Free Online High Schools are the Future

While many families have considered alternative education for their children, one thing that has stopped them has been the cost. For those who have followed the explosion in online high schooling, you will have noticed:

a. Connections Academies
b. Insight Schools
c. Advanced Academics

schools have begun to show up in many states and often competing with each other for the same students. Another big player, Kaplan, recently completed the purchase of the University of Miami Online High School (to become Kaplan College Preparatory School). Likewise, Insight Schools of Washington was purchased by the Apollo Group (owners of the University of Phoenix).

Clearly there are people who believe there is money to be made in online high schools. In particularly, the purchase by the Apollo Group signaled that free online high schools are going to be available in much the same way as campuses of the University of Phoenix are available. In other words, the goal is every state in the U.S. and eventually overseas.

Given all of this information and the realization that this form of schooling is going to become increasingly prevalent, how do you go about making sure that you are choosing the right free online high school. Or, possibly, if you should be choosing one of the free ones at all. Here are some tips to help you:

1. How long has the school been in business? While most of the online high schools are newer, at least a couple of years experience can be a good thing. An advantage to choosing a school like Insight is that you can add on all those years of online experience with the University of Phoenix.

2. Does it offer a diploma? There are many online high schools out there, free and otherwise, that only offer courses. While that can be quite helpful, particularly if you live in places where college preparation courses are not readily available, it is probably not what you are seeking.

3. Do they provide equipment? Simply put, some free online high schools provide the technology, including the computer, and some do not. Why is this important? If you have a newer computer, it may not be. However, if you have an older computer or no computer, you may greatly appreciate having a computer that will actually work with the online program.

4. Is it accredited by a recognized accreditor? Accreditors are recognized by CHEA.org and by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation is important because it shows colleges that you went to a real school. Yes, there are fake online high schools. An almost-as-good recognition is approval by state departments of education. Many colleges will not even bat an eye as long as your school has state approval. By the way, there are absolutely fake schools out there that have fake accreditation. You will want to check.

Should you choose an online high school solely because it is free? Absolutely not! However, being free is a wonderful enticement. It is important to remember, though, that you need to choose a school that will work for you. There are many wonderful online high schools out there that have a cost associated with them Laurel Springs, The American Academy, and University of Missouri High School. One of those could be the right choice for you as well.

As with all things, do your due diligence. You will not regret choosing carefully and wisely.