Online high schools in California facts for kids

Imagine going to school from your own home, or anywhere with an internet connection! That's what online learning is all about. In California, many students in grades 9-12 are choosing to take classes online. This way of learning is becoming very popular, with over 56,000 students in California taking at least one online class. It offers a flexible way to get your high school education.

Online High Schools in California

What is Online High School?

Online high schools let you learn using a computer and the internet. Instead of going to a physical school building every day, you attend classes virtually. This means you might watch video lessons, read digital textbooks, and complete assignments online. You can often work at your own pace, which is great for students with busy schedules or those who prefer a different learning style.

Online learning can be a good choice for many reasons. Some students might be athletes or performers who travel a lot. Others might want to take classes that aren't offered at their local school. It also allows students to learn in an environment where they feel most comfortable. The California Department of Education keeps track of how many students are choosing this path.

Types of Online High Schools

In California, there are two main types of online high schools you can choose from: private and public. Both offer a full high school education, but they have some key differences.

Private Online High Schools

Private online high schools are usually funded by tuition fees paid by students or their families. They are not part of the public school system. This often means they have more flexibility in their curriculum and teaching methods. They might offer unique programs or specialized courses. Some private online schools are connected to well-known universities or educational groups.

Here are some examples of private online high schools available to students in California:

• Stanford Online High School
• San Diego Virtual School
• Laurel Springs School
• Forest Trail Academy
• Halstrom High School Online
• National University Virtual High School
• Orange Lutheran High School Online
• Global Village School
• Sycamore Academy
• Allied High School
• North Star Academy
• The Keystone School
• James Madison High School
• Excel High School
• Penn Foster High School
• K12 International Academy
• National High School
• Apex Learning Virtual School

Public Online High Schools

Public online high schools are usually funded by the state and do not charge tuition fees. They are part of the public education system, often as charter schools or virtual academies connected to school districts. These schools must follow state education guidelines and standards. They aim to provide a free, high-quality online education to students.

Here are some examples of public online high schools available in California:

• Sage Oak Charter Schools
• California Virtual Academies
• Choice 2000 Online High School
• New Day Academy
• Insight School of California
• Ocean Grove Charter School
• South Sutter Charter School
• Oak Knoll Virtual Academy
• Pacific View Charter School
• Delta Pacific Online School
• iHigh Virtual Academy
• Dunlap Leadership Academy
• iQ Academy California
• Riverside Virtual School