15 Distance Learning High School Programs
- Stephen Turban
- 6 hours ago
- 10 min read
Not every high school gives you access to college-level classes, research experience, or technical training. If you’re looking for a way to engage with advanced academics in an accessible way, distance learning programs can help fill that gap. These are structured online courses offered by universities, schools, and other educational organizations. You can take them alongside your regular studies or as a full-time option if you’re finishing high school independently.
Some can count toward your high school diploma. Others offer dual enrollment with colleges, research-based learning, or training in technical fields like programming or data science. You might end up writing a research paper with a PhD mentor, finishing AP Statistics before your school offers it, or joining weekly seminars on global policy. Many students choose these programs because they want more control over their education.
To help you find the right fit, here’s a list of 15 distance learning high school programs you can explore!
15 Distance Learning High School Programs
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.Â
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective 12-week research program for high school students. The program pairs each student with a Ph.D. mentor from top universities to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. You can choose your research topic from subjects such as economics, psychology, neuroscience, political science, artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, business, and more. Each cohort begins with a curriculum phase to build research basics, followed by guided research and writing. By the end, you will have completed a full-length research paper. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Remote
Cost:Â None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Follow the school year calendarÂ
Application Deadline: Enrollment deadlines vary by school
Eligibility: All students in the appropriate grade level
Connections Academy is a full-time online public school for students in grades K to 12. You take state-approved courses in subjects like math, science, and English, along with electives. The classes are online, but you're expected to meet the same academic standards as students in regular schools.
The program is accredited by national and regional bodies, and you’ll have access to academic advisors and counselors. They help you make a graduation plan based on what your state requires. Most of the learning is self-paced, but the program follows a structured schedule. You also get to take part in a formal graduation ceremony once you complete all your courses.
3. Veritas AI
Location:Â Virtual
Application deadline:Â On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates:Â Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility:Â High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers online programs for high school students who want to explore artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. If you're just starting, you can join the AI Scholars program. It's a 10-session course where you learn the basics of AI and data science. You also get to build a real-world project by the end of the program. If you already know some coding or AI concepts, you can apply for the  AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. In this track, you work one-on-one with a mentor on a research project that you design. You also get support from their team to publish your project in a high school research journal and present it through a final showcase. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.Â
Location: Remote
Cost:Â None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Follow the school year calendarÂ
Application Deadline: Enrollment deadlines vary by school
Eligibility: All students in the appropriate grade level
K12 offers online high school programs with a flexible setup. You take virtual classes led by certified teachers who adjust lessons to fit different learning needs. You’ll cover core subjects like math and science, and choose from many electives. There are also options for AP courses, credit recovery, and career-focused tracks. If you're planning, you can join dual credit programs to earn college credit while finishing high school. Along with academics, you take part in group discussions, connect with other students, and join events like field trips and prom.
Location: Remote
Cost: Full-Time (4 or more courses): $30,970 | Part-Time (2–3 courses): $18,580 | Single Course: $6,195 | + $100 application fee (financial aid and fee waivers are available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Fall classes begin in late August and spring in mid-January
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: No specific eligibility requirements, but students will be judged by general academic ability, extracurriculars, community involvement, and whether they’re a fit for Stanford OHS’s teaching model. In addition, all applicants need to submit at least two recommendation forms, one from a Humanities/Social Science teacher and one from a Mathematics/Science teacher.Â
Stanford Online High School is a selective virtual school for students in grades 7 to 12. Classes are live and follow a seminar style, where you take part in discussions and debates with students from around the world. The school offers a challenging curriculum, including 25 post-AP and university-level courses, many taught by instructors with PhDs. You also get academic advising, wellness support, and help with college planning. Class times are scheduled based on when both students and teachers are available, which makes the program more flexible than most online schools.
Location: Remote
Cost: $1,099 – $1,639, depending on the payment plan
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Flexible start and end dates
Application Deadline: Enrollment is available year-round
Eligibility: Students must be at least 13 years old and must have completed the 8th grade. Access to a computer and high-speed internet is also required.
Penn Foster High School offers a self-paced online program that lets you work on your schedule. You can access courses anytime from any device and finish assignments when it works best for you. The program is nationally accredited and is a good fit if you're managing school along with other responsibilities. In addition to core subjects, you can pick career-focused electives in areas like healthcare, business, or skilled trades. Even though the program is fully online, you still have the option to join an in-person graduation ceremony when you complete your diploma.
Location: Remote
Cost: Free for Texas residents; others pay $150–$350, with optional courses from $70 to $275.
Dates: The Fall semester begins August 11
Application Deadline: The lottery date is July 1
Eligibility: Students who have completed the 8th grade, are under 21 years old, and have not already earned a high school diploma
UT High School is an online public school run by the University of Texas at Austin. It’s open to both Texas and international students. You can enroll full-time to earn a Texas high school diploma or take individual courses part-time alongside your current school. The program offers on-level, honors, and AP courses designed by Texas-certified teachers. All classes are asynchronous, so you work through lessons and assignments on your schedule, but still follow a semester timeline. There are also dual credit options and a P-TECH Early College track for eligible students in Texas.
Location: Remote
Cost: Full-time: $14,000 | Part-time: $2,150 (two semesters), $1,150 (one semester). Scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Fall courses begin Sept 3, Spring AP courses begin Jan 5, and Spring non-AP courses begin Feb 4
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round; enrollment takes place for the spring and fall terms. Check here for detailed deadlines.
Eligibility: Students need to have a demonstrated successful academic history
George Washington University Online High School (GWUOHS) offers a college-preparatory experience built around academic rigor and individualized support. You can attend full-time or part-time, or just take AP courses, depending on your academic goals. The school’s curriculum emphasizes depth and research-based learning, with small, interactive online classes to promote discussion and critical thinking. In addition to core coursework, students engage in long-term academic projects like the Capstone and Journeys Symposium, which help develop advanced writing and presentation skills. While it’s a distance learning high school program, GWUOHS has a strong focus on clubs, group activities, and events.
Location: Remote
Cost:Â Full year price: Advanced Placement ($2,100), Honors ($1,900), College Prep ($1,800), Electives ($1,800), P.E. ($900) | Semester price: Advanced Placement ($1,500), Honors ($1,250), College Prep ($1,200), Electives ($1,200), P.E. ($700)
Dates: Flexible start dates (apart from the 6-week summer sessions that have several deadlines)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions throughout the year
Eligibility: All students in the appropriate grade level
Laurel Springs School offers an online high school program that lets you work at your own pace. The focus is on mastery, which means you can redo assignments or retake exams to improve your understanding. You can choose from over 200 courses, including AP classes, electives, world languages, and dual enrollment options for college credit. The program is designed to help you apply what you learn to real-world situations. Beyond academics, you can join virtual clubs, take part in international travel programs, and attend in-person events like prom and graduation.
Location: Remote
Cost:Â United States: $325 for the annual registration fee, $200 for the semester registration fee (tuition discounts available). You can find out more about care plan costs here.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Flexible dates
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions year-round
Eligibility: All students in the appropriate grade level
Christa McAuliffe Academy School of Arts and Sciences (CMASAS) is an online private high school where you complete courses at your own pace. All classes are asynchronous, so you move forward only after showing full understanding of the material. You’ll have a Personalized Education Coach who checks in regularly and helps adjust your coursework based on how you learn best. The program includes a wide range of STEAM courses, along with AP, honors, and dual enrollment classes through Arizona State University. Outside of academics, you can join school events, the student council, and international travel programs.
Location: Remote
Cost:Â High school silver: $1,950, High School Gold: $2,500, High School Platinum: $4,900 | Standard single course: $325, Honors single course: $375, AP single course: $699. School choice vouchers can be used
Dates: Flexible dates
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round
Eligibility: Students who are at least 14 years old, with internet access, a laptop or computer, a webcam, and a microphone
Excel High School is a fully online, regionally accredited program where you can work at your own pace. You can choose from different graduation tracks, including a standard diploma, honors courses, or AP classes, depending on your goals. Courses are completed through a platform called LearnStage, which helps you stay organized with assignments and deadlines.Â
To graduate, you need to earn either 21.5 or 24 credits based on the track you choose. You can also take world languages and advanced math courses for college prep. If you're in California, you can follow the A-G Approved Curriculum to meet UC admission requirements.
Location: Remote
Cost:Â $1,949 (can be $1,199 or $1,749 depending on payment plans). You can save up to $340 by transferring credits.Â
Dates: Flexible dates
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round
Eligibility: Students must be at least 14 years old, have completed the 8th grade, and have access to the internet
James Madison High School offers an accredited online program where you learn at your own pace. You can choose a general diploma if you're focused on career training or a college prep diploma if you're planning to apply to a four-year university. The curriculum includes core subjects based on Common Core standards, a wide range of electives, and optional career pathways. You can also take individual courses for credit recovery or to explore subjects not offered at your current school.
Location: Remote
Cost:Â Free for Nevada residents, $16,250 for non-Nevada residents. Single course enrollment is $4,000 regardless of state of residence + $60 non-refundable application fee + one-time $60 University of Nevada, Reno fee.Â
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 100 students were enrolled in the past academic year
Dates: Typically mid-August to mid-May
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Applicants must meet or exceed a qualifying test score in the Accepted Tests, be gifted academically, and demonstrate the required motivation and readiness for an accelerated educational environment
Davidson Academy Online is a program for profoundly gifted students. Instead of following grade levels based on age, your courses are chosen based on your ability and interests. You work with educators and counselors to create a personalized academic plan. The curriculum includes advanced courses in subjects like English, math, science, and world languages. There’s a strong focus on critical thinking and writing. Many classes introduce college-level material in a way that fits your developmental stage. If you don’t want to enroll full-time, you can also take individual courses in select subjects.
Location: Remote
Cost: Check IVLA’s tuition calculator and additional fees details here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 400 students in the high school grades
Dates: Flexible dates
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round
Eligibility: The honors course requires a minimum 3.0 GPA or a letter of recommendation from an instructor or counselor, and the AP courses require a minimum 3.5 GPA as well as specific course prerequisites
International Virtual Learning Academy (IVLA) is an accredited online private school based in the U.S. It offers self-paced high school programs that you can adjust to fit your schedule and goals. You can choose from standard, honors, AP, and dual enrollment courses, and complete them independently with support from certified teachers and an academic success coach. In addition to coursework, you can join live social hours, clubs, and service projects to connect with other students.Â
15. Prisma
Location: Remote
Cost:Â $11,980 (scholarships available)
Dates: August 25 – June 4
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students must be in the appropriate age range, have access to the internet, and comply with any local education requirements
Prisma is an accredited online high school program that uses a project-based approach instead of traditional classes and exams. You work through real-world themes and complete hands-on projects that connect subjects like math, science, and humanities. You can also join AP courses, dual enrollment, and leadership programs based on your interests. Students are grouped by ability rather than age, and you work with a mentor coach to build a personalized learning path. Each day, you join live workshops with your peer group and can also take part in virtual clubs and in-person endeavors.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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