A guide to online high school diplomas

More and more high school students are earning their diploma online. Online schools are a good option for high school kids that may have health problems or do not do as well in a traditional school setting. Getting a high school education online means working at your own pace, but it also mean that you need to be disciplined and work hard. There are two main options for online schools: private and public online high schools. Here is some information about both.

Private online high schools

A private online school is much like a traditional private school. They function independently and do not have to follow government regulations when it comes to curriculum. Each private online school may have its own philosophies, curriculum and teaching methods. Private online high schools, like traditional private schools, tend to be more expensive. Parents have to pay for their child’s supplies, which can include books, computers and software.

Public online high schools

A public online school, or charter school, is one that is government sponsored. Like traditional public schools, these are normally free, and since they are governed by the state, they are usually accredited. Curriculum may differ from school to school, and also by state. Some will help provide computer equipment and other materials for their students.

Accredited diploma or not?

Some online schools are accredited, while others are not. The benefit of choosing one that is accredited is that your school diploma will be recognised by colleges and employers. An accredited school is one that has met certain standards set by the state. An accredited diploma is a diploma that is given out by an accredited school that proves you have completed the required coursework of that school. Since the curriculum of the school is recognised by the state, some colleges require an accredited diploma to qualify for enrollment or scholarships. In some cases, an employer will only accept an accredited diploma as well. If the online school that you choose is not one that is accredited, make sure that you will be able to get your transcript to use when you apply for colleges and jobs. A transcript will prove that you have taken and passed the appropriate courses.