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USCI High School

How Does High School Online Work?

By: Katelyn Fahrenbruck Weston

Distance learning (sometimes called online learning) works well for non-traditional students. There are many types of non-traditional students. Examples of non-traditional students include home-schooled high school students and older students returning to finish their high school diplomas. Online high school classes cover the same topics as traditional high school classes. Learning, testing, and homework assignments are all part of the online high school coursework, just like in any other high school setting. Qualified teachers are also there to help you in your online courses. Unlike a traditional school, students can usually spend the time they need to learn about a topic. They can rewatch videos or reread lessons as much as they need to. If you want to earn your high school diploma, online courses may be the way to go.

Typical Coursework for an Online High School Program

Online high school courses include:

  • Science
  • Math
  • English
  • Social studies
  • Foreign languages
  • Visual arts
  • Electives

Class Instruction Without the Classroom

A top concern of people thinking about enrolling in online high school is how they'll communicate with their teachers. There are many chances for online students and teachers to connect. Some of the ways you might talk to teachers include phone, email, and video meetings. Online class materials are delivered in a variety of ways, including eBooks, video lessons, slideshows, and lecture notes.

Students must have use of a reliable computer and Internet access. The school will let you know what level of Internet service you need. An email address will be required. Online schools will also have information about any software you need for the program.

How to Finish High School Online Instead of in Person

If you have not finished your high school education yet, you can finish high school online. Make sure you talk to the school to get answers to your questions. Check to see if the school is accredited. Think about your goals. Work with the school to find out which courses you have left to take so you can make sure that you don't miss any required courses. From there, signing up is as simple as choosing an accredited online high school and filling out the application. After you enroll, you take your classes online. After you complete your online high school program, you get your diploma.

How to Get a High School Diploma for Adults

No matter how long it's been since you were in school, you can complete high school online. The flexibility of learning online means that you can work around your job and family. Online schooling may be the best option for adults who dropped out of high school and never completed their education. Adults looking to complete high school online should meet with the school’s registrar to make a plan.  Part of that meeting should include a review of the classes you completed and if they transfer to your new program. Once you have the plan, enroll and get started towards earning your high school diploma. Thanks to online schooling, you can receive the education you need to better your life and advance your career.