Not all online education programs are everything they claim to be. Here are three signs to look for so you can be sure you’re not being scammed when you enroll in an online accredited high school diploma program.
1. Basic Information Is Easy to Locate and Doesn’t Look Fraudulent
One way to tell if an online accredited high school diploma program is legitimate is if it has a physical address, offers open lines of communication with administrators and faculty, and provides student services, such as career counseling.
A program that’s legit doesn’t resort to deceptive practices. Sometimes, sketchy schools create two websites; one appears professional, while the other looks like it was just thrown together. The idea is to make it seem like the shoddy site is a scam, while the authentic-looking one is legit. Don’t buy it, they’re both a hoax. In other cases, the name of the program may sound similar to that of a prestigious school, but slightly modified. Schools like this may even include a fabricated list of teachers and administrators.
2. You Can Verify Accreditation Status
While it’s common for schools to list their accreditation on their websites, it’s wise to do some research to make sure the accreditor is a legitimate agency. You can check with the US Department of Education to verify that schools and accrediting bodies have been given an official seal of approval. It’s also a good idea to find out about the school’s accreditation history. If there are gaps, find out why or look for a program with a more consistent track record. Keep in mind, too, that when it comes to online accredited high school diploma programs, regional accreditation is more readily recognized by colleges and employers than national accreditation, and that there’s no such thing as international accreditation.
3. Program Requirements Look Legit
A school raises huge red flags if it requires you to shell out a lot of money up-front. An online accredited high school diploma program will only ask you to pay for the classes you are currently taking. An authentic program also requires rigorous coursework. If a school doesn’t ask you to do much work and sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.
If you want to earn your accredited high school diploma online, JMHS offers flexible, affordable programs that meet you where you are. Contact us to learn more or enroll today.
