The best online schools for 2024
Need help finding an online school? Book a free consultation with Modulo. We’re happy to talk you through your options!
The landscape of education is undergoing a significant transformation, with online learning emerging as a powerful and increasingly popular option for homeschoolers. No longer just a supplement to traditional education, online schools have evolved into robust, comprehensive learning environments that cater to diverse educational needs. This evolution is driven by innovative approaches that challenge the conventional boundaries of education, offering flexibility, personalized learning, and global connections that were previously unimaginable.
For instance, Stanford Online High School is redefining academic rigor by providing gifted students with a university-level curriculum. Students engage in deep analytical thinking through live, interactive classes taught by Stanford-affiliated instructors, ensuring they are prepared for the most competitive college environments. This approach combines the intellectual challenge of a top-tier university with the flexibility of online learning, making it a pioneering model for elite education.
Colossal Academy Online, launching in Fall 2024, is breaking new ground with its project-based learning and self-directed education. Unlike traditional schools, Colossal Academy empowers students to take control of their learning, focusing on real-world applications and critical thinking. This approach is particularly appealing to students who thrive in environments that value creativity, independence, and hands-on learning, offering a fresh perspective on what education can look like in the digital age.
These examples illustrate how online education is not just about convenience but about creating dynamic, student-centered learning experiences that can be tailored to individual needs. As more families turn to online education, schools like Stanford Online High School and Colossal Academy Online are leading the way with innovative models that offer both structure and flexibility, preparing students for a rapidly changing world.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best online schools for homeschoolers, focusing on what makes each unique, the grades they serve, costs, and insights from parents on what they like and what could be improved. Whether you’re looking for a rigorous academic challenge or a more flexible, personalized learning experience, there’s an online school that can meet your family’s needs.
1. Colossal Academy Online
Grades Served: 4th-12th
Cost: $3,000 - $7,000 per year, with sliding scale options
Program Overview: Colossal Academy Online is a progressive online school launching in Fall 2024. It focuses on project-based learning, self-directed education, and developing critical thinking skills. The curriculum is designed to be flexible and adaptive, catering to the individual learning styles and interests of each student.
What Parents Like: Parents appreciate the school’s commitment to fostering independence in their children. The project-based approach is seen as a great way to engage students and make learning more relevant to real-world situations. The school’s flexible pricing model is also a significant advantage for many families.
What Could Be Improved: Since Colossal Academy is a new program, some parents are concerned about the lack of a long-term track record. Additionally, while the self-directed approach works well for many, it may be challenging for students who require more structure and direct instruction.
2. Stanford Online High School
Grades Served: 7th-12th
Cost: $30,000 - $35,000 per year
Program Overview: Stanford Online High School offers a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum designed for academically gifted students. The program is highly structured, with live classes taught by Stanford-affiliated instructors. Students engage in deep analytical thinking and research, preparing them for the most competitive colleges.
What Parents Like: Parents are drawn to the school’s affiliation with Stanford University and the high academic standards it maintains. The quality of instruction and the intellectual rigor are often highlighted as key strengths. Parents also value the diverse, intellectually stimulating environment that the school fosters.
What Could Be Improved: The high cost of the program is a significant drawback for many families. Additionally, the program’s intensity may be overwhelming for some students, particularly those who are not used to such a demanding workload.
3. Dwight Global Online School
Grades Served: 6th-12th
Cost: $28,000 - $33,000 per year
Program Overview: Dwight Global Online School is the online branch of the Dwight School, which has campuses around the world. The program offers a personalized education with an emphasis on global citizenship and leadership. Students can participate in optional in-person residencies to complement their online learning experience.
What Parents Like: Parents appreciate the school’s global focus and the opportunities it provides for students to engage with peers from different cultures. The personalized attention and small class sizes are also seen as major benefits. The option for in-person residencies is a unique feature that adds value to the online experience.
What Could Be Improved: Like Stanford, the high tuition fees are a concern for many families. Some parents also feel that the online platform could be more user-friendly and that the school could offer more extracurricular activities.
4. Crimson Global Academy, USA
Grades Served: 6th-12th
Cost: $12,000 - $15,000 per year
Program Overview: Crimson Global Academy (CGA) is a fully online high school that offers a flexible curriculum aligned with international academic standards. Students can choose from a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and A Levels, allowing them to tailor their education to their college goals.
What Parents Like: Parents are impressed with the flexibility of the program, which allows students to advance at their own pace. The focus on preparing students for elite university admissions is also highly valued. Additionally, the global nature of the school, with students from various countries, enriches the learning experience.
What Could Be Improved: Some parents have noted that the program’s flexibility can be a double-edged sword, as students who need more structure might struggle to stay on track. There are also concerns about the relatively high cost, particularly compared to other online options that offer similar academic rigor.
5. Avenues Online
Grades Served: Nursery-12th
Cost: $30,000 - $40,000 per year
Program Overview: Avenues Online is the digital campus of Avenues: The World School, offering a global, interdisciplinary education. The curriculum is inquiry-based, with a strong emphasis on real-world problem solving and global citizenship. Students engage in projects that integrate multiple disciplines.
What Parents Like: Parents appreciate the interdisciplinary approach and the emphasis on global citizenship. The ability to connect with students and faculty from around the world is seen as a major advantage. The school’s project-based learning model is also highly praised for its ability to engage students deeply.
What Could Be Improved: The high tuition is a significant barrier for many families. Some parents also wish that the school offered more traditional academic benchmarks, as the inquiry-based approach, while innovative, can be challenging to navigate for students who prefer a more structured learning environment.
6. Aspire, Deer Valley’s Online Academy
Grades Served: K-12th
Cost: Free (Public School)
Program Overview: Aspire is the online academy of the Deer Valley Unified School District in Arizona, offering a tuition-free, accredited education for K-12 students. The program combines synchronous and asynchronous learning, with a curriculum aligned with Arizona state standards.
What Parents Like: Parents appreciate the quality of education provided at no cost, making it accessible to all families within Arizona. The flexibility of the program and the support from certified teachers are also noted as key strengths. The wide range of electives and AP courses is another significant benefit.
What Could Be Improved: As a public school option, Aspire sometimes struggles with the same issues as traditional schools, such as large class sizes and limited individual attention. Some parents also feel that the program could offer more enrichment opportunities beyond the standard curriculum.
7. ICL Academy
Grades Served: 7th-12th
Cost: $18,000 - $23,000 per year
Program Overview: ICL Academy is an online school that integrates students’ passions into their academic curriculum. The school is part of the IMG Academy network, which is known for its specialized programs in sports, arts, and entrepreneurship. Students receive personalized mentorship and have the opportunity to pursue specialized tracks in their areas of interest.
What Parents Like: Parents love the school’s focus on passion-driven learning, which allows students to integrate their interests into their studies. The personalized approach, where each student’s education is tailored to their goals, is also highly praised. The connections to professional networks in sports, arts, and business provide unique opportunities for students.
What Could Be Improved: The cost of the program is a concern for some families, especially given the specialized nature of the education. Additionally, while the personalized approach is a strength, some parents feel that the academic rigor could be more consistent across different subjects.
8. iUniversity Prep
Grades Served: 5th-12th
Cost: Free (Public School)
Program Overview: iUniversity Prep is a tuition-free, online public school offered by the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District in Texas. The program provides a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum with live, interactive classes and a variety of extracurricular activities.
What Parents Like: Parents appreciate the strong academic reputation of the school, particularly the college-preparatory focus. The interactive, live classes with certified teachers are highlighted as a major strength, as is the variety of extracurricular activities available to students.
What Could Be Improved: Some parents feel that the school’s curriculum is too rigid, leaving little room for flexibility or individualized pacing. There are also concerns about the workload, which can be overwhelming for some students, particularly those transitioning from a more traditional school setting.
9. Sora Schools
Grades Served: 6th-12th
Cost: $9,000 - $12,000 per year
Program Overview: Sora Schools is an innovative online high school that offers a non-traditional, project-based learning environment. Students design their own curriculum based on their interests, with no traditional classes or grades. Instead, students work on projects and receive feedback from mentors and peers.
What Parents Like: Parents are enthusiastic about the school’s emphasis on creativity and self-directed learning. The ability for students to design their own curriculum is seen as a major benefit, particularly for those who thrive in a non-traditional educational setting. The mentorship model is also highly valued.
What Could Be Improved: Some parents express concern about the lack of traditional academic structure, continue which might be challenging for students who need more guidance and clear expectations. The absence of traditional grading and classes can also make it difficult for some students to stay motivated and on track, especially those who are not naturally self-disciplined.
10. ASU Prep Digital
Grades Served: K-12th
Cost: $9,000 per year for full-time students; individual courses start at $300
Program Overview: ASU Prep Digital is an online school affiliated with Arizona State University. It offers a flexible curriculum that includes both standard K-12 courses and college-level coursework through ASU. Students can earn college credits while completing their high school education.
What Parents Like: Parents appreciate the ability to integrate college courses into the high school curriculum, allowing students to get a head start on their college education. The flexibility of the program, which allows for both full-time enrollment and part-time course options, is also highly praised. The connection to Arizona State University adds credibility and resources to the program.
What Could Be Improved: Some parents feel that the program’s college-level courses can be challenging for younger high school students, particularly those who are not yet ready for the rigor of university coursework. Additionally, the cost of individual courses can add up, making the program expensive for families who choose to enroll in multiple classes.
11. Broward Virtual School
Grades Served: K-12th
Cost: Free (Public School)
Program Overview: Broward Virtual School is a tuition-free, online public school that is part of the Broward County Public Schools in Florida. The school offers a comprehensive K-12 curriculum that is aligned with state standards, with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities.
What Parents Like: Parents appreciate the accessibility and affordability of Broward Virtual School, as it provides a high-quality education at no cost. The flexibility of the program, which allows students to learn at their own pace, is also valued. The school’s support services, including guidance counseling and special education resources, are noted as strengths.
What Could Be Improved: Some parents feel that the school’s online platform could be more user-friendly and that the asynchronous nature of some classes can lead to a lack of engagement. Additionally, while the school offers a wide range of courses, some parents would like to see more advanced and specialized electives available.
12. Palm Beach Virtual School
Grades Served: K-12th
Cost: Free (Public School)
Program Overview: Palm Beach Virtual School offers a tuition-free, accredited online education for students in Florida. The school provides a blend of live and self-paced courses, with a curriculum that meets Florida state standards. The program is designed to offer flexibility while maintaining academic rigor.
What Parents Like: Parents appreciate the balance between flexibility and structure that Palm Beach Virtual School offers. The availability of both live and self-paced courses allows families to tailor the program to their needs. The support from teachers and access to extracurricular activities are also highlighted as positives.
What Could Be Improved: Some parents have expressed concerns about the limited availability of AP and honors courses, particularly for high school students. Additionally, the school’s online platform can sometimes be difficult to navigate, which can be frustrating for both students and parents.
13. Laurel Springs School
Grades Served: K-12th
Cost: $10,000 - $15,000 per year
Program Overview: Laurel Springs School is an accredited private online school that offers a college-preparatory curriculum with a focus on personalized learning. The school provides a flexible academic schedule, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Laurel Springs is known for its strong arts and sports programs, as well as its wide range of elective courses.
What Parents Like: Parents appreciate the school’s personalized approach, which allows students to tailor their education to their interests and learning styles. The flexibility of the schedule is also a major advantage, particularly for students who are involved in competitive sports or arts. The wide range of electives and the quality of instruction are also praised.
What Could Be Improved: The cost of the program is a concern for some families, especially when compared to other online schools with similar offerings. Additionally, while the flexibility is a strength, some parents feel that it can lead to a lack of structure, which may not be suitable for all students.
14. Fusion Global Academy
Grades Served: 6th-12th
Cost: $25,000 - $40,000 per year
Program Overview: Fusion Global Academy offers a one-on-one, personalized learning experience for students in grades 6-12. The school provides live, synchronous classes tailored to each student’s needs, with a curriculum that emphasizes mastery of subjects and personal growth. Fusion is known for its holistic approach to education, which includes a focus on emotional and social well-being.
What Parents Like: Parents are highly impressed with the individualized attention their children receive at Fusion Global Academy. The one-on-one teaching model allows for a customized education that addresses each student’s strengths and challenges. The school’s emphasis on emotional and social development is also appreciated.
What Could Be Improved: The high cost of the program is a significant drawback for many families. Additionally, while the one-on-one model is beneficial for many students, some parents feel that it can be isolating and that their children miss out on the social aspects of a more traditional school environment.
15. The George Washington University Online High School
Grades Served: 9th-12th
Cost: $12,000 - $15,000 per year
Program Overview: The George Washington University Online High School (GWUOHS) offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with an emphasis on leadership and global citizenship. The program is designed for motivated students who are preparing for top-tier universities. GWUOHS is affiliated with George Washington University, providing students with access to university resources and opportunities.
What Parents Like: Parents value the academic rigor and the strong focus on leadership development at GWUOHS. The affiliation with George Washington University is seen as a significant advantage, offering students access to resources and opportunities that enhance their educational experience. The school’s college-preparatory focus is also highly regarded.
What Could Be Improved: Some parents feel that the program’s workload can be overwhelming for students, particularly those who are not used to such a high level of academic intensity. Additionally, the cost of the program is a concern for some families, especially given the availability of other less expensive online options.
16. Texas Online Preparatory High School
Grades Served: 9th-12th
Cost: Free (Public School)
Program Overview: Texas Online Preparatory High School is a tuition-free, online public high school that offers a comprehensive curriculum aligned with Texas state standards. The program provides a mix of live and self-paced courses, with a focus on preparing students for college and careers.
What Parents Like: Parents appreciate the affordability of the program, as it provides a quality education at no cost. The focus on college and career readiness is also seen as a major benefit, as is the flexibility of the program, which allows students to learn at their own pace.
What Could Be Improved: Some parents feel that the school’s curriculum could be more challenging, particularly for advanced students. Additionally, while the program offers a wide range of courses, some parents would like to see more elective options, particularly in the arts and humanities.
17. Florida Virtual High School
Grades Served: K-12th
Cost: Free (Public School)
Program Overview: Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is a statewide online public school that offers a wide range of courses for students in grades K-12. The program is known for its flexibility, allowing students to take individual courses or enroll full-time. FLVS offers both standard and honors courses, as well as Advanced Placement (AP) options.
What Parents Like: Parents value the flexibility of FLVS, which allows students to learn at their own pace and take courses that align with their interests and academic goals. The availability of AP courses and the ability to customize the program to fit each student’s needs are also praised. The fact that it is a tuition-free option is a significant advantage.
What Could Be Improved: Some parents have noted that the large class sizes can make it difficult for students to get individualized attention from teachers. Additionally, the self-paced nature of the program can be challenging for students who need more structure and support to stay on track.
18. Calvert Education
Grades Served: K-8th
Cost: $2,000 - $5,000 per year
Program Overview: Calvert Education offers a comprehensive, accredited curriculum for students in grades K-8. The program is designed to provide a strong foundation in core subjects, with a focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Calvert’s curriculum is flexible, allowing parents to tailor the program to their child’s needs.
What Parents Like: Parents appreciate the rigor and structure of the Calvert curriculum, which provides a solid foundation in essential subjects. The flexibility of the program, which allows parents to customize the learning experience, is also highly valued. The support from Calvert’s team of educators is another key benefit and many parents find the guidance and resources provided to be incredibly helpful.
What Could Be Improved: Some parents feel that the Calvert curriculum can be somewhat rigid, making it less suitable for students who thrive in more creative or exploratory learning environments. Additionally, while the program is comprehensive, some parents wish for more interactive and engaging activities to complement the traditional academic content.
19. Time4Learning
Grades Served: PreK-12th
Cost: $19.95 per month for PreK-8th grade; $30 per month for high school
Program Overview: Time4Learning is an affordable, flexible online homeschool curriculum that covers a wide range of subjects for students from PreK through 12th grade. The program is known for its easy-to-use platform and the ability to customize the curriculum to suit each child’s learning pace and style.
What Parents Like: Parents appreciate the affordability and flexibility of Time4Learning, which makes it accessible to a wide range of families. The program’s user-friendly interface is also a plus, especially for parents who are new to homeschooling. The ability to work at their own pace and revisit lessons as needed is another feature that parents value.
What Could Be Improved: Some parents feel that the program could be more rigorous, particularly in the upper grades. There are also concerns about the limited interaction with teachers, as Time4Learning is largely self-directed. Additionally, while the program is comprehensive, some parents would like to see more advanced courses and opportunities for enrichment.
20. Oak Meadow
Grades Served: PreK-12th
Cost: $2,000 - $5,000 per year
Program Overview: Oak Meadow offers a Waldorf-inspired, holistic homeschool curriculum that emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. The program is designed to nurture the whole child, with a strong focus on the arts, nature, and social-emotional development.
What Parents Like: Parents are drawn to Oak Meadow’s emphasis on creativity and holistic education. The curriculum’s integration of the arts and nature is highly valued, as is the focus on social-emotional learning. The flexibility of the program allows families to adapt the curriculum to their own educational philosophies and the needs of their children.
What Could Be Improved: Some parents feel that the Waldorf-inspired approach may not be rigorous enough in certain academic areas, particularly math and science. Additionally, while the emphasis on creativity is a strength, some parents wish there were more opportunities for structured learning and academic rigor, especially in the upper grades.
21. Athena's Advanced Academy
Grades Served: 1st-12th
Cost: $350 - $450 per course per semester
Program Overview: Athena's Advanced Academy offers live, interactive online classes for gifted and talented students. The program provides a wide range of courses across various subjects, designed to challenge and engage students who need more than the standard curriculum. Classes are taught by experienced instructors who specialize in working with advanced learners.
What Parents Like: Parents appreciate the challenging and engaging curriculum offered at Athena’s Advanced Academy, which is tailored to meet the needs of gifted students. The live, interactive classes provide opportunities for real-time discussion and collaboration, which many parents find valuable. The instructors are highly praised for their expertise and ability to connect with advanced learners.
What Could Be Improved: Some parents have noted that the cost of the program can add up, especially if a student takes multiple courses each semester. Additionally, while the courses are challenging, some parents feel that there could be more opportunities for personalized feedback and support, particularly for students who may need additional help in certain areas.
22. Next Level Homeschool
Grades Served: 4th-12th
Cost: $300 - $450 per course per semester
Program Overview: Next Level Homeschool offers a variety of online courses designed for homeschoolers who are seeking a more in-depth and challenging educational experience. The program is known for its rigorous curriculum and experienced instructors, who provide detailed feedback and support to students.
What Parents Like: Parents value the rigor and depth of the courses offered at Next Level Homeschool. The program’s focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills is highly appreciated, as is the quality of instruction provided by experienced teachers. The ability to choose from a wide range of courses allows families to tailor the education to their child’s needs and interests.
What Could Be Improved: Some parents feel that the program could offer more flexibility in terms of pacing and scheduling, particularly for students who need more time to master certain concepts. Additionally, while the courses are rigorous, some parents would like to see more opportunities for enrichment and extracurricular activities.
23. NARHS (North Atlantic Regional High School)
Grades Served: 9th-12th
Cost: $850 per year
Program Overview: NARHS is an accredited private school that offers a flexible, self-directed high school program. Students can create their own curriculum using a combination of NARHS courses, homeschooling resources, and outside classes. The program is designed to meet the needs of students who require a non-traditional approach to high school education.
What Parents Like: Parents appreciate the flexibility of the NARHS program, which allows students to tailor their high school education to their individual needs and interests. The ability to combine different educational resources is seen as a major advantage, as is the school’s support for students pursuing non-traditional paths, such as early college or vocational training.
What Could Be Improved: Some parents feel that the self-directed nature of the program can be challenging for students who need more structure and guidance. Additionally, while the program is flexible, some parents wish there were more opportunities for interaction with peers and teachers, as the largely independent nature of the program can be isolating.
24. Prisma
Grades Served: 4th-8th
Cost: $7,000 - $9,000 per year
Program Overview: Prisma is a personalized online school that focuses on project-based learning, critical thinking, and social-emotional development. The program offers a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning, with a curriculum that is tailored to each student’s interests and strengths. Prisma emphasizes community and collaboration, with opportunities for students to work together on projects and participate in group discussions.
What Parents Like: Parents love Prisma’s focus on personalized learning and the strong sense of community that the program fosters. The project-based approach is seen as highly engaging and effective in developing critical thinking skills. The program’s emphasis on social-emotional learning is also appreciated, as it helps students develop important life skills alongside their academic knowledge.
What Could Be Improved: Some parents feel that the program could offer more rigorous academic content, particularly in subjects like math and science. Additionally, while the emphasis on social-emotional learning is a strength, some parents would like to see more opportunities for academic enrichment and advanced coursework.
25. TTU K-12
Grades Served: Kindergarten through 12th grade
Cost: $150 per course, per semester for Texas residents; $300 per course, per semester for out-of-state students
Program Overview: offered by Texas Tech University, is a fully accredited online school providing a flexible, high-quality education for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The program allows students to work at their own pace while meeting state educational standards. TTU K-12 offers a broad range of courses, including core subjects, electives, and Advanced Placement (AP) classes, making it a comprehensive option for students seeking a traditional yet flexible academic experience.
What Parents Like: Parents appreciate the flexibility that TTU K-12 offers, allowing students to tailor their learning schedule to fit their individual needs. The ability to progress at one's own pace is particularly beneficial for students who may need more time to master certain subjects or who want to accelerate their studies. Additionally, parents value the program’s affordability, especially for Texas residents, and the fact that it provides a curriculum that meets state standards, ensuring that students remain on track for graduation.
What Could Be Improved: Some parents have noted that the program's flexibility, while a strength, can also lead to challenges in maintaining student motivation and discipline without the structure of a traditional classroom. Additionally, while the course offerings are extensive, some parents wish for more interactive elements, such as live classes or more frequent teacher-student engagement, to enhance the learning experience.
Need help choosing an online school?
Reach out to our team and we’re happy to walk you through the options to find what you need.
