Arizona went a different direction from most states – instead of one virtual school network, it handed the choice directly to families: 119 school districts authorized for online instruction, a handful of well-established online charter schools, and a universal Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program that as of 2024–25 serves roughly 7% of all Arizona K–12 students. Private school tuition, online programs, homeschool curriculum – ESA covers all of it.
That breadth is genuinely useful for families, but it also makes the landscape harder to read. Not every Arizona online high school offers the same credential, the same flexibility, or the same academic depth. This is a breakdown of what’s actually available for high schoolers and younger learners – and where Legacy Online School fits in.
Not recordings. Not office hours. Real teachers, live, every single school day. That’s the difference that matters when you’re comparing what’s actually on offer.
Private vs. Public Online Schools in Arizona: Understanding Your Options
Arizona has two tracks: public and private. Public schools (ASU Prep Digital, Arizona Virtual Academy) are tuition-free, AOI-regulated, tied to state standards. Private online schools operate independently – different accreditation, different curricula, tuition-based.
Private schools serving Arizona families include The Keystone School (MSA-CESS accredited, self-paced model), Citizens High School (non-regionally accredited, self-paced only), Laurel Springs School (WASC-accredited, mix of live and self-paced), and Stanford Online High School (highly selective, live seminar model).
Public schools work if you’re Arizona-based and fit their calendar. Private schools drop the residency requirement, open enrollment year-round, and build schedules around the learner.
How We Compare to Other Private Online Schools in Arizona
We are a WASC-accredited private K–12 online school – not part of Arizona’s public or charter system. Here’s how the comparison looks:
|
Arizona Private Online Schools |
Our School |
| Cost to families |
$4,000–$10,000/year avg |
Paid enrollment |
| Accreditation |
WASC, MSA-CESS, or none |
WASC (regional) |
| Curriculum |
Varies by school |
FLVS-based, US-accredited |
| Grades served |
K–12 (varies by school) |
K–12 |
| Schedule |
Self-paced or limited live sessions |
Self-paced + live group options + 1-on-1 |
| Eligibility |
Open enrollment |
Open globally – no residency requirement |
| AP Courses |
5–15 courses typical |
19 AP courses available |
| Class size |
Self-paced only or 15–20 per class |
Max 15 learners, 1:15 teacher ratio |
| Live instruction |
Limited or none (Laurel Springs: yes) |
Daily, Monday–Friday (Live Group plan) |
Keystone and Citizens run self-paced only – no live teaching. Laurel Springs offers live sessions but locks into semester blocks. Stanford Online is highly selective and expensive ($30K+/year). We run three plans – self-paced, live group (10-learner cap), one-on-one – and you switch between them without re-enrolling.
K-12 Curriculum and AP Programs
Our school program runs K-12 – elementary, middle, and high school. Every level is built on an accredited US curriculum, with strong foundation in core subjects plus a real range of electives at each grade level. The full K-12 scope matters: families don’t have to switch schools as children grow, and the academic progression is consistent from kindergarten through graduation.
High school is where the academic depth becomes most visible. Through our College Board affiliation (school code: 000114), we offer 19 AP courses and administer AP exams directly – making us a genuinely accredited online high school option for high schoolers who need more than the standard public syllabus delivers.
AP exams can translate into college credits before graduation. For families who want to go further, dual enrollment through Arizona State University (ASU) and University of South Florida (USF) is available – the only dual enrollment partner we work with. That’s relevant for Arizona families specifically: ASU is where many in-state students end up, and Legacy learners can start building that transcript while still in high school.
Middle schoolers have access to Language Arts, Mathematics, Comprehensive Science, Social Studies, and electives including Computer Science Discoveries, Digital Art and Design, Journalism, and Spanish. Elementary learners cover Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Spanish, Art, Technology, and Physical Education – all through an interactive platform with qualified teachers who offer dedicated resources and progress monitoring.
Online Learning Plans: Three Options, Real Flexibility
Arizona parents choosing virtual institution already understand that flexibility matters. Our school offers three distinct plans – not variations of the same thing, but genuinely different models:
Live Group – live online classes, capped at 15 learners, 1:15 teacher ratio. Children attend class in real time, work through lessons with classmates, ask questions and get answers the same day. School-day rhythm, without the fixed location.
One-on-One – fully customized curriculum and schedule, built around one learner. For children who need intensive support, have performance or travel commitments, or don’t thrive in group settings.
Self-Paced – no fixed school year, no synchronized schedule. Lessons are available in video, audio, and readable formats. Teachers grade work, answer questions, and give feedback – the pace belongs to the child.
Part-time plans also exist for families who want to supplement an existing arrangement with specific courses rather than switching wholesale. Virtual clubs are included in every enrollment plan – giving learners a way to connect with peers outside the academic schedule, something Arizona families often ask about specifically.
Diploma, Accreditation, and What Comes Next
A diploma from Legacy is not a GED equivalent. It is a fully accredited high school credential – accepted for college admissions, trade school applications, and military enlistment alike.
WASC accreditation travels further than Cognia or state-level accreditation. For Arizona families with international ties, for children who might attend college outside the US, or for families who move between states, that matters. Credits transfer to other accredited institutions. The credential doesn’t create questions at admissions offices.
Our College Board affiliation means AP scores are official, AP exams can be administered directly, and strong scores open doors to college credit before your child sets foot on a campus.
Enroll and Payment Options
There’s no enrollment window, no residency check, no prior school requirement. Families contact our admissions team, complete an application, and work with a representative to choose a plan and confirm grade placement.
Three payment structures are available:
| Payment Plan |
Discount |
Best for |
| Annual |
20% off |
Families committing to a full school year |
| Semester |
10% off |
Families planning one term at a time |
| Monthly |
Standard rate |
Families who prefer manageable monthly payments |
View current tuition and fees to explore plan options by grade level, or schedule a call to get personalized advice with our admissions team. No waitlist – accounts ready within 48 hours.
See what our families say about the Legacy Online School learning experience:
“My son and I adore Legacy online. This week has been fun and educational. We love the great curriculum, thorough explanations, and stress-free approach. So far, everything is just fine.”
-Fickle-Vanilla5866
“This is one of the best schools ’cause of how fast i get responses through text and emails and very very helpful, and the school platform is so easy and accessible.”
– YesterdayIcy5200
“I like the flexibility of the hours as compared to the standard and my daughter’s independence has really improved. The support from the school and how easy it is to communicate with the staff has made a big difference for both of us.”
– Jimease Bailey
