Frequently Asked Questions
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What is EdOptions Online Academy?
EdOptions Online Academy is the online high school division of EdOptions. We are a fully accredited online high school that offers an award-winning curriculum, certified teachers and accredited high school diplomas to schools and students who need flexible learning options. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive, flexible online learning environment for today's student. Return to Top
Is EdOptions Online Academy accredited?
Our online high school is accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS), and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). These accreditations grant EdOptions Online Academy the unique ability to offer high school diplomas recognized by schools and colleges across the country and around the world. EdOptions Online Academy is also recognized as an accredited Virginia Private School by the Virginia Council for Private Education (Authorized by the Virginia Board of Education) and our courses are registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Return to Top
Does EdOptions Online Academy offer high school diplomas or high school credit recovery?
We offer both. Our students can earn a high school diploma or individual high school credits. In order to earn an EdOptions Online Academy diploma, students must earn 21 credits. Students must take at least three full credits at EdOptions Online Academy to earn an EdOptions Online Academy diploma. As an accredited online high school, credits earned at EdOptions Online Academy are transferable to any other school. Credits earned at other equally accredited high schools are accepted by EdOptions Online Academy. Return to Top
How much does EdOptions Online Academy cost?
We offer many customizable payment and tuition options. Please visit our tuition page or contact the Registrar at (866) 890-8153 for more information. Return to Top
How long does it take for a student to finish an online course or receive a high school diploma?
Students are given 18 weeks to complete a (semester-long) course. This requires students to complete an average of two or three submissions per week to stay on track. Our certified teachers and guidance counselors set benchmarks and help students stay on schedule.

Prior to registering for courses, high school diploma-seeking students will receive an explanation of graduation requirements from an EdOptions Online Academy guidance counselor. Students have four years from the time of enrollment to meet these requirements and complete their high school graduation program. Return to Top
How do I apply? What happens after an application is submitted?
You can enroll now online! Please note: There is a $25 application fee.

Diploma-seeking students:
  • After you submit your EdOptions Online Academy application, your official transcripts must be sent from your previous school(s). Copies of IEP's (Individual Education Plans) should also be sent, if applicable. EdOptions Online Academy will review your application and transcripts and develop your graduation plan. We will then contact you to discuss your graduation requirements and the cost. All diploma-seeking students must take the Orientation course before beginning the rest of their coursework.
Students seeking to earn individual high school credits/credit recovery:
  • EdOptions Online Academy requires two business days to process your application. Once your application is processed, you can begin work! Return to Top
How long after submitting an application may a student begin working?
EdOptions Online Academy requires two business days to process an application once it has been submitted.
  • Diploma-seeking students must take the Orientation course, which generally takes three days to complete, before enrolling in their other high school courses. Students can expedite the process by requesting official transcripts from their previous schools and submitting them and the required proctor forms to EdOptions Online Academy in a timely matter.
  • Credit recovery students may begin their high school coursework after the application processing period of two business days is complete. The timely submission of all forms will expedite this process. Return to Top
Do high school credits and grades earned at EdOptions Online Academy transfer back to a student's school?
Yes, our full accreditation ensures that online high school credits earned at EdOptions Online Academy are accepted at all other high schools. We recommend discussing the credit transfer policy with your high school prior to enrolling in EdOptions Online Academy. Return to Top
What is the difference between EdOptions Online Academy and homeschooling?
With EdOptions Online Academy, parents do not have to complete the lengthy paperwork required for homeschooling. EdOptions Online Academy is a private online high school with courses taught by certified teachers. Our online high school courses may be used as part of a homeschooling program, and we serve many online homeschool students. Return to Top
How do I get help with the application process?
For assistance with the EdOptions Online Academy application for enrollment, contact the EdOptions Online Academy Registrar at (866) 890-8153. Return to Top
Who teaches EdOptions Online Academy courses?
When students enroll in EdOptions Online Academy classes, they are assigned certified online teachers to assist with their coursework. Our online teachers help students understand class material and stay on track to achieve their academic goals. All EdOptions Online Academy teachers are certified in their area of specialization and have at least three years of classroom experience. Our teachers communicate regularly with students through the internal e-mail system. Teachers also use the secure Web-based system to manage student grades, assignments and tests. Return to Top
How can EdOptions Online Academy teachers be contacted?
EdOptions Online Academy teachers communicate regularly with students through the internal e-mail system. Students and parents alike can e-mail teachers through this system. Parents and students can contact teachers over the phone by calling the EdOptions Online Academy office toll-free (866) 890-8153. Return to Top
Are online high school courses best-suited for gifted and talented students?
Although we serve many gifted and talented students with a wide range of honors classes, students of all kinds including at-risk students, special needs students and those with limited English proficiency, have successfully met their academic goals with our online courses. EdOptions Online Academy's flexible, prescriptive learning options provide each student with a unique learning path to meet his individual needs, regardless of education level or scholastic aptitude. Return to Top
Do online courses lack student-teacher interaction?
Actually, EdOptions Online Academy students generally receive more one-on-one attention from their teachers than they would experience in a traditional classroom. Students and parents alike can contact teachers through e-mail or by phone when they have questions or need extra tutoring. Teachers must grade student work and respond to student inquiries within 24 hours. Most EdOptions Online Academy teachers work directly with students on a daily basis.

While students are working, the internal e-mail system is the primary means of communication between students and teachers. All EdOptions Online Academy staff members can also be reached through an external e-mail address and by phone. Our teachers provide additional detailed instruction through webinars. EdOptions Online Academy students also work with a guidance counselor and registrar from the time of enrollment. These staff members provide comprehensive services including transcript analysis, course selection advisement and graduation coaching to help students reach their academic goals. Return to Top
Are online courses less challenging than traditional courses?
EdOptions Online Academy teaches a comprehensive high school curriculum and diagnostic assessment correlated to rigorous state and national standards. Our online middle school and high school courses are not easier or condensed versions of traditional courses. Our curriculum employs a variety of learning activities to actively engage students and foster critical thinking. EdOptions Online Academy students progress through their courses under the supervision of certified instructors and are required to pass formative and summative skill assessments. Return to Top
Are students more likely to cheat online?
Cheating is no easier online than in the classroom. All midterm and final exams are proctored by certified instructors. Students do not have access to these items until they are unlocked by their teacher. Teachers also control student access to lessons. If a student tries to access an assignment that has been blocked, or tries to access another student's account, the violating student will be suspended from the system, pending review. Return to Top
Aren't virtual schools all about technology?
EdOptions Online Academy is about providing the highest quality high school curriculum and certified teacher instruction for the widest range of learners. The online system is easy enough for all learners to use, regardless of how tech savvy they may be. We offer a comprehensive library of core, elective and honors courses, as well as preparation for high school, high stakes exams, and GED. Our extensive middle school and high school course catalog is constantly updated and enhanced with new courses to ensure that we continue to meet the needs of a diverse student body. Return to Top

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EdOptions Online Academy is a division of EdOptionsAccredited by NWACAccredited by SACS