Top 5 Online High Schools

A ranking of the best online high schools. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.

Updated on October 12, 2022

Top High Schools Online for Students

Online high schools make it possible for young performers, athletes, or other nontraditional students to graduate on their terms. In online high school programs, students learn the skills they need to explore their passions after earning a diploma. They may go on to pursue higher education or immediately enter the workforce.

The following ranking lists the five best high schools online. We based this ranking on focused research, primarily on the quality of key online high school features.

FAQs: Questions About Online High Schools

What are the best online high schools?

The best online high schools meet the individual needs of each student. People can research online high schools with solid curricula and flexibility nationwide.

How you transfer high schools online?

When transferring to an online school, students should research which classes will transfer to an online school. Learners should plan and communicate with their prospective school.

Does every state allow online high school?

Yes. Students in all 50 states can attend online high schools. While some states have local online high school options, students can access virtual learning programs nationwide.

How successful are online high schools?

Some studies suggest that online high schools feature lower graduation rates than in-person schools. However, online high school may cost less and offer a better learning environment for some students.

Featured Online Schools

Types of Online High School Diploma Programs

Students have many options for earning a high school diploma online. Besides online high schools, students can enroll at charter schools and private schools. They can also attend university-sponsored programs.

Charter Schools

Charter schools, a type of public school, do not receive federal funding. Instead, they get funding from state income tax, donations, and awards and grants. Charter schools are typically formed around a specific curriculum or needs of families. These schools can offer flexible schedules, unique coursework, and higher student-to-teacher ratios.

Private Schools

Unlike public schools, private schools rely on student tuition to operate. Many private schools offer scholarships or tuition assistance programs. Private schools may also offer students a wider variety of extracurricular options than other school types. These schools typically feature lower attendance rates, which allow students more one-on-one help from instructors.

University Sponsored

University-sponsored programs provide students with a rigorous high school experience that prepares them for college. Higher education institutions offer these programs in either an online or hybrid format. Professors usually teach classes. Coursework may be more challenging than other online high school programs. Top schools like Stanford Online High School can have competitive admission rates.

We List Our Ranking of The Five Best High Schools Online

$1,199-$1,69922

Flexible and affordable, James Madison High School suits the needs of both traditional and nontraditional students. This top online high school is committed to preparing its students for a diverse variety of goals. Among James Madison's students include those seeking stronger job qualifications, a complete diploma, homeschooling, or other special circumstances. JMHS online high school students can enroll and begin their courses any time of year. James Madison is accredited by Cognia and the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, meeting high standards of distance education requirements.

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Featured Online Schools

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