This option, however, is not without its challenges.
Finding the time for homeschooling and supporting your children and knowing which provider to choose are two of the biggest hurdles that most parents face.
And, if you’re looking for a homeschool program that’s accredited, that can add further confusion.
Choosing an accredited program is beneficial as it ensures that the quality and standards of that education are maintained.
It provides a structured and recognized framework that can be beneficial for the student’s future educational and professional endeavors.
But there are so many options to choose from!
In this guide, we’ve listed some of the best accredited homeschool programs out there to try and make the decision a little easier for you.
K12 has been supporting families with homeschooling for over two decades and has earned itself a reputation as one of the best accredited programs available.
A big plus for many families, K12 boasts tuition-free schooling that is set up just like a regular school with eligibility, attendance, and testing requirements.
And the teachers are specifically trained to teach their students virtually.
As well as offering a solid curriculum, there’s also support available in preparing for college and future careers.
Support is also available for students with additional needs.
To apply to K12, visit their website and complete an application form. Then, upload your required documentation, and the approval process will begin.
Established in 2013, Acellus Academy is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges.
Their core high school courses are approved by the NCAA, and their AP Coursework has been approved by the College Board.
Their mission statement is:
“To provide a K-12 education that expands access to career and college opportunities through self-paced online learning.”
The tuition fees for Acellus are as follows:
Basic
This includes up to 6 courses (with over 300 to choose from). Courses are available 24 hours per day.
With this option, you will receive credits toward an accredited high school diploma and have access to Vectored Instruction and an Acellus Writing Tutor.
The cost is $249 per month ($2000 annually) unless you have a Roger Billings Scholarship, which reduces the fees to $79 per month.
Enhanced
The Enhanced option allows for up to 8 courses at a time – again, with over 300 to choose from.
Courses are again available 24 hours a day, and you will receive credits towards your high school diploma.
As well as access to Vectored Instruction and an Acellus Writing Tutor, lessons are delivered in high definition, and there’s the option of joining social clubs with other students.
Students also receive career guidance counseling with this option.
The cost is $349 per month ($3000 annually) unless you have a Roger Billings Scholarship, which reduces fees to $174 per month.
Premium
Opting for Premium gives students the opportunity to study up to 12 courses at a time (again from over 300 options), with 24-hour access.
Students will receive credits toward their high school diploma and career guidance counseling.
Lessons are available in high definition, and students have access to Vectored Instruction, an Acellus Writing Tutor, and the option for social development through clubs.
Each student is provided with a GoldBook locked-down computer for their studies, and parents and children who have opted for Premium get priority access to support.
The cost is $499 per month ($4500 annually), and there are no scholarship reductions available.
Enlightium, based in Washington, was established in 2003 by Dr. Yelena V. Solodyankin.
The program is accredited by Cognia and the Association of Christian Schools International and offers a comprehensive education with Christianity at its heart.
Their mission statement is:
“To support every unique student on their journey to embrace their God-given talents, develop a lifelong thirst for knowledge, display a Christ-like spirit, and care for their community with kindness, respect, and love.”
You can enroll with Enlightium at any point during the year, and lessons can be delivered all over the world.
They have a variety of tuition packages to choose from:
Pre-K to 2nd-grade costs start at $67 and go up to $83 per month.
For grades 3-5, the packages start at $103 per month and go up to $605 per month.
For grades 6-8, costs range from $121 to $728 per month.
Tuition for grades 9-12 costs range from $139 to $846 per month.
It can be confusing choosing the right package as there is so much to choose from, so it can be beneficial to speak with Enlightium first.
This is a great option for an accredited homeschool program if spirituality is a key part of your family’s ethos.
Northgate Academy is an online Christian high school that offers both a full-time online high school diploma program and individual courses for students who wish to supplement their traditional education.
Their mission state is as follows:
“The mission of Northgate Academy is to raise up the next generation of Christian leaders, through the training and nurturing of students in their spiritual, academic, emotional, and social development. This is realized through delivering a Christ-centered education, founded on biblical truth, which leads to the development of a world-view that will greater impact the world for Christ.”
Northgate Academy, which has been in operation for over a decade, is part of the Excel Education Systems School System.
They offer a spiritual-based curriculum and are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and School CASI, Cognia, the parent organization of the North Central Association CASI, and the Northwest Accrediting Commission.
Students can enjoy the flexibility that this program offers. They can set their own pace, which can be beneficial for those with unique scheduling needs or for those who thrive in a self-paced environment. Enrollment is open all year round.
Fees for Northgate Academy are as follows:
Full-time enrollment for grades 9-12 and 14-18 costs $1690 per year or $169 per month.
They also offer an online summer school and an adult high school diploma program.
For another Christian-led accredited homeschool program, Liberty University is an excellent option.
Liberty, a not-for-profit university, has over 35 years of experience in providing a solid curriculum for homeschool learners and is ranked among Niche.com’s top 3 online American schools.
It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.
Liberty University offers a vast range of online undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines. This includes programs in arts and sciences, business, education, law, medicine, engineering, and more.
Their costs are varied and can be viewed online, but it’s worth bearing in mind that almost 80% of all of their students have been awarded financial aid, which could also be an option for your family.
Connections Academy is an accredited online public school with over 20 years of experience serving students in grades K-12.
Accredited by Cognie, it offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers core subjects and electives tailored to meet both state and national education standards.
With a combination of certified teachers, interactive online resources, and personalized learning plans, Connections Academy provides a flexible yet structured learning environment.
Its platform allows students to learn at their own pace, making it an attractive option for families seeking a blend of traditional education and homeschooling.
In addition to academic courses, the academy offers various extracurricular activities to ensure a well-rounded educational experience.
One of the biggest benefits of Connections Academy is that it is tuition-free (being funded by the state), meaning that no family has to miss out.
Laurel Springs School is an accredited online private school serving students from kindergarten through high school.
Recognized for its personalized approach to education, the school offers a diverse curriculum that caters to individual learning styles and paces.
With a team of experienced teachers, Laurel Springs ensures that students receive both academic rigor and flexibility.
Their platform is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of students, including gifted learners, athletes, and artists, by offering both traditional courses and college-preparatory programs.
The school’s commitment to fostering a global community is evident in its array of extracurricular activities and opportunities for student engagement.
Established in 1975, Oak Meadow is an accredited distance-learning school offering curriculum and educational services for students from kindergarten through high school.
Their mission statement is:
“We help students and families experience the joy of learning and create meaningful change in the world.”
Known for its holistic educational approach, Oak Meadow combines rigorous academics with creative and experiential learning.
Their curriculum is designed to be adaptable, allowing students and families to learn at their own pace and in a manner that resonates with individual learning styles.
While it provides a comprehensive structure for education, Oak Meadow also emphasizes the importance of imagination, play, and hands-on activities in the learning process.
This blend of structure and flexibility has made it a popular choice for both full-time homeschooling families and those seeking supplementary educational resources.
Time4Learning is one of the most well-known accredited homeschool programs. It’s an online education platform catering to students from pre-K through high school.
With a focus on interactive learning, the platform offers a comprehensive curriculum in core subjects like math, science, language arts, and social studies.
Designed to be both engaging and educational, Time4Learning utilizes multimedia lessons, interactive exercises, and printable worksheets to cater to diverse learning styles.
The self-paced nature of the program allows students to progress at their own speed, making it a preferred choice for homeschooling families, afterschool enrichment, or as a supplement to traditional schooling.
Additionally, the platform provides assessment tools and reporting features to help parents and educators track student progress.
The American School of Correspondence, often simply referred to as American School, is a longstanding distance education institution founded in 1897.
Catering to high school students, it offers both diploma programs and individual courses for credit recovery or enrichment.
Their philosophy is:
“The American School, a not for profit distance learning institution utilizing various distance education methods, is dedicated to providing quality instruction at a reasonable cost to those students who are seeking an alternative means of attaining their education.”
The school provides a blend of traditional paper-based courses and online learning options, allowing students to choose the method that best suits their learning style.
As a not-for-profit with a focus on flexibility, affordability, and academic rigor, American School has become a popular choice for homeschooling families, adult learners, and those seeking an alternative to conventional high school education. Its accreditation by recognized agencies ensures the quality and transferability of its credits.
Their fees are broken down as follows:
15-unit middle school program over three years – $3000
20-unit high school diploma over four years – $4000
Homeschooling has grown in popularity, especially for children and families who find that the traditional school system doesn’t work so well for them.
This rise in popularity has led to the emergence of a variety of accredited programs to support families in this educational approach so that no one has to miss out on a full education.
These programs can range from online curricula covering all grade levels to Christian-based materials that emphasize faith alongside academics.
The accreditation of these programs ensures they meet specific educational standards, giving parents confidence in the quality of the curriculum.
When choosing the right program for you, consider the learning style of your child as well as the flexibility required for you as a family.
Fees will be another key consideration – although scholarships are available for some – as will your family’s values.
Whatever your situation, though, you should be able to find an accredited homeschool program that suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between accredited and non-accredited homeschool?
A homeschool program can become accredited when it is compared to educational standards and passes.
Not passing this assessment doesn’t mean the program is bad, but it does mean it doesn’t match the current educational standards.
Does accreditation matter for homeschool programs?
Opting for an accredited homeschool program over a non-accredited program isn’t essential, but it can be beneficial if a student needs to transfer credits to another program or apply for college.
It also offers reassurance that the program meets the current academic requirements and standards.
Which homeschool curriculum is best for me?
To choose the best homeschool curriculum, you need to consider your educational philosophy, your child’s learning style, budget constraints, and whether you prefer religious or secular content.
Additionally, take into account the level of flexibility versus structure you desire, the time you can commit, and any specific subject strengths or weaknesses your child has.
It’s helpful to consult reviews from other homeschooling families, especially if you have any friends who are also homeschooling and can make a recommendation.
It’s also worth considering the future, such as high school graduation or college admission requirements.
Remember, you can always adjust your choice if a curriculum doesn’t seem to fit well, and many of these accredited homeschooling programs accept enrollment all year.
Leave a comment