FAQs

Academics FAQs

YES! CompuHigh / Whitmore School is a private school regionally accredited , North Central Association of Colleges and Schools – NCA CASI, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – SACS-CASI, and Northwest Accreditation Commission – NAWAC under the umbrella of Cognia, (formerly AdvancED.

Accreditation is awarded only to educational institutions that meet the highest standards of providing quality education programs and services.

 

No.

At Whitmore School, you have the flexibility to complete your coursework on a schedule that works best for you. Since there are no “semesters” with deadlines for completing assignments, you won’t get pushed ahead or be held back by the pace of other students.

 

Many students feel they are better at some subjects than others. Students often tell us they are great at Math but not English (or vice versa). Self-paced learning removes the stress associated with meeting deadlines for completing courses by the end of the semester. For example, the student who is skilled in Math may move through their Algebra course quickly, while they take their time revising their work in English until they master the concepts in the lesson. Students complete lessons and earn credit for their courses when they have mastered all the lessons in the course. On average, Whitmore students who work 5 days a week will complete a 1 credit course in 4 – 6 months.

*Note -Self-paced learning does not mean that students can procrastinate in the subjects they don’t love and then expect to submit all the lessons at once. In most courses, students may submit up to 2 lessons per day in each course (1 new lesson and 1 lesson revision, or 2 lesson revisions). We believe that consistency is the best approach for completing courses.

Your student’s Guidance Counselor will help your child develop a Personal Graduation Plan to keep them moving forward toward their goal of graduating!

Actually, students can “go to school” every day, but we don’t recommend it. Students can access and submit lessons any time of day, 365 days a year. This provides maximum flexibility for students and families to develop their own school schedule and take charge of their education. We suggest that students develop a routine of working 5 days a week and taking 2 days a week to relax and enjoy time with family and friends.

Teachers,  just like students, need to take regular breaks from work to keep life well-balanced. Taking time off to refresh means teachers can stay ‘on their game’ giving helpful and engaging feedback to each student. Teachers will typically respond to student posts within 24 hours during a normal business week Monday – Friday (Eastern Time).

 

Yes! Even though Whitmore does not schedule courses by traditional semesters, students can enroll in 0.5 credit of a course, any time of year, and complete either the 1st semester or the 2nd semester. This is ideal for students who just need to make up credit for 1 semester of a course.  On average, students complete 0.5 credit (1st or 2nd semester) in 3-5 months – about the same time as a semester in a traditional school.

Whitmore School is accredited by Cognia, and credits earned at Whitmore are generally accepted by schools around the world. However, it is always a good idea to confirm that your credit will transfer to your full-time school before you enroll.

Yes. Honors courses are weighted by .5 points. For example, earning an A in English 11 carries a point value of 4.0 where earning an A in English Honors 11 carries a point value of 4.50 point in your Grade Point Average.

Some students find math challenging online, but don’t be intimidated. Our math lessons are broken down step-by-step, with lots of examples and videos to help you understand the concepts. Plus our teachers will work with you one-to-one and walk you through each skill.

If you would like additional help, we offer 24/7 unlimited, online, on-demand, one-to-one tutoring through YUP, a Stanford University based tutoring company. Send an image of your math problem from your smart phone, and you will be connected to a personal tutor within minutes. YUP Math Tutoring Curriculum Support has a 97.98% student satisfaction rate. Consider adding our YUP Math Tutoring Curriculum Support for a discounted rate on YUP Tutoring.

Click here to see a YUP Demo.

Yes. There are two ways you can opt for additional academic support:

Everydae on phone tablet and computerEverydae Academic Support and SAT Test Prep is another great option for students wanting to practice and boost their academic skills. Test Prep SAT by Everydae is an optional 1.0 credit course offered to help students boost their SAT scores for college admission. Read more about this course here. Everydae Academic Support offers fun game-style challenges that can be completed in as few as 10 minutes per day on a phone, tablet or computer. These challenges are designed to give support and extra practice in courses the student is completing such as Biology, Chemistry, US History,  and Algebra. Watch this video to about Everydae.

 

 

Math problem shown on cell phoneYUP Math Tutoring offers one-to-one math support where students work with a tutor on specific math assignments where they need help. This option allows students to ask specific questions where they are stuck and work with a tutor until they have mastered the math concept. The $400 fee for YUP Math Tutoring when purchased through our partnership with YUP, is well below the cost to the public.

Whitmore School offers four diploma program options. Choose the program that best fits your needs. Note: Some states require you to register as a homeschooler if your child attends a virtual school. In the Diploma Program, you will be responsible for completing your state’s required documentation. If your state requires you to register as a homeschooler, and you would like assistance with your state’s required documentation, you must enroll in the Diploma PLUS Program or Diploma PLUS with College Advisor Program.

Diploma Program – Parents are responsible for following their student’s progress

  • Guidance Counselor will develop a Personal Graduation Plan with your student
  • One-to-one interaction with the teacher
  • Self-paced work
  • Credits transfer from public or private accredited schools
  • Scheduled for up to 6 credits a year
  • Students set their own schedule
  • General Studies or College Prep track
  • Parents are emailed a Weekly Summary Progress Report

Diploma PLUS Program – The Diploma PLUS Program includes everything in the Diploma Program plus additional support:

  • Guidance Counselor’s direct line phone number for phone calls as needed
  • Three additional .5 credit support courses offered at no additional cost – .5 credit Academic Success, and .5 credit Career Readiness 1 and 2 or .5 credit College Readiness 1 and 2.
  • Monthly Detailed Progress Report from your child’s Guidance Counselor outlining course progress and success and areas needing additional attention.
  • Guidance help with completing Homeschool documentation and reports for your state.
  • Assistance with state-required documentation. (for states that require students to register as a homeschooler)

Diploma PLUS Program with College Advisor – The Diploma PLUS with College Advisor Program includes everything in the Diploma PLUS Program plus assistance with the college research and application process. This program is highly recommended for all Sophomores, Junior and Seniors who plan to attend a 4-year college or university.

  • Assistance with college research and applications, FAFSA workshops, researching and applying for scholarships, college recommendations, and registration for SAT and ACT testing.
  • Assistance with state-required documentation. (for states that require students to register as a homeschooler)

Adult Education Diploma Program – The Diploma PLUS Program

In this program, adult students are responsible for setting a schedule to work on their courses.

  • Counselor will develop a Personal Graduation Plan
  •  Each class provides one-to-one interaction with a teacher
  • Mastery-based education
  • Adult students set their own schedules around their other commitments and work at their own pace
  • Will transfer all previously earned credits from public or private accredited schools
  • Up to 5 elective credits may be awarded for life skills and career skills
  • Scheduled for up to 6 credits a year
  • General Studies or College Prep track

Yes. You will receive a final grade for your course once all the assignments are completed.

YES! We accept credits from all public high schools. Students enrolling from non-accredited schools, can request to have a transcript evaluation to determine if credits will transfer. Click here for the Transfer Credit Policy.

No, but a high school diploma from Whitmore School is recognized by colleges, universities and employers and signifies that you have completed a rigorous course of study.

Note:

**”New York State school districts are prohibited from recognizing correspondence or online programs of high school study as fulfilling the New York State requirements for completion of an approved course of high school study.”

Students planning to attend a CUNY or SUNY college should write to the college to learn about alternative admission requirements.

Self-pacing allows you to set your own schedule for completing your schoolwork. On average, students who login and submit work in each course 5 days a week will complete their course in 3-5 months. We won’t let you feel overwhelmed with 7-8 courses at a time. Instead, you will be scheduled for 3 courses at a time. This is what lets you stay focused on a few courses. As soon as you complete a course, your next course will be added to your Student Desk.

Our graduates have had success obtaining athletic scholarships through the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Whitmore School does not currently offer NCAA-approved credits.

Enrollment FAQs

Yes!

Students can enroll and begin anytime. Some students enroll now to get a head start on their courses. Students who need to make up lost credits may also enroll now. Click on the Enroll and Start Now button.

Yes! 

In fact, we anticipate an increase in enrollments and encourage you to enroll early to reserve your spot.

Beginning in January 2022, you will be able to Enroll for the 2022-2023 School Year, and select your start date,  and pay a non-refundable deposit of $150 to hold your spot. This will ensure that you are not placed on a wait-list for enrollment.

Enrolling is easy! Click on the Enroll Now button on our website and complete the four easy steps. Once your tuition payment has been verified, you will hear from our Admissions Coordinator and your username and password will be sent to your email address. You can enroll any time of year and begin right away!

Technically, you are not home-schooling. Since Whitmore School is an accredited private school, you are enrolling in a private school and taking online (virtual) high school courses. We provide the coursework and teachers, just like traditional schools.

*Important Note: Some states may consider online education as “homeschooling.” You must follow your state’s homeschooling law. Contact your state’s Department of Education to learn of any homeschool rules or regulations that may apply in your state.

**”New York State school districts are prohibited from recognizing correspondence or online programs of high school study as fulfilling the New York State requirements for completion of an approved course of high school study.”

Students planning to attend a CUNY or SUNY college should write to the college to learn about alternative admission requirements.

Check with your state’s Department of Education on Homeschool laws.

Each state is different, and the regulations change frequently. You must follow the homeschooling laws in your state. Check with your state’s Department of Education on the regulations that apply to students enrolled in online schools. The good news is that students who enroll in our Diploma PLUS or Diploma PLUS with Math Tutoring, are offered assistance with the documents required by your state.

**”New York State school districts are prohibited from recognizing correspondence or online programs of high school study as fulfilling the New York State requirements for completion of an approved course of high school study.”

Students planning to attend a CUNY or SUNY college should write to the college to learn about alternative admission requirements.

No. Whitmore is open to students who have completed the 8th grade. Students under the age of 14 may apply for an enrollment exception by contacting Jeannette, Educational Director at info@whitmoreschool.org. Students who are over the age of 21, may not be eligible to enroll in public education in their state. No worries. We welcome all students!

Yes. Whitmore has students from 66 countries! School is open 24 hours a day, so no matter what time-zone you live in, you can attend school.

YES! Students can choose to enroll as a full-time student with the goal of earning a diploma from Whitmore or enroll in individual courses. There are many reasons students to enroll in Whitmore School individual courses:

  • Whitmore’s self-paced mastery learning fits any schedule
  • Students can enroll any time of year – not just at the semester break or summer break
  • Avoid scheduling conflicts
  • Catch up on lost credits to get back on track for an on-time graduation
  • Take courses not offered by current school

You can enroll in 0.5 credit 1st semester of a course, or 0.5 credit 2nd semester of a course. Your tuition pays for up to 12 months to complete the course, but students who work consistently 4-5 days a week, usually complete 0.5 credit in 3-5 months.

Yes. In order to access your courses, you will need to have high speed Internet.

Yes. In order to submit quality written work for your assignments, you should complete your work on a laptop or desktop computer. Although our curriculum can be viewed on a tablet or smartphone, these are not the best venues for submitting work.

1).    Internet Connection – high speed

2).    Any operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux) using the Firefox browser will work with all CompuHigh software. Firefox is free and can be downloaded here – http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/fx/#desktop

3).    Any standard word processor such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or OpenOffice.

4).    Pop-up blocker disabled or configured to allow pop-ups.

5).    Speakers or headphones

6).    Our language courses have audio files for pronunciation that will require the use of a media player. If your computer does not have a media player, you may download a free one here – http://www.real.com/

7).    Java is required for some Math and Science courses. It is free and can be downloaded and installed through this link- http://www.java.com/en/

8).    We do not support the use of smartphones or tablets for submitting assignments.  Student must submit course assignments using a personal computer (laptop or desk PC).

We strive to offer affordable, quality, private education. Tuition varies by Diploma Program and individual courses. Whitmore School is pleased to offer you the convenience of several payment options and online payments, to manage your tuition expenses. Our Tuition Payment Plan allows you to spread the tuition payments over a period of seven months. There are no interest expenses or additional fees for the Tuition Payment Plan option. Click here to read about our tuition and payment plans.

No. There are no additional fees.

*Students make take advantage of our Curriculum Support Affiliates, Everydae Curriculum Support and SAT Test Prep, and YUP Math Tutoring. These support resources are optional.

Learn more about our Curriculum Support Affiliates

No. We provide the course work and the teacher. All of the resources necessary to complete a course can be found online or through a public library.

To have an official transcript sent to us, fill out this Release of Records form and send it to your former high school.

All new students begin with the New Student Orientation. Part 1 of Orientation is your introduction to becoming a successful online student at Whitmore School. Part 2 of the Orientation is a Skills Assessment in reading and math skills. No worries – it is ungraded. The assessments are designed to pinpoint your strengths and areas to improve. They are not used to “place” you in course levels – General Studies, College Prep or Honors levels courses. That choice is up to you.

We have many students from around the world. However, our lesson content and assignments require proficiency in the English language. If you are not proficient in English, you may want to take an English as a Second Language (ESL) course before enrolling.

Students whose native language is not English will enroll in our PLUS program. This ensures that you and your parents will receive the guidance support that will help you succeed.

Once you enroll, you will complete our English Language Assessment. You may be required to take Pre-composition before beginning our high school course work toward meeting your graduation requirements.

Virtual School Experience FAQs

Yes!

Whitmore School graduates with principal

Graduation is held annually in May in Morgantown, WV and we would love to see you there! Students who will complete their graduation requirements by the end of the Academic Year (August 31) are invited to attend. Check the website to RSVP and attend your graduation. Regional graduation ceremonies are also held throughout the year.

Yes, all the course work, and communication with the teachers is done online. Once you enroll in Whitmore School, you will receive a username and password in your email. This will give you access to all of your courses. All new students complete an orientation; however, here is a brief overview:

  • Students work on three courses at a time.
  • Each course begins with a Teacher Message and requirements for the course.
  • You will begin by submitting the assignment in Lesson 1.
  • Your teacher will respond within 24-48 hours (often sooner). He or she may ask for revisions to improve your assignment until you have mastered the lesson. Typically, students make 3-4 revisions before completing the lesson. Once you “get it,” your teacher will assign a grade and you will move on to the next lesson.
  • You can submit up to 2 posts a day in most courses. This is what allows you to move through your courses at your pace – not the pace set by a traditional school calendar. Note: 2 posts = 1 new lesson and 1 revision or 2 revisions.
  • Credits and grades are updated immediately upon completion of the course. You will always have access to view your transcript and Grade Point Average.

No and Yes.

No. Whitmore School is open 24 hours a day, and you may log in at any time of day that fits your schedule.  However, we recommend that you set a schedule that allows you to submit work 5 days a week. This is the best way to stay on track to earn 6 credits a year and ultimately to graduate. It is also important for you to follow your state’s compulsory attendance. Check with your zoned school district to be sure you know the regulations where you live.

Yes – your online activity is logged each time you log in and submit work. If you are asked for proof of enrollment, (for the Department of Motor Vehicles, for example), you may request documentation to verify your activity in school. Please understand that this only indicates the days you were logged into your school account, and that much of your time “going to school” may be completed offline.

You can go to school 24/7 365 days a year! That being said, but we don’t recommend it. Being able to access and submit lessons any time of day, 365 days a year provides maximum flexibility for students and families to develop their own school schedule and take charge of their education. We suggest that students develop a routine of working 5 days a week and taking 2 days a week to relax and enjoy time with family and friends.

Teachers,  just like students, need to take regular breaks from work to keep life well-balanced. Taking time off to refresh means teachers can stay ‘on their game’ giving helpful and engaging feedback to each student. Teachers will typically respond to student posts within 24 hours during a normal business week Monday – Friday (Eastern Time).

Note – Whitmore School conducts regularly scheduled server maintenance on Saturday nights. Students who want to continue to work during this time can work offline.

 

I am glad you asked! 

Whitmore School receives hundreds of positive reviews from parents and students.

Read verified reviews to learn what parents love about Whitmore at Consumer Affairs.

Read verified reviews to learn what students love about Whitmore at Niche.

 

Most students find that school work can be completed in less time than a traditional school day. That leaves much more time for social events. One student explains,

“I am more social now because I have time to volunteer, hold a part-time job and participate in sports. And, I get to choose who I socialize with and avoid the typical social drama at my old school.” Matthew S.

You will simply write to your teacher and ask a question. Your teacher will work one-to-one with you until the concepts are understood.

If you have elected our Diploma PLUS Program with Math Tutoring, you can take a picture of the math problem, and submit it to your YUP tutor. You will be connected to the next available tutor (usually in less than a minute!). You will have unlimited time to work with the tutor until you understand the math concepts.

A second option is to purchase the Everydae Curriculum Support for a one-time fee of $199 that is good for the entire time you are enrolled at whitmore School. This support offers fun game-style challenges that will help your with your core subject.

Probably, but there are benefits to graduating from Whitmore School. Graduates of Whitmore School are recognized as being critical thinkers and problem solvers in the workplace and at college. Whitmore graduates have developed self-confidence and can work independently – skills sought by colleges and employers. Plus, you can graduate anytime of year, rather than wait until May or June.

And, many traditional schools require students to take a full course load regardless of how many credits are needed to graduate. This can mean that you will have to take many additional courses.

Yes. Since you complete courses at your own pace, and can go to school any day of the week, you are able to complete high school in less than the traditional four years. It’s up to you!

Congratulations! You have completed your courses and met our graduation requirements. Your diploma and Official Transcript will be mailed to you.

Please note that some countries outside of the USA require an Apostille that authenticates the seals and signatures on your graduation documents. Students outside the USA will pay for the Apostille fee, plus the cost of shipping.

We understand that college may not be every student’s future plans after graduating. Students choose their path to graduation by selecting the College Prep Track or the General Studies Track. Your Guidance Counselor can advise you on the best option for you. Here is a quick link to the Graduation Requirements.

Students choosing the College Prep Track complete a minimum of 22 credits including rigorous college prep or honors level courses designed to prepare students for college level courses. Students are encouraged to begin their college research early so that they can be scheduled to complete the courses required for admission to their top choice colleges.

Students choosing the General Studies Track complete a minimum of 18 credits of courses that are designed to prepare students for career or military. Students will also be prepared for enrolling in community or technical colleges.

YES! CompuHigh / Whitmore School, accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED), is considered a Tier 1 school, and graduates are eligible for any branch of the military. Click here to read more about Tier 1 ranking of online high schools 

Parent Support FAQs

Yes! Our student-focused curriculum offers 4 core-course subjects, English, Social Studies, Mathematics and Science, plus elective courses designed to empower students to become independent learners and critical thinkers prepared for whatever they aspire to after graduating.

Whitmore School was founded in 1994 by a dad, who like many of you, needed an alternative to brick-and-mortar high school for his daughter. Today, Whitmore School is owned and operated by the parents of a Whitmore graduate.

Whitmore was built by parents – not because of a pandemic crisis.

This means we understand the critical role parents play in their children’s education. We respect a parent’s role to ground their children in their own family and cultural morals and ethics. Through our traditional curriculum and mastery-based approach, we teach students how to think. We will never overstep our bounds and teach them what to think. That is your role.

We understand that parents want assurances that their child is making progress in school. We believe in full transparency. That means you have access to your child’s courses and all of their communications with their teachers and Guidance Counselor. Plus, parents have their own Parent Desk for confidential communication with guidance and school administrators.

Here is how it works:

When you enroll your child, you will be sent your Parent Username and Password to open your Parent Desk. This gives you access to all of your child’s schoolwork. You can easily open each course and view submitted work and communications between your child and their teachers. Additionally, you can open your child’s Course Activity Calendar and view the days they have logged in and submitted work. You will also have a link to communicate confidentially with your child’s Guidance Counselor.

Weekly Summary Progress Report – You will be emailed a link to open a Weekly Summary Progress Report for your child’s work. You will know exactly how many lessons were submitted, and how many lessons are in progress. You will also see the completed lesson and the course average to date.

Diploma PLUS Program and Diploma PLUS Program with Math Tutoring additional Guidance Support 

  • If you elect to enroll your child in the Diploma PLUS Program or the Diploma PLUS Program with College Advisor, you will have the direct-line phone number of your child’s Guidance Counselor. You may call and discuss concerns,  or just ask for clarification M – F 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Eastern Time.
  • Monthly Detailed Progress Report – You will be emailed a link to open a Monthly Detailed Progress Report for your child’s work. Your child’s Guidance Counselor will provide details of work in progress and completed during the month. You will know exactly how many lessons were submitted, and how many lessons are in progress. You will also see the completed lesson and the course average to date.

Yes!

Diploma PLUS Program and Diploma PLUS Program with Math Tutoring

  • If you elect to enroll your child in the Diploma PLUS Program or the Diploma PLUS Program with Math Tutoring, you will have the direct line phone number of your child’s Guidance Counselor. You may call and discuss concerns,  or just ask for clarification M – F 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Eastern Time.
  • Students can also write to their teacher through the Teacher Message link, or write to their Guidance Counselor through the Guidance link.
  • Parents are welcome to call our Administrative Office at 844-409-0521, M-F from 9 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Time. We are always happy to help.

Diploma Program

  • Students can write to their teacher through the Teacher Message link, or write to their Guidance Counselor through the Guidance link.
  • Parents are welcome to call our Administrative Office at 844-409-0521, M-F from 9 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Time. We are always happy to help.

Yes!

All students work one-to-one with a counselor. Enrollment begins with a New Student Orientation that will be reviewed by your child’s counselor. If your child is enrolled in one of our Diploma Programs, his or her counselor will develop a Personal Graduation Plan that outlines the courses needed to earn a Whitmore School diploma. Your child’s Personal Graduation Plan will be updated each year your child is enrolled.

Yes!

Diploma PLUS Program and Diploma PLUS Program with Math Tutoring

Students enrolled in the Diploma PLUS Program and Diploma PLUS Program with Math Tutoring will also receive a Monthly Detailed Progress Report. The detailed report outlines lesson progress and success as well as areas requiring attention.

Parents also receive a Weekly Summary Progress Report. You will be emailed a link to open a Weekly Summary Progress Report for your child’s work. Each course shows a Progress Bar that indicates the % of the course that is completed. You will know exactly how many lessons were submitted during that week and how many lessons are in progress. You will also see the completed lesson and the course average to date.

Diploma Program

Parents receive a Weekly Summary Progress Report. You will be emailed a link to open a Weekly Summary Progress Report for your child’s work. Each course shows a Progress Bar that indicates the % of the course that is completed. You will know exactly how many lessons were submitted during that week and how many lessons are in progress. You will also see the completed lesson and the course average to date.

Yes! Here is what our graduates have said…

I learned to set goals and achieve them.

I felt ready for college because answers weren’t handed to me. Instead I learned to conduct research and find my own answers.

At Whitmore School I learned how I learn. That made all the difference at college.

Whitmore School taught me to keep trying. Perseverance has helped me in my job.

I learned to be a lot more self-disciplined, and that I was in charge of my education.

Yes! Students planning on attending a 4-year college or university should opt for the Diploma PLUS Program with College Advisor during their Sophomore, Junior and Senior Years. Students have a personal College Advisor to assist with everything college-related – from the application and essay writing to researching Scholarships and Financial Aid, and strategies for taking the SATs or ACTs. Plus, students are invited to attend Live Virtual College Tours and Zoom Workshops.

Click here to learn more about the Diploma PLUS with College Advisor Program.  

YES! Graduates have been accepted to both two-year and four-year colleges across the country. View a list of colleges where Whitmore graduates have been accepted.

Whitmore School College Acceptances

Here is how Whitmore School ACT test scores compare to National averages.

**”New York State school districts are prohibited from recognizing correspondence or online programs of high school study as fulfilling the New York State requirements for completion of an approved course of high school study.”

Students planning to attend a CUNY or SUNY college should write to the college to learn about alternative admission requirements.

From the Blog

Convenient. Flexible. Interactive.