Going to an online private high school isn’t for everyone. There are a lot of things to consider when switching from a traditional high school to an online one. Will your student be self-motivated enough to learn online? Will they be able to make friends and participate in activities while attending school online? If the deciding factor turns out to be cost, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of affordable online private high school programs. Here are just some affordable options, in no particular order:
1. Excel High School, Plymouth, Minnesota.
Excel High School is an accredited high school with Master’s-level instructors. Each student is also matched up with a student advisor. Excel’s program includes six core classes a year for as little as $99 a month. Monthly payments vary based on whether the student is an adult or teen, the type of student (full time or part-time) and whether or not the student wishes to take college prep courses. Parents do not need to sign a contract, so they can cancel enrollment at any time.
In addition to the core subjects, this school offers college prep courses, electives, and foreign language classes. Adult students can also enroll in their adult high school diploma program.
2. Davidson Academy, Reno, Nevada
Davidson Academy is accredited by AdvancED and offers a program for
profoundly gifted students. Davidson Academy actually offers a traditional high school for students living in Nevada in addition to an online campus. Nevada residents can enroll for free; online students must follow their flexible tuition model which takes into consideration parent income and other factors. This school offers merit-based scholarships of $200, which can be applied to the cost of tuition. Tuition is capped at $15,000, making it one of the more expensive schools on our list.
This school uses the Blackboard management system, so anyone who owns a computer with internet access can attend. Unlike most high schools, students are grouped with other students of the same ability level, not by age or grade.
3. James Madison High School, Norcross, Georgia
James Madison High School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. Like Excel High School, James Madison offers two paths to success: basic, core classes and college prep classes, both of which are taught my certified teachers.
James Madison offers full tuition at $1,299 or $49 a month payment plans. Students may be able to transfer credits from other high schools to James Madison, meaning tuition for them could be significantly lower. Tuition includes eBook textbooks, which makes it an even better deal! Students may choose to receive optional printed textbooks for an additional fee.
Students who succeed at James Madison can continue onto Ashworth College, a for-profit online college with reasonable tuition costs.
4. Penn Foster High School, Scranton, PA
Penn Foster’s educational model includes digital learning environment called PFx, which can be used on your home computer, smartphone, or tablet. The curriculum includes webinars, hands-on activities, and the potential for internships.
With a pay-as-you-go plan of just $49 a month, this school is a very affordable option. Textbooks are included in the cost of tuition. Like other schools on this list, Penn Foster offers the option to transfer up to 16 credits from another high school, which will save you money.
Penn Foster is accredited through the Distance Education Accrediting Division, part of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
5. K12 International Academy
K12 International Academy is an online school that offers specialized learning for all students. Some benefits of this school include Individualized Learning Plans, an international student body, and college and career counseling for full-time students.
Students work at their own pace to complete coursework, which can include AP classes and world languages.
This school can be very affordable for parents searching for a good online school for their soon-to-be high school freshman. The school offers scholarship opportunities for these students who also have a 3.0 GPA and financial need. In addition, tuition is around $7,000 for full time upper school students and lower for part time students.
6. Keystone School
Keystone is another online school with options for students of all ages, including adults. They offer over 170 self-paced courses with AP, credit recovery, and electives.
Keystone is accredited by the AdvancED and Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools.
Keystone has a unique tuition structure. Tuition is paid per course; most full time students take 5-6 credit courses per year. Course prices vary, with the average cost of tuition between $1800 and $2800 per year. The school also offers a discount for students who take a full course load, family members of those on active military duty, and siblings of students already enrolled in the school.
Keystone makes it easy to enroll your children through a 1-800 number or online.
As you can see, there are so many affordable options for an online high school education. Whether your child needs to attend school full time or part time, there is a school for them. Whether they need core classes to graduate or want to be challenged by an advanced curriculum, there are options out there. Not every student works well in a traditional high school in a brick and mortar building; these affordable online high schools may work for them!
