For those living in Georgia, online high schools give you flexibility, allow you to learn at your own pace, and offer a variety of courses that might not be available at regular schools. But what exactly is online high school, and how is it better than a traditional, brick-and-mortar public or private school?
In this guide, we’ll discuss the benefits of online high schools, how they work, and why they can be a great choice if you want to take control of your education. We’ll also cover the qualities to look for when comparing schools and list some of the best online high schools in Georgia.
- What Is Online High School?
- Types of Online High Schools in Georgia
- 5 Best Online High Schools in Georgia
- How to Choose the Right Online High School
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What Is Online High School?
Online high schools offer a flexible way to earn your high school diploma and can be a great option if you can’t physically attend a traditional high school.
To attend an online high school, you’ll usually need a computer with internet access and any special software the school requires for things like video lessons or chat forums. Most schools offer a core curriculum, and many also have electives, AP classes, and dual-credit options, depending on your chosen program.
Online high schools soared in popularity during COVID-19, with 77% of public schools shifting to online learning. But while the pandemic boosted this change, many online high schools have actually been around for years. During the 2017-2018 school year, about 21% of public schools and 13% of private schools offered courses entirely online, providing structured and engaging classes for students who prefer learning from the convenience of their own home.
In Georgia,over 15,000 students were enrolled in online schools during the 2019-2020 school year.This made up 0.9% of the total student population, showing that while online education was still a small part of the overall system, it was already growing.
Who is best suited for online high school?
Studying in an online high school could be a great option if you have a busy schedule, live in a rural area, or want to pursue activities outside of regular school hours, such as sports, performing arts, or travel. It’s also a perfect fit if you simply learn better in a remote environment.
Here are some other groups of people who can benefit from attending an online high school:
- AP and gifted students who want specialized courses or college credit
- Working adults who need to earn their high school diploma
- Working teenagers who can’t attend school in person or need a flexible schedule
- Students who have experienced bullying and need a safer learning environment
- Students with health conditions who need to stay home or are under medical supervision
Benefits of online high school
There are many reasons why online high school can be a great alternative to traditional schools, starting with the flexibility to customize your learning schedule. By organizing your day around what matters most, you can learn at your own pace and balance academics and personal commitments.
Since online high schools offer a wide range of courses, you can explore your special interests or take advanced classes—something you can’t normally do at a traditional high school. You’ll also benefit from the inclusive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities and health issues, can learn comfortably without feeling out of place.
When it comes to cost, online high school is more affordable since there’s no need to spend on uniforms, transportation, or physical textbooks. All you need is a one-time investment in technology, like a phone or laptop, and you can attend classes from anywhere with an internet connection.
Types of Online High Schools in Georgia
Before exploring the list of the best online high schools, it’s helpful to understand the different types of schools available to find the one that best suits your needs.
There are three main types of online high schools in Georgia: private schools, charter and public schools, or university-affiliated programs.
Private online high schools are just like private brick-and-mortar schools. You pay tuition, have access to a variety of activities, and typically enjoy smaller class sizes with more personalized attention from teachers.
Meanwhile, public online high schools are tuition-free and state-funded. You typically need to live in the state or district where they operate. The same goes for charter schools, which are run by both nonprofit and for-profit organizations.
Finally, university-affiliated online high schools are hosted by higher education institutions. They’re often competitive and may require a detailed application process, such as essays or questionnaires. While tuition is needed, you do gain access to advanced resources and faculty.
5 Best Online High Schools in Georgia
Without further ado, let’s dive into our list of the best online high schools—all excellent choices for high-quality online education in Georgia.
1. Georgia Cyber Academy
- Type of school: Public charter
- Cost of attendance: Free
Georgia Cyber Academy is a tuition-free, online, accredited public charter school focused on student achievement. It offers a flexible and engaging online learning environment where you’re encouraged to reach your full academic potential. With live, interactive classes and a curriculum tailored to your needs, it’s easy to stay on track and succeed.
GCA enrolls around 11,000 students each year, with current students spanning grades K-12 from every county and school district in Georgia. Certified teachers work closely with you and provide direct instruction and support. Having been around since 2007, you can bet they have the experience to offer the highest quality online education.
2. Georgia Connections Academy
- Type of school: Public school
- Cost of attendance: Free
At Georgia Connections Academy, you’ll benefit from a safe, engaging environment where you can learn in the way that works best for you. The school helps you gain the knowledge and confidence you need to perform well on standardized tests and the fundamental skills to meet life’s challenges.
Established in 2011, the school offers tuition-free education to students in grades K-12. What makes them stand out from other online high schools is the opportunity for parents to be their child’s Learning Coach. Here, parents and guardians schedule their child’s day with school activities, lend a hand with some lessons, and spend a couple of hours overseeing their schoolwork.
They’re active and present in the child’s learning journey, making sure they have the resources to succeed.
3. Gwinnett Online Campus
- Type of school: Public school
- Cost of attendance: Free for residents within the Gwinnett County Public Schools attendance zone
One major advantage of Gwinnett Online Campus is its unique learning environment, offering both online and blended learning.
Unlike traditional school settings, studying at GOC lets you work online at the time of day that best fits your schedule. You’ll also get to join clubs, attend meetings, and participate in campus activities, where you can form study groups, make friends, and build important skills.
As the oldest online program in Georgia, GOC has been around since 1999 and has grown significantly over the years. They’re an accredited and award-winning school serving those living within the Gwinnett County Public Schools district. If you live in this area and want a flexible learning environment, then GOC could be a great option for you.
4. James Madison High School
- Type of school: Private
- Cost of attendance: $1,349-$1,879
James Madison High School is a leading private, nationally accredited, online high school in Georgia. It’s one of the best options for those considering cost, as it offers flexible and affordable options with monthly pay-as-you-go plans to fit your budget.
JMHS’ online high school education programs are designed to prepare you to reach your personal and professional goals. You can enroll anytime and start learning immediately online, anywhere, at your own pace.
You can choose between a General Diploma or a College Prep Diploma, or take individual classes and online courses for credit. Apart from interactive lessons, you can access engaging eBooks and optional printed textbooks as part of your study materials.
5. Sora Schools
- Type of school: Private
- Cost of attendance: $16,000
Sora Schools is a private online high school known for its project-based learning model and hands-on approach to education. Established in 2020, its online model focuses on collaborative student projects to build knowledge and skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.
Sora’s customizable curriculum lets you own your education by choosing subjects and topics that interest you. By taking lessons aligned with your needs and passions, you’ll have an engaging and personalized learning experience that equips you with the skills for the future.
Sora’s tuition fee is on the higher end of private online high schools; however, you can apply for their Flexible Tuition program to fit your family’s financial circumstances.
How to Choose the Right Online High School
Choosing which online high school suits you means you have to carefully weigh various factors. Below are some points to consider when comparing schools.
1. Look for accreditation
The best online high schools in Georgia have one thing in common: they’re accredited. Online schools should be accredited within national, regional, or state regulations to make sure they’re complying with academic standards.Some accrediting agencies include:
- National: Cognia
- Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- State: Public online schools can receive accreditation from the state where they’re based.
While many schools offer individual online high school courses, it’s important to make sure the online school you choose has a diploma program if you’ll be taking most of your classes there. Also, remember that most colleges only accept high school diplomas from accredited schools.
2. Consider your learning style
People thrive in different environments, and understanding your learning style and study habits is incredibly important.
For example, if you’re independent and good at technology, you’ll likely do well in an online high school. However, if you learn better through hands-on activities, group discussions, and face-to-face interactions, you might find online learning less enjoyable and effective.
3. Think of your schedule and needs
Online high school can be a great option if you have a non-traditional schedule, travel often, or have other commitments that make it difficult to attend regular school. However, it’s important to consider the type of online learning offered by different schools.
Do you prefer learning at your own pace, like studying at night instead of in the morning? Would you enjoy having some in-person activities to interact with others and make new friends, or do you prefer a fully online experience?
Also, consider the school’s virtual environment and the type of students it serves. Some online schools focus more on non-traditional learners, while others may be Christian-affiliated. Some offer both part-time and full-time programs.
Even though you won’t be in a traditional classroom, it’s still important to research what kind of experience you’ll have as an online high school student.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do online high schools work?
Online high schools provide education to anyone with an internet connection. You’ll follow a set curriculum, watch live or recorded lessons, and complete assignments online. Some schools let you work on your own schedule, while others have specific times for classes and exams.
2. Do all accredited online high schools in Georgia offer the same curriculum?
No, not all accredited online high schools in Georgia offer the same curriculum. While they all follow academic standards and guidelines, each school may have different programs, subjects, and teaching methods. Check each school’s official website to see if it matches your interests and learning style.
3. When does school start in Georgia?
Most public high schools in Georgia start in early to mid-August, with varying exact dates. Some online high schools have flexible start dates where students can enroll and start studying anytime throughout the year. It’s best to verify the exact start date with your specific school.
Takeaways
- Online high schools offer a flexible learning experience where you can learn at your own pace and access a wide range of courses that may not be available in traditional schools.
- Online high schools in Georgia fall under three types: public charter, private, or university-affiliated schools.
- Some of the best online high schools in Georgia include Georgia Cyber Academy, Georgia Connections Academy, and James Madison High School.
- When choosing the right online high school, consider accreditation and your learning style to make sure it meets your educational needs.
- Consult with experts to find the right online high school and make informed decisions about your education.
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