Many parents in Florida are turning to homeschooling as a flexible and personalized way to educate their children. One of the most important decisions for homeschooling families is choosing the right online accredited high school program. Accreditation ensures that the program meets quality standards and that your child’s diploma will be recognized by colleges, employers, and the Florida Department of Education.
This comprehensive 2025 guide explores the best online accredited high school programs for homeschoolers in Florida, their features, costs, and how to choose the right one. Whether you are new to homeschooling or looking for an upgrade, you will find everything you need to make an informed choice.
Why Choose an Online Accredited High School Program for Homeschoolers?
Homeschooling offers parents the freedom to create a learning environment that fits their child’s needs, but it also comes with responsibilities. Selecting an online accredited high school program can help you meet state requirements while giving your child access to high-quality education.
Key Benefits of Choosing an Accredited Program
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Recognized diploma – Colleges, employers, and the military accept diplomas from accredited schools.
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Complies with Florida homeschooling laws – Accreditation helps meet state education standards.
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Comprehensive curriculum – Students have access to structured and challenging courses.
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Transferable credits – Credits earned can be easily transferred to other accredited schools.
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College and career preparation – Programs often include college prep resources and counseling.
For Florida homeschoolers, an accredited program provides structure and peace of mind, ensuring that your child’s hard work is officially recognized.
Summary Table: Best Online Accredited High School Programs for Homeschoolers in Florida (2025)
The table below compares the top options for homeschoolers:
| Program Name | Accreditation | Cost (Approx.) | Grade Levels | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Virtual School (FLVS) | Cognia, Florida DOE | Free (for residents) | Grades 9–12 | Flexible scheduling, state-funded, teacher-led |
| Bridgeway Academy | Cognia, AdvancED | $4,000–$6,000/year | Grades 9–12 | Customized homeschooling plans, parent support |
| Laurel Springs School | WASC, Cognia | $3,000–$7,000/year | Grades 6–12 | College prep focus, NCAA-approved courses |
| The Keystone School | Cognia, MSA-CESS | $1,800–$4,000/year | Grades 9–12 | Self-paced online courses, affordable tuition |
| Liberty University Online Academy | ACSI, Cognia | $2,500–$6,000/year | Grades K–12 | Christian-based curriculum, dual enrollment options |
| Calvert Academy | Cognia | $2,000–$4,500/year | Grades 9–12 | Flexible, family-centered homeschooling program |
| American High School | Cognia, Florida DOE | $2,000–$4,000/year | Grades 9–12 | Florida-based, credit recovery and AP courses |
| Abeka Academy | FACCS, Cognia | $1,200–$3,500/year | Grades K–12 | Traditional Christian curriculum, teacher support |
| K12-powered Florida Cyber Schools | Cognia, Florida DOE | Free (for residents) | Grades 9–12 | State-funded, live online classes with certified teachers |
| NorthStar Academy | ACSI, Cognia | $2,000–$5,000/year | Grades 7–12 | Faith-based online high school, global student access |
Detailed Reviews of the Best Online Accredited High School Programs for Homeschoolers in Florida
1. Florida Virtual School (FLVS)
Why It’s Great:
Florida Virtual School is the largest and most popular state-funded online high school in Florida. It is completely free for Florida residents and offers an extensive range of courses.
Features:
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Accredited by Cognia and Florida Department of Education
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Teacher-led online courses
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Flexible scheduling that fits homeschooling routines
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Offers Advanced Placement (AP), honors, and elective courses
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Students can work at their own pace
Ideal For:
Families who want a cost-effective, fully accredited program with strong state support.
2. Bridgeway Academy
Bridgeway Academy specializes in creating customized homeschool programs for each student.
Features:
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Cognia and AdvancED accredited
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Offers tailored curriculum plans for each learner
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Dedicated academic advisors and support for parents
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Online live classes, recorded sessions, and print options
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College prep and dual enrollment opportunities
Ideal For:
Parents who want a personalized homeschooling approach with strong academic guidance.
3. Laurel Springs School
Laurel Springs is a premier private online school known for its college prep programs.
Features:
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Accredited by WASC and Cognia
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Self-paced, rigorous curriculum
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NCAA-approved courses for student-athletes
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University counseling and portfolio development
Ideal For:
Students aiming for top colleges or pursuing athletic scholarships.
4. The Keystone School
Keystone is an affordable online accredited program with a flexible curriculum.
Features:
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Accredited by Cognia and Middle States Association (MSA-CESS)
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Self-paced courses with rolling enrollment
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Offers credit recovery options for homeschoolers
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Online support from certified teachers
Ideal For:
Families seeking a cost-effective yet high-quality homeschooling solution.
5. Liberty University Online Academy
Liberty’s online program is faith-based and ideal for Christian families.
Features:
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Accredited by ACSI and Cognia
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Offers dual enrollment courses with Liberty University
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Bible-integrated curriculum
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Online teacher support and live classes
Ideal For:
Families who want a Christian homeschooling program with college-level opportunities.
6. Calvert Academy
Calvert has a long history of supporting homeschooling families.
Features:
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Cognia accredited
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Flexible, family-centered learning environment
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Self-paced courses with teacher support
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Live help sessions and parent resources
Ideal For:
Families who want a proven, homeschool-focused online program.
7. American High School (AHS)
American High School is a Florida-based online school offering a variety of programs.
Features:
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Accredited by Cognia and the Florida DOE
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Offers standard diploma, honors, and AP tracks
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Credit recovery and adult diploma options available
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Fully online and self-paced
Ideal For:
Florida homeschoolers who want a state-recognized diploma.
8. Abeka Academy
Abeka Academy provides a traditional Christian homeschooling program.
Features:
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Accredited by FACCS and Cognia
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Video-based lessons with textbook support
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Teacher support and grading services included
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Strong faith-based curriculum
Ideal For:
Christian families who prefer a structured traditional curriculum.
9. K12-powered Florida Cyber Schools
K12 offers tuition-free online public schools in partnership with Florida districts.
Features:
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Accredited by Cognia and Florida DOE
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State-funded and free for residents
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Live online classes with certified teachers
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Comprehensive college and career readiness
Ideal For:
Families looking for a free public school option with a homeschool-like environment.
10. NorthStar Academy
NorthStar offers a flexible faith-based online education option.
Features:
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Accredited by ACSI and Cognia
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Self-paced and teacher-led courses available
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Global access for students living outside Florida
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Strong Christian worldview integrated into curriculum
Ideal For:
Families seeking a flexible, faith-based program.
How to Choose the Best Online Accredited High School Program for Your Homeschooler
Choosing the right program requires understanding your child’s academic needs, learning style, and long-term goals.
Factors to Consider
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Accreditation – Make sure the program is accredited by a recognized agency.
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Curriculum Style – Does your child prefer live classes, self-paced learning, or a mix?
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Cost – Consider tuition, materials, and additional fees.
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Support Services – Check if the program offers teacher support, tutoring, or college counseling.
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Flexibility – Some programs have strict schedules, while others are fully self-paced.
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Faith-Based or Secular – Decide if you want a religious component in the curriculum.
Costs of Online Accredited High School Programs in Florida
The cost of online programs varies widely:
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State-funded programs like FLVS and K12: Free for Florida residents
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Private online schools: $1,200–$7,000 per year
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Hybrid homeschooling academies: $3,000–$6,000 per year
When calculating costs, remember to include technology, textbooks, and optional extras like Advanced Placement or dual enrollment classes.
How Do Florida Homeschooling Laws Affect Your Choice?
Florida homeschoolers must comply with state laws:
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Notify the school district of your intent to homeschool
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Maintain educational records, including a portfolio of student work
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Annual evaluation – Students must be evaluated by a certified teacher or standardized test
Accredited programs often make it easier to meet these requirements because they handle recordkeeping and testing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are online accredited high school programs legal for homeschoolers in Florida?
Yes. Florida law allows homeschoolers to use online accredited programs to meet state education requirements.
2. Will colleges accept diplomas from online programs?
Yes, if the program is accredited by a recognized agency.
3. Can homeschoolers use Florida Virtual School (FLVS)?
Yes. FLVS is free for Florida residents and widely used by homeschoolers.
4. Are there free options for homeschoolers?
Yes. FLVS and K12-powered cyber schools are tuition-free.
5. Can parents still customize learning if they use an online program?
Yes. Many programs allow parents to choose electives and set flexible schedules.
6. Do these programs provide standardized testing?
Most accredited programs include state-required testing or help arrange it.
7. What if we move out of Florida?
You can transfer credits to another accredited school in your new state.
8. Can homeschoolers graduate early through these programs?
Yes. Many programs offer accelerated options if students complete credits early.
9. Are there Christian-based online high school programs in Florida?
Yes. Programs like Liberty Online Academy, Abeka, and NorthStar are faith-based.
10. What is the best option for college-bound homeschoolers?
Programs like Laurel Springs, Bridgeway Academy, and FLVS (with AP courses) are excellent for college preparation.
Final Thoughts: Which Online Accredited High School Program is Best for Your Homeschooler?
Choosing the best online accredited high school program for homeschoolers in Florida depends on your family’s needs, budget, and goals.
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If you want a free state-funded program, Florida Virtual School (FLVS) and K12-powered Florida Cyber Schools are the best choices.
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For a personalized private school experience, consider Bridgeway Academy or Laurel Springs School.
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If you prefer a faith-based curriculum, Liberty University Online Academy, Abeka Academy, or NorthStar Academy are great options.
No matter which program you choose, ensure it is accredited, flexible, and supports your child’s long-term goals.