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Online Homeschool Programs and Online Schools: How to Choose
Updated · By Edulist · 10 sources
How to choose online Homeschool Programs and Online Schools: How to Choose
- Public school, private school or curriculum
A public virtual school is free but makes your child a public school student with state tests and a calendar. A private online school charges tuition and issues records. An online curriculum leaves you legally homeschooling and in charge.
- Live or self-paced
Some schools hold live classes at set times; others are fully self-paced. Live classes add structure and peers; self-paced fits travel, sports and flexible family schedules.
- Accreditation and diploma
If you need transcripts and a diploma from a school, choose an accredited program. Self-paced curricula like Power Homeschool are not accredited and don't issue diplomas.
- Parent time
Even online, young children need an adult. K12 estimates a Learning Coach spends 4 to 6 hours a day in grades K–5, dropping to 1 to 3 hours in later grades.
- Real yearly cost
Costs range from free to over $30,000 a year. Add devices, internet, printing and any extra courses before comparing.
The three kinds of online homeschool programs
| Type | Examples | Cost (Oct 2026) | Who's the teacher | Legal status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public virtual school | Connections Academy, K12-powered schools, Florida Virtual School | Tuition-free where offered | State-certified teachers; parent is Learning Coach | Public school student |
| Private online school | Acellus Academy, Liberty University Online Academy, Laurel Springs | $79/month to $17,000+ a year | School teachers or graders | Private school or homeschool, by state |
| Online curriculum | Power Homeschool, Discovery K12 | Free to $99/month | Parent | Homeschool |
Compare the two big public options in Connections Academy vs K12.
Browse online schools by need
- By stage: online elementary, online middle school and online high school programs
- Accredited online homeschool programs with transcripts and diplomas
- Free online homeschool options
- Christian online homeschool schools
What a day of online school looks like
In a public virtual school, students log in on the school's calendar, attend some live lessons, complete assignments and take state tests. K12 estimates students work 5 to 6 hours a day. In a self-paced private school like Acellus, students watch short video lessons and work through auto-graded courses on their own schedule. With an online curriculum, the parent assigns lessons, checks progress and keeps records.
Cost and funding
Public virtual schools are free in the states where they operate. Private online schools range from about $950 a year (Acellus with its scholarship) to $31,900 (Stanford Online High School full time). Arizona's ESA, Florida's scholarships and other ESA programs may cover private online tuition or courses for eligible students; each program decides. Learn how education savings accounts work, and save options to your wishlist.
For ranked picks, see the best online homeschool programs. Prefer to teach with books? Browse homeschool curriculum.
Featured online Homeschool Programs and Online Schools: How to Choose
Hand-picked from the grid above because they fit this page well.
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Questions
Is online school the same as homeschooling?
Not always. Enrolling in a public virtual school makes your child a public school student, usually with state testing and attendance rules. Using an online curriculum or a private online school while you file as a homeschooler keeps you homeschooling. State laws differ, so check your state's rules.
Are there free online homeschool programs?
Yes. Public virtual schools like Connections Academy, K12-powered schools and Florida Virtual School (for Florida residents) are tuition-free in states where they operate. Discovery K12 and Easy Peasy are free online curricula you run as a homeschool.
How much do private online schools cost?
As of October 2026, Acellus Academy is $249 a month ($79 with its scholarship), Liberty University Online Academy is $549 per course, Laurel Springs is $7,200 to $17,250 a year, and Stanford Online High School is $31,900 full time.
Can an ESA pay for online school?
In several states, ESA funds may cover private online school tuition or online courses for eligible students. Arizona's ESA and Florida's scholarship programs are examples. Each program sets its own approved providers and rules.
Save it. Get it funded.
Save products free, then apply once for the scholarships that can pay.