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 $4200 total, and our full 3-year 15-unit middle school program costs $3150 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 $225 and $475.

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 their online courses and exams and their academic records 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 128-year history.

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

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 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.

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