Questions on enrolling?
We're here 9am-9pm ET Mon-Fri
Questions on enrolling?
We're here 9am-9pm ET Mon-Fri
Questions on enrolling? We're here 9am-9pm ET Mon-Fri
Questions on enrolling?
Questions on enrolling?
Questions on enrolling?
Has your child been talking about transferring to online high school? Do you have questions about how remote learning would work for your family? Are you curious if it’s a good fit for your teen? Get your questions answered and more in this guide on what online high school really involves, the enrollment process, and what a typical day might look like for your student. Whether you have a budding athlete with a demanding training schedule or a creative spirit who needs a more flexible learning environment, online high school could be the key. But, signing up your child in an online school isn’t the same as an in-person, traditional institution. So let’s get started and get your teen enrolled!
Before you begin diving into internet research on programs, extra-curriculars, syllabi, and supply lists, you need to understand the reasons your teen wants to go to an online high school.
Some of the reasons families pivot to online school are:
Figuring out the answer to “why online high school?” is the first step in your journey. By establishing the motivation for switching, you can begin to do more targeted searches for schools, making your options less murky and more focused from the onset.
When searching, you’ll notice that a lot of the results are specific for your state. Most online high schools, while their curricula are not location-specific, may not be available in every state. But don’t worry! There are plenty of online programs serving every state, including yours. So, how do you narrow down your teen’s top choices?
Online high school programs vary significantly. They can differ in terms of learning structures, types of schools, courses and curriculum, accreditation, available support services, and parental involvement. In light of the variety and options available, you will need to be aware of these variables to make the right choice for your child. For instance, some programs offer asynchronous learning, where students learn at their own pace, while others use synchronous or real-time interactions between teachers and students to mimic an in-person classroom.
The majority of online high schools fall into one or more of the following categories:
After whittling down your initial list to your top three online high schools, now’s the time to look at your research to help you decide on the best fit for your child’s education. Putting your research into an organized table - like the one below - makes comparing each school at a glance easier.
| Factors to Consider | School 1 | School 2 | JMHS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accreditation Status | Cognia, DEAC | ||
| Associated Costs | $1,099-1,599 | ||
| Technological Requirements | Device with Windows, not mobile-friendly | ||
| Necessary Class Materials | TBD | ||
| Typical Daily Schedule | Flexible | ||
| Grading Policies and Expectations | Varies by instructor | ||
| Required Login Times/Live Sessions | None | ||
| Parental Involvement | ~1 hour per day | ||
| Support Services Offered | Yes | ||
| Extracurricular Activities | Yes | ||
| Special Education/Accommodations | Yes | ||
| Teacher-Student Communication Method | Internal chat features | ||
| Student-to-Teacher Ratio | 125:1 | ||
| Social Interaction Opportunities | Yes | ||
| College and Career Counseling | Yes |
Read more: What You Need to Know About JMHS Accreditation
Once you're happy with the school you and your learner have chosen, it’s time to enroll! This is when you and your child gather everything you need to apply, enroll, transfer from their current school, and get ready for class.
Every school has its own application process, so be sure you are providing your chosen institution with the specific documents they’re asking for. Luckily, this can all be accomplished digitally, which is one of the perks of online schooling!
If you’re enrolling your child in James Madison High School, all you’ll need to do to get them started in the program is complete the enrollment process, make an initial payment toward tuition, have their current school send us an official copy of their transcript, and fill out any necessary transfer paperwork with that school.
Contact your child's current school to inform them that your child will no longer be attending the school and let them know where the student will be attending instead. Ask about the process for unenrollment and follow their provided guidelines. While doing this, be sure to...
Read more: How to Transfer from Public School to Online School
Request official transcripts from your child's current school. These will include records of the coursework completed, grades, and credits earned. If you need an official transcript, let the current school know and they’ll take care of it. An official transcript bears the school's official seal or a signature of a school official. If mailed, it's typically in a sealed envelope and becomes unofficial if the envelope’s seal is broken. Be sure to ask for an unofficial copy of your child’s transcripts for your own records.
Read more: How to Transfer High School Credits to JMHS
Take everything you’ve gathered for the application and submit it to the new school.
Ask them about their HS and AP/college prep credits transfer policies. Each school has different rules about what credits they accept and how they apply towards graduation requirements
High school credits often transfer on a one-for-one basis, meaning that a year-long course at a traditional school would equate to a year-long course at an online school. However, the specifics can vary depending on the online school's policies.
For AP/college prep credits, it's important to check whether the online school recognizes these credits. Don’t let your teen’s hard work go down the drain because the new school doesn’t take their college-level credits. If your child has completed AP courses or tests, ensure that the online school will accept these credits. If not, your child may have to retake certain courses or tests, which can impact the timeline for graduation. If your teen’s goal is to finish high school early and get a jump on college, AP courses are crucial to making that leap.
Double-check to make sure the new school received your teen’s official transcripts or requests from other institutions or individuals. If not, you have time to submit new requests and follow up again. Set a reminder in your phone to ensure you don’t forget!
Once all documents are submitted and fees paid, the school will review your child’s application. When the application has been accepted, you and your teen will be notified and will begin receiving information on how to sign up for classes and other pertinent new student information.
If the online high school offers orientation, make sure your child attends. This can help familiarize both you and your teen with the school's policies, the online learning environment, and available resources. Orientation often answers questions you didn’t know you had, so don’t miss it if it’s available. It doesn’t matter if your teen changes schools mid-year, mid-semester, or mid-sentence, there are new student resources available year-round.
An online high school like JMHS may offer a similar curriculum to a traditional school, but the day to day experience is very different. Before your student logs in on their first day, discuss expectations, set a schedule, and address any questions they may have about online learning.
Preparing for online high school differs from a traditional school setting. Your student should have a clear understanding of their schedule, a quiet study space, a working computer or laptop with reliable internet, and necessary study supplies catered to their individual study habits and needs. Familiarize your student with their login information and ensure they know how to access their classes and assignments. But, how exactly does online high school work, and what does a typical day look like?
Read more: 5 Effective Study Skills for Online Learning
The time your student spends learning online may vary based on the curriculum and your child's learning pace. Sit with your student to decide on a study schedule that fits their needs and commitments. Most online high schools have flexible, self-paced courses that don’t require your child to sit in front of a computer for eight hours a day. Most classes typically consist of a mixture of video lessons, hands-on application, simulations, virtual learning modules, unplugged assignments, reading, and presentations. Your teen’s day could look something like the following:
9:00 am - 9:40 am: English 10
9:45 am - 10:25 am: Algebra II
10:30 am - 10:45 am: Break
10:45 am - 11:25 am: AP World History
11:30 am - 12:00 pm: Lunch
12:00 pm - 12:40 pm: Chemistry
12:45 pm - 1:00 pm: Break
1:00 pm - 1:40 pm: Spanish II
1:45 pm - 2:00 pm: Break
2:00 pm - 2:40 pm: Art History
2:40 pm - 3:00 pm: Physical Education. Yes, even in online high school they have PE!
3:00 pm onwards: Finishing up work and free time
Is your child involved in competitive sports, the performing arts, or has a passion that takes up a lot of their time? Here’s a schedule example to illustrate the flexibility of online schooling:
5:00 am - 7:00 am: Early morning training with coach
7:00 am - 8:00 am: Cooldown and breakfast
8:00 am - 8:40 am: English 10
8:45 am - 9:25 am: Algebra II
9:30 am - 10:00 am: Break
10:00 am - 10:40 am: AP World History
10:45 am - 11:30 am: Lunch
11:30 am - 12:10 pm: Chemistry
12:15 pm - 12:55 pm: Spanish II
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm: Break
1:30 pm - 2:10 pm: Art History
2:15 pm - 3:45 pm: Afternoon training session
3:45 pm onwards: Free time/homework
Read more: A Day in the Life of an Online High School Student
While every student is different, those who are self-motivated, disciplined, and comfortable with technology tend to do well in an online setting. However, with proper support, all types of learners can thrive.
Read more: Grad of the Year’s Advice for Juggling Online High School and Helping Family
Many online schools utilize a variety of assessment methods, from traditional online exams to project-based assessments. Some schools may use proctored exams, where a supervisor monitors the student during the test to maintain academic integrity.
Read more: JMHS Exam and Grade FAQs
top ^
Many online high schools offer accommodations and resources to support students with special needs. This may include additional tutoring, extended time for assignments, or adaptive learning materials.
Online schools may follow a traditional academic calendar, but many offer rolling enrollment, allowing students to start at any time during the year. The pacing of the course can also often be adjusted to fit the student's needs.
top ^
While online learning encourages student independence, parental involvement is still important. Parents can help by providing a structured learning environment, tracking their child's progress, communicating with teachers, and encouraging their child's engagement.
Some online high schools offer CTE pathways that allow students to gain industry-specific skills while still in high school.
top ^
Online classes are neither inherently easier or harder than traditional classes; they're just different. There are advantages, like the ability to learn at one's own pace and the flexibility of studying from anywhere. However, online learning also requires discipline, self-motivation, and strong time-management skills. Most programs provide families with a robust support system to help students manage these challenges, offering personal academic advisors and online resources for both students and parents.
Many online high schools offer summer programs or classes, providing an opportunity for students to catch up, get ahead, or explore new interests.
top ^
Online schools should have protocols in place to protect student information and provide a safe learning environment, including secure login systems, privacy policies, and guidelines for appropriate online behavior.
Many online high schools provide counseling services to assist with academic planning, college applications, career exploration, and personal development.
top ^
Whether your high schooler goes to school online or in person, are they ever really motivated to attend class? The key to getting through online high school successfully is establishing good habits around doing classwork, watching lectures, and completing long-term projects and papers. This can look like setting personal goals, instituting a daily schedule, and maintaining discipline.
Read more: 7 Ways Online School Can Help You Focus
top ^
The high school journey is full of challenges. James Madison High School is here to offer a flexible, quality education for your learner. Whether your child is a driven teen needing a schedule that accommodates other passions, or they simply thrive better in a self-paced learning environment, our online high school program is expertly crafted to meet these unique requirements.
Choosing online high school doesn't mean compromising on educational quality. We are proud to be a legitimate high school option, upholding high educational standards comparable to traditional brick-and-mortar schools. With a JMHS diploma, your child's future opportunities, whether in further education or the workforce, remain wide open.
We are committed to supporting parents and students throughout the enrollment process, from understanding the transfer of credits to adjusting to the online high school experience. To learn more about our affordable online high school program or to begin the enrollment process, please reach out to our dedicated Admissions Team at 1-855-658-1500. Partner with JMHS and help your child embark on a rewarding educational journey that aligns with their dreams and aspirations.
Lauren Ambrosio is a lifelong writer with a B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Arlington. She joined Penn Foster in 2023 and is excited to be part of a team with such a rich history. She hopes to help our learners by providing helpful information they need on their education and career journeys. When Lauren isn’t writing about our veterinary programs—her favorite topic—she is hiking the foothills of Pikes Peak with her black lab, Remy.
