Attending High School Online: 5 Top Accredited Online High Schools to Explore

High school in America is challenging to navigate. Currently a middle school student thinking about high school (or a high schooler who’s just not happy with their current educational situation)? Traditional classrooms aren’t the only option anymore. Virtual schooling, once reserved for specific situations like students competing at elite levels in a sport, in the theatre or musical arts, or those with significant health issues, has become a more popular option for many. 

Online education has grown 900% since it first appeared in 2000. Education online surged during the 2020 pandemic, when 77% of public schools and 73% of private schools moved some or all of their classes to virtual distance learning. Now, five years later, almost half of all students have done some online schooling.

But with so many choices, how do you know if online school is for you — or which online high school is the best fit? This blog reviews the pros and cons of education online, answers key questions about its value, and helps you navigate the landscape of online high schools. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of whether a virtual education is right for you and what to look for to ensure a high-quality experience. 

Best high school online

Choosing the right high school for your education online is a big decision — one that will shape your academic journey in high school and beyond. As you review your options, keep the following questions in mind.

• Is the high school accredited?
  Accredited online high schools meet recognized standards of quality. A school’s accreditation ensures that colleges and universities will accept the credits you earn and that future employers will recognize your diploma. To confirm a high school’s legitimacy, look for accreditation from a reputable body, like the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) or a regional accrediting organization. Without proper accreditation, all your hard work might not be recognized, potentially limiting your options for college and your career.

• What is the high school’s curriculum for my grade?
  As you narrow down your choices of online high schools, the next thing to consider is each one’s curriculum. Is it robust enough to prepare you for your post-graduation plans, whether that’s college, trade school, a career, or the military? A high-quality online program should offer a comprehensive education, including core subjects that meet state standards, a variety of elective courses, and potentially career pathways. Many online high schools provide advanced placement (AP) or honors classes for a greater challenge. Some schools also offer concurrent or dual enrollment programs with a local community college, where you can earn college credit.
  
  Consider the school’s quality of instruction and interaction. Look for programs with certified teachers who are comfortable using virtual meeting platforms to hold class sessions and small group discussions. This teaching approach helps simulate the in-person classroom experience and makes learning more engaging.
  
  If you’re a non-native English speaker, check for specialized language classes. If you’ve struggled with academics in the past or missed significant amounts of school due to health issues or a disability, check if the school offers support services like credit recovery courses.

• How flexible is this virtual high school?
  A major benefit of high school online is the flexibility it affords. Unlike traditional schools with daily bell schedules (and classes that start before 8 a.m.), many online high schools allow students to create a personalized schedule fitted to their learning style and daily life. That said, the level of flexibility can vary greatly from one program to the next.
  
  As you look at your options, consider whether the school uses a synchronous (live, real-time) or asynchronous (self-paced) model. Are you good at working through lessons at your own speed, or do you rely on fixed deadlines to stay on track? Does the school offer options to accelerate or slow down course completion if needed?

• What other student services does it provide?
  Even in a virtual environment, your success depends on the support you receive outside of class. Quality online schooling should include a variety of services to help you excel academically and emotionally. When evaluating your options, consider whether the school offers one-on-one counseling or advising to assist with course selection, college applications, scholarship opportunities, and career planning.
  
  Does the school provide tutoring or extra help for subjects you find challenging? How easy is it to connect with your teachers to ask questions and get additional help? What kind of access to guidance counselors is provided? Does the school foster peer interaction through clubs, activities, or extracurriculars? 

• How intuitive and user-friendly is the school’s virtual platform?
  A smooth online learning experience depends on easy-to-use technology and a reliable platform. As you explore different high schools online, look at the learning management systems (LMS) they use and the technology you’ll need to participate fully.
  
  Does the school provide you with any technology, like a laptop, or must you provide your own? Is the platform simple and easy to navigate? Does the school offer technical support if you run into issues? Can you connect easily with your teachers and classmates through online forums or virtual classrooms?
  
  The best virtual high schools use modern, accessible tools to make learning efficient and engaging — not confusing. You don’t want to spend half of your time troubleshooting problems with the platform (or anything else technological) instead of focusing on your classes! 

• How much does attending this high school online cost?
  The cost of online high school varies greatly. Some programs are tuition-free, while others are quite expensive, especially those offering specialized or advanced courses. When you look at your choices, keep the tuition fees in mind — and don’t forget to account for other costs, such as those
  for technology, textbooks, or activities.

If budget is a concern, see whether the schools you’re interested in offer financial aid, scholarships, or payment plans to help manage the cost. Remember that a higher price tag doesn’t necessarily guarantee a better education. Your goal should be to find a program that provides the right balance of high-quality education and affordability.

Is doing high school online worth it?

Attending high school online is worth it for some students, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution (nor is any educational option). But if you’re self-motivated, need flexibility, have a goal to graduate early, or your local traditional high school doesn’t have the opportunities you want, it’s an option to consider. 

Online high schools offer autonomy, customizable schedules, courses that aren’t available locally but align more with your interests, and a comfortable learning environment. But you need self-discipline, time management skills, and the ability to avoid (too much) procrastination! 

Attending high school online offers a flexible and personalized alternative to traditional schooling, with several benefits and drawbacks to consider.

Pros of high school online

Online schooling, because it’s so flexible and customizable, allows you to learn at your own pace and accommodate other responsibilities like work, family obligations, or extracurricular activities like sports or the arts. It’s also a good alternative for people with significant health issues or disabilities that make attending school in person challenging. This flexibility can also lead to early graduation if you’re really motivated.

For many, a home-based environment is safer and provides a more focused space for learning, plus fewer distractions from social issues like bullying or peer pressure. If noisy cafeterias and crowded hallways send you into sensory overload or an anxiety spiral, high school online can help alleviate those feelings. Online schooling can also give you access to a wider range of specialized courses, including career pathways and advanced placement (AP) courses that might not be available at your local brick-and-mortar school. The format of education online can benefit students who thrive with self-directed learning and prefer a more personalized approach that addresses their specific needs and learning styles.

Cons of high school online

The biggest potential drawback for virtual schooling? It requires a high level of self-discipline and motivation. You’re responsible for managing your own time and meeting deadlines without the structure of a physical, traditional classroom. You may also have less face-to-face social interaction with your teacher and peers, which can create feelings of isolation. While many programs and high schools online may offer virtual clubs and activities, maintaining a social life still requires more effort. 

Another concern? The potential for technical issues requires a reliable internet connection and a computer. If you live in a rural area or one prone to frequent internet outages due to poor service or bad weather, you may set yourself up for frustration and stress, especially if troubleshooting technical issues isn’t your comfort zone. Access to labs for science classes may be limited, and depending on the online school, you may only get to watch experiments and not conduct them yourself.

Do colleges take online high school seriously?

The short answer? Yes! In general, colleges and universities view diplomas earned from an online high school the same as those from a traditional school. Ultimately, your success in the college admissions process hinges on the same factors as any other applicant, including GPA, standardized test scores, essays, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation.

If you plan to attend high school online, make sure you do the following:

• Choose an accredited, reputable program. Accreditation is the most critical factor because it confirms that an online school meets established educational standards. Accreditation can be national or regional, but regional is generally considered more prestigious and more widely accepted by U.S. colleges and universities.

While accreditation is the main priority, your online high school’s reputation also matters, especially if you’re applying to highly selective colleges. Some well-known online programs have a strong track record of placing their graduates in competitive universities.

• Focus on a well-rounded, rigorous education. Colleges want confirmation that you’re prepared for the academic demands of higher education. When selecting your high school classes, opt for challenging courses, such as college prep classes and electives that align with your future goals. (A caveat: Also use electives to try out different things and see what you love!)
• Participate in extracurriculars. While online schooling might not offer traditional extracurriculars, you can still show admissions committees you’re a well-rounded, engaged individual. Join virtual clubs or participate in volunteer work, internships, and other activities in your community. Showcasing these commitments on your application proves you’re active outside of school and have developed leadership and teamwork skills.

Does Harvard accept online high school?

While Harvard is highly selective, it accepts students from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who graduated from public and private high schools, international schools, homeschools, online schools, and even those who’ve earned a GED. You must have attended an accredited online high school, but remember — your transcript is just one factor considered in your application. 

 What is the best online school?

Niche uses a combination of public data from sources like the Department of Education and millions of user reviews and survey responses from parents, students, and residents to grade and rank K-12 schools, colleges, and places to live. The 2025 Best Online High Schools in America list awarded A+ grades to the following private, accredited online high schools:

• Stanford Online High School (grades 7-12)
• Dwight Global Online School (grades 6-12)
• Crimson Global Academy, USA (grades 6-12)
• ICL Academy (grades 5-12)
• AEON School Online (grades K-12)

Newsweek’s 2021 50 Best Online High Schools in America (the most recent year available) also listed Stanford Online High School and Dwight Global Online School as its top two choices. 

5 most popular online high schools

In addition to the online high schools listed above, the following public and private schools also rank highly. Note that for most public online high schools, where you live is a major factor in who can enroll. Many tuition-free, public online high schools are considered public charter schools or are operated by a specific school district, which means they’re state-funded and their enrollment is tied to students living within the state or, in some cases, within a specific district or region. Because the rules vary significantly by state — and even type of online school — check the residency and eligibility requirements for any public high school online you’re considering.

Here are more popular, highly-rated online high schools considered among the best in the country.

• Laurel Springs School (grades 9-12)
• Christa McAuliffe School of Arts and Sciences (grades 9-12)
• Davidson Academy Online (grades 9-12)
• University of Texas High School (grades 9-12)
• George Washington University Online High School (grades 9-12)

List of accredited online high schools

The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) accredits online high schools and their diploma programs. Its accreditation signifies that a school meets quality standards and prepares students for college and the workforce. 

Many online high schools accredited by DEAC offer career-focused programs that can help students earn a certificate in a specific field in addition to their high school diploma. These certificates are available in high-demand areas like criminal justice, early childhood education, and healthcare. While DEAC’s list is not comprehensive, it is substantive. You can search its directory here.

Other accrediting organizations include Cognia, the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCAC), the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and the Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools (MSA).

In addition to the schools listed above, here are more of the best accredited online high school programs for 2025:

• University of Missouri High School: Mizzou K-12 
• Mother of Divine Grace School 
• Oak Meadow School  
• International Virtual Learning Academy (also NCAA-approved)
• Connections Academy  
• Pearson Online Academy  

High school online - 5 takeaways

Here are the top five things to consider when exploring online high schools:

1. Accreditation is non-negotiable. The most crucial factor when choosing an online high school is to ensure it has at least one accreditation from a reputable organization. This accreditation guarantees colleges, universities, and future employers will recognize your credits and diploma.
2. Curriculum quality is key. Look for a program with a comprehensive, rigorous curriculum that prepares you for your post-graduation goals. A quality online high school offers core subjects that meet state standards, advanced courses like AP or honors, and a variety of electives.
3. Flexibility comes with a catch. One of the greatest benefits of virtual schooling is the flexibility to set your own schedule and learn at your own pace. However, this flexibility also requires a high level of self-discipline, motivation, and time management to stay on track and avoid procrastination.
4. Support and technology matter. Don’t underestimate the importance of student support services and a user-friendly tech platform. A good program provides resources like academic advising, tutoring, and access to guidance counselors, plus a reliable, intuitive virtual learning system that includes tech support.
5. Online diplomas are widely accepted. Even highly selective colleges view diplomas from accredited online high schools the same as those from traditional schools. Your success in the college application process depends on the same factors as any other student: a strong academic record, challenging coursework, and participation in extracurricular activities.