Is the American School accredited?
- Yes, the American School is accredited by:
- The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- The School is recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education as a secondary school
What are the graduation requirements?
The American School offers two high school diploma programs – the General High School program and the College Preparatory program. In each program the student is required to complete 18 units of credit. At least 4.5 credits must be completed with the American School to receive our diploma.
Will I get credit for the work that I have completed?
Yes, if you have attended an accredited high school. Upon receipt of an official transcript from your previous school, you will be given credit for the courses you completed and passed, with the exception of religion, physical education, music, driver’s education, and ROTC. Please have a transcript sent from your previous high school directly to our Student Service department.
Does the American School accept homeschooling credit?
If you have been home schooled or attended a non-accredited school, you may be eligible to establish up to 5 units of credit by successfully passing (with a grade of 75% or better) comprehensive examinations offered by the American School. There is a non-refundable fee of $25 for each comprehensive examination. Please contact our Student Service department if you wish to take comprehensive examinations.
How long do I have to complete my course?
You have 4 years to complete your course, but as you can work at your own pace and you may be able to finish in less time.
Can I go to college with the American School diploma?
Many American School graduates go on to college after completing our college preparatory course. They are usually admitted – as are students from any high school – on the basis of their scores on tests such as the SAT or the ACT and their grades with the American School. We do suggest that you review the admissions standards with the college of your choice prior to enrolling.
May credits earned for American School courses be used for NCAA initial eligibility to participate in college sports?
At this time, American School courses may not be used to meet the NCAA core course requirements for initial eligiblity for Division I or Division II sports. The NCAA decision was not based on the content of our courses but, rather, on issues involving interaction with students in “nontraditional” courses. If you have further questions about NCAA eligibility, please contact our guidance counselor, Janet E. Howe.
After I enroll can I transfer from one high school program to another?
Students may make one transfer between high school programs at no additional charge unless they need to add additional units to meet the specific requirements of the program into which they are transferring. That is, a student in the General High School program may transfer into the College Preparatory High School program or vice versa with no charge for making the transfer itself. For any subsequent transfer between the two programs, there is a charge of $50 to help cover our administrative costs in changing a student’s program
Can I take more subjects than I am required to take for graduation?
Students may add additional units to their program of study beyond what they are required to take for graduation at the prevailing rate for taking individual subjects with the School. Please contact either the Admissions department or the Student Service department for additional information.
What if I just want to take individual subjects with the American School?
If you do not wish to enroll in a high school program to receive a diploma from the American School, you may enroll to take individual subjects for your own enrichment. Please contact the Admissions department or the Student Service department at the American School for a copy of the Enrollment Application for Individual Subjects for Enrichment.
Students who plan to apply credits earned for individual subjects towards the graduation requirements at their local high school should enroll through their local high school in our Independent Study program.
I graduated from the American School but I lost my diploma. Can you send me a new one?
Unless circumstances are deemed extraordinary, the American School does not issue duplicate diplomas.
