Online high schools in Maryland
The Maryland State Department of Education collaborates with local schools through the Maryland Virtual School, or MVS, to provide online high school courses. Students must be enrolled at a Maryland public school or an approved nonpublic school program authorized by the local school, and they can only take these classes with permission from their local schools.
MVS offers a selection of online classes rather than a complete high school program. For full-time studies, you can explore private Maryland online high schools, which may be able to customize a curriculum to meet specific student needs.
Online high school studies in Maryland
The Maryland Virtual Learning Opportunities Program includes MVS courses in a wide range of AP subjects, foreign languages and technology topics. Course costs vary by class and provider, and you can inquire about scholarships. MVS is designed to offer flexibility:
- Juniors and seniors can take online courses if necessary to graduate on schedule
- Instruction is provided for special education, alternative education and home instruction
- Classes are possible when a qualified teacher is unavailable at a local school or when too few students are enrolled
- Courses are available for students with scheduling problems
The MVS is not a school -- local schools keep records and make sure that students have the necessary course materials, mentorship support, monitoring and technical assistance. MVS courses conform to state and national standards, the teachers meet Maryland criteria for quality, and course providers are accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
The MVS suggests that online students need traits such as self-motivation and time management skills in order to succeed. Every student is unique, so you can do some research to see which of the study options and online high schools in Maryland would meet your needs.