Penn Foster High School is a regionally and nationally accredited online high school offering self-paced diploma programs with certified instructor support—bridging the gap between traditional online school and independent homeschooling.
What Is Penn Foster High School?
Penn Foster High School is an accredited online institution that allows students to earn a high school diploma through self-paced coursework. While many homeschooling families use it, Penn Foster technically operates as a private online school rather than a homeschool curriculum—the key difference being that Penn Foster provides certified instructors, structured courses, and official transcripts. Students complete 17 core courses plus electives entirely online, working at their own pace without fixed deadlines. The program appeals to families who want the flexibility of home-based learning with the structure and credentials of an accredited institution.
Key Takeaways
- Regionally accredited by Middle States Association (MSA-CESS) and nationally accredited by DEAC
- Self-paced with no fixed deadlines—students can accelerate or take their time
- Costs approximately $1,199 total or as low as $55/month with payment plans
- Includes certified instructor support and Student Success Advocates
- Students can transfer up to 15 credits from previous schools
How the Program Works
Penn Foster's high school program consists of 17 core courses covering English, math, science, and social studies, plus 5 electives that let students explore career interests. Everything happens online through their learning portal, available 24/7. There are no live classes to attend or specific login times—students work through text-based lessons, videos, and interactive materials at whatever pace works for them. Some students finish in as little as 6 months; others take 2-3 years. The average completion time is about 14 months.
Accreditation and College Acceptance
Penn Foster holds regional accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS) and national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). This means the diploma is widely recognized by colleges and employers. That said, competitive colleges may still want to see additional documentation—test scores, extracurriculars, or writing samples—just as they would with any homeschooled applicant. The accreditation provides a foundation of legitimacy, but strong applications require more than a diploma from any source.
Cost and Enrollment
Is Penn Foster Right for Your Family?
Penn Foster works well for self-motivated students who thrive with independence and flexible scheduling. It's particularly popular with student athletes, performers, or teens with unusual schedules who can't attend traditional school. Adult learners returning to complete their education also frequently choose Penn Foster over GED programs. However, students who need significant structure, daily accountability, or interactive instruction may struggle with the self-directed format. The program requires discipline—the flexibility that makes it appealing can become a liability for students who procrastinate.
What to Consider
Reviews mention that course content can be reading-heavy with limited interactive elements. Some families report customer service challenges when trying to reach instructors or modify enrollment. The rapid completion time some students achieve has also raised questions about depth—finishing a full year of coursework in weeks is possible but may not reflect genuine mastery. Parents should stay involved enough to ensure actual learning is happening, even though Penn Foster handles instruction.
The Bottom Line
Penn Foster occupies a useful middle ground: more structure and credentialing than independent homeschooling, more flexibility than traditional online school. For families who want an accredited diploma without rigid schedules—and for students disciplined enough to manage their own time—it's a viable option. Just go in with realistic expectations about what self-paced means, and stay engaged enough to ensure the flexibility serves learning rather than shortcuts.
