How to Transfer High School Credits to JMHS

If you’ve completed some high school courses but think a flexible online high school program is the right fit for you to earn your diploma, you may be concerned about having to start fresh and retake classes you’ve already passed. With your official transcripts from your previous school in hand, however, you can potentially pick up right where you left off. Transferring your credits to James Madison can help you take the next step toward graduation and your future. Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Enroll in James Madison High School.

Before transferring in credits, students should be enrolled in the high school diploma program. Once you’re enrolled, you have 90 days to send your official transcripts to James Madison. Your transcripts will determine your appropriate grade level and the classes you’ll take throughout your program.

Step 2: Have your previous school send your official, sealed transcripts.

After enrolling in James Madison High School, you’ll want to make sure your previous school sends us your official, sealed transcripts. Our experts will review and evaluate the classes you’ve completed already and transfer over the ones that meet James Madison standards.

Your previous school should have your transcripts on file and can send the sealed copy directly to JMHS. Some schools will send transcripts to us if you call them, but others may ask you to fill out a transcript request form or request your paperwork online.

It’s important to remember to request your official transcripts be sent to us. Official means that they’re sent in a sealed envelope (don’t open the envelope if you pick them up from your school and send them to us yourself), with the school’s seal, and that the transcripts are signed by the school administrator.

Step 3: What are the requirements for transferring credits to JMHS?

You’re enrolled and you’re sending in your official transcripts, but how do you know what will be accepted and what won’t? Some things to keep in mind:

• The full James Madison High School program is 23 credits. We can accept up to 17 transfer credits from a previous school.
• Only credits from an accredited high school or legitimate homeschool records are accepted.
• You can only transfer in passing grades.
• If you’re under 18, you need to send in transcripts or a homeschooling portfolio to verify you’ve finished the 8th grade.
• Once your transcripts are evaluated, you’ll receive an email with the classes you transferred in, what you have left to complete, and an estimation of your reduced tuition costs. This can take 7-10 business from the day we receive your transcripts, so please be patient!

Step 4: Move at your own pace toward graduation!

You’ve gotten your transcript results back, so now it’s time to start working toward your graduation goal. James Madison’s classes are flexible, allowing you to get started when you’re ready and study on the schedule that works best for you. If you have a particular graduation goal in mind, start planning out how many lessons and exams you should work on each week to reach it.

Finish high school your way.

Online education is a great option for students who want to move at a pace that suits their needs versus the traditional schedule of a regular high school. JMHS's accredited high school programs are designed to help you earn your high school diploma, on your own terms. James Madison High School is nationally accredited by Cognia and the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

If you’re ready to get started owning your education, enroll online or reach out to an Admissions Specialist at 1-800-349-6861 today for more information.