Does Penn Foster High School accept transfer credits from other schools?

Penn Foster does accept credits from previous high schools. To transfer credits for your student, an official, sealed transcript must be sent from the previous school for evaluation. Credits from courses that are equivalent to the Penn Foster curriculum and that come from regionally accredited high schools will be considered for transfer.

Can my student enroll in college after graduating from Penn Foster High School?

Penn Foster High School is an accredited program that allows students to earn a recognized high school diploma. However, acceptance of a high school diploma can vary based on the college or university. No form of accreditation can guarantee that any learning institution or employer will accept the high school diploma. We recommend checking with colleges and universities your student is interested in attending to verify they accept the Penn Foster High School diploma before enrolling into the program.

Can my student enroll in NCAA-approved courses?

Penn Foster doesnâ€™t currently offer NCAA-approved courses. However, Penn Fosterâ€™s general high school diploma is flexible enough to keep up with young athletes' busy travel and training schedules. They can gain an education that follows them anywhere, allows them to learn at their own pace, and can be accessed 24/7. Hear from one of our student athletes about her experience. Looking for courses registered with the NCAA? Learn more about the courses offered by Penn Fosterâ€™s partner school, James Madison High School, by calling 1-800-961-6407.

Can my homeschool student complete all of their work online?

The amount of work that can be completed online varies by program. Some high school programs can be completed entirely online, while others may require physical textbooks.

Do I need to purchase textbooks for their online classes?

No! Most of the coursework is easily accessible to the student through their student portal. The majority of study guides and materials are provided online for a mobile learning experience. For courses requiring textbooks, students will receive access to digital eBooks at no extra cost.

Does Penn Foster alert my local school of my student's enrollment for truancy purposes?

Before enrolling your student in Penn Foster High School, we advise checking with your school district or board of education to verify what steps you need to take to provide proof of enrollment. Penn Foster doesnâ€™t contact your district, so parents are responsible for ensuring any necessary paperwork is completed to prevent truancy.

Does my student need to take standardized exams or pass a state-mandated test to graduate?

No! In order to graduate, your student must simply complete and pass all courses and assignments, and tuition needs to be paid in full to receive their official diploma. While some states do require graduation tests before awarding diplomas, Pennsylvania, where weâ€™re licensed, does not. Standardized testing is not required in our curriculum, though parents can choose to pursue that for their students outside of Penn Foster.

Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) + Penn Foster

As an Arizona resident, you may be able to take advantage of Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds to help pay for your student’s online high school tuition. If you meet eligibility requirements, you can take control of your student’s education and choose the school that works best for them at little to no cost* to you!

Speak to a representative today to learn more!

1-800-423-3239

Am I eligible for ESA funds?

You could be eligible for Arizona ESA funds if

You and your student are Arizona residents
Your student is currently enrolled in K-12th grade
You have valid proof of residency
You have a valid copy of your student’s birth certificate

If you’re eligible, you’ll submit an application through the Arizona Department of Education!

Why choose online high school?

Arizona’s ESA program allows parents and students to have control over their education, meaning you can choose the type of high school program that best meets the needs of your child. For many students, online high school can be a great fit, allowing them to work toward graduation at the pace that works best for them. That means that they can tailor their learning experience to their learning style, ensuring they get the most out of their education!

Why Penn Foster High School?

Whether your student wants to graduate early or take the time they need to earn the grades you know they’re capable of, Penn Foster provides an accredited online high school program designed to help them thrive, so they can learn from the comfort of their own home at the pace that’s best for them. With over 130 years of experience in distance education, Penn Foster offers a proven path toward graduation – and beyond.

Full Program Overview

How to use EFA funds for Penn Foster High School

Set up your ESA funds and get started with Penn Foster High School:

Submit your ESA application on the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) website. You’ll need your student’s birth certificate and a proof of residence, like a utility bill from the last 60 days.
Once your application has been approved, you’ll receive a contract to sign and a ClassWallet account where your ESA funds will be kept.
Contact Penn Foster to get an official tuition invoice you can submit through ClassWallet. This video will show you how to submit the invoice.
After your request is approved, you’ll receive an email with an approval number. Email this number to your Penn Foster admissions rep and begin your student’s new high school journey.

Learn more about online high school

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Online High School vs. In-Person High School: What Should Parents Know?

Are Online High School Diplomas Legitimate?

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A Parents Guide To Online High School

Arizona ESA Faqs

What is an ESA?

An Empowerment Scholarship Account, or ESA, is a state-funded program designed to provide Arizona families with the freedom to choose the approach to education that’s best for them. Qualified Arizona students receive an annual disbursement of between $6,000 and $9,000.

Is my student eligible for ESA funds?

All Arizona residents who are enrolled or eligible to enroll in a public K-12 program may instead apply for ESA funds. Applicants will need to provide the student’s birth certificate and proof of residency, like a utility bill from the last 60 days, to confirm eligibility.

How do I apply for ESA funding?

Create an account and submit your ESA application on the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) website. As mentioned above, you’ll need your student’s birth certificate and proof of residence to accompany the application. You can see the required documents here: ESA Eligibility Requirements

I have an ESA—can I use these funds to enroll my student in Penn Foster High School?

Yes! You can use ESA funds to cover tuition at Penn Foster. If you already have a ClassWallet account and you’re ready to enroll, call us at 1-800-423-3239 and we’ll help you take the next step.

What is the timeline for receiving ESA funds?

ESA funds are dispersed quarterly and how much you receive during the year can depend on when you apply and your application is approved. Funds are distributed during the following periods:

Q1: July 1 - September 30
Q2: October 1 - December 31
Q3: January 1 - March 31
Q4: April 1 - June 30

*Through Arizona's ESA program, eligible families could receive between $6,000 and $9,000 toward educational needs per year. Depending on when an application is approved, families may not receive the total amount of funds within the calendar year, as funds are dispersed quarterly.