Online High

The following online high schools are available in Alabama:

Access Distance Learning

Sometimes you really are only as good as your technology. You absolutely want to get a look at what the learning management system (your “classroom”) looks like before signing up. You may be surprised to discover that much of their program is actually completed off-line and that the only online component is when you upload your work.

If that works for you, then all is well and good. For many students, though, the hope is that there is something more interactive in nature. There should be a way for a school to show you what this all looks like. If they cannot, you have every reason to wonder why that might be so difficult for them.

Beware of a lack of transparency. It is not a deal-killer, necessarily, but it does mean that you need to do more research.

So, what are you looking for? In essence, you might see audio components, video components, some way to interact with teachers (and, perhaps, students), and more. It should not be: “Here’s a textbook that we have thrown up online. Here are questions. Answer the questions.”

I do check to see where in-bound links to this site come from. I was checking today and discovered that the nice folks at International Association for Distance Learning have selected this site to use if you are looking for an online high school. What a nice thing for them to do. I hope you will wander over and take a look at their website.

As we continue with this series, you are encouraged to post a response on the blog and/or to ask questions in the forum.

Advice #2: Choose an online high school that is accredited and/or approved. This can look a little different from colleges where you absolutely want the school to have regional accreditation.

1. Regional Accreditation that can be verified through a listing at CHEA.

2. National Accreditation that can be verified through a listing at Distance Education & Training Council.

3. Recognition by a state department of education.

4. Recognition by a public school district.

We have now reached the problematic schools. There are certain schools that are legitimate endeavors, but, for whatever reason, do not possess any one of the four types of recognition above. If you come across such a school, I encourage you to ask about it in the forum. That way others can benefit by your experience.

Montana Digital Academy brings to that state the ability to offer courses online to its high school students. While Montana did have an earlier program, it was phased out. Beginning in the 2010-2011 school year, the University of Montana will offer this new program.

Today’s Focus School is iQ Academy California. It is part of the growing chain of iQ Academy schools.

Snippet from listing: iQ Academy is dedicated to the education of the whole student, and recognizes the importance of incorporating opportunities for social engagement, community service, a full developmental guidance strategy and career and college planning in addition to the highest quality, standards-based online courses and certified instruction for students at all levels of achievement.

Over the next several weeks, I am going to be offering advice to folks on how to earn a high school diploma online.

Advice #1: Never sign up for an online high school until you have seen what it looks like inside. Not all online high schools are created equal. Some have just thrown print content onto the Internet and want to say they are an online high school.

Here’s the key: If a school will not let you see what it looks like inside, be concerned. Be very, very concerned. It is an easy thing to provide guest accounts. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Christa McAuliffe Academy is now CMA School of Arts and Sciences. It is now located in Oregon. Rest assured, though, it is still the same program.

I am pleased to announce that Best Online High Schools has now reached 500,000 hits on online high school listings. We continue to be the largest site solely devoted to online high schools and we have you all to thank.

So, thank you and, please, keep coming back!

Blueprint Education, a nonprofit educational organization, is providing curriculum expertise to help Eagle Quest of Nevada offer accredited curriculum based on their existing program content in the “Hero’s Journey” program.

To read more about it, see Eagle Quest of Nevada will offer high school credits for Hero’s Journey Program.