Interaction | ✔️ Live group interaction | ✔️ Structured student engagement |
College Prep & Guidance
Legacy Online School provides SAT/ACT prep workshops, college admissions advising, and dual enrollment coordination.
Excel High School offers SAT and ACT prep courses, NCAA-approved core courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and structured academic advising.
College Preparation
| College Preparation | Legacy Online School | Excel High School |
| SAT/ACT Prep Support | ✔️ Included sessions | ✔️ SAT & ACT prep courses available |
| Dual Enrollment Options | ✔️ Coordinated support | ✔️ Available |
| College Admissions Advising | ✔️ Personalized counseling | ✔️ Academic guidance available |
Tuition & Scholarships
Legacy Online School charges approximately $149 per month for full-time enrollment and participates in select state scholarship programs.
Excel High School tuition varies by program (approximately $99–$249 per month depending on pathway). Excel reports approval in multiple state voucher programs and has received a pre-invitation from the Texas Education Agency.
Tuition & Scholarships
| Tuition & Scholarships | Legacy Online School | Excel High School |
| Approx. Monthly Tuition | ✔️ ~$149 per month | ✔️ ~$99–$249 per month |
| State Scholarship Acceptance | ✔️ Yes (select states) | ✔️ Yes (multiple states) |
NCAA Eligibility for Student-Athletes
Excel High School offers NCAA-approved core courses. Legacy Online School is currently in the process of pursuing NCAA approval.
NCAA-Approved for Athletes
| NCAA Eligibility | Legacy Online School | Excel High School |
| NCAA-Approved Core Courses | ❌ Not yet (in progress) | ✔️ Yes |
Bottom Line
Legacy Online School provides a live, structured K–12 learning model with academic advising and community engagement.
Excel High School offers an accredited, flexible online pathway with multiple certifications, recognitions, NCAA-approved coursework, and established secondary education programs.
Families are encouraged to review official school sources and speak directly with admissions teams to confirm current offerings.
Important Disclaimer; The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. While we strive to keep content accurate and up to date, program details, certifications, tuition, and offerings may change over time. Readers are encouraged to verify information directly with each institution before making decisions.
Legacy Online School is not affiliated with or endorsed by Excel High School. All trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.
