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In Arizona, students and their families have many school options. Choosing the right school is among the most important decisions, especially at the high school level. That’s why it’s essential to carefully consider what environment will best meet the student’s needs and future goals.   

The right online school with the support you need is critical for successfully completing high school and transitioning into life after high school. Whether you need more flexibility due to personal circumstances or are looking for an alternative to a traditional school setting, there is an online high school program for you!  

The following questions will help you determine what’s important and guide you to a choice that will fit your specific circumstance: 

1. Is the school accredited?  

When selecting an online high school, one of the first things you should check is its accreditation status. Accreditation ensures that the school meets recognized educational standards and provides a quality curriculum. Accredited schools are more likely to have credible programs, making transferring to other schools or applying to colleges easier.  

Examples of accrediting organizations are:  

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools  

• Northwest Accreditation Commission  

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools  

For those interested in pursuing sports at a college or university, there may be additional accreditation requirements that your high school must meet to qualify for sports. Read more about college athletics eligibility here.  

2. Do the curriculum and course offerings meet your needs?  

A school’s curriculum is central to the learning experience, so it’s essential to determine whether the online school offers courses that meet your child’s academic goals. Consider these factors:  

• Range of Subjects: Does the school offer a full spectrum of courses, including math, science, humanities, and electives?   

• Specialized Courses: Does the school offer specialized programs such as career preparation, vocational training, or STEAM curriculum?  

• College Readiness: If college preparation is a priority, check if the school provides SAT/ACT preparation, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or dual-enrollment opportunities with local colleges.  

• Customization: Can the curriculum be tailored to your learning style or pace? Some online schools offer flexible learning paths or personalized learning plans that cater to each student’s strengths and areas of improvement.  

3. Is the Learning format the right one for you?
(Synchronous vs. Asynchronous)  

Online programs offer different types of scheduling formats. Some offer more flexibility than others. Understanding their differences will help determine if an online school program is right for you.   

Online high schools typically offer two types of learning formats:  

• Synchronous learning is real-time learning in which students attend live classes via video conference or chat. It offers a structured environment with set class times, fostering interaction between students and teachers.  

• Asynchronous learning is an arrangement in which coursework is completed independently without scheduled class meetings. It provides more flexibility, making it ideal for students with other commitments or those who prefer to learn independently.  

Some schools may offer a blend of both formats. Consider your learning style and schedule to decide which format is more suitable.  

4. Is there an accessible point of contact?   

Schools committed to student success will provide a main point of contact to guide students and their caregivers while enrolled. The lack of a point of contact can significantly interfere with student success.   

• Mentors or Academic Advisors who can help navigate the online school ecosystem, provide encouragement, and help tackle any challenges that may arise.  

• Success Coaches regularly check in with students to guide them to their next step, answer questions, and help them overcome obstacles.  

Supports like Mentors, Academic Advisors, or Success Coaches can positively impact students’ success in an online program. If available, students enrolling in an online program should take advantage of these supports. At Grad Solutions, successful students are those who stay connected with their Mentor throughout their enrollment.   

5. Does the school offer enough teacher support and interaction?  

The level of teacher support and interaction can vary widely between online schools. That is why you’ll want to check if the school offers:  

• Live Teacher Support: Are teachers available for live help during set hours or through one-on-one tutoring sessions?  

• Feedback Mechanisms: Is someone available to ask questions? How quickly do teachers respond to questions, and what is the quality of their feedback? Regular and meaningful communication between students and teachers is crucial for a positive learning experience.  

• Tutoring: If students need more help with their classes, can they get individualized help?   

Personalized attention and robust communication with teachers can help students stay engaged and supported throughout their learning journey.  

6. Are the technology and learning tools easy to use? 

The quality of the technology platform used by the online high school is essential for a smooth learning experience. Some features to look out for include:  

• User-Friendly Interface: Is the platform intuitive and easy to navigate for both students and parents? A complex, difficult-to-use system can be frustrating and time-consuming.  

• Accessibility: Ensure the platform works across various devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones, so materials can be easily accessed from anywhere.  

• Interactive Tools: Does the platform offer tools that make Learning engaging, such as videos, interactive quizzes, virtual labs, and collaborative spaces for group projects?  

• Technology Support: Does the school provide a tech support contact in case issues arise?  

Reliable, accessible, and interactive technology will support your child’s learning and keep them engaged with the content.  

7. Are there opportunities for connection and enrichment?   

Online schooling shouldn’t mean students lose a hands-on learning experience or opportunities to connect.  Engaging and enriching learning experiences are essential, so you’ll want to ensure ample opportunities for social interaction. Look for online high schools that offer:  

• Virtual Clubs and Workshops that allow students to build life skills and prepare for a career after high school.  

• Community-building events where students can connect with community groups and organizations who offer support.   

• Interactions: Does the school foster community through group activities, workshops, or student clubs?  

Getting opportunities to connect with others and build a community of support positions students for success. Online schools that provide these opportunities are more likely to see more student engagement. 

8. Is there regular communication and parental progress visibility?   

Online high schools often provide detailed reporting systems so parents can stay informed about their child’s education. Look for schools that offer:  

• Regular Progress Reports: Will you have access to your student’s grades and progress in real time? Can you see what courses are being worked on and how much progress has been made?   

• Parent Communication: Does the school offer regular communication with parents, such as parent-teacher conferences or notifications about essential updates?  

• Support Services: Are there resources for parents, such as tips on helping students succeed online or access to tutoring and counseling services?  

These are essential components for a successful parent-school relationship. Consistent communication and visibility into student progress fosters a strong partnership between parents and ensures students get the support they need.  

9. Is the school affordable?   

The cost of an online high school can vary greatly, whether public or private. Be sure to consider:  

• Tuition Fees: Public online high schools are often free for in-state students, while private ones may charge tuition.  

• Financial Aid: Some private online schools offer financial aid packages, scholarships, or payment plans. If cost is a concern, it’s worth exploring these options.  

• Miscellaneous Fees: The truth is that many schools charge extra fees for things like clubs, workshops, administration, or graduation.   

Take the time to compare all costs and explore any financial aid the school offers so there are no surprises later on.  

10. Does the school have a good reputation and reviews?  

Finally, research the school’s reputation. Look for reviews or testimonials from current or former students and parents. Check:  

• Ratings: What is their overall rating, and how many reviews do they have?   

• Pros and Cons: What do they say are the school’s strengths and weaknesses?  

• Reputation/What Others Say: Do you know any families who have experience with the school to gather personal feedback?  

• Third-party Verification: Do they have any awards or recognition from independent review platforms?  

All these questions can help you gauge the overall quality of the educational experience.  

Choosing the right online high school is a personal decision that requires thorough research and careful consideration. By evaluating factors such as accreditation, curriculum, learning format, teacher support, technology, socialization opportunities, and costs, you can make an informed choice that will set your student up for success.  

The best online school aligns with your learning style, academic needs, and long-term goals. Online high school education can provide flexibility, academic rigor, and a positive learning environment.   

At Grad Solutions, we are committed to helping students thrive by providing a personalized approach to education that prepares them for the challenges and opportunities ahead.