The Home School Option: There's more to life than public high school.

Traditional high schools aren't for everyone. Maybe your child's school doesn't have the best teachers, or it conflicts with your family's religious beliefs. Perhaps your daughter already has a budding athletic or creative career that takes precedence--or maybe your son is hitting a rough patch and needs some close, caring supervision. For a variety of reasons, more and more families are choosing to educate their high schoolers at home--and thanks to online schooling, it's become easier than ever.
 

Accredited High School Diplomas Online

Accredited high school diplomas have become a minimum requirement for nearly every profession. Online high schools allow your children to study on their own time and at their own pace, and provide the same quality education as a traditional high school. With standard and advanced courses available in all major subjects, your child can prepare for college or a career, or pick up where s/he might have left off. Browse the list below to find an accredited home school curriculum that meets your needs.

High School Diploma or GED?

Getting Your High School Diploma Instead of a GED

Most jobs today require at least a high-school education. Until recently, if you weren't able to finish high school for any reason, that meant taking the GED test and putting it on your resume. But today, thanks to advances in educational technology, you can get an accredited high school diploma completely online, from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Study at your own pace. Prepare for a college degree, or begin a career--it's your choice.
 

Why is a High School Diploma Better than a GED?

Passing the GED (General Educational Development) test is not the same thing as earning a high school diploma. Some universities don't recognize it as a basis for admission, and others require more extra credits from a GED holder than from a student with a high school diploma. According to the National Review, "[a] study by Nobel Prize-winning economist James Heckman and colleague Stephen Cameron found GED holders to be 'statistically indistinguishable' from high-school dropouts: They're not significantly more likely to land a job or to have higher hourly wages."

Online education can help make your educational and career dreams come true. Earn a real, accredited high school diploma online.

More Teens Earn Their High School Diplomas Online

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average high school graduate in 2002 earned approximately $717 more per month than someone who didn't complete high school. Nowadays, teenagers don't have to attend a traditional high school to gain this competitive advantage; instead, they can now benefit from an online high school education.

Online high schools are ideal for students who suffer from discipline problems, poor academics in a specific area, or have health issues. Students who enjoy working at their own pace, have difficulty concentrating on their work, or need to schedule their schoolwork around a career (such as acting) also benefit from an online high school education.

Benefits
There are many other benefits to earning a high school diploma online, including:

• For most programs, students can enroll at any time during the year.
• Students can study on their own time and at their own pace.
• Students receive one-on-one instruction and guidance from certified teachers.

Online high schools can either be private or public. Public schools must follow national regulations, while private online high schools act more independently. Some public and private schools offer high school electives that cater to different needs and preferences, such as college prep or career training. Students can earn their online high school diplomas in two to four years, depending on how ambitious they are in their studies.

In 2004, high school graduates were 70% more likely to find jobs compared to those without a high school or GED diploma. The academic programs and career training available from online high schools help graduates to reach their full potential as they enter the workforce

Online High Schools for Adults

If you didn't complete high school and are thinking of taking the GED exam, consider another option instead--an online high school program, where you can study from the comfort of your home. All you'll need is a computer with an Internet connection and a commitment to investing in your future with an education.

Benefits
There are many benefits to earning your high school diploma online, as compared to taking the GED exam.

• There is a bias against the GED by some employers who see it as a second-best option. Homeschooling your way to a standard high school diploma will allow you to avoid these prejudices by having an actual high school diploma.
• The online home school experience is anonymous. None of your classmates will know how old you are or who you are! This may be a consideration if you are uncomfortable with the idea of going back to high school.
• If you're like many students who have jobs and can't afford to take time off, an online home school education will give you the flexibility you'll need. You'll be able to study when it's convenient for you and still honor your personal and professional commitments.
• Many online high schools offer year-round enrollment, meaning that you can earn your diploma in the timeframe you choose, at your own pace, and on your own terms.

According to Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, an 18-year old who doesn't graduate from high school will earn approximately $260,000 less than someone who earns a high school diploma. An online home school program can help you benefit from the many advantages of completing your high school studies.

Sources:
About.com
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools