Why Choose American School

Distance education at American School offers students a convenient way to take classes on paper or online.  Regardless of how many accredited high school courses or accredited middle school courses you study, you will receive these benefits. Together these are what set us apart from other distance education high schools and middle schools. We call these our Four C’s.

Curriculum

American School’s innovative paper-based and online curriculum offers something for everyone. Students can choose from more than 200 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, including online world language courses offered through a partnership with Rosetta Stone. American School is perfect for students who need several courses to complete graduation requirements or for those who choose to take just one course to make up credit or gain knowledge for personal enrichment. Visit our Course Descriptions page for the most recent list of course offerings.

Cost

As a not-for-profit institution, American School puts students’ educations first. Our tuition is affordable—much lower than many other distance education or online high schools—and all textbooks and study materials are included at no additional cost. Our full 4-year, 20-unit high school diploma program costs $4000 total, and our full 3-year 15-unit middle school program costs $3000 total.  All full-year programs have flexible payment schedules starting at $160 per month, which makes tuition even more affordable, and there are no interest charges and very few extra fees along the way.  Individual courses purchased through our Independent Study Program or taken for enrichment typically cost between $175 and $425.

Caring Student Service

When students are accepted at American School, they not only receive innovative curriculum at an affordable cost from a pioneer in distance education; they also receive outstanding, caring student service. To start, they may enroll online, on paper, or over the phone, and enrollment is open year-round. Students work in a classroom of one—at their own pace and on their own schedule—but they are never alone. Our friendly staff is available to assist students over the phone during normal business hours, and we reply to emails within one business day. Also, American School students can access help sheets, homework Web sites and view their academic records and other helpful information 24-7 by logging into the Online Student Center. General High School and College Preparatory Program students can receive their diplomas at any time of the year provided they have completed all graduation requirements, and qualifying graduates are eligible to receive one of the post-secondary scholarships that American School awards annually.

Credibility

American School was the first correspondence school to become regionally accredited. Today we are accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools/Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), Accreditation International (Ai) and the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), as well as recognized by the state of Illinois as a non-public high school. An American School diploma is widely accepted by colleges and universities across the country and around the world. Several thousand high schools use American School to help their students recover credits and graduate on time with their classes. Author Christopher Paolini, motorsports star Travis Pastrana, tennis legend Andre Agassi and actress Jessica Alba are just some of the famous people who have taken American School courses throughout our 127-year history.

For more information about American School or to enroll, call 708-418-2800 or email us. We look forward to serving you!

Homeschooling has taught me a lot of new things.  It has taught me self-discipline and made me take my studies more seriously than before.  I have learned to study properly.  The books and materials were very helpful.  It is a fun experience to do homeschooling.  Many people are amazed to know that I did homeschooling.  This has opened and changed a lot of people’s minds.

– Jekah from United Arab Emirates

American School has more to offer than any public school.  Two of my children, two of my grandchildren, and one niece completed their high school education with American School, and my sister and I are enrolled at the present time.

– Marilyn from Missouri

I learned a lot, and the skills are helping me in my college classes.

The most important thing I learned was how to schedule my time and organize my work.  The study guides helped to show me how much work to do at one time.  I’m glad to be part of American School.

– Peter from Illinois

I have found the methods, instruction, textbooks, study guides and service satisfactory because they are all up-to-date and made ready for me to learn.  I am greatly thankful for this service because now I can graduate early with all my credits in.  Thank you very much, American School!

– Ada from Michigan

American School was an easy yet efficient way to earn the extra credit I needed to graduate.

– Elizabeth from Illinois

I greatly enjoyed American School.  The instructors’ comments were very helpful.  I enjoyed this method of learning.  I feel I have learned a lot more than I did in public school.  I was able to keep up with school through all the moves I made without going through the hassle of switching school systems.  I enjoyed the honesty of the

instructors and the overall program.   I will recommend American School to anyone interested.

– Enoch from Texas

Get Started Today. Choose a Program Below. 

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 business hours and around the clock in American School’s Online Student Center.

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
Get Started Today. See what sets us apart from other distance education high schools.