What Courses Do Online High Schools Offer? Are There AP or Honors Courses?
Online high schools have emerged as flexible, effective alternatives to traditional brick-and-mortar schools in recent years. With more families turning to digital education, one of the most frequently asked questions is: What courses do online high schools offer? And more specifically: Are AP or honors courses available?
This article will explore the range of classes offered in an online high school, including core subjects, electives, Advanced Placement (AP) options, and honors courses, while also touching on how these offerings can benefit different types of students.
Core Curriculum in Online High Schools
Most accredited online high schools follow a curriculum that aligns with state or national education standards. Students can expect to take the same core subjects required for a traditional high school diploma, including:
- English/Language Arts(English 9–12)
- Mathematics(Algebra I & II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus)
- Science(Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Social Studies(World History, U.S. History, Government, Economics)
These courses are designed to meet graduation requirements and prepare students for college or the workforce.
Electives That Support Student Interests
Online high schools often offer a wide range of elective courses that allow students to explore their interests and passions. These may include:
- Foreign Languages(Spanish, French, Chinese, Latin)
- Fine Arts(Digital Art, Music Theory)
- Technology & Computer Science(Coding, Web Design, Game Design)
- Health & Physical Education
- Business & Career Prep(Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Personal Finance)
Electives give students the flexibility to customize their learning paths while earning credits toward graduation.
Do Online High Schools Offer AP Courses?
Yes, many online high schools offer AP courses approved by the College Board. AP (Advanced Placement) classes are college-level courses that allow students to earn college credit if they pass the AP exams.
Common online AP courses include:
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP Calculus AB and BC
- AP Biology
- AP U.S. History
- AP Psychology
- AP Computer Science
Taking AP classes through an online high school can boost a student’s college application and even save money on future college tuition.
Honors Courses for Advanced Learning
In addition to AP, many accredited online high schools offer honors courses. These are more rigorous than standard classes and are designed for students who want to be challenged academically.
Benefits of online honors courses include:
- In-depth exploration of topics
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Preparation for college-level coursework
- Enhanced transcripts for college admissions
Honors courses are often available in core subjects such as English, Math, Science, and History.
Why Choose an Online High School?
Students and families choose online high school programs for a variety of reasons, including:
- Flexible scheduling: Learn anytime, anywhere
- Self-paced learning: Move faster or slower as needed
- Personalized education: Choose courses that fit your goals
- Safe learning environment: Especially beneficial for students with health or social concerns
- College and career readiness: Access to AP, honors, and dual enrollment options
Whether you’re a high achiever, a student with unique scheduling needs, or someone looking for a more customized education, online high school can offer a robust and challenging academic experience.
From core academics to specialized electives and rigorous AP and honors courses, online high schools provide a comprehensive education tailored to meet diverse student needs. As long as you enroll in an accredited online high school, you can be confident that your coursework will be recognized by colleges and employers.