How to Find an Accredited Online School?

August 19, 2024 by Valerie Kirk

6 min to read

A young teen girl in a green striped shirt sitton on a white carpet rug looking at an IPAD for an online assignement at Connections Academy.

With benefits like flexible scheduling, personalized learning, and a safe learning environment, more families are turning to online school to support their family’s unique needs.

Choosing the right school for your student is one of the most important decisions you will have to make, but it can also be overwhelming, especially if you are new to the online learning environment. You may start by asking, “Is there is an online school near me ?” But there are many additional factors to consider when finding an online school that is right for your family.

What to Consider When Choosing an Online School

It’s important to choose an online school that is accredited , which means it has gone through a rigorous review process by either a state or independent education body. Accredited schools offer a curriculum that meets high educational standards. Students take courses required for earning a high school diploma and easily transfer credit hours between schools.

Other key questions to consider when determining if the online school will meet your student’s educational needs include:

What grades does the online school offer?
Does the school offer synchronous and asynchronous class options?
Are the school’s teachers certified and experienced in teaching online?
How often do students interact with teachers, and how easy is it for students to contact teachers for support?
Does the school offer a variety of courses, including Advanced Placement®, honors, and course recovery options?
How does the school support students’ social and emotional needs?
What resources does the school offer to support parents and caregivers?
Is the online school public or private?

Online Public School vs. Online Private School

It’s important to know whether the online school is public or private because there are key differences between them.

Online public schools are part of a state’s public school system. Only students who reside in the state or locality where the school operates can enroll. The school must follow the educational requirements and policies established by the state’s education department, which includes things like graduation requirements, attendance, and state-mandated testing. Because they are public schools, they don’t charge tuition.

Online private schools are open to anyone regardless of where they live, including overseas. They also offer flexible enrollment solutions, such as enrolling part-time to study subjects not offered at a student’s full-time school. Online private schools charge tuition. Because they don’t use public money, they don’t have to follow government-mandated curriculum and testing requirements, attendance policies, and school-year scheduling.

Connections Academy vs. Pearson Online Academy: What’s the Difference?

Connections Academy is an online K-12 public school that currently has 38 schools in 31 states. As a public school, Connections Academy does not charge tuition. Each school follows the requirements established by the state.

Pearson Online Academy is an online K-12 private school open to any student, including students living overseas. Students enrolled in Pearson Online Academy pay tuition.

Both schools offer families the same key benefits of online school.

Flexible Scheduling

Students at both schools can build their school schedule around their lifestyle, allowing them to organize their school schedule around other obligations such as athletics, performing arts, volunteering, entrepreneurship, and family time.

Students Learn at their Own Pace

Students can complete lessons at either school at their own pace. They can take extra time with subjects that are more difficult for them or work ahead when they master concepts quickly.

Courses for Every Learner

Both schools offer a variety of courses that both challenge and inspire students to reach their goals and explore new subjects. Course options include Advanced Placement® and honors courses. Students can also enroll in course recovery classes to meet high school graduation requirements. Students in high school can take advantage of dual enrollment to earn college credit while still in high school. Both schools offer a variety of electives for all grades, including coding classes and world languages.

Personalized Learning Experience

Teachers get to know students individually and can tailor lessons based on the student’s interests and learning style. Teachers are available to support students throughout the course and school year. They can answer questions or work with a student one-on-one if they are having difficulty understanding certain concepts. Both schools have guidance counselors to help students with anything they might need.

At both schools, teachers and caregivers work together to support students throughout their educational journey as their student’s Learning Coach.

College and Career Readiness Opportunities

To help students succeed after graduation, both schools offer college and career readiness opportunities that include courses for students going into specific careers and opportunities for qualifying students to earn professional certificates while still in high school.

Extracurricular Clubs and Activities

To help students make new friends and explore their passions, both schools offer a wide range of virtual extracurricular clubs. Participating in clubs not only helps students connect with their classmates, but it also helps them develop critical soft skills, including leadership skills and teamwork.

Safe Learning Environment

Students can complete their lessons at both schools anywhere there is an internet connection. They can learn from the comfort and safety of their own home or fit in their lessons between other activities.

Which Online School Is Right for You?

Understanding the primary differences between Connections Academy and Pearson Online Academy will help you decide which school is right for your child.

Cost. Because Pearson Online Academy is a private school, they charge tuition. As on online public school, Connections Academy is free
Enrollment restrictions. Anyone can enroll in Pearson Online Academy, even if you reside overseas. To enroll in Connections Academy, you must reside in the state where the school is located. Connections Academy does not have schools in every state.
In-person field trips. Many Connections Academy schools offer in-person field trips that help students meet peers located in the same state. Pearson Online Academy offers social pop-up activities and extracurricular clubs to help students connect, but they are all virtual.
Summer school. Pearson Online Academy offers a robust summer school program to help students keep learning all summer long while still enjoying their favorite summertime activities.
Part-time enrollment. Students can enroll in Pearson Online Academy part-time to take specific courses.

Image of a young male student sitting at a wood counter top smiling working on an online assignment for Connections Acadmey wearing a grey shirt.

Our Connections Academy Locations

Learn More and Enroll

Ready to enroll but still not sure which school is right for you? To learn more about Connections Academy, request more information or attend an information session. You can also start the enrollment process online.

You can also request more information about Pearson Online Academy and start the admissions process. If you have questions about Pearson Online Academy, you can contact them at 1-877-804-6222.

*Advanced Placement® is a registered trademark of the College Board. Used with permission.