An online high school diploma is the key to securing your higher education or a decent well-paying job. While having a diploma or a degree doesn’t guarantee you success, it is nevertheless the first step in the right direction. If you have a hard time understanding the importance of this, just ask anyone who hasn’t finished high school.

It is a well-known fact that adults with a high school diploma earn significantly more than those without one. There are several reasons as to why one may fail to finish high school and earn a diploma or degree. However, that should not be an excuse to pursue one in the 21st century, especially when avenues such as online homeschooling are available.

There are several different online programs available for students to enroll with. While picking the right one for your child can prove to be a daunting task, it is definitely worth the effort when you focus on the end result. Today, a high school diploma is a starting point. While having a diploma in the past may have been sufficient to secure a decent, well-paying job that is no longer the case.

Diplomas and degrees from accredited online high schools are academically equivalent to those earned via a traditional schooling environment. Graduating from an accredited high school ensures that your online high school diploma is recognized by colleges and universities as well as potential employers.

TYPES OF ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA PROGRAMS

While there are different types of online high school diploma programs available to students, they can be categorized into four basic types –

• Private
• Public
• Charter
• College/University sponsored

Many parents who have enrolled their children with online homeschooling programs prefer programs offered by private, accredited online high schools. However, when you carefully evaluate each program type, it is clear that each one has its pros and cons. The key is deciding which one is the most suitable for you and your child depending on your own individual needs.

PRIVATE ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA PROGRAMS

Online high school diploma programs offered by private schools vary in terms of costs, quality of education, and recognition. While the amount of effort that goes into researching and evaluating private schools can be daunting, the end result is totally worth the effort. Private online schools offer great course curriculum along with cutting-edge technology and accessible student support services, which make their programs great value for money.

Programs offered by such schools are typically accessible across the country and have limited government oversight. The significant advantages they offer students include great course curriculum, a wide range of learning styles, and customizable learning avenues. These platforms are typically preferred by students who have worked with online homeschooling platforms on account of the great curriculum they have to offer.

Additionally, what makes private schools a preferred option for homeschooled students is the fact that they have programs designed to cater exclusively to the needs of such homeschooled students. This is why most homeschooled students enroll with private online schools for their curriculum even though they may receive their diplomas or degrees through their resident states.

PUBLIC & CHARTER ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA PROGRAMS

These programs are primarily funded by the government and are offered by particular states or districts. Moreover, they are freely available to resident minors. In terms of accreditation, they are state-approved and are typically regionally accredited programs. While these programs are free, there are several other factors to consider when choosing to enroll for online courses.

The major drawback of online public schools is that they have rigid guidelines that have to be adhered to. They also offer very limited course selections for students to opt for, and they often cater to only certain resident populations. Charter schools on the other hand, offer more flexibility and customization. However, they always face the risk of losing their funding and are generally viewed as less stable options when choosing to enroll with an online school. Additionally, their programs are typically not available to students residing outside of certain districts.

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY SPONSORED ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA PROGRAMS

Programs sponsored by colleges and universities typically have regional accreditation. The most significant advantage of enrolling with them is that they offer a great deal of flexibility and individualization. When enrolling with an online school, parents should consider the different types of programs available to their child. With most university and college sponsored programs, students have access to a great deal of flexibility along with a high quality education, as well as access to advanced and dual credit programs.

However, such programs have drawbacks such as lesser interaction with course instructors, less student support services, more selective admission standards, and they can be expensive when compared with other programs. These programs are ideally suited for students who are self-motivated and able to study their course content independently without much support. Students who have enrolled with an online homeschooling environment previously will find it much easier to adapt to such programs.

GETTING STARTED

While choosing to enroll with an online high school is a wise decision, it is certainly an uphill task when it comes to actually finalizing the school to enroll with. Of the many parameters you must evaluate, accreditation ranks at the top. As parents, always ensure that the school you pick has all the necessary accreditations that will allow your child to transfer credits to other schools (if needed), pursue higher education or/and apply for employment opportunities.

The next major factor that will help you decide is the level of flexibility the school offers. When enrolling for online schooling, most parents prioritize cost over flexibility. While that may be a compulsion in some situations, it shouldn’t be the case if you can afford to shell out a little bit extra. The level of flexibility and support an online school can offer your child should not be measured solely in terms of money. Having the right student support can go a long way in ensuring that your child receives a quality education along with his or her overall development.