Illinois high schoolers have one primary public virtual option. One. That’s not a criticism – it’s the structure the Illinois State Board of Education set up. Since 2022, IVSA (Illinois Virtual Schools & Academy) has been the only approved public provider in the ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education) Virtual Course Catalog, administered by the Lake County Regional Office of Education (CEEB Code: 140188). For families looking at Illinois online high schools, that’s the starting point.
But it’s not the only option.
IVSA: Illinois’ Only Approved Public Provider
IVSA has been running online education in Illinois since 2001 – previously administered by ISBE, the Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy, and Peoria Regional Office of Education before landing with Lake County ROE 34.
What it offers today:
Full-Time Academy – grades 5–12, full course of study aligned to state and national standards. Active online learning environment, not just self-paced modules. Daily learning with real-time support, live instruction, and applied learning options. Each student gets a Student Success Coach and a Guidance Counselor.
Supplemental online courses – over 200 options for high schoolers including AP courses, core curriculum, electives, world languages, and credit recovery. Delivered through the Virtual Course Catalog. Illinois schools that enroll children through the catalog can apply for the Board reimbursement.
Summer school – core courses, world languages, and career and technical courses for high schoolers.
Tutoring – available to students in grades 6–12 through a partnership with Varsity Tutors, online and synchronous.
In March 2025, IVSA launched a partnership with the University of Illinois System to expand virtual education statewide – building on a successful Lake County pilot.
IVSA works well for motivated students in Illinois schools looking to complete a course or supplement their brick-and-mortar experience. For families who want full-time virtual education outside the public system – or who live outside Illinois – the options narrow quickly.
Private Online Schools Serving Illinois Families
Private online schools operate independently from ISBE and don’t require Illinois residency. Schools serving Illinois 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 but semester-locked), and George Washington University Online High School (selective admissions, college-prep focus).
Keystone and Citizens run self-paced only – no live teaching. Laurel Springs offers live sessions but locks into semester blocks. GWU Online is selective and doesn’t offer one-on-one instruction.
How We Compare to Other Private Online Schools in Illinois
IVSA is tied to Illinois. Enrollment goes through local school districts. Out-of-state families, recently relocated families, or those who’ve been homeschooling don’t always fit the public framework.
That’s where an accredited online private school fills the gap.
| Criteria |
Illinois Private Online Schools |
Our School |
| Cost |
$4,000–$10,000/year avg |
Starts at $149/month |
| Accreditation |
WASC, MSA-CESS, or none |
WASC (regional, US-recognized) |
| Curriculum |
Varies by school |
FLVS-based, US-accredited |
| Eligibility |
Open enrollment |
Open globally |
| Grades |
5–12 |
K–12 |
| Schedule |
Self-paced or semester blocks |
Self-paced + live group + 1-on-1 |
| AP Courses |
5–12 courses typical |
19 AP courses |
| Class size |
Self-paced only or 15–20 |
Max 15 learners per live class |
| Live instruction |
Limited or none (Laurel: yes) |
Daily, Monday–Friday (Group plan) |
| Dual enrollment |
Limited or none |
ASU & USF |
Legacy Online School: College and Career Preparation
High school is where the transcript starts to matter. What’s on it – and what isn’t – shapes where a student can apply.
Our high school program runs grades 9–12 on a US-accredited FLVS curriculum. Through our College Board affiliation (school code: 000114), children have access to 19 Advanced Placement courses. Strong AP scores mean college credits before graduation – real leverage when applying to the University of Illinois, Northwestern, DePaul, Loyola Chicago, or schools beyond Illinois.
Three graduation tracks available:
- Standard Diploma – 24 credits, designed for university-bound learners. Minimum 2.0 GPA.
- Honors Diploma – 24 credits, for students targeting prestigious universities or scholarships.
- Accelerated Diploma – 18 credits, for pupils targeting faster graduation or career pathways.
All three tracks lead to a fully accredited high school diploma from a WASC-approved private institution – recognized by colleges, employers, and military institutions. Credits are transferable to other accredited institutions. Dual enrollment through Arizona State University and the University of South Florida lets high schoolers start earning college credits before graduation – courses that count toward both the diploma and a future degree. These are the only two universities we partner with for dual enrollment, which means credits are vetted and transferable within their systems.
Online high school diploma isn’t a shortcut. It’s the same credential, earned differently.
Three Learning Plans
Live Group Learning – live online classes, max 15 learners, 1:15 teacher ratio. Daily learning structure, real teacher interaction, no commute.
One-on-One Learning – fully customized school curriculum and schedule for enrollees with unique needs or schedules that don’t fit a group format.
Self-Paced Learning – no fixed school year, no synchronized schedule. Teachers grade work, answer questions, and give feedback. The timeline belongs to your child.
Virtual clubs and extracurriculars are included in every plan.
Enroll from Anywhere in Illinois
No enrollment window. No Illinois residency requirement. No previous school documentation needed to start – transcripts help with placement but can follow after registration.
| Payment Plan |
Discount |
| Annual |
20% off |
| Semester |
10% off |
| Monthly |
Standard rate |
Self-Paced plans start at $149/month for elementary. View current tuition and fees for all grades and plans. No waitlist – accounts ready within 48 hours. Book a free trial lesson →
