Online high schools in Utah
Utah secondary school students can find distance learning opportunities ranging from part-time virtual classes to full-time online schools that award diplomas. The state promotes high quality education by requiring that Utah online high schools and service providers in the Statewide Public Education Online Program be accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission.
Studies at online high schools in Utah
If you are looking for classes at online high schools in Utah, you can find them in different ways:
- From third-party providers, offered by a school or directly to the student--may be free or for a fee
- From private providers, for a fee
- Through the student's current school district or charter school
- Through Utah Electronic High School, or EHS
EHS features a flexible enrollment schedule, and classes are typically taken to make up credit or accelerate graduation. EHS grants diplomas to a restricted group of Utah students, such as those who are exclusively home schooled. Enrollment procedures and costs will be changing as of July 1, 2012.
Utah's Statewide Public Education Online Program
All students, grades 9-12, who are enrolled in a Utah school district or charter school, can sign up for a limited number of online classes outside their school district or charter school. This opportunity is offered at no cost to the student through the Statewide Public Education Online Program, or SPEOP. These virtual classes must replace courses that would normally be taken at the student's designated school.
Students who attend private schools or are home-schooled must currently enroll in at least two classes from district or charter schools to be eligible. However, beginning July 1, 2013, these students will be directly eligible for the SPEOP without enrolling in traditional classes.
Before signing up for online courses, it's best for students and their parents to meet with a school counselor to discuss the Student Education and Occupation Plan. The counselor can describe online options for original and recovery credits, the use of the Course Credit Acknowledgement form, and any applicable fees.