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Best online high schools in America
When the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly forced schools online, students, teachers, and parents needed quick lessons in virtual learning. Some transitions went well but many faltered, and even after nearly a year of living with the pandemic, school districts are struggling to facilitate online learning as much as they face challenges with safely bringing students back to school buildings. In the process, America’s education system is leaving behind many minority students and poorer students who lack easy access to internet services, potentially widening the economic and racial gaps. Children with disabilities or who are learning English are also particularly at risk for falling behind.
National Public Radio reported in December 2020 that between 40% and 60% of students were in districts offering only remote learning. Many others are relying on a hybrid of online and in-person classes, returning to remote learning when COVID-19 cases increase past certain thresholds. Many schools were ill-prepared for the switch and as the pandemic stretches on, they will need to not only improve their offerings but also devise plans to help students catch up. A USA Today article, also from December 2020, noted that those plans are “largely evolving, thin, or nonexistent.”
With Americans increasingly turning their attention to online schools, here are some of the best that have years of experience teaching students virtually. HeyTutor used data from Niche’s 2021 Best Online High Schools in America report to compile a list of the best 50 online schools for high school students. The schools are ranked based on Niche’s internal ranking and scoring system.
The ranking, based on 2020 data (released in 2021), takes into consideration test scores, diversity, college preparation, school activities, teacher salaries, and reviews from high school students and parents about their experiences at the school. A majority of schools on the list are public high schools, so they are tuition-free and open to residents of the high school’s state. Others are private schools, and their yearly tuition estimate is included when applicable. Most of the private high schools also do not publicly release their graduation rate data. A few of the schools on this list were not online-only schools before the COVID-19 pandemic, but have created such stellar virtual programs that they’re included on this list.
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#50. Fayetteville Virtual Academy
- Location: Fayetteville School District, AR
- Student population: 221
- Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
- Average graduation rate: 94%
- Yearly tuition: $0
Part of the Fayetteville Public Schools, the Fayetteville Virtual Academy is an above-average online charter school. The Fayetteville Virtual Academy offers a blended approach featuring a web-based curriculum and on-site availability of teachers. Students may choose to attend guided study sessions on campus three days a week while taking advantage of the flexibility of online courses, and may schedule face-to-face or virtual meetings with their teachers. Students may go on field trips, attend tutoring sessions and in-person school learning labs, join clubs and community service projects, and participate in sports.
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#49. Family Partnership Home Study Charter School
- Location: Santa Maria, CA
- Student population: 335
- Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
- Average graduation rate: 82%
- Yearly tuition: $0
The Family Partnership Home Study Charter School is a public charter school that serves kindergarten through 12th-grade students in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties in California. Instruction is not classroom-based; instead, students are taught through learning centers that focus on personalized learning, blended learning, independent learning, and Montessori teachings. Social activities for home study and independent study students include field trips, activities, and activities such as the school-wide science fair. Students can also enroll in community college courses through the school.
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#48. Duval Virtual Instruction Academy
- Location: Duval County Public Schools, FL
- Student population: 282
- Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
- Average graduation rate: 85%
- Yearly tuition: $0
The Duval Virtual Instruction Academy is a kindergarten through 12th-grade public school that offers a part-time program for traditional homeschooled students as well as a full-time program for students who travel, those involved in high-level sports or arts, or who prefer the flexibility of online learning. Students have access to counselors, face-to-face instruction at the campus, and may join in activities and athletes at their zoned physical schools. Blended learning is also available, which combines online classes and attendance at a traditional school.
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#47. Indiana University High School
- Location: Bloomington, IN
- Student population: 1,250
- Student-teacher ratio: data not available
- Average graduation rate: data not available
- Yearly tuition: $9,240
Founded in 1925, Indiana University High School is a high school embedded in a public university that now offers online classes. It provides a Prep for Success course as an introduction to the learning system used at the high school. Students can supplement their classes with ones from another school; diplomas are offered in general education, college prep, or academic honors.
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#46. Seminole County Virtual School
- Location: Seminole County Public Schools, FL
- Student population: 79
- Student-teacher ratio: 2:1
- Average graduation rate: 85%
- Yearly tuition: $0
The kindergarten through 12th grade virtual school is part of the Seminole County Public Schools. Students must finish their work over a week, but there are no requirements for when they must be online or where and classes can be completed early. If students spend part of their time at a traditional school, they can do their online work there too. All sports and other activities are open to online students. The school district provides computers for students who cannot afford them.
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#45. Miami-Dade Online Academy
- Location: Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
- Student population: 256
- Student-teacher ratio: data not available
- Average graduation rate: 55%
- Yearly tuition: $0
A public, online, kindergarten through 12th-grade school that offers learning anywhere at any time, it has more than quadrupled in size since opening in 2009 with 52 students. High school students can choose from AP classes or dual enrollment with Miami Dade College or Florida International University.
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#44. Osceola Virtual School
- Location: Osceola County School District, FL
- Student population: 91
- Student-teacher ratio: data not available
- Average graduation rate: 91%
- Yearly tuition: $0
Osceola Virtual School is an online public school for kindergarten through 12th-grade students, with a versatile program for full-time, part-time, or home education students. Two options are available: digital learning with a teacher at a set time or digital learning that is more independent, where teachers are available in a supporting role. The public school also allows students to earn high school and college credits at the same time for free or to attend classes at the University of Central Florida ful- time in their senior year for early admission.
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#43. Riverside Virtual
- Location: Riverside Unified School District, CA
- Student population: 117
- Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
- Average graduation rate: 55%
- Yearly tuition: $0
An exclusively online school that opened in 2007, Riverside Virtual is part of the Riverside public school system. According to state test scores, 47% of students scored at or above the proficient level for math. In reading, 67% scored at or above that level. It gets particularly high marks for its teachers and for diversity.
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#42. Val Verde Academy
- Location: Val Verde Unified School District, CA
- Student population: 116
- Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
- Average graduation rate: 90%
- Yearly tuition: $0
Val Verde Academy ranks #14 among the best online high schools in California, according to Niche. It gets especially high marks for its teachers and its diversity. Among its students, 25% are at least proficient in math and 55% in reading, according to scores on state tests. Three quarter of the students are economically disadvantaged.
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#41. Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Student population: 180
- Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
- Average graduation rate: data not available
- Yearly tuition: $9,550
An all-girls Catholic high school that opened in 1890, Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart, or “the Jo,” as students call it, now offers a mix of online classes led by teachers and independent learning. Students start every day with a chance to check in with a teacher and a small group of fellow students. Teachers also touch base with students on the day the school is deep cleaned because of the coronavirus pandemic. Every student follows a college preparatory program and 100% of the students go on to attend a four-year college, according to Niche. Dual enrollment with city universities is available.
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#40. NorthStar Academy
- Location: Southaven, MS
- Student population: 1,726
- Student-teacher ratio: 38:1
- Average graduation rate: data not available
- Yearly tuition: $3,945
An online Christian school in Mississippi, NorthStar Academy offers college-preparatory programs within the context of biblical principles with the goal of graduating students who are college-ready and biblically literate. Its students are homeschooled, from families who are living overseas and looking for an alternative to a boarding school, or who travel frequently for sports or arts commitments and need a flexible schedule.
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#39. Orchard View
- Location: Twin Hills Union Elementary School District, CA
- Student population: 234
- Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
- Average graduation rate: 90%
- Yearly tuition: $0
A kindergarten through 12th-grade independent-study charter school, Orchard View School teachers design individualized lesson plans for students. Students can work independently at home, attend on-campus classes, and enroll in classes at the Santa Rosa Junior College. They also take part in community activities and work.
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#38. North Star Online School
- Location: Washoe County School District, NV
- Student population: 240
- Student-teacher ratio: data not available
- Average graduation rate: 90%
- Yearly tuition: $0
A full-time virtual public school for the kindergarten through the 12th grade, North Star Online School allows students to attend classes at home, on the road, or in the school’s computer labs. The campus, in Reno, Nevada, is open to students Monday through Friday. Teachers are available at the school, by telephone, or by email to help students.
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#37. Palm Beach Virtual School
- Location: Palm Beach County School District, FL
- Student population: 102
- Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
- Average graduation rate: 90%
- Yearly tuition: $0
Serving kindergarten through 12th grade, Palm Beach Virtual School allows students to attend full time or to take only some classes in what it calls its flex program. Live instruction is provided by teachers certified in Florida. High school students in either traditional schools or who are being homeschooled may participate in the flex program. Clubs, field trips, and other activities enable students to meet up with each other. Dual enrollment with local colleges is available.
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#36. Tennessee Online Public School
- Location: Bristol City School District, TN
- Student population: 216
- Student-teacher ratio: 72:1
- Average graduation rate: 92%
- Yearly tuition: $0
The Tennessee Online Public School, or TOPS, opened in 2012 and serves students in the ninth through 12th grades. It offers an academic path or a technical one. In addition to more traditional academic courses in math, science, the humanities, and fine arts, the school also teaches web design, programming and software development, and computer networking systems.
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#35. Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School
- Location: West Chester, PA
- Student population: 2,927
- Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
- Average graduation rate: 76%
- Yearly tuition: $0
Ranked by Niche as the #1 best online school in Pennsylvania for the past four years, the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School offers classes for kindergarteners through 12th graders. At the high school, core courses are supplemented by such electives as journalism, African American literature, astronomy, environmental science, and probability. Students can audition for the Center for Performing and Fine Arts, a competitive multidisciplinary program for talented young people in theater, music, dance, and fine arts.
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#34. Texas Online Preparatory High School
- Location: Huntsville Independent School District, TX
- Student population: 1,311
- Student-teacher ratio: data not available
- Average graduation rate: 77%
- Yearly tuition: $0
The Texas Online Preparatory High School, called TOPS like its Tennessee counterpart, offers classes for third through 12th graders. At the high school, students have individualized lesson plans in math, language arts, science, and history, while extracurricular activities and in-person school-sponsored events allow students to meet their peers. The Destinations Career Program combines core classes with ones in the health science, information technology, and business, marketing, and finance fields.
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#33. Orange County Virtual School
- Location: Orange County Public Schools, FL
- Student population: 170
- Student-teacher ratio: 3:1
- Average graduation rate: 90%
- Yearly tuition: $0
Established in 2010, the Orange County Virtual School has both part-time and full-time students in grades kindergarten through 12. Homeschooled students may take classes. Students may choose from a wide array of classes, including AP English literature, AP calculus, marine science, American Sign Language, and art in world cultures. Students participate in science, art, music, and yearbook clubs, or any extracurricular activities offered through their zoned school, and take driver's ed.
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#32. California Connections Academy Southern California
- Location: PK, K-12
- Student population: 3,941
- Student-teacher ratio: 28:1
- Average graduation rate: 57%
- Yearly tuition: $0
From transitional kindergarten through 12th grade, the California Connections Academy is a network of tuition-free online schools throughout the state. Students can take honors classes or college courses, or career and technical classes to combine college preparation and gaining workforce skills. Students meet regularly for live lesson sessions and can take advantage of field trips—to the Getty Museum in Los Angeles or the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, for example—or of online clubs and other events.
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#31. Brevard Virtual School
- Location: Brevard Public Schools, FL
- Student population: 166
- Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
- Average graduation rate: data not available
- Yearly tuition: $0
Brevard Virtual School is a full-time school for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The program is a blended one, with most conducted online but complemented by on-campus activities and ones in the community. The school uses the curriculum of the Florida Virtual School, plus teachers offer live online lessons. Part-time students are enrolled in a traditional school while taking online classes during or after the school day or over the summer.
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#30. Pine Castle Christian Academy
- Location: Orlando, FL
- Student population: 255
- Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
- Average graduation rate: data not available
- Yearly tuition: $7,900
A private Christian school that opened in 1983, Pine Castle Christian Academy offers an e-learning program with live sessions throughout the day when students are required to log on for classes at a specific time and must wear their school uniform. A second choice is a hybrid model of e-learning and on-campus classes.
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#29. JCS - Live Virtual
- Location: Julian, CA
- Student population: 270
- Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
- Average graduation rate: 82%
- Yearly tuition: $0
JCS-LIVE is a virtual program focused on career and technical education, with students and teachers working from home. It offers classes for transitional kindergarten through the 12th grade, with workshops led by teachers, and mentoring and tutoring sessions throughout the week. There are opportunities for field trips, student-run clubs, and other activities.
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#28. iLEAD Hybrid
- Location: Acton, CA
- Student population: 2,725
- Student-teacher ratio: 26:1
- Average graduation rate: 87%
- Yearly tuition: $0
The iLEAD umbrella contains several schools and programs, altogether covering kindergarten through 12th grade. From kindergarten to eighth grade, students can join the school’s “learning studio” for additional enrichment in courses like “Asia and Europe through literature” (grades one and two) and “engineering and the development of flight” (grades six through eight).
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#27. Texas Connections Academy at Houston
- Location: Houston Independent School District, TX
- Student population: 5,696
- Student-teacher ratio: 27:1
- Average graduation rate: 47%
- Yearly tuition: $0
Texas Connections Academy at Houston is a virtual school for elementary through high school students. At the high school level, students take core classes in math, science, English, and social studies, but also such electives as digital technology and art. A military support team helps families with transfers, deployments, and other situations unique to them.
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#26. Virtual Academy at Shenandoah
- Location: El Dorado Union High School District, CA
- Student population: 110
- Student-teacher ratio: 24:1
- Average graduation rate: 85%
- Yearly tuition: $0
Instruction at Virtual Academy at Shenandoah is technology-based and emphasizes instruction in STEM areas (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), plus internships and early college experience. The school uses a blended online learning approach with opportunities for virtual and face-to-face interactions.
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#25. Pasco eSchool
- Location: Pasco County School District, FL
- Student population: 170
- Student-teacher ratio: 2:1
- Average graduation rate: 90%
- Yearly tuition: $0
Pasco eSchool is a kindergarten through 12th-grade public school. Sixth- through 12th-graders may enroll in the virtual school part-time or full-time. Full-time students may participate in clubs, sports, or other activities at their zoned physical school. Pasco eSchool is a franchise of Florida Virtual School, offering courses written by the Florida Virtual School, but taught by Pasco County teachers.
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#24. Learning Post High School
- Location: William S. Hart Union High School District, CA
- Student population: 225
- Student-teacher ratio: 28:1
- Average graduation rate: 90%
- Yearly tuition: $0
An independent study, public school that gives all students the choice of dual enrollment at their residence area school. A variety of students attend, from those who want the flexible pace to others who have family responsibilities or full-time jobs. Learning Post High School students may enroll in classes in a local college or graduate from high school early. AP and honors classes are available and teachers provide support through face-to-face meetings on campus or through phone calls, emails, or other digital communication.
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#23. Hillsborough Virtual School
- Location: Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL
- Student population: 336
- Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
- Average graduation rate: 85%
- Yearly tuition: $0
This is a kindergarten through 12th-grade virtual school. The school’s classes are the same as those of Florida Virtual School but taught by Hillsborough teachers, with choices among a variety of core subjects plus such electives as art history or web design. Students can go on field trips and join clubs. The part-time program is open to all levels.
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#22. Redlands eAcademy
- Location: Redlands Unified School District, CA
- Student population: 95
- Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
- Average graduation rate: data not available
- Yearly tuition: $0
Redlands eAcademy is a public kindergarten through 12th-grade blended learning school that combines in-person with online and independent learning. High school students can choose from college preparatory and AP classes, and meet with teachers and a small group of other students for interactive learning. They may work on campus on other days as well.
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#21. East Kentwood High School
- Location: Kentwood Public Schools, MI
- Student population: 1,981
- Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
- Average graduation rate: 88%
- Yearly tuition: $0
The East Kentwood High School offers classes for 10th- through 12th-graders, including a wide array of AP courses and language programs in Spanish, French, German, and Latin. There is also a ski and snowboard club. The East Kentwood Middle College enables students to graduate with “a high school diploma, transferable college credits and an Associate of Arts degree.”
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#20. Rio Rancho Cyber Academy
- Location: Rio Rancho Public Schools, NM
- Student population: 151
- Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
- Average graduation rate: 90%
- Yearly tuition: $0
A blended learning school, Rio Rancho Cyber Academy combines online classes and the chance for students to work one-on-one and in small groups for tutoring sessions with teachers. Students work online from home two to three days a week and on campus the rest of the week. The online learning platform is available to students at all times, seven days a week. It is an alternative education program for grades sixth through 12.
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#19. California Connections Academy Ripon
- Location: K-12
- Student population: 1,360
- Student-teacher ratio: 32:1
- Average graduation rate: 52%
- Yearly tuition: $0
The California Connections Academy is a network of tuition-free online schools throughout the state for students in transitional kindergarten through the 12th grade. The curriculum includes honors classes, college courses, or career and technical classes to combine college preparation and gaining workforce skills. Students meet regularly for live lesson sessions and can take advantage of field trips, online clubs, and other events.
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#18. Pinellas Virtual Academy
- Location: Pinellas County Schools, FL
- Student population: 24
- Student-teacher ratio: 2:1
- Average graduation rate: 88%
- Yearly tuition: $0
Pinellas Virtual Academy serves students in the kindergarten through 12th grade. Students up to the fifth grade attend full time, while the older students can choose between a full- and part-time program. Part-time students take courses at Pinellas Virtual Academy to supplement their traditional or homeschooling course work.
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#17. Florida Virtual Full Time High School
- Location: Orlando, FL
- Student population: 2,674
- Student-teacher ratio: data not available
- Average graduation rate: 81%
- Yearly tuition: $0
The Florida Virtual School was established by the Florida Legislature as the state’s first internet-based public high school in 1997. Since then the school has grown to become a statewide public school district, offering more than 190 online courses to students in the kindergarten through 12th grade. Students in Florida Virtual Full Time High School can choose from a broad range of core classes, electives, AP classes, and career and technical classes.
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#16. St. Johns Virtual Franchise
- Location: St. Johns County School District, FL
- Student population: 109
- Student-teacher ratio: data not available
- Average graduation rate: 85%
- Yearly tuition: $0
St. Johns Virtual School is a franchise of Florida Virtual School, and uses its curriculum taught by local St. Johns teachers. Students may take individual classes from the online kindergarten through 12th grade school or become a full-time St. Johns Virtual School student. The school opened in 2008, with about 45 students, mostly homeschooled students. St. Johns has its own National Honor Society.
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#15. California Preparatory Academy
- Location: Capistrano Unified School District, CA
- Student population: 160
- Student-teacher ratio: 27:1
- Average graduation rate: 90%
- Yearly tuition: $0
California Preparatory Academy is an independent study high school that offers blended learning, a virtual curriculum combined with in-person instruction. Students may participate in sports in the home district and in such activities as the school newspaper, yearbook, drama, and band. The school offers AP and honors classes but also credit recovery for courses students do not pass.
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#14. ASU Preparatory Academy Digital
- Location: Tempe, AZ
- Student population: 300
- Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
- Average graduation rate: data not available
- Yearly tuition: $0 in-state, $6,900 out of state
ASU Prep Digital is part of Arizona State University and offers the chance to earn high school and university credits at the same time. Students can take a single class at the online kindergarten through 12th-grade college preparatory school or enroll full time. The school serves students and schools throughout the world.
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#13. Lake Virtual Franchise
- Location: Lake County Schools, FL
- Student population: 84
- Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
- Average graduation rate: 65%
- Yearly tuition: $0
The Lake County Virtual School offers online classes for all levels, kindergarten through 12th grade. It provides live online lessons, in-person sessions with teachers, and field trips and clubs. Students can attend full-time or part-time and home education students can enroll in classes. Besides the core classes, students can take career and life skills classes such as fitness lifestyle design and peer counseling.
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#12. Scottsdale Online Learning
- Location: Scottsdale Unified School District, AZ
- Student population: 44
- Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
- Average graduation rate: 55%
- Yearly tuition: $0
A public school for grade kindergarten through 12, Scottsdale Online Learning has a focus on academics and preparing its students for college. It offers such electives as African American history, archaeology, fashion design, forensic science, medical terminology, mythology and folklore, the principles of public speaking, and nutrition and wellness.
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#11. Christa McAuliffe Academy School of Arts and Sciences
- Location: Lake Oswego, OR
- Student population: 425
- Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
- Average graduation rate: data not available
- Yearly tuition: $6,795
A private online school for students in kindergarten through the 12 grade, the Christa McAuliffe Academy School of Arts and Sciences opened in 2009. The name honors a teacher who died aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986 when it exploded after liftoff. The school offers honors and AP courses, and the chance to earn high school and college credits at the same time. Students pace themselves in classes and can spend more time to understand a concept.
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#10. Alternative Education-San Joaquin High School
- Location: Irvine Unified School District, CA
- Student population: 25
- Student-teacher ratio: 3:1
- Average graduation rate: 85%
- Yearly tuition: $0
The San Joaquin High School grew out of an independent study program created in 1981 by the Irvine Unified School District. In 2015, the high school became a blended learning program. Students must study at least 20 hours a week on their own and one hour in class, per class, each week. Some courses might require more time on campus.
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#9. Broward Virtual School
- Location: Broward County Public Schools, FL
- Student population: 380
- Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
- Average graduation rate: 95%
- Yearly tuition: $0
Broward Virtual School offers full-time enrollment to students in grades kindergarten through 12. Home educated students in the sixth through 12th grade may enroll part-time, too. A franchise of Florida Virtual School for the middle and high school classes, Broward Virtual School draws on teachers and counselors from the area. Classes are taught by teachers from Broward Virtual School, Florida Virtual School, or K12, which provides the elementary school program.
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#8. Lee County Virtual Franchise
- Location: Lee County Public Schools, FL
- Student population: 284
- Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
- Average graduation rate: 90%
- Yearly tuition: $0
The Lee Virtual School educates students in the kindergarten through 12th grade. Its students include athletes, performers, highly motivated students who want to move ahead, students with medical issues, home school students, and those who travel and who benefit from the flexibility of an online school. Lee Virtual School is a franchise of Florida Virtual School, the state’s online public school district.
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#7. PVOnline
- Location: Paradise Valley Unified School District, AZ
- Student population: 85
- Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
- Average graduation rate: 85%
- Yearly tuition: $0
PVOnline is an online school for students in kindergarten through 12th grade that provides students with the flexibility to work throughout the week. PVOnline offers 115 courses for students to choose from, including AP classes, dual enrollment with a college, and such courses as “the rise of electronic music” and “fitness power.”
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#6. iUniversity Prep
- Location: Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District, TX
- Student population: 759
- Student-teacher ratio: 37:1
- Average graduation rate: 95%
- Yearly tuition: $0
Students in the fifth through 12th grades throughout Texas are eligible to attend iUniversity Prep, an online college preparatory public school. A dual credit program is available, through which students earn both college and high school credits for the same course. Besides core subjects, high school students can take classes in game design, entrepreneurship, and foundations of cybersecurity.
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#5. Laurel Springs School
- Location: Ojai, CA
- Student population: 5,367
- Student-teacher ratio: 24:1
- Average graduation rate: data not available
- Yearly tuition: $6,000
Laurel Springs School is a private, online school that allows students the flexibility to work at a time that is best for them and that can accommodate other commitments and military families, for example. It offers a college preparatory program and rolling admission at any time of the year. At the upper school level, students can choose from such electives as digital photography, forensic science, and international business.
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#4. St. Demetrios Preparatory School
- Location: Astoria, NY
- Student population: 700
- Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
- Average graduation rate: 100%
- Yearly tuition: $8,500
A private school of the Greek Orthodox Church, St. Demetrios Preparatory School opened in 1956 with 267 students. Today it has more than 700 Greek-American students. Those who are eligible may qualify for a second diploma recognized by the Greek Ministry of National Education. In addition its graduates qualify for admission to Greek colleges and universities.
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#3. Mt. Everest Academy
- Location: San Diego Unified School District, CA
- Student population: 266
- Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
- Average graduation rate: 90%
- Yearly tuition: $0
Mt. Everest Academy is a kindergarten through 12th-grade school that provides independent learning. It offers a wide array of honors and AP classes and a dual credit program that allows students to gain high school and college credits at the same time. It is primarily a virtual school. Students tutor younger ones through its P.A.L.S. program, or Peer Academic Lab for Success.
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#2. Dwight Global Online School
- Location: New York, NY
- Student population: 159
- Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
- Average graduation rate: 100%
- Yearly tuition: $39,900
The Dwight Global Online School, created in 2014, is part of the Dwight School, a merger of two schools that dates to 1872 and is named after Yale University’s 12th president, Timothy Dwight V. Students at the private online school also meet in-person in New York City and in Dwight locations worldwide. It was the first school to offer the four International Baccalaureate programs in the Americas.
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#1. Stanford Online High School
- Location: Redwood City, CA
- Student population: 804
- Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
- Average graduation rate: 100%
- Yearly tuition: $24,220
Stanford Online High School is a highly selective school for grades seven through 12, with students drawn from 48 states and 31 countries. Its challenging curriculum includes 28 post-AP and university-level courses and a four-year interdisciplinary core sequence. Founded in 2006, the independent school for gifted students is located at Stanford University.
