Penn Foster Online High School Review

This article will be reviewing the Penn Foster online high school diploma and how many exams are in Penn foster high school requirements. Penn Foster High School is a private, for-profit high school in the United States that specializes in distance learning. The International Correspondence Schools was established in 1890. (ICS). Penn Foster High School, in essence, is the largest high school in the United States, with over 60,000 students enrolled from all 50 states. The programs appear to be self-paced. The school is accredited both regionally and nationally.

Its headquarters are located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It provides a high school diploma program and a variety of high school direction of attention programs, including an early college program for students who want to begin their college education early and vocational concentrations in health care, electrical, carpentry, plumbing, or information technology.

Penn Foster High School’s History

Thomas J. Foster, a newspaper editor, established the International Correspondence Schools in 1890 to provide coal miners with the education they needed to advance in their careers while also increasing worker safety. “The school’s success depends on trying to understand the market and its potential students,” according to ICS’s history. People looked to pull themselves up by their bootstraps and climb the social and economic ladder, influenced by the widely known Horatio Alger books.” 

Since the 1890s, ICS has faced competition from state universities, including Penn State College. By the 1920s, public education had become more international. ICS lost students as correspondence schools became less popular. ICS was renamed Penn Foster High School, Penn Foster Career School, and Penn Foster College in 2006, following several name changes in the 1990s. Thomson Corporation sold the school to the Wicks Group, a private equity firm, in 2007. They later resold Penn Foster to The Princeton Review, a verification preparation, and educational support company, in 2009.

The Princeton Review brand name and operations were purchased for $33 million by Charlesbank Capital Partners, a private equity firm, in 2012. The biological company was renamed Education Holdings 1, Inc. Education Holdings 1 declared bankruptcy in 2013 and exited two months later. In 2014, the Vistria Group purchased Penn Foster, led by Martin Nesbitt. In 2018, Bain Capital acquired Penn Foster from Vistria Group.

Penn Foster High School: What You Should Know

Open enrollment is available, and because it is an online school, students are not required to work directly with certified teachers. Instead, they must complete classes in the style of a friendly discussion school. Students must complete a core curriculum of classes and five elective courses to obtain a high school diploma. Students can use these elective courses to focus on specific industries, such as information technology, construction technology, or health care, or they can take approved college-level courses. Students and graduates have access to Penn Foster Career Services, which assists students with resume writing and cover letter preparation, job search assistance, and interview tips.

Penn Foster High School has about 11.5 FTE (full-time equivalent teachers), or about 13,000 students, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. There are numerous social groups and clubs at the school. Photography Club, Friends of Hope, 20s Club, DIY Club, Cooking Club, Night Owls, Stand Strong, Book Club, Environmental Club, Student Council, Science Club, Quote Club, Words of Faith, Penn Foster Pet Club, Writers and Poetry Club are just a few of the clubs available.

Penn Foster High School Admissions Requirements

Students must have completed eighth grade to enroll in Penn Foster High School. 

Before enrolling in some of the institution’s career diploma programs and online certificate programs, students must have a high school diploma. To enroll in a Bachelor’s degree, Associate Degree, or Undergraduate Certificate at Penn Foster College, students must have a High School Diploma or GED Equivalency Certificate. Some of the institution’s career diploma programs also require students to have completed high school.

Students in the Penn Foster program must have high-speed Internet, a Microsoft Windows-based computer running Windows 10 or later, an Apple Mac running macOS or later, and an email account. These technical requirements, however, are subject to limitations. TwinStar Community Foundation Scholarship for High School Students in the United States is a related article.

Tuition and Payment Options at Penn Foster High School

1. Make a complete payment

Another way to save money with Penn Foster is to pay in full. If you choose the ‘pay-in-full’ option, you will save up to 25%. This one-time payment covers the entire cost of tuition, including course materials, books, and the institution’s dedicated faculty’s support.

2. Payment Schedules

Whether you want to pay your tuition in one payment or pay by mail, you can set up an automatic payment plan. Penn Foster collaborates with you to develop a viable strategy. Whatever you decide, your tuition will cover all learning materials as well as academic assistance from Penn Foster faculty. Graduates of high school can earn more than $8,000 per year on average, even more than nongraduates. Earning your high school diploma can be very affordable, with payment plans starting at less than $2 per day and the ability to start for as little as $1.

Is Penn Foster High School a Public School?

You might be wondering if, like in school districts, the high school program is free. I apologize for bursting your bubble. Penn Foster High School is a private school, so it is not free. As a result, they fund it through tuition paid by students, as opposed to public schools, which are funded through taxes paid by residents of that community.

How quickly can I complete my high school education?

The length of time it takes to complete a course is determined by the student and the number of hours per week that they can devote to studying. A student who comes to Penn Foster High School with no transfer credits but who studies regularly can complete the curriculum in about 9 months. Also, in 2022, there will be 21 free summer programs for high school students.

Do employers recognize Penn Foster diplomas?

Penn Foster does not guarantee anything. You’re on your own once you’ve finished your studies. Nationally accredited schools are unimportant to most businesses. Your best bet is to figure out what field you want to work in and then look for the necessary credentials, either through a local school or through proctored exams.

Are Penn Foster’s degrees genuine?

Your collaboration with Penn Foster is entirely legal! They can often transfer the classes and credits you earn toward your diploma to other schools, preparing you to take the next step toward your career and academic goals.

Is financial aid available for Penn Foster?

Penn Foster does not receive federal financial assistance. Despite the lack of financial aid, they do offer low-cost monthly payment plans with no interest. With Penn Foster’s interest-free payment options, you can take control of your education.

Is it okay if I cheat on Penn Foster?

You are not permitted to use content to cheat on Penn Foster educational tests or assignments. Even to assist or facilitate others’ cheating. Or jeopardize the educational experience of Penn Foster students or Penn Foster educational programs.

What Happens if I Fail a Penn Foster Exam?

If you’re considering enrolling in a Penn Foster program or are already enrolled, you may be concerned about what will happen if you fail a test. With the flexibility of a self-paced, online program, you can take as much time as you need to study and understand the subject, but things happen. If you don’t pass the first time, here’s what you can do to progress:

1. Multiple Choice Exams

You can retake a multiple-choice exam if you don’t get a perfect score the first time. If you think you can do better or if you need a passing grade, you can go back to your notes and study materials and try again. Your retake options, however, have a time limit! You can retake the exam within 30 days of the first time you took it. Each exam can only be retaken once. A better grade is also the official grade on your Penn Foster transcript.

2. Written assignments for high school, career school, projects, and college

You will be required to submit writing assignments or projects through your Student Portal for some of your courses. They will return your contribution without grading or teacher feedback if it does not meet the criteria.

3. Exams proctored by colleges

Final exams that students must take at the end of a semester or at the end of a course in a college degree program are known as proctored tests. The rules for retaking failed proctor exams vary, so if you’re worried you won’t pass, use your Student Portal’s Help Center to contact your instructor. As a result, you can recover from a failed exam using the information provided above. Aside from that, their flexible, online courses and dedicated instructors and teaching assistants will be beneficial.

Penn Foster High School Diploma or GED

Obtaining a high school diploma or a GED will undoubtedly open new doors. Holders of a secondary education degree may be on their way to a good job, a promotion, a military career, or college! Those with a high school diploma or a GED can expect to earn at least $9,600 more per year than those without. We’ll look at Penn Foster’s online high school program on this page. Penn Foster is an accredited online high school that does not offer a GED® program. Penn Foster High School is a for-profit high school based in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

The school, which was founded in 1890, is one of America’s largest, with over 50,000 students enrolled in all 50 states. Penn Foster is a regionally and nationally accredited high school that offers a fully online high school diploma program and a variety of high school concentration courses for students interested in getting a head start on their college education. The school’s online high school curriculum includes 21.5 credits, including basic education requirements like math and English. Five elective academic or career credits, such as algebra and American literature, or vet assistant and auto repair, are available to students. 

Students must have completed the eighth grade to enroll in Penn Foster‘s online high school course. Each online high school course contains small lessons that can be completed on any mobile device and are a valuable resource for students pursuing their high school diplomas. Penn Foster’s online high school program provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the American workforce or pursue a college education.

Penn Foster high school diploma

Penn Foster’s online high school course is designed to assist students in achieving academic, professional, or personal objectives. The program is a fun exploration method that allows students to study while using various interactive learning methods. Penn Foster is very different from learning in a traditional high school classroom. The high school course follows you around, allowing you to learn wherever you want, whenever you want, and at your own pace. 

The school accomplishes this by utilizing a custom-designed studying platform that allows students to study whenever and wherever they want. Students can demonstrate their abilities and knowledge levels while learning and working toward their objectives at their own pace. They have the ability to forge their own path to success. Penn Foster’s online learning platform allows you to study from home or while on the go with your tablet or smartphone. The high school course includes tutorials, introductory videos, video lessons, and numerous practice tests.

With the school’s sophisticated goal-setting and progress-tracking tools, you can customize your learning pace and track your progress. There are interactive flashcards and built-in self-testing options to help you gain confidence as you prepare for your exams. All study material is broken down into rather short and easily manageable lessons so you can fit your studying into your busy schedule. Many certified instructors, teaching assistants, and coaches are available to assist you in achieving your personal, academic, or career objectives.

High school + career paths at Penn Foster

You can start exploring a career path that interests you while working toward your high school diploma in Penn Foster’s online high school program. But that’s not all, some students have even made it into Harvard. Isn’t that quite an accomplishment? Automotive, healthcare, carpentry, childcare, electrical, early college, culinary arts, plumbing, pharmacy technician, and information technology are just a few of the high-demand professions. These courses will help you get a head start on college preparation, and they generally transfer to college credit in the same way that Keystone Online High School’s AP (Advanced Placement) courses do.

So, if you want to explore a career path while earning your high school diploma, the school offers a variety of career concentrations where you can develop practical skills that will help you land a good job. Penn Foster does not offer a GED program, but it does offer a nationally and regionally accredited high school diploma. Because the online school does not have any physical classrooms where students can attend classes, tuition can be kept low by avoiding the costs of housing and operations. 

Penn Foster believes that everyone has the right to affordable education and that money should never be a barrier to achieving one’s goals. 

How to determine whether your online high school diploma is valid

Achieving a high school diploma is a significant achievement. When many employers are looking to hire, it’s also a requirement. There are many options available online, whether you’re an adult who couldn’t attend a traditional high school and now needs to complete your diploma for a job or promotion or a traditional student who doesn’t think a regular schedule at a public school is right for you. Is an online high school diploma, however, valid? Will it assist you in achieving your objectives? Here’s everything you need to know about your online diploma’s foundation.

With so many options for finishing high school, online courses are frequently the best fit for busy adults or those who require flexibility. The most common concern among students is whether or not the money and effort they put into online school will be worthwhile. You don’t want to work hard in school and graduate only to discover that your diploma isn’t what schools and employers require. Before enrolling in an online high school program, make sure the school you’re considering is accredited.

Penn Foster High School Has Accreditation?

Regional and national accreditation are the two types of accreditation that a school can receive. One of seven regional accrediting bodies in the United States awards regional accreditation. Independent accrediting bodies, which often focus on career-specific education or vocational schools, as well as online schools and colleges, award national accreditation. Penn Foster High School is regionally and nationally accredited, ensuring the legitimacy of the diploma you earn online. We’re regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Secondary Schools and nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. 

Cognia has also granted national accreditation to the high school program. Cognia is a global leader in providing school improvement and accreditation services, focusing on continuously improving the student experience. Accreditation is renewed regularly, and it entails a review of a school’s courses and materials to ensure that students receive the best possible education.

What Is The Process Of Online High School?

Online high school is similar to traditional high school in that it does not have a set schedule, deadlines, or due dates. Thanks to the flexibility, you can learn at your own pace and from wherever you want. A wide range of personalities and grade levels can benefit from online classes. You can expect to study independently, with faculty, student support, and other resources available to assist you if needed. You’ll have access to lessons from 9th to 12th grade in Penn Foster’s online high school, and if you’ve completed classes at another school, you can see if you can transfer those credits and continue where you left off.

Do Colleges accept online High School Diplomas?

Colleges have different admissions requirements and can choose what they accept or reject from prospective students. However, whether earned online or at a traditional school, most schools recognize regionally accredited high school diplomas. Colleges will make admissions decisions based on your grades, extracurricular activities, and any additional application requirements, such as essays, just as they do for any high school graduate. 

While we recommend that you confirm that an online high school diploma from Penn Foster meets a school’s requirements before enrolling, you can also look through a list of schools where our alumni have been accepted. You’re almost certain that earning your high school diploma online is the right decision for you, but you want to make sure that you can put your diploma to good use in achieving your objectives. While you can spend hours researching, hearing from Penn Foster graduates about their experiences is sometimes the best option. 

You can learn more about the online high school experience from people who have done it through our Alumni Spotlight Podcast and reviews from Penn Foster graduates. When you’re ready, give our Admissions Specialists a call at 1-888-427-6500 to get started.

Conclusion

Penn Foster contributes to the fact that over 43,000 high school graduates from across the country earn their diplomas at home on their own time each year. To summarize, knowing that Penn Foster High School offers an online, rather than a traditional, accredited program, you are free to take your first step toward the future and the prestigious career you desire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn’t the high school program free, as it is in public schools?

The reason for this is that Penn Foster High School is a private school that is funded by tuition paid by students, as opposed to public schools, which taxes paid by local residents clearly fund.

When will I receive my textbooks if my program requires them?

If your program includes textbooks, you will receive the books as needed throughout your course. Basically, they’re now shipped to you when you’re ready to start the class for which you need them.

Is Penn Foster High School a recognized institution?

Yes, absolutely! Penn Foster’s online High School was nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), Cognia, and regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Secondary Schools (CSS-MSA).

Which colleges will accept a Penn Foster online high school diploma?

The fact is that acceptance of a high school diploma varies by college or university. As a result, no form of accreditation can guarantee that any employer or earning institution will accept a high school diploma.

If I get stuck on a course or assignment, will I be able to get help from teachers or tutors?

You can reach out to instructors by phone, email, or chat! If you’re having trouble with your class or assignment, Penn Foster has experienced and certified instructors ready to help.