Top 5 Online High Schools
Updated October 12, 2022 · 2 Min Read
Top High Schools Online for Students
Online high schools make it possible for young performers, athletes, or other nontraditional students to graduate on their terms. In online high school programs, students learn the skills they need to explore their passions after earning a diploma. They may go on to pursue higher education or immediately enter the workforce.
The following ranking lists the five best high schools online. We based this ranking on focused research, primarily on the quality of key online high school features.
FAQs: Questions About Online High Schools
What are the best online high schools?
The best online high schools meet the individual needs of each student. People can research online high schools with solid curricula and flexibility nationwide.
How you transfer high schools online?
When transferring to an online school, students should research which classes will transfer to an online school. Learners should plan and communicate with their prospective school.
Does every state allow online high school?
Yes. Students in all 50 states can attend online high schools. While some states have local online high school options, students can access virtual learning programs nationwide.
How successful are online high schools?
Some studies suggest that online high schools feature lower graduation rates than in-person schools. However, online high school may cost less and offer a better learning environment for some students.
Featured Online Schools
Types of Online High School Diploma Programs
Students have many options for earning a high school diploma online. Besides online high schools, students can enroll at charter schools and private schools. They can also attend university-sponsored programs.
Charter Schools
Charter schools, a type of public school, do not receive federal funding. Instead, they get funding from state income tax, donations, and awards and grants. Charter schools are typically formed around a specific curriculum or needs of families. These schools can offer flexible schedules, unique coursework, and higher student-to-teacher ratios.
Private Schools
Unlike public schools, private schools rely on student tuition to operate. Many private schools offer scholarships or tuition assistance programs. Private schools may also offer students a wider variety of extracurricular options than other school types. These schools typically feature lower attendance rates, which allow students more one-on-one help from instructors.
University Sponsored
University-sponsored programs provide students with a rigorous high school experience that prepares them for college. Higher education institutions offer these programs in either an online or hybrid format. Professors usually teach classes. Coursework may be more challenging than other online high school programs. Top schools like Stanford Online High School can have competitive admission rates.
We List Our Ranking of The Five Best High Schools Online
Flexible and affordable, James Madison High School suits the needs of both traditional and nontraditional students. This top online high school is committed to preparing its students for a diverse variety of goals. Among James Madison’s students include those seeking stronger job qualifications, a complete diploma, homeschooling, or other special circumstances. JMHS online high school students can enroll and begin their courses any time of year. James Madison is accredited by Cognia and the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, meeting high standards of distance education requirements.
Program Website
The University of Texas at Austin High School offers a top online high school for earning a diploma. The school has an innovative, interactive learning portal, resources for students with disabilities, and academic advisement. In addition, the University of Texas’s online high school has additional academic coursework for Spanish-speaking students. UT high school online features flexible scheduling options. The course curriculum is held to the high standards of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Once enrolled in a high school course, students must complete it in 150 days. Each course costs $260 per semester.
Program Website
A long-trusted name in academics, Brigham Young University’s Independent Study program offers a variety of educational opportunities. BYU’s top online high school is offered in three available variations. These programs include a standard and advanced four-year diploma, and an adult diploma program designed for students over 19 years old. Brigham Young’s online high school program incentivizes strong grades. BYU awards a free scholarship course after every five courses for students who maintain a "B" or higher average. All of Brigham Young’s online education programs come with free tutoring services.
Program Website
Founded in 1974, The Keystone School is a flexible, affordable, and well-established education option. Keystone’s high school online program welcomes all students. Some of Keystone’s online high school students include college-bound, career-bound, or homebound learners. The school also enrolls students who find traditional high school environments challenging. Keystone high school online has an award-winning curriculum that is easily tailored to the specialized goals of its future graduates. High school students can enroll full time or take individual courses.
Program Website
Offering a variety of academics, Franklin Virtual High School features an award-winning curriculum and top-notch guidance resources. This top high school online provides live on-demand tutoring, self-paced learning, and affordable rates for high school students of all backgrounds. In addition, online Franklin high school students can re-take previous courses to either earn a passing or higher grade. FVHS ofers SAT, ACT, or GED test preparation, summer school, and other unique curriculum tracks.