How To Earn Your High School Diploma Online

A high school diploma is different than a GED. Even if you start at a traditional high school, you can still finish your high school diploma online.

Benefits of Online Education

Few people are strangers to working, learning, and socializing online today. Students and adults have all had to shift much of their day-to-day lives to digital functions. 

Online schools offer benefits you won’t find on a traditional campus. The flexible schedule makes it easier for students to balance life and school. Because of the flexible curriculum, online programs teach self-motivation and discipline.

For some students, in-person learning is best, but for others, virtual may better suit them. Students who focus better at home or prefer to work on their own time may enjoy the benefits of online school. While virtual learning isn’t for every student, it makes a world of difference for some.

Minnesota has more online schools than most states. Any student in Minnesota can attend online school full-time for free. Also, part-time options are available to students enrolled in public schools. Paid part-time options are available for nonpublic school students. 

Each learning option is unique, making it easy for families to find the right fit for their students.

Find An Accredited Program

This is the most crucial factor in earning your high school diploma online. In order to receive a legit diploma, you must complete the graduation requirements of a state-accredited program.

To earn accreditation, schools must follow the process established by an accrediting organization. These organizations examine every aspect of the curriculum to determine if it meets their standard. Additionally, accreditation is not a one-time certification. Schools will be subject to review to ensure they maintain a high-quality standard.

Attending an accredited institution opens the door to other opportunities. If you want to transfer to a different school, students at accredited schools may have an easier time transferring credits.

Students whose high school diplomas aren’t accredited may face problems getting into college. An accredited high school diploma may be part of the admission requirements. If you don’t attend an accredited institution, this may limit your college options. Trade schools, the U.S. military, scholarships, and student loans may also require an accredited high school diploma.

BlueSky is accredited and approved by the MN Department of Education as an online learning provider. We allow students to earn their high school diplomas online by providing supportive yet flexible course offerings that are individualized to each student’s needs.

Our curriculum, instruction, assessment practices, governance, and leadership are accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement.

Below are excerpts from the BlueSky accreditation report:

Culture of Learning

“Learners’ well-being was at the heart of the mission and vision of BlueSky Charter School and served as the basis of decisions.”

“The school’s levels of support and individualization provided guiding relationships and dynamic opportunities for students to choose pathways and options that met their needs and built on their strengths.”

Leadership for Learning

“Qualified, dedicated, mission-driven staff and leaders, supported by the school’s board, established shared leadership focused on learners’ success.”

“The establishment of the school’s effective, involved board has increased the capacity of the school to grow and become successful.”

“Staff was well-qualified and certified, and at least half held advanced degrees. Staff members were represented in creating the school’s next strategic plan. Providing opportunities for professional growth and expectations for shared leadership and involvement has resulted in engaged staff.”

Growth in Learning

“The school collected multiple sources of reliable data and demonstrated a commitment to action research to address the needs of learners.”

“Partnerships, grants, and commitment to improvement have resulted in the school’s conscientious collection and analysis of data over time to inform planning and accountability.”

Enroll in an Online School

Next, you need to choose which institution to attend. 

Minnesota has more online schools than most states. Any student in Minnesota can attend online school full-time for free. Also, part-time options are available to students enrolled in public schools. Paid part-time options are available for nonpublic school students.

Each learning option is unique, making it easy for families to find the right fit.

Flexibility

Flexibility is one of the most significant benefits of online schooling.

Some online schools may allow enrollment at anytime, while others may have deadlines. When it comes to scheduling, BlueSky has adopted a very flexible approach. Incoming students can start whenever they want and work at their own pace.

Starting at a new school can be stressful for both students and parents. Having the flexibility to enroll at any time eliminates the challenge of waiting to make a change.

Regarding classes, some online schools can log in at any time, while others don’t. Some offer pre-recorded lectures, while others require students to attend live lectures. The most flexible options allow students to schedule their assignments. If you have a busy schedule, ask about flexibility when you speak to an enrollment advisor. 

Experience

While online learning is new to many, it’s been a viable learning option for years. Look for a school with years of experience administering online programs. Visit the school’s ‘About Us’ section to learn how many years of experience it has. One of the primary objectives of a high school education is to prepare students for college. Ask about the availability of honors courses, standardized test prep, and the college acceptance rate.

Student Support

The one challenge that may come with virtual learning is feeling supported. This may be fine for some students but can make learning more difficult for others. When learning from home, the availability of support services becomes more critical. It’s vital to discover the level of support each school offers. 

At BlueSky, learning is personal. We get to know you, your goals, learning style, and circumstances. That allows us to provide one-on-one support that fits your unique needs. Your teachers, advisor, counselor, and social worker all work to help you earn your diploma.

Extracurricular Activities

Many virtual schools offer extracurricular activities like field trips or sports teams. While virtual learning may be best for some students, it’s also important that they socialize with their peers in person. We offer a regular schedule of in-person activities throughout the year.

BlueSky Online School: Since 2000

BlueSky offers tuition-free, online education for Minnesota residents under 20. So, even if you’re a few years older, you can still earn your high school diploma.

BlueSky has been operating online and tuition-free for over twenty years. We offer sixth through 12th grade full-time and supplemental online courses.

Our enrollment process is simple, but our team is always here for help or questions. We offer full-time and supplemental programs for students. A full-time student at BlueSky will take all courses online to earn their high school diploma. It’s common for students to transfer to BlueSky with only a few credits left to qualify for a diploma. So, in some cases, students will be full-time but only need to enroll for part of the school year.

Our supplemental courses are great for students who need a few credits but want to stay in their home district. In Minnesota, families can choose where to attend regardless of the district.

Getting your high school diploma online is not complicated, and it can be done at any time. If you’re curious about finishing your high school diploma online, let us be a resource for you!