Need to Make Up Lost High School Credits?

Do you need to make up lost high school credits? This guide is for you. Learn about several options to make up lost high school credits.

Enroll Now and Begin Anytime Options

Do you have a summer job or plans to travel? Or maybe you just don’t want to cram a full-credit course in a few short weeks. Summer school may interfere with your summer plans. Fortunately, online schools, such as Whitmore School, offer the most flexibility, and you may be able to enroll now and take the time you need to make up the credit.

1. Online Courses from an Accredited Private School

Many private online schools offer individual courses to students who need to make up credit. Be sure the private online school is accredited by a recognized accrediting body, such as Cognia (formerly AdvancED). Always check with your school counselor before you enroll. You want to be sure that your school will transfer the credit toward meeting your graduation requirements.

Many private online schools give you the flexibility you may need:

- Enroll and begin any time of the year.
- Do your schoolwork at any time of day that fits your schedule.
- Self-paced – no deadlines for course completion.

These features are ideal if you have other obligations that make meeting a rigid semester schedule with deadlines difficult. Plus, who wants to spend their summer sitting in a classroom?

Traditional Summer School Options

2. Credit Recovery Courses

If you have failed a course, you may be able to take a credit recovery course at your high school. Credit recovery courses are usually offered in the summer and allow you to repeat the course to earn credit. These courses are typically shortened versions of the full course and take about 6 – 8 weeks to complete.

Pros:

If you prefer a classroom setting with teachers you know, this could be a good option for you. Not all school districts offer credit recovery courses. Check with your school district for credit recovery choices in your area.

Cons:

According to Great School Partnerships, most states issue a grade of “P” for pass when you successfully complete the credit recovery course. As a result, the retaken course will not improve your overall Grade Point Average (GPA). As the name implies, the goal is to recover lost credit, not boost your GPA.

If you are pursuing NCAA eligibility, they do not accept credit recovery courses.

3. Community College

Some community colleges offer high school courses in core subjects – English, science, social studies, and mathematics. Students enjoy the college environment and avoid the stigma of having to go to “summer school.” A 3-credit college course will transfer as 1 high school credit.

However, many community colleges require a placement exam for admission, and there may also be costs such as tuition, lab fees, and textbooks.

Be sure to check with your school counselor to confirm that courses taken at your community college will transfer to your high school and fulfill your state’s graduation requirements.

4. State Virtual Programs

Many states offer online courses tuition-free to public school students who can provide proof of residency. There are usually registration deadlines, and courses fill quickly. Therefore, plan ahead to guarantee your spot in one of these courses.

Check with your school district to find online courses or visit the ThoughtCo.com website for a list of virtual course options state-by-state.

Whitmore School, accredited by Cognia, (formerly AdvancED), offers four Diploma Programs for students wishing to enroll full-time to earn their high school diploma. Additionally, students looking to get back on track to graduate on time can enroll in individual courses. Students enroll and begin at any time of the year, work at their own pace, and may take up to 12 months to complete their courses. Click here to read more about taking individual courses at Whitmore School.

Watch this documentary, featured on Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid, about finding the best fit for your child’s education.