Top 10 Fully Accredited American Online Schools for Digital Nomad Families
For families hitting the road while ensuring their kids get a solid education, choosing an accredited online school is key. We have tried a lot of options and at the end of the day the most important thing after it being digital is if the school is accredited. These schools offer flexible, high-quality learning programs that keep your children on track academically while you explore the world. Here’s a roundup of the top 10 fully accredited American online schools:
1. K12 Private Academy
– **Why it’s great**: Offers personalized education with both full-time and part-time options for K-12 students. Parents can choose from a wide range of subjects and electives.
– **Cost**: $5,000 – $7,000/year.
– **Accreditation**: Cognia (formerly AdvancED), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI).
2. Laurel Springs School
– **Why it’s great**: Flexible, asynchronous learning with advanced courses such as AP and honors. It’s ideal for students who need to balance academics with extracurriculars or travel schedules.
– **Cost**: $5,000 – $10,000/year.
– **Accreditation**: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Cognia.
3. International Connections Academy (iNaCA)
– **Why it’s great**: A full K-12 program with live and self-paced classes. Offers a U.S.-based curriculum with plenty of opportunities for socialization through clubs and activities.
– **Cost**: $6,000 – $9,000/year.
– **Accreditation**: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA), Cognia.
4. The Keystone School
– **Why it’s great**: Offers self-paced online learning for grades 6-12 with flexible enrollment options. Students can choose to attend full-time or take individual courses.
– **Cost**: $2,000 – $7,000/year.
– **Accreditation**: Cognia, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA).
5. Bridgeway Academy
– **Why it’s great**: Provides a customizable and accredited homeschool program with options for live online classes or independent study. Ideal for families wanting to design a unique curriculum.
– **Cost**: $4,000 – $7,500/year.
– **Accreditation**: Cognia, National Association of Private Schools.
6. Forest Trail Academy
– **Why it’s great**: A K-12 online school offering a flexible schedule and self-paced learning. The school provides a solid foundation for students while allowing them to study from anywhere.
– **Cost**: $2,500 – $4,500/year.
– **Accreditation**: Cognia, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA).
7. Excel High School
– **Why it’s great**: Offers accredited online high school programs for students who need flexibility. It’s great for earning a U.S. high school diploma with a wide range of course offerings.
– **Cost**: $1,400 – $2,500/year.
– **Accreditation**: Cognia, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA).
8. Calvert Academy
– **Why it’s great**: Known for its strong academic foundation and flexible online learning platform for K-12 students. Calvert’s engaging curriculum is a good fit for both independent learners and those who need more structure.
– **Cost**: $2,500 – $7,000/year.
– **Accreditation**: Cognia, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA).
9. Stanford Online High School
– **Why it’s great**: A selective, rigorous online school offering a challenging curriculum for grades 7-12. Ideal for highly motivated students aiming for top universities.
– **Cost**: $30,000+/year.
– **Accreditation**: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
10. James Madison High School
– **Why it’s great**: Offers flexible, accredited online high school programs with a focus on preparing students for college or career pathways.
– **Cost**: $1,200 – $1,800/year.
– **Accreditation**: Cognia, Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Why Accreditation Matters
Accreditation ensures that the school meets certain standards of quality and that credits earned can transfer to other schools or colleges. All the schools listed above are fully accredited by recognized U.S. agencies, ensuring your child’s education is valid and respected.
How Much Does It Cost?
– **Lower-cost options**: Excel High School and James Madison High School offer accredited programs for as low as $1,200 per year.
– **Mid-range options**: Schools like K12 Private Academy and Bridgeway Academy fall in the $4,000 – $7,500/year range.
– **Premium choices**: Laurel Springs and Stanford Online High School are on the higher end, with costs reaching up to $30,000 per year for the most advanced, elite programs.
Learning with Flexibility
Online schooling for digital nomads offers the flexibility to create a learning schedule that fits your family’s travel lifestyle. Whether you’re trekking through the Alps or chilling by a beach in Thailand, these accredited schools ensure your kids get a world-class education while experiencing the world itself. We have found that for high school accreditation is a must to never holding your kids back for options in the future.