Online School Mentorship

Overview: George Washington University Online High School (GWUOHS), operated by The George Washington University, is one of the first virtual high schools affiliated with a major research university. It offers academically talented students in grades 8–12 a rigorous yet flexible college-preparatory program designed to prepare them for meaningful contributions in a global society.

Application Deadline: August 31

  • Offers a full-time program at $12,000 per year for six courses. Individual AP courses are available for $1,200 per semester.

    • Private school education 

    • Beyond academics, students also engage in multiple clubs, share their interests, passions, and ideas, and support each other through online discussions and group projects.

    • Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools.

    • A National Honor Society Charter school. 

    • Combination of online and hands-on materials/books. 

    • 50+ elective courses available. 

    • School clubs, yearbook, etc. included. 

    • 100% of graduates are accepted into a four-year college

  • George Washington University Online High School is more expensive than other online options.

Students who are seeking a full-time, private school online education. 

Best for:

Overview: The Keystone School, operated by K12 Inc., offers a unique, flexible education model with 40+ years of experience, helping students succeed in college, careers, trade schools, or the military. Their personalized approach sets them apart, allowing students to learn at their own pace and pursue their individual goals.

    • The cost of a full year of high school courses ranges from $1800 to $2800, depending on the courses chosen.

    • Payment plans are available without interest and discounts are offered to full-time students.

    • Flexible Enrollment: No specific enrollment date; adaptable to each student's timeline.

    • 24/7 Access: Ideal for families in different time zones.

    • Accreditation: Accredited by Cognia and the Middle States Association, meeting standards for college admissions and high school transfers.

    • Social Interaction: Opportunities to connect with peers through emails and discussion boards.

    • Progress Tracking: Weekly progress reports available.

    • Diverse Assessments: Includes quizzes, essays, multiple choice exams, and oral exams to monitor progress.

    • Skill Development: Focus on various writing styles to enhance communication skills.

    • AP Courses: Advanced Placement courses are available.

    • Qualified Teachers: Over 60% have master's or doctoral degrees in education.

    • Class Structure: Some students have mentioned that navigating the class structure can be challenging at times.

    • Course Materials: A few minor typos have been identified in quizzes and classroom materials.

    • Technical Compatibility: While courses are designed to work with most systems, Linux, iOS, and Android are not officially supported. Students using these operating systems may experience technical issues, though current versions of Firefox and Adobe Flash Player generally work well.

    • NCAA Eligibility: Keystone National coursework is not accepted for NCAA athletic eligibility.

    • GED Certification: Students cannot obtain a GED through Keystone.

Students that excel in essay writing.

Best for:

Overview: UT High School, operated by The University of Texas at Austin, offers accredited online courses and credit-by-exam options, allowing students to earn a diploma or supplement their education while enrolled elsewhere. With flexible scheduling, a high-standard curriculum, and specialized support for students with disabilities, UTHS stands out by providing personalized services to students, educators, and schools across Texas and internationally.

  • The UT High School offers students the opportunity to enroll in courses with a maximum completion time of 150 days. Each course costs $225 per semester, with an annual full-time enrollment fee of $2,700.00.


    • High online ranking

    • NCAA approved core courses

    • AP® courses approved by The College Board

    • Flexible, asynchronous online learning model

    • Student-instructor interaction within Canvas LMS

    • Semester courses designed for same hours as traditional courses

    • Final exams taken at home

    • Textbook-free options available

      • Reviews comment on little to no homework, little direction from teachers, often too easy coursework. 

      • Bad for students that require extra attention 

Students who are self-motivated (course designs implement an inquiry-based approach and encourage student self-assessment and autonomy.)

Best for:

Overview: James Madison High School online is a great fit for both traditional and non-traditional students. It helps students with different goals, such as earning a diploma, homeschooling, or improving job qualifications. Students can enroll anytime during the year, and the school is both nationally and regionally accredited, meeting high standards for online education.

  • Affordable online high school tuition options available: Full Pay or Monthly Pay starting at $55/month. Transfer credits to lower tuition costs.

    • High online ranking  

    • Accredited: James Madison High School is a regionally accredited online high school with accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). Also accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). 

    • Flexible: allows students to learn at their own pace. 

    • Flexible payment plans with monthly payments as low as $49 per month

    • All teachers are state-certified teachers. 

    • Reviews applaud attentive teachers 

    • Students can request one-on-one tutoring any time, online or by email or phone. 

    • All diplomas are self-paced. No due dates or deadlines. Study when and where it makes sense for you (a pro for some, con for others)

    • Online textbooks (expensive to request physical books)

Students who flourish with self-pacing.

Best for:

Overview: Laurel Springs School offers online education for K-12 students with a wide range of course options, including college prep, honors/AP, world languages, and college credit courses.

  • Tuition fees range from $6000 to $15700 USD yearly.

    • Rolling admissions model allows for enrollment at any time

    • Flexible, personalized approach to learning

    • Emphasis on relationships with teachers, counselors, and peers

    • Wide range of electives available

    • AP courses offered

    • Accredited by WASC and Cognia/Advanced

    • Courses NCAA Division I and II and University of California a-g approved

  • Tuition can be expensive compared to other online schools.

Students looking for a high-quality, global community and education.

Best for:

Overview: Global Online Academy is a nonprofit organization which provides online classes, workshops, and other educational resources for students and teachers. Accredited courses for middle and high school students are offered through GOA by a consortium of about 120 member schools, all independent.

    • Most GOA summer courses cost $800 for students from member schools and $1,200 for students from non-member schools.

    • Algebra I, Geometry, and Precalculus are more intensive and cost $1,100 for members and $1,400 for non-members.

    • Member schools may cover the enrollment fee for GOA summer courses, which are available to all students.

    • High-Quality Curriculum: Developed by experienced educators, fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity

    • Global Perspective: Interact with peers worldwide, gain cultural awareness and communication skills

    • Flexible Learning Environment: Access course materials and discussions at own pace and schedule

    • Interactive Instruction: Utilizes innovative methods to enhance engagement and understanding

    • Professional Development: Offers opportunities for educators to stay current with best practices in online teaching and learning

    • NCAA-approved: Most of their courses are approved by the NCAA.

  • - High tuition fees may be a barrier for some students

    - Scheduling conflicts for students in different time zones

Overview: Provides a comprehensive online education program with accredited courses and personalized learning plans. Offers flexibility in scheduling.

    • Affordable online private school tuition starting at $450

  • - K12 Private Academy offers accredited U.S. diplomas to international students at an affordable price with no premium charges for enrollment outside the U.S.

    - Students can choose their class times to accommodate different time zones, join live classes, or watch recordings later.

    - Dual enrollment program allows international students to earn college credit while in high school with a minimum GPA requirement.

    - All courses are taught in English, providing opportunities for language practice and interaction with teachers and peers.

  • Some students may find the curriculum to be too rigid or standardized.

Overview:  As a part of Pearson, the leading learning company, Connections Academy® is an online public school for grades K-12. Certified teachers offer personalized support to students, helping them develop essential life skills and pursue their interests. The school emphasizes adaptability, versatility, open-mindedness, and a positive attitude towards change. It provides a flexible online learning environment with personalized plans and extracurricular options.

  • Connections Academy® offers a tuition-free virtual school education that fosters students' love for learning without any hidden costs.

    • Students receive a tuition-free virtual school education at Connections Academy.

    • The curriculum, created by experts in distance learning, helps students excel academically and develop life skills.

    • Connections Academy is accredited by Cognia and other organizations, ensuring high educational standards.

    • Our online learning program is tailored to meet the needs of students nationwide.

    • Prepares students for the future through personalized education.

    • Parents play a crucial role as Learning Coaches in their child's education.

    • Offers opportunities for students to socialize and collaborate with peers through virtual clubs and field trips.

    • Flexible schedule, personalized learning plans, and a variety of extracurricular activities available. Accredited and tuition-free in many states.

    • Some students may have difficulty with the self-discipline needed for self-paced learning.

    • The level of rigor may be lacking for certain students

Overview:  Stanford Online High School, also known as SOHS, is an online independent school for academically talented students worldwide. It serves students in grades 7-12 and offers a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes taught by Stanford-affiliated instructors in a virtual classroom setting.

    • Full-time tuition costs $19,950 per year

    • Single-course tuition costs $4,150 a year

    • Stanford OHS effectively prepares students for college through advanced classes designed to resemble college courses

    • Flexible for students worldwide with internet access, providing access to rigorous academic options

    • Provides a platform for high-performing students to learn from each other, fostering inspiration and skill development

    • Offers rigorous academic curriculum taught by Stanford-affiliated instructors, small class sizes, and an engaging virtual classroom environment.

  • Highly selective admissions process with fewer extracurricular activities than traditional schools.

Overview:  University of Nebraska High School, operated by the University of Nebraska in the United States, is an accredited online institution offering distance education courses. Students can earn high school credit or a diploma from anywhere in the world. The program is affordable and offers a variety of courses following a self-paced learning model.

  • UNHS offers affordable tuition for courses ranging from $300 to $550 based on credit hours. Additional costs for textbooks/materials.

    • Accredited with regional and state accreditation, offering NCAA®-approved courses

    • Responsive and caring administration, instructors, and staff

    • Enroll any day, access courses online 24/7/365, study at your own pace

    • Affordable with a wide range of courses, including core, elective, and AP classes, using a self-paced learning model

  • Limited teacher-student interaction, primarily text-based instruction.

Overview: VHS is an online private school offering Ontario Secondary School Diploma credits. Inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education since 2001, VHS provides students worldwide with a flexible learning experience. With certified teachers, interactive content, free tutoring, and dedicated support teams, VHS focuses on meeting each student's needs. Additionally, VHS offers a collaborative learning environment with diverse courses and global connections.

  • The program fees for domestic students range from $251 to $585 USD for domestic students and $420 to $747 USD for international students.

    • Over 10 years of experience in online education leadership

    • Strong reputation with colleges and universities

    • Self-paced and flexible courses

    • Balanced student-teacher ratios

    • Extensive academic support and guidance services

    • Interactive student community programs and events

    • Collaborative learning environment with diverse course offerings

    • Opportunities for global connections with other students

  • Some courses may require synchronous participation, which could be challenging for students in different time zones.

Overview:  Penn Foster High School is one of the oldest and largest online learning institutions worldwide, offering programs designed to meet lifelong learning needs. Its self-paced courses with affordable tuition lead to a high school diploma and include career-focused electives.

    • Tuition for Penn Foster varies based on the number of credits an individual needs to transfer into the program.

    • School tuition costs per month can be as low as $50.

    • With affordable monthly payment options, students can pay towards their tuition while completing their coursework with 0% interest.

    • Several payment plans are available for students to choose from.

    • Courses can be accessed online 24/7 on computers, tablets, or mobile devices.

    • Certificate, diploma, and degree programs are accredited and recognized.

    • Learning can be done at your own pace, fitting around your schedule.

  • Limited live teacher support, primarily text-based instruction may not suit all learning styles.

Overview:  AEON School reshapes education with top-tier teaching and advanced technology, nurturing curiosity and innovation from Toddler to Grade 12. They empower students to excel academically and pursue their passions, preparing them for success at leading universities and beyond. Their curriculum equips students to become global citizens, creative thinkers, and future leaders in a complex world.

    • Tuition at AEON School (Global | Online) ranges from USD $7,500 – 37,400

    • Tuition for in-person locations (such as Silicon Valley) will vary

    • AEON School offers a flexible tuition rate based on a family's financial ability

    • Indexed Tuition model determines each student's tuition based on family income, assets, and number of children enrolled

    • AEON School prioritizes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

    • Offering flexible tuition rates based on financial need

    • Students have been accepted to top NCAA fencing programs

    • AEON School is the official partner of USA Fencing, providing personalized calendars and flexible schedules for student-athletes

    •  High tuition fees may not be affordable for all families.

    • Aeon's curriculum heavily relies on advanced technology, which may not be suitable for students who prefer traditional in-person learning.

    • Students may miss out on social interactions found in physical classrooms due to its focus on global online learning.

Overview:  At Kolbe Academy, students experience authentically Catholic, classical home education tailored to their learning styles. With over 40 years of experience, the institution is accredited and focuses on forming well-rounded, integrated young individuals. Expert teachers and advisors provide support throughout the entire educational journey.

  • Click here to see tuition options and additional fees.

    • Kolbe Academy's expert advisors and teachers provide personalized Catholic education with salvation as the ultimate goal for children.

    • Families can choose from traditional homeschool, live online, and asynchronous course formats to tailor their child's education.

    • The academy offers an authentically Catholic, classical education in the Ignatian method.

    • Kolbe Academy supports families throughout their homeschooling journey, offering services such as grading, academic advising, tuition options, standardized testing, and assistance with higher education planning.

    • The academy is accredited by Cognia and the National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools.

    •  High tuition fees may not be affordable for all families.

    • Their books can be expensive.

    • The quarterly exams are tough