Accredited · Self-Paced · Grades 9-12 & Adults
Illinois Online High School
An accredited diploma path for Illinois families from Chicago and the suburbs to the Quad Cities and downstate communities. We are going to be straight about how this works.
For families balancing the realities of the Chicago metro, the Quad Cities, or downstate communities, online high school works differently than most parents expect. Illinois homeschool law is unusually light, the accredited diploma path is unusually direct, and the trade-offs are real. This page walks through both sides honestly so you can decide what fits.
Benefits of Online High Schools in Illinois
High School of America provides a range of advantages that appeal to diverse learners. Here’s what makes us stand out:
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✅ Fully Online & Self-Paced: Learn from anywhere on your schedule. Whether you’re in Chicago or Carbondale, our flexible format fits around work, sports, travel, or health needs.
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🎓 Accredited Online Diploma: We’re fully accredited and nationally recognized, ensuring your online high school diploma is accepted by colleges, universities, and employers across the country.
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📚 Customizable Curriculum: Choose from core subjects, electives, Honors, AP, and dual enrollment options, all aligned with state standards and college prep goals.
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👩🏫 Certified Teachers & Academic Support: Our students receive instruction from licensed teachers, with access to tutoring, mentoring, and real-time academic support.
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🌐 Advanced Learning Platform: Enjoy an easy-to-use online portal with interactive lessons, virtual labs, gamification, and tech tools that make learning engaging and effective.
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💡 Career & College Ready Pathways: We offer college counseling, SAT/ACT prep, and early college credit so you can graduate ahead of the curve.
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👨👩👧 Parent Dashboard: Parents stay informed and involved with progress tracking, communication tools, and personalized updates.
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🏡 Perfect for Homeschooling Families: Our program provides structure and accreditation while preserving the freedom and flexibility of homeschool life.
These benefits empower students to take control of their education in ways traditional schools often can’t match.
Drawbacks to Consider
While online high schools offer exciting opportunities, they’re not without challenges. Here are some potential downsides:
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Limited Social Interaction: Without a physical classroom, you might miss out on face-to-face connections with peers and teachers, which can affect social growth.
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Self-Discipline Required: Success hinges on your ability to stay motivated and manage time effectively, no one’s there to nudge you to class!
Understanding these drawbacks helps you weigh your options and prepare for success.
The Importance of Accreditation
Accreditation is non-negotiable when selecting an online high school. It guarantees that your school meets quality standards and that your diploma is recognized by colleges, universities, and employers. Online high schools must align with standards set by the Illinois State Board of Education and hold accreditation from bodies like the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
How to Get an Online High School Diploma in Illinois
Earning your high school diploma online in Illinois is simple with High School of America. Here’s how:
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Submit your transcripts for transfer credit evaluation
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Choose a graduation pathway that fits your goals
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Set your own study schedule with our self-paced online platform
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Graduate with an accredited online high school diploma recognized by colleges and employers
Online High School Grade Levels and Graduation Pathways
We provide full academic support for students from 9th to 12th grade
📚 9th Grade School Online: Foundation courses in English, Algebra, Biology, and Social Studies
📚 10th Grade School Online: Deeper coursework plus world languages and business
📚 11th Grade Classes: Advanced subjects, AP® classes, and dual enrollment
📚 12th Grade School Online: Graduation prep, college/career planning, and final credits
CTE courses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare prepare students for local careers.
Students must earn 24 credits to graduate. Our advisors help students build a personalized plan.
Next Step
See exactly what’s left for your student to graduate
A 15-minute call. A counselor reviews your transcript, maps your transcript to Illinois graduation requirements, and gives you the honest fastest path to the diploma.
Schedule a Free 15-Minute Call →Curriculum and Course Offerings
We deliver a robust high school curriculum designed to meet state standards and prepare you for what’s next. Expect:
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Core Subjects: Math, science, English, and social studies form the foundation.
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Electives: Explore interests with courses like coding, art, or career tech programs.
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Advanced Options: Our K-12 program offers AP courses and dual enrollment, letting you earn college credits while still in high school.
Whether your goal is college, a trade, or immediate employment, our curriculum provides pathways to success tailored to your ambitions.
What Does ISBE Say About Online High School in Illinois?
The Illinois State Board of Education supports online programs for students statewide. High School of America aligns with ISBE standards, offering accredited curriculum, certified teachers, and transferable credits.
Illinois students meet all graduation requirements recognized by colleges and employers.
Do Illinois families need to file with the state to switch to online high school?
Illinois treats homeschooling as a private school option under People v. Levisen. There is no state registration, no standardized testing requirement, no annual report, no portfolio review. The compliance picture is unusually light compared to neighboring states.
When you enroll a student at High School of America, your student is enrolled in an accredited school of record. The school issues the diploma and transcript. You are not homeschooling, you are enrolled, and the academic records come from a recognized institution rather than from a family-managed portfolio.
Full homeschool details below ↓Illinois Homeschool Option
Homeschooling in Illinois is a legal, flexible choice. Parents can homeschool without formal registration, covering core subjects as required by the Illinois State Board of Education, or choose our accredited online program for added structure.
We provide full academic support, including:
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Certified teachers
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Accredited curriculum
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Official transcripts and diplomas
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Personalized academic planning
K-8 courses are also available for younger students seeking flexible learning.
Three Ways to Start
Pick the path that fits where you are right now
Enroll today
Most families finish enrollment in under 5 minutes. Year-round start, no waiting for August.
Enroll Today →Talk to a counselor
A 15-minute call. We map your transcript against state graduation requirements and give you the honest fastest path.
Schedule a Call →Request information
Pricing, curriculum details, and state compliance information sent straight to your inbox.
Request Information →Cost and Financial Aid Options
We offer a variety of programs tailored to different scenarios. Illinois families can explore tuition options or call +1-(888) 242-4262 to discuss the best path to graduation.
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Financial Aid: Scholarships, grants, and installment plans can ease the burden, check details on costs.
Preparing for College
We prioritize college readiness with tools like:
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Counseling Services: Virtual advisors guide you through applications and career planning.
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Test Prep: SAT/ACT resources boost your scores.
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Dual Enrollment: Earn college credits early through our programs.
These supports give online students a competitive edge for higher education.
Where the diploma takes Illinois graduates
An accredited diploma reads the same to admissions offices and employers whether it was issued in person or online. Illinois graduates from accredited online programs apply to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois State, Northern Illinois, Northwestern, the University of Chicago, Loyola, DePaul, and the community college network including the City Colleges of Chicago and Harper College.
Dual credit pathways are common. A senior on the diploma track can sit a class at a local community college, earn both the high school credit and the college credit, and arrive at the four-year campus already a semester ahead.
Employer recognition in Cook County and across the state follows the same logic. The diploma is the credential. The transcript shows the work. The school issuing it is accredited and verifiable.
What Illinois families actually get from online high school
At High School of America, we understand that not every student’s journey fits the traditional classroom. Our accredited online high school offers a lifeline for students in Chicago, Rockford, and across the state, aligned with Illinois standards.
🌟 Escaping Bullying: Find a safe, harassment-free space to learn, away from pressures at schools like Lane Tech. Managing Mental Health: Social anxiety or depression? Our self-paced platform reduces stress for Chicagoland students. Navigating Chronic Illness: Flexible schedules fit medical needs, ideal for Aurora learners in recovery. Pursuing Passions: Young athletes or artists at Starved Rock events balance training with coursework. Supporting Learning Needs: Learning disabilities? Our adaptive platform personalizes pacing per IDEA. Balancing Family Duties: Caregiving teens in Peoria study while supporting loved ones. 🛡️ Prioritizing Safety: Avoid unsafe schools with a secure, home-based education trusted by families. Transitioning from Homeschooling: Our K-12 homeschool program eases high school transitions. Starting Late? Adult learners or delayed teens jump back in with credit transfers. Ex-Criminal Seeking a New Path? Rebuild with a diploma accepted by employers and University of Illinois. 💸 Financially Stressed? Affordable tuition and 24/7 access support working students in Springfield.
With expert teachers and a tailored curriculum, we empower students to graduate ready for finance careers or University of Illinois. Enroll Now or call +1-(888) 242-4262.
Self-Paced Online High School Description and Benefits
Our self-paced online program is ideal for students who need flexible schedules without sacrificing academic quality.
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Start anytime, no traditional semester deadlines
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Work ahead or slow down as needed
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Access all coursework 24/7
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Certified teacher support
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Full credit for independent pacing and mastery
Join virtual clubs and activities to build skills and enhance your college applications.
Learn more about our self-paced online high school program.
Adult High School Online in Illinois
It’s never too late to earn your diploma. Adult learners can complete high school fully online with High School of America.
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Transfer past credits
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Flexible self-paced learning
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Affordable tuition options
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Support from certified teachers
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Accredited diploma recognized nationwide
Our Adult Fast Path Diploma is also available for those wanting to graduate quickly.
Our GED preparation program helps adults pass equivalency exams with tailored support.
Illinois Online High School FAQs
⏳ How long does it take to graduate? Graduation time depends on credits and pacing. Many students graduate faster by studying year-round.
🎓 Can I graduate early? Yes! Students can graduate early with accelerated coursework.
🏫 Do you offer dual enrollment? Yes, through our dual enrollment programs.
💰 Is tuition affordable compared to private schools? Yes. Our tuition options are more affordable than most private schools.
🌎 Can international students enroll? Yes. International students can enroll if they meet English proficiency requirements.
🕒 Are there live classes? No. You study at your own pace with flexible 24/7 access.
🧑🏫 Will I have academic support? Yes. Every student has access to advisors, teachers, and tech support.
🧠 Do you offer counseling support? Yes. Students access virtual counseling for emotional and academic guidance.
📝 Can I recover credits from past coursework? Yes. Students can transfer credits to stay on track for graduation.
♿ Are accommodations available for disabilities? Yes. Our platform offers IDEA-compliant support for students with learning disabilities.
💼 Does the program prepare me for local jobs? Yes. Our curriculum aligns with state finance and healthcare industries, preparing students for careers statewide.
💸 Are payment plans flexible for tight budgets? Yes. Illinois families can choose affordable monthly plans to fit financial needs.
Where We Serve
Online high school for every Illinois family
From Chicago and the suburbs to the Quad Cities, Peoria, Champaign, and downstate communities. Anywhere with an internet connection is a classroom.
Student & Parent Voices
Real stories from Illinois families
High School of America helped my son thrive when traditional school didn’t. He’s now preparing for college!
After facing bullying at Lane Tech, this program gave me a safe space to learn and graduate early.
Managing my chronic illness was tough, but the flexible schedule let me study from Aurora and stay on track.
As a young artist with events, I balanced Starved Rock shows and school thanks to this program.
Homeschooling my daughter in Peoria was seamless with their structured high school curriculum.
As an adult learner in Joliet, I started late but finished my diploma around my job. This program changed my life.
After a tough past, I rebuilt my life with a diploma accepted by employers. The support was amazing.
Follow more student success stories on Facebook.
How It Works
How to get started
Ready to begin? Five steps and most Illinois families are in coursework within the week.
Submit your transcripts for evaluation
Send any prior school records so a counselor can review credits already earned.
Enroll online
Complete online enrollment in under 5 minutes. No application fee.
Complete required documents
Send a photo ID and any supporting records the counselor flags during the transcript review.
Meet your academic advisor
A short call to confirm the graduation plan and answer questions before coursework starts.
Begin your courses immediately
Coursework opens the same week. Work at your own pace, on your own schedule, from anywhere.
Online High School in Illinois
High School of America serves students statewide. Choose your city below to find online high school options close to home:
Program & Enrollment Resources
Course Catalog
Illinois online high school course catalog
200+ accredited courses across six subject areas. Click any subject to browse the full catalog.
Mathematics
- Algebra 1
- Algebra 2
- Geometry, Trigonometry
- Pre-Calculus
- Calculus, Statistics
English
- English 1
- English 2, 3, 4
- American Literature
- British Literature
- Composition & Creative Writing
Social Studies
- United States History
- World History & Geography
- Economics
- U.S. Government & Civics
- Psychology, Sociology
World Languages
- Spanish 1, 2, 3, 4
- French 1, 2, 3
- American Sign Language
- Mandarin, German (electives)
Electives, Honors & AP
- Honors and AP across subjects
- Career & Tech electives
- Health & PE
- Fine Arts, Music
- Computer Science
Browse by Grade
Find the program for your student’s grade
Diploma & Program Resources