Can I Get Accepted into College with an Online High School Diploma?
Written by Rachel Y. | Posted in Academic Success
Will I get into college?
I get asked this question a lot! Parents, students and all inquiring minds want to know. The short answer is YES, however, it may put your mind at ease if I explain why this is, and provide more clarification.
Almost all colleges and universities accept graduates of online high schools as long as the school is regionally accredited. Cognia, (formerly AdvancED), the world’s largest and most respected accreditor of educational institutions. It is the parent organization of three regional accreditation organizations. The Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA CASI), and the Council on Accreditation and School Improvement of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS CASI) and the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) joined Cognia. Phew! That is a mouthful. Basically, a school holding Cognia accreditation is your assurance of high standards and educational excellence.
The point is, as you consider your options for enrolling your child in an online high school, look for schools with AdvancED accreditation. Also look for a high standing in respected businesses such as Better Business Bureau, HomeschoolBase and Consumer Affairs. Read verified reviews to learn about the experiences of others. Research the college acceptances of the graduates. These simple steps help you narrow down the right online high school for your child.
Still unsure?
Take your research a step further and consider the student to teacher ratio. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the current average teacher to student ratio in public high school is 16:1. It goes without saying that students learn better and achieve success easier when they have more individualized help and attention from their teacher. Look for a school with a strong student to teacher ratio – 14:1 or 15:1.
Call the school.
First, are you able to reach administrators and counselors by phone? This is a good indication of the kind of attention you will receive once your child is enrolled. Will your child have a dedicated Guidance Counselor and a Personal Graduation Plan? Do the counselors assist with post-graduation plans? What about career and college planning?
What about the school’s educational approach?
There is more than just getting accepted to college. It is important for your child to be prepared for the rigors of college work. What is the educational approach of the online high school you are considering? Are students pushed through their courses to meet semester deadlines, or do students work through their courses at the pace that is best for them? Are the assignments based on memorizing for multiple-choice questions, or are students expected to read, research, and communicate their understanding through one-to-one interactions with their teacher?
Great news!
I chose to be a Guidance Counselor at Whitmore School because it sets high standards and supports students in their academic success. Whitmore holds Cognia accreditation as well as the approval of Better Business Bureau, HomeschoolBase.com Top 10 Educational Websites, and Consumer Affairs.
Whitmore is not like other high schools where the pace is set by a traditional 180-day academic year. We are a mastery-based learning school and we encourage students to understand and master each lesson and subject in THEIR own time frame before moving on. Students never feel pushed ahead or rushed through a course. Whitmore students graduate knowing they are smart and feeling confident, independent and proud of all their accomplishments.
So, let’s bring it back to your original question. Yes, colleges accept students from online high schools. With the utmost care and education you receive at Whitmore, you may just find yourself to be quite a standout!
Read more about our Mastery-Based Learning.
Read more about Cognia (formerly AdvancED) accreditation.
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 any time, work at their own pace, and may take up to 12 months to complete their courses.
Written by:
Rachel, Guidance Counselor
March 18, 2019 in How to Choose the Right Online School, Academic Success in Online School
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