1. Accredited Online High Schools: These are schools that are fully accredited and offer a complete online high school diploma program. They generally follow a more traditional school structure with scheduled courses and deadlines. Accreditation is crucial for ensuring your diploma will be accepted by colleges and employers. Examples include:
* International Academy: A well-known, fully accredited online school.
* Connections Academy: Offers personalized learning plans.
* Florida Virtual School (FLVS): A public online school, but availability may depend on your state.
* Penn Foster High School: A long-standing provider of online education.
2. Homeschooling Programs with Online Components: Some homeschooling programs offer structured online curriculum that you can use to earn a high school diploma. You may have more flexibility in pacing but will need more self-discipline. Look for programs that are accredited.
3. Individual Course Providers: You could piece together a high school diploma by taking individual courses from various providers. However, this requires careful planning to ensure you meet all the graduation requirements and that the courses are transferable or accepted as credit. Providers include:
* EdX: Offers courses from universities worldwide, some of which may be applicable to high school credit (you would need to verify this with potential diploma-granting institutions).
* Coursera: Similar to EdX, offering university-level courses.
* Khan Academy: Offers free courses on a wide range of subjects, but you wouldn't receive a diploma directly from them. You might use this to supplement other learning.
Important Considerations:
* Accreditation: Make sure the program or school is accredited by a reputable accrediting agency. This is vital for college acceptance and employment opportunities. Look for regional accreditation, which is generally considered more prestigious than national accreditation.
* Cost: Prices vary widely. Some programs are free (or very low cost), while others can be quite expensive. Consider your budget carefully.
* Support: Online learning requires self-discipline. Consider the level of support offered by the program, including teacher availability and tutoring options.
* Flexibility: Some programs are more flexible than others in terms of pacing and scheduling. Consider your learning style and commitments when making your choice.
Before enrolling in any program, carefully research its accreditation, cost, and support services to ensure it's the right fit for your needs. You might also want to check with your state's department of education for guidance on accredited online high schools in your area.