Cost

As a not-for-profit institution, American School puts students’ educations first. Our tuition is affordable—much lower than many other distance education and online high schools—and all textbooks and study materials are included at no additional cost.  Individual years of high school or middle school consist of 5 units of credit at a cost of $1200 per year.  Monthly payment plans are available.

Individual courses purchased through our Independent Study Program or taken for enrichment typically cost between $275 and $525.

What tuition includes

  • All textbooks and study materials, at no additional cost
  • Grading of your unit examinations
  • Access to the Online Student Center
  • Your choice of all print, all online, or a combination of the two

Full-year programs

One year of high school (grade 9, 10, 11 or 12) or middle school (grade 6, 7 or 8) is 5 units of credit for $1,200. Monthly payment plans are available for full-year programs. High school diploma students complete 20 units in total, at least 5 of them with American School; see the high school and middle school pages for program details.

Individual courses

Students who attend another school can take courses through our Independent Study Program for credit recovery, and anyone can take courses for enrichment. Individual high school courses typically cost $275 to $525; each course’s price is listed in the course catalog. You have one year to complete a full-unit course and six months for a half-unit course.

Other fees

  • Transcript evaluation for credits from another school: $25, counted toward tuition if you enroll
  • Comprehensive examination (homeschool or non-accredited credit): $50 each, non-refundable
  • Duplicate diploma: $50
  • Changing between high school programs: the first change is free; each later change is $50

The cancellation and refund policy is stated on every enrollment application.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a year of American School cost?

A full year of high school or middle school is 5 units of credit for $1,200. Monthly payment plans are available.

Are textbooks included in tuition?

Yes. All textbooks and study materials are included at no additional cost, along with grading and access to the Online Student Center.

How much do individual courses cost?

Individual high school courses taken through the Independent Study Program or for enrichment typically cost between $275 and $525. See the course list for each course’s price.

Are there any other fees?

A few services have their own fees: a $25 transcript evaluation fee (counted toward tuition if you enroll), $50 for each comprehensive examination, $50 for a duplicate diploma and $50 for a second change between high school programs.

Enroll online or call 708-418-2800 with questions about tuition.

I found all the material and methods extremely satisfying.  It made the classes simple enough to learn while still being able to enjoy the process!  I spent my first two years of high school in a public school, but American School made it an enjoyable experience while still giving me the education I need.  My parents have never been so proud to see so many good grades coming from a homeschool program.

Alex from Illinois

I especially liked and appreciated all of the instructors’ positive comments, feedback and helpful hints on my son’s exams.  You cannot put a price tag on a high school diploma, although I felt the fees were quite reasonable.  I’m really thankful that there is a back-up plan for students who are lacking credits to graduate.

Judy from Michigan

My overall interaction with American School has been positive.  I find the study guides essential tools to being able to get the full benefit of the textbooks.  They often explain things in a more understandable detail.  The service of American School has been prompt with addressing my needs, such as requesting more courses, getting progress reports in a timely manner, etc.  I do appreciate the feedback from the instructors on my exams.  My experience with American School has been more than satisfactory.

Khadijah from Florida

The courses from American School have been awesome!  They are challenging but also really enjoyable.  The textbooks were all very clear and detailed.  The study guides were wonderful.  They really helped me understand the lesson concepts.  I have improved by miles!  I definitely will keep using American School until I finish high school.

Carmen from South Carolina

I really enjoy studying through American School.  It helped me prepare for college classes.  You learn to become independent and motivate yourself to finish.

Carissa from California

I found American School’s curriculum very satisfactory.  I enjoyed the material and its methods.  Grammar and math, my toughest subjects, were much easier to understand than any of my previous books.  The comments my instructors left on my graded work were helpful and encouraging.  Overall I was happy with my courses.

Charli from Texas

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Why you should enroll with American School…
We call these our Four C’s

Curriculum

American School’s innovative paper-based and online curriculum offers something for everyone in grades 6-12. Students can choose from more than 100 self-paced courses in traditional subjects such as English, math, social studies and science and take electives in such subject areas as business, career and technical education, fine arts, and world languages.

Cost

As a not-for-profit institution, American School puts students’ educations first. Our tuition is affordable—much lower than many other distance education and online high schools—and all textbooks and study materials are included at no additional cost.  Monthly payment plans are available for students in full years of American School’s middle school or high school program.

Caring Student Service

When students are accepted at American School, they not only receive interesting curriculum at a reasonable cost from a pioneer in distance education; they also receive outstanding, caring student service.  Students may enroll anytime and work at their own pace.  Help is available from American School staff during regular business hours.

Credibility

Founded in 1897, American School later became the first correspondence school to become regionally accredited. Today we are accredited by three reputable accrediting bodies and recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education as a non-public high school.  American School’s diploma is accepted by colleges and universities, and thousands of high schools use our courses for credit recovery.

Our Affiliations
MSA-CESS accreditationNCPSA, National Council for Private School AccreditationAccreditation InternationalSeal of the State of IllinoisBBB Accredited BusinessAmerica's Promise AllianceUSDLA, United States Distance Learning Association
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