Frequently Asked Questions
We know choosing an online high school is a big decision. Below you'll find honest answers to the questions families ask most. Can't find what you're looking for? Sid, our AI assistant, is standing by at the bottom of this page — or browse our full Knowledge Base for more detail.
Our Academic Standing
What accreditations does the Academy hold?
+The Academy holds dual accreditation from Cognia and WASC — the same regional accrediting bodies that credential the nation's top public and private schools. Our courses carry NCAA approval and UC A-G approval, and we've maintained these standards continuously since our founding in 2013. With over 100,000 students educated and graduates attending the world's most selective universities, our academic credentials speak for themselves. View full accreditation details →
How do universities view Academy graduates?
+Our graduates have earned admission to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, MIT, and over 300 universities worldwide. Admissions offices evaluate applicants on rigor, preparation, and academic achievement — and our dual accreditation, NCAA approval, and UC A-G designation ensure that Academy transcripts carry the same weight as credentials from any top-tier accredited institution. See university outcomes →
How does the transcript transfer process work?
+Academy transcripts are official, fully accredited academic records recognized by schools and universities nationwide. Our Cognia and WASC accreditation — identical to what traditional schools hold — means transfers are a straightforward process. For mid-year transfers, we recommend coordinating with the receiving institution to align timelines, but our accreditation ensures a seamless transition in the vast majority of cases.
Will My Child Actually Learn?
Is online school as rigorous as traditional school?
+Our outcomes prove it. SVHS students are accepted to Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and every Ivy League school. Our courses carry the same Cognia and WASC accreditation as traditional schools. The honors track includes weekly one-to-one sessions with credentialed teachers and college-level business courses through Silicon Valley Business School. If anything, the Academy is more rigorous because every student gets personalized attention. There's nowhere to hide in a class of one.
How will I know my child is making progress?
+Every Academy student has a Supervising Teacher who monitors progress monthly. Pacing guides in every course show exactly where students stand. Teachers intervene proactively when students fall behind — not at the end of the semester when it's too late. Sage AI Tutor provides immediate help whenever students are stuck. We have more visibility into student progress than traditional schools, not less. Learn how the Academy works →
Can my child handle self-paced learning?
+It's a fair question. Self-paced learning works best for students who have motivation and support — and that's exactly what the Academy provides. Monthly Supervising Teacher sessions keep students accountable. Academic Advisors plan each semester. Pacing guides show where they should be. Students who need more structure can add Personalized Learning Sessions. We don't hand students courses and disappear — we provide the support structure to help them succeed.
My child needs more structure than "self-paced" implies. Is there enough?
+The Academy provides structure — just flexible structure. Monthly sessions with Supervising Teachers keep students accountable. Pacing guides show where they should be. Academic Advisors plan each semester's course load. Students who want additional support can add Personalized Learning Sessions for one-to-one time with teachers. The difference is that the structure adapts to your child instead of forcing your child to adapt to a rigid system.
What about science labs?
+Our science courses include virtual labs and hands-on experiments using materials available at home or easily obtained. Students can also schedule Personalized Learning Sessions for guided lab work with credentialed science teachers. Many colleges now accept virtual lab experience — a shift that has accelerated in recent years. Explore the course catalog →
Specific Situations
Will this work for my student-athlete's NCAA eligibility?
+Yes. All relevant Academy courses are NCAA approved. Our high school code is 851733. We've had many student-athletes use the Academy while maintaining full eligibility. Your child's transcript will show NCAA-approved courses that count toward the required core courses for D1 and D2 eligibility. Learn about the student-athlete experience →
AI is going to take all the jobs. What's the point of high school?
+AI will change everything — but there will be two kinds of people in the AI economy: those who build the tools, lead the companies, and shape how technology serves humanity, and those who are displaced by it. Traditional schools often prepare students for the second category by teaching them to follow instructions and perform repetitive tasks. The Academy specifically prepares students to lead. Our students learn to work with AI, develop critical thinking and creativity that AI can't replicate, and — for honors students — gain real industry exposure through Silicon Valley Business School and Liquidity Club. Learn about AI-era preparation →
What does a high school know about AI and technology?
+The Academy was founded and is managed by seasoned Silicon Valley insiders. Our Silicon Valley origins aren't just a name — they're our DNA. Honors students access Silicon Valley Business School for real business education and connect with actual tech industry leaders through Liquidity Club. AI tools like Sage AI Tutor are integrated throughout the learning experience. Our students don't just learn about technology — they learn to build with it. Read our story →
Investment & Enrollment
What does tuition include?
+Academy tuition covers everything your child needs to succeed: credentialed teachers who know your child's name, one-to-one instruction, 24/7 AI tutoring, college-prep advising, and a curriculum designed to open doors at top universities. Our base annual tuition is comparable to many extracurricular programs and far less than private schools. The honors track adds exclusive advantages — Silicon Valley Business School and Liquidity Club — that no other high school offers. Families consistently tell us this is one of the best investments they've made in their child's future. See detailed tuition & pricing →
How does enrollment work?
+Enrollment is straightforward. We recommend starting with a consultation call so we can understand your family's goals and answer any questions. From there, our admissions team guides you through the paperwork, transcript review (if transferring), and course selection. Students typically enroll to begin at the start of a school year, following our semester calendar. See the full enrollment process →
Can my child start mid-semester?
+In some situations, yes. While most students begin at the start of a semester, we understand that life doesn't always follow an academic calendar. Mid-semester enrollment can be arranged on a case-by-case basis. The best first step is a consultation call — our admissions team will assess your child's situation and work with your family to find the right entry point. Schedule a consultation →
What grades does the Academy serve?
+The Academy is a full-time diploma program for high school students in grades 9 through 12. Whether your child is entering high school for the first time or transferring mid-way through, we build a personalized graduation plan around the credits they've already earned and the goals they're working toward.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Chat with Sid, our AI assistant, for instant answers — or explore our Knowledge Base for in-depth guides, policies, and how-to articles.
Ask Sid
Our AI assistant is available right here on this page. Click the chat icon in the corner to get instant answers about the Academy.
Chat Icon Below ↓Knowledge Base
Browse our full library of guides, policies, platform tutorials, and detailed answers to every question.
Browse Articles →
What About the Social Side?
My child needs social interaction. Won't they miss out?
+The Academy actually supports richer social lives. Unlike traditional school where students sit passively in classes, Academy students have time for sports teams, performing arts, community involvement, and activities they're passionate about. Many Academy students are more socially active because their education doesn't consume traditional school hours. One-to-one sessions with teachers also provide meaningful adult mentorship that's rare in crowded classrooms.
My child is already too online. Won't this make it worse?
+If your child has taught themselves skills online, built things, and learned from YouTube and Discord — they're not "too online." They're a self-directed learner in an environment that doesn't match how they learn. The Academy was built for digital natives — it provides structure and credentials while respecting how they already live and learn. The question isn't whether they're online; it's whether they're getting accredited credentials for their future.
Don't they need to learn to work in physical environments?
+The economy is moving in the opposite direction. Remote work has expanded dramatically. Tech companies — the highest-paying employers — are increasingly distributed. The skills that matter are self-direction, digital communication, and working effectively across online platforms. Academy students are learning exactly how modern work actually functions — and they're doing it while building credentials that get them into top universities.
What about learning to deal with people they don't choose?
+Academy students have regular one-to-one sessions with teachers, interactions with advisors, and — for honors students — connections through Liquidity Club. But consider this: Academy students have time for activities they choose — sports, arts, clubs, communities — where they form genuine connections around shared interests. That's actually more like adult life than forced hallway interactions. The socialization that matters most happens when people come together by choice, not by proximity.