Online High School Diploma - Virginia

Diploma 6 months

Online High School Diploma in Virginia

Are you a student struggling with traditional high school, seeking distance learning solutions for your teen, or are you an adult learner looking to complete your high school diploma? Penn Foster provides accredited online high school diploma¹ programs that can be completed on your schedule. We're committed to educating you from anywhere in the world, guiding you towards achieving your education and job goals.

  • 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.
  • Did you complete some high school classes at a different school? Penn Foster may be able to accept some or all of your previous credits, so you won't have to repeat courses. 
  • Having a high school diploma is crucial, regardless of your plans after graduation.
  • In Penn Foster's high school program, you'll take fundamental subjects like English and Math. Additionally, you get the opportunity to select five extra subjects based on your interests. These can range from academic subjects like American Literature or Algebra to vocational courses like automotive repair or animal care.
  • One of the great advantages is that our courses are online. This allows you to fit your studies around your schedule and set your own pace, adjusting to the time you have available each week.
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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 Virginia

Income data from World Population Review:

Average Salary in Virginia by Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade

$26,070/yr

High School Graduate

$32,819/yr

Overall

$47,318/yr


Penn Foster's online High School Program is tailored to prepare you for your future - be it landing a job in Virginia, pursuing higher education, enlisting in the military, or finding your own unique path. You can choose a conventional high school curriculum or pick one of our career-focused diplomas if you already have an idea of what you want to do when you graduate. Whichever route you choose, earning your high school diploma can increase your potential earnings. In fact, high school graduates in Virginia typically earn approximately $7,000 more per year in starting positions than those who didn't finish 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 are the benefits of earning an online high school diploma in Virginia?

Earning your diploma via an online high school isn't the same as attending everyday classroom sessions. Both traditional schooling and online education have their unique fits, and neither works for everyone. However, if you decide to pursue online high school, you're likely to find a program that matches your educational and career goals. With an online high school diploma or a career program, you can transition to college, earn a vocational certificate, or enter the job market with confidence and the necessary skills.

 

So, what are some advantages of an online high school program like Penn Foster for students—both young and adult learners?

  1. Flexible schedule: With online education, you can study and complete assignments on your own timetable, fitting your education around your other responsibilities.
  2. Learn from anywhere: If you have an internet connection, you can study from almost any location.
  3. Program variety: Not all online high schools are the same, which means you can find one that suits your present needs and future ambitions.
  4. Higher earning potential: Regardless of how you earn your diploma, being a high school graduate in Virginia can potentially increase your earnings compared to those who didn't finish high school.
  5. More career choices: A high school diploma is a basic requirement for many jobs across various industries.
  6. Local resources for graduates: If you're a Virginia resident, finishing high school might open up access to local resources, grants, and scholarships if you're planning to attend college.
  7. Graduating early: online high school diploma programs are self-paced, so you may be able to finish early.

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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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Dr. Andy Shean

Chief Learning Officer

“Online learning is often just as rigorous as in-person learning; however, the flexibility to study when you are ready to focus (e.g., at night, on the weekend, etc), the ability to re-watch video content as many times as you need, and on-demand support can make online learning more attractive, especially for adult learners who are often working and in some cases juggling parenting duty.”

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Mariam Dawoud

High School Math Instructor

“Online schooling is a great option for people who take care of many aspects of life and passionately aim to upward their education making themselves candidates for career-escalating opportunities. It’s a way to multitask without putting one’s employment or family duties on hold.”

Online High School Diploma in Virginia - 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.


Going to an online high school gives you more control over your education. Our core curriculum covers all the necessary subjects every Virginia student needs to graduate. But the real benefit of online high school is how it lets you design your learning path. You can choose five elective classes from a wide variety of course options. This can be practical classes like car repair or animal care, college prep courses like American Literature and Geometry, or career-minded subjects like Economics and Microsoft Excel. The core curriculum includes:


  • Written Communication
  • General Math
  • Biology
  • American History

Show Full Curriculum

High School Diploma Success Stories

North Carolina 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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How much does it cost to get your high school diploma online in Virginia?

Getting your online high school diploma in Virginia shouldn't break the bank. With our reasonable fees and adaptable payment options, you can complete your diploma at your own speed, without straining your finances. Select the payment plan that aligns with your budget and begin your educational journey 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
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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 Virginia FAQs

Does Virginia have online high schools?

Yes, Virginia does offer online high school options. These can be either through state-sponsored programs or private online institutions that accept students from Virginia, such as Penn Foster.

Does Virginia still have virtual learning?

Yes. The COVID-19 pandemic expanded the need and usage of virtual platforms, and many schools and districts have chosen to maintain those options for students who prefer or require online learning.

What’s the difference between a high school diploma and a GED in Virginia?

In Virginia, you earn a high school diploma by completing 22 credits, including 4 English credits; 3 math credits; 3 laboratory science credits; 3 history and social science credits; 2 physical education credits; 2 credits in a foreign language, fine arts, or technical education; 1 personal finance credit; and 4 electives. The GED (General Education Development) is made up of four exams that test your abilities to analyze, evaluate, and draw conclusions rather than recall specific facts. The four GED tests are Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies.

Both award you a diploma upon successful completion, and both can get you into college.

Do Virginia online high schools allow you to graduate early?

It depends on the specific online high school and the student's progress. Schools that offer flexible pacing—complete your courses on your own schedule—aren’t just for students who need more time. Check with the school to make sure they allow you to finish early before enrolling.

What are the best accredited online high schools for adults?

There are several online high schools for adults looking to earn their diploma. Some popular options include: James Madison High School and Penn Foster High School.

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 Virginia residents.

Sources:

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

**Virginia Population 2023. World Population Overview. Accessed August 7, 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.