Online High School Diploma - Kentucky

Diploma 6 months

Online High School Diploma in Kentucky

Are you a high school student, a parent or guardian looking for at-home learning options for your teen, or an adult looking to finish their high school diploma? Penn Foster is here to help you get a high school education—your way! Our flexible, online classes let you work on your accredited high school diploma¹ at your own pace, from wherever you are.

  • Penn Foster High School is regionally accredited by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and nationally accredited through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and Cognia, the world leader in providing improvement and accreditation services to education providers of all types in their pursuit of excellence in serving students.
  • If you’ve already earned some high school credits at another school in Kentucky, some, or all of them may be transferred to Penn Foster so you don’t have to start over again.
  • A high school diploma is an important educational foundation, regardless of what you plan to do in the future.
  • Our high school diploma classes online cover a standard curriculum with classes in English, history, science, and math – as well as five elective courses in a variety of subjects you can choose from.
  • Our online High School Diploma is self-paced, allowing you to study and take exams at the speed that works best for you. That means you can finish your diploma in as little as 6 months or take the full 3 years allowed to complete your education.
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For Parents

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For Organizations

Save up to $500 Ends 5/14/2024

Cost of Program

$999

$1,499 Save $500

or

$55/month, Start for as low as $20

Enroll Now Request Info

1-800-275-4410 (10AM - 6:30PM ET)

See full program cost & payment options

What You Will Learn

  1. How to use critical thinking and reasoning skills to complete learning tasks in English Language Arts courses.
  2. How to use critical thinking and reasoning skills to complete learning tasks in science courses.
  3. How to use declarative knowledge and demonstrate understanding to complete learning tasks in math courses.
  4. How to utilize writing skills to complete writing assessments.
Full Program Goal & Outcomes

High School Diploma Career Outcomes in Kentucky

Income data from World Population Review:

Average Salary in Kentucky by Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade

$23,105/yr

High School Graduate

$30,986/yr

Overall

$37,620/yr


Penn Foster's online High School Program is all about getting you ready for what's next - whether that's a job right here in Kentucky, going to college near or far, enlisting in the military, or forging a path all your own. You can choose a traditional high school curriculum or one of our career pathway diplomas if you already know what career you’re interested in. No matter what road you take, getting your high school diploma can help you earn more money over your lifetime. In fact, high school grads in Kentucky typically earn about $8,000 more a year in entry-level jobs compared to those who didn't graduate high school.**

State Licensing Requirements

If you are interested in pursuing post-secondary education within your state you should check with your state to understand the requirements. States may impose requirements for receiving state financial aid. For example, an online High School diploma may not be recognized by some colleges and universities within your state to receive financial aid. We recommend you check with the institution for any specific restrictions - this is particularly important for residents of New York.

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A Parents Guide To Online High School

What’s the Difference Between a High School Diploma and a GED in Kentucky?

Getting your diploma from an online high school is vastly different from going to class in person; a traditional education path isn’t for everyone, but neither is online schooling. Whatever your reasons or motivations for choosing an online high school program, there’s likely to be one out there that will meet your educational and career goals. From high school or a career program, you can matriculate to college, pursue a technical certificate, or join the workforce with confidence and the skills you need.

 

But what are some of the benefits that an online high school program like Penn Foster offers to students—both teens and adult learners?

  1. Flexibility: Online learning allows you to study and complete coursework on your own schedule, fitting your education around other responsibilities.
  2. Accessibility: You can learn from just about anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.
  3. Program Variety: Online high school programs aren’t all the same, so you can find one that fits your current needs and will help you reach your goals.
  4. Increased Earning Potential: Regardless of how you obtain your diploma, being a Kentucky high school graduate can help you earn more than those who didn’t finish high school.
  5. More Job Opportunities: A high school diploma is a minimum requirement for most jobs in most industries.
  6. State-Specific Benefits: As a Kentucky resident, you might have access to local resources, grants, and scholarships if you finish high school and want to pursue college.

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Cathy Breymeier

Manager, High School Course Department

“Penn Foster’s online high school program can really benefit students who struggle with a structured learning environment allowing them the opportunity to work at a flexible pace comfortable to them with hours that suit their various learning needs.  Additionally, students who are bullied, struggle with anxiety or feel a lack of acceptance in a traditional school environment can find a home with PFHS and flourish in an online learning environment.”

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Alex Thome

Vice President, High School

“The most magical thing that happens for our high school graduates, beyond the things they learn in class or achieve after, is the confidence they achieve. They start out doubting themselves, but then they realize at some point they can do it. This confidence transforms the way they see themselves and the way people around them and their families and kids see them. It’s powerful.”

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Daniel Sciarrillo

Spanish Instructor, Penn Foster

“To me, online high school is a great choice for students who feel they’ve been let down by the traditional school system, perhaps not given a fair chance there. Our program can help because it is built to help students work at their own pace, as they feel comfortable, where their teachers are easily accessible, present, and happy to assist them.”

Online High School Diploma in Kentucky - Curriculum

  • 16 core credits
  • 5 elective credits 


Estimated completion time:

  • Fast track = 6 months
  • Average time = 14 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from November 2019 - October 2020, excluding withdrawals.

Our online high school diploma curriculum is a total of 21.5 credits, including your basic general education requirements, like English and math courses. Penn Foster High School students get to choose 5 elective credits, ranging from academic electives like American literature and algebra to career electives, like pharmacy technician, residential electrician, or vet assistant. If you choose to focus on a specific career in one of our pathway high school programs, your electives will be focused on skills needed for your chosen career path.


You’re the one in control of your education when you choose an online high school. Our curriculum covers all of your core classes, which everyone in KY is required to pass in order to graduate. However, an online program lets you customize your learning experience by selecting five electives from a vast catalog of courses. You can mix it up with career-related classes like auto repair and veterinary assisting, college prep courses like American Literature and Geometry, or general options including Economics and even Microsoft Excel. Your courses include:


  • Written Communication
  • General Math
  • Biology
  • American History

Show Full Curriculum

High School Diploma Success Stories

Kentucky graduates of Penn Foster's High School Diploma program have been able to start new careers, advance in their current jobs, join the military, or pursue college degrees – all while learning at the speed that works best for them!
View Student Success Stories
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Selina L.

High School Graduate, 2021

“Obtaining my high school diploma was the first important step I needed to take in order to get to college. Penn Foster paved the way for me to take the next step into my career.”

Interested in High School Completion For Your Learners?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.
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Learn More

How much does it cost to get your high school diploma online in Kentucky?

Getting an online high school diploma for Kentucky students doesn't need to break the bank. With our budget-friendly tuition and personalized payment plans, you can complete your diploma on your schedule and within your budget. Pick the payment plan that works for you and get started today!

Option 1: Pay in full

Save up to $500 Ends 5/14/2024

Cost of Program

$999

$1,499 Save $500

  • Best price. Best value.
  • Pay the full cost today
  • No monthly payments
Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Save up to $100 Ends 5/14/2024

Cost of Program

$1,399

$1,499 Save $100

  • Pay $55 per month
  • Start for $20 down
  • All major credit and debit cards accepted
Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

cost of program

$1,499

  • Pay $55 per month
  • Start for $39 down
  • Mail your payments
Enroll Now

Need more info or ready to enroll?

Looking for more information on transfer credits, military benefits or our refund policy. find this this information and more about tuition and enrollment.

Tuition & Payment Options
Request Info Enroll Now

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Going Back to School as an Adult (FAQs)

Our Proven High School Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

  • Start anytime
  • No exam due dates
  • Self-paced

Interactive

  • Digital study guides
  • Self-check quizzes
  • Simulations and videos

Connected

  • 24/7 access to online resources
  • Online Student Community
  • Student Portal Help Center

Supportive

  • Expert faculty
  • Dedicated student services
  • Robust learning resources

Online High School Diploma in Kentucky FAQs

Is there a free online school in Kentucky?

Yes. Many local school districts have digital or virtual learning platforms to accommodate students who prefer online education. With a free online high school, you don’t have to pay for tuition or books. However, there is little room for customizing your education experience, class sizes are large, and it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. Private online high school gives you more flexibility with your schedule, and you have a lot of course options to choose from so you can personalize your education.

Is online high school the same as homeschool?

No, online high school and homeschooling are different. While both offer an alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar schooling, online high school often provides structured courses, materials, and teacher guidance through a virtual platform. Homeschooling, on the other hand, involves parents or guardians taking primary responsibility for educating their children, which can be more flexible and personalized but requires more oversight and planning by the parents. However, parents have to make sure their child’s education meets state standards.

How do you check if a high school is accredited in the USA?

To check if a high school is accredited in the USA:

  1. Visit the school's official website and look for an accreditation seal or mention.
  2. Consult national and regional accrediting bodies' databases or websites, such as Cognia or the Middle States Association.
  3. Contact the U.S. Department of Education or your state's Department of Education for a list of accredited schools.


How do you know if a school is US accredited?

Most accredited schools in the US will prominently display their accreditation status on their website or official materials. You can also check the databases of recognized accrediting agencies or consult with the U.S. Department of Education's database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs.

Can you do online school in Kentucky?

Yes, students in Kentucky have the option to attend online schools. Kentucky offers various online learning platforms through public, private, and charter schools to cater to different student needs.

How do I get my high school diploma online in Kentucky?

  1. Research accredited online high schools and find those accepted in KY.
  2. Enroll in the online high school and provide all necessary identification for registration.
  3. Complete the required coursework in all of your classes.
  4. Before your senior year, make sure you are on-track to meet the state’s graduation requirements.
  5. Once you finish your final final exams, you will receive your high school diploma in the mail.


What is the difference between a GED and a high school diploma?

In Kentucky, you earn a high school diploma by completing specific course requirements, including 4 in English, 4 in Math, 3 in both Social Studies and Science, and several others including Health, PE, and Visual/Performing Arts. All these courses are aligned with the Kentucky Academic Standards. Beyond coursework, students must pass a state-mandated civics test, take a financial literacy course, a class on workplace ethics, and demonstrate tech literacy.

The GED (General Education Development) is a series of four tests that assess your capabilities to analyze, evaluate, and draw conclusions rather than just recall memorized facts. The four GED tests are Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. Upon passing all four exams, you are awarded a high school equivalency diploma, which can be used to apply for colleges and jobs.

How can I get my high school diploma if I'm over 18?

If you're over 18 and haven't earned a high school diploma in Kentucky, you can:

  • Enroll in an adult high school or an online high school that caters to adult learners.
  • Fulfill all course requirements, which may include core subjects and electives. Make sure you take all of the courses required to graduate.
  • After completing the necessary credits and requirements, you'll earn your high school diploma.

Disclaimers:

¹ The Penn Foster High School Diploma is a proprietary program. You are solely responsible for ensuring that the program and program award satisfy the education requirements of potential employers, desired postsecondary institutions, and all other relevant agencies. Neither job placement nor postsecondary admission are guaranteed to graduates upon program completion. Students who attend and complete the program as an adult, age 18 years or older, who wish to further verify their earned award may request a Certificate of Preliminary Education according the process outlined in the student catalog. The program name on file with the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed schools is High School 9-12.

*In order to ensure that we are compliant with all of the regulations in your state, there is a minimum age requirement of 18 for our Career programs for Kentucky residents.

Sources:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. "Education Pays, 2021" Career Outlook Handbook. Accessed September 23, 2022.

**Kentucky Population 2023. World Population Overview. Accessed February 17, 2023.

Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.