Ohio runs one of the more complex online learning landscapes in the country. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce oversees multiple community school options – tuition-free public charter schools, district-run virtual programs, and part-time supplement options. All of them are school options available to Ohio residents only.
Legacy Online School is different. Real teachers, live, every school day – not recordings, not office hours. A fully accredited K–12 program that works whether your family is in Columbus, Cleveland, or anywhere else in Ohio. No residency requirement on our end either, which means families who’ve relocated, homeschooled, or simply outgrown the public virtual options can enroll directly.
Private vs. Public Online Schools in Ohio
Ohio has two tracks: public and private. Public charter schools (Ohio Virtual Academy, Ohio Connections Academy, TRECA) are tuition-free, state-regulated, follow Ohio Learning Standards. Private online schools operate independently – different accreditation bodies, different curricula, tuition-based.
Private schools serving Ohio 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).
Public charter schools work if you’re Ohio-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 Ohio
We are a WASC-accredited private online school for students in grades K-12 – outside Ohio’s public charter system entirely. Different accreditation, different admission rules, a different diploma.
|
Ohio Private Online Schools |
Our School |
| Cost |
$4,000–$10,000/year avg |
Paid enrollment |
| Accreditation |
WASC, MSA-CESS, or none |
WASC (regional) |
| Curriculum |
Varies by school |
FLVS-based, US-accredited |
| Eligibility |
Open enrollment |
Open globally |
| 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, 1:15 ratio |
| Live instruction |
Limited or none (Laurel: yes) |
Daily, Monday–Friday (Group plan) |
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 college-prep focused but doesn’t offer one-on-one instruction. We run three plans – self-paced, live group (10-learner cap), one-on-one – and families switch between them without re-enrolling. No Ohio residency required. No enrollment window.
K–12 Curriculum and Diploma
Our K-12 online school covers elementary through high school (9–12). Every level runs on a US-accredited FLVS curriculum with qualified teachers – not automated video playlists.
Your children in high school have access to 19 AP courses through our College Board affiliation (school code: 000114). AP scores can earn college credits before graduation – useful for Ohio families thinking about Ohio State, Case Western, Ohio University, or schools beyond the state. For families who want to go further, dual enrollment is available through Arizona State University and the University of South Florida – the only two partner institutions we work with for college-level coursework during high school.
Graduates earn a fully accredited high school diploma from a WASC-approved institution. Not a GED equivalent. A standard high school credential recognized by colleges, employers, and military institutions globally. Credits are transferable to other accredited institutions.
Three Learning Plans
Live Group Learning
Live online classes, max 15 learners, 1:15 teacher ratio. School-day structure, real interaction, no commute.
One-on-One Learning
Individual lessons, fully customizable curriculum and schedule. Right for children who need unique learning support or can’t fit a group schedule.
Self-Paced Learning
Your children learn at their own pace. No fixed year, no synchronized schedule. Teachers still grade and give feedback – but the timeline belongs to the child. Flexible pacing, real teachers, real accountability.
Part-time plans available for families supplementing rather than switching. Virtual clubs included in every plan – including a reading club, coding fundamentals club, and social hub.
Enroll from Anywhere in Ohio
No enrollment window. No Ohio residency check. No previous school requirement. No waitlist. Families choose a plan, confirm grade placement, and your child’s account is ready within 48 hours.
| 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.
