Compare online school curriculum for better learning

Not all online programs are the same. Understanding the differences helps families avoid confusion, especially when comparing online public schools, private schools and homeschooling options.

Online public schools are part of the public school system and offer a flexible alternative to traditional school.

Most online public schools:

• Are state-funded and generally tuition-free for eligible residents
• Are accredited and aligned to state standards
• Are taught by certified teachers
• Provide official transcripts and transferable high school credits

Examples parents may recognize:

• ASU Prep Digital
• State virtual schools (such as FLVS, varies by state)
• K12-powered online public schools

Parent note: While these traits apply to most online public schools, quality, requirements and services vary by state and provider. Always evaluate each school individually.

• Tuition-based
• May offer smaller class sizes or specialized programs
• Accreditation, teacher credentials and rigor vary widely

Examples include:

• Global Academy @ ASU Prep
• Laurel Springs School
• Keystone School

• Virtual schools provide a full academic program across grade levels
• Online courses are individual classes or supplements

This distinction matters most for middle school and high school students earning credits toward graduation.

Homeschooling is a parent-led home education model that offers flexibility but comes with different responsibilities.

Homeschool curriculum typically includes:

• Flexible pacing and curriculum choices
• Parent-managed instruction and record-keeping
• Limited or no accreditation
• High parent involvement

Online schooling can be used as a homeschool curriculum, but it is not the same.

One of the biggest differences between online school curriculums is how and when learning happens. Understanding this helps parents choose a program that fits their child’s learning style and family schedule.

This chart helps parents quickly understand the differences so they can choose a schedule that fits their child’s learning style and family routine.

Some families want online flexibility and in-person connection.

Hybrid learning allows students to:

• Complete part of their coursework online
• Attend school in person on select days
• Benefit from both independent learning and face-to-face support

Great for students who:

• Want flexibility but need in-person social interaction
• Learn best through hands-on activities
• Thrive with collaborative projects

Examples include:

• ASU Prep Digital+ offers flexible pathways for students who want a mix of online and traditional learning with locations in Glendale, Tempe, Mesa and Phoenix.
• ASU Prep Tempe Powered by The Levitt Lab reimagines traditional education by prioritizing personalized learning, modern practices and student well-being.

Academic quality & credibility

✅  Accredited curriculum aligned to state standards
✅  Recognized diploma and transferable credits
✅  Clear grade-level expectations

Teaching & student support

✅  Instruction by certified teachers
✅  Live lessons or regular interaction
✅  Tutoring and academic coaching

Structure & flexibility

✅  Balance of live and self-paced learning
✅  Flexible pacing with accountability
✅  Progress tracking tools
✅  Hybrid options (optional but valuable)

Personalized & inclusive learning

✅  Support for different learning styles
✅  Accommodations for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans
✅  Assistive technology and adaptive learning

Special programs & future readiness

✅  Career and Technical Education (CTE)
✅  STEM or innovation-focused coursework
✅  Advanced or honors classes
✅  College prep pathways

Engagement beyond core subjects

✅  Variety of electives
✅  Interactive lessons and real-world learning
✅  Extracurriculars and collaboration opportunities

ASU Prep Digital is an accredited, tuition-free online public school designed to support students across grade levels with flexibility, structure and strong academic oversight.

Families benefit from:

• High-quality instruction by certified teachers
• State-aligned college prep curriculum
• Flexible pacing with accountability
• Support for different learning styles
• A wide range of electives and online classes
• Detailed progress tracking and parent resources

ASU Prep Digital reflects what many families look for in a high-quality online public school learning experience.

Global Academy @ ASU Prep is a tuition-based private online school option for families seeking a globally focused, academically rigorous learning environment.

Key features include:

• Advanced coursework and college-focused academics
• Flexible online learning with higher academic expectations
• Opportunities for motivated learners to accelerate or deepen their studies

This option may appeal to families seeking an online private school experience with an international or advanced academic lens.

Seeing curriculum differences side by side and through real examples can help families determine:

• How much structure their student needs
• Whether flexibility or live instruction matters more
• Which type of school best supports long-term goals like college readiness