Need to Make Up Lost High School Credits? You Don’t Have to Wait Until Summer

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 try a cram a full credit course in a few short weeks. Summer school may interfere with your summer plans. Fortunately, online schools 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 through a recognized educational accreditor 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 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 it difficult to meet a rigid semester schedule with deadlines.

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.

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 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.

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 to be accepted, and there may be expenses such as college tuition, lab fees, and the cost of books.

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.

Written by: Ellen Ray, Principal and parent of Alina, 2008 Whitmore School graduate

April 26, 2023 in How to Stay Motivated in Online School, Academic Success in Online School

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