Private online schools in California provide students in grades 6 through 12 with accredited, teacher-led education that combines academic rigor with the flexibility of learning from home. Unlike public virtual programs, which follow state-mandated curricula and testing requirements, private online schools operate independently under California law and can offer smaller class sizes, personalized instruction, and more freedom in how curriculum is delivered.
For California families exploring alternatives to traditional schooling, understanding the difference between these options is the first step.
California's public school system is the largest in the country, with over 5.8 million students enrolled. But overall enrollment has been declining steadily since before the pandemic.
The California Department of Education reported that 2024-25 enrollment fell another 0.54% compared to the prior year, continuing a multi-year trend. Families are looking elsewhere, and private online education is increasingly part of that picture.
California requires all private schools, including those operating online, to file a Private School Affidavit (PSA) with the California Department of Education annually. This is essentially a notice of operation. It confirms the school exists, reports enrollment numbers, and identifies the administrator and custodian of records.
Here's what the PSA does not do: it doesn't grant accreditation, approval, or endorsement of any kind from the state. California does not accredit private schools. It doesn't regulate their curriculum, require standardized testing, or mandate that teachers hold California teaching credentials. The state's role is limited to collecting the affidavit and maintaining a directory.
That hands-off approach gives private online schools wide freedom to design their programs, but it also puts the responsibility on families to evaluate quality. This is where accreditation from an independent body becomes critical. Schools that hold voluntary accreditation through organizations like Cognia (formerly SACS CASI) have undergone external review against rigorous academic and operational standards, something the state itself doesn't provide.
Because California doesn't regulate or accredit private schools, a school's voluntary accreditation status is the single most reliable indicator of educational quality. It tells you that the school's curriculum, teaching standards, and student outcomes have been evaluated by an independent third party.
Accreditation also has practical implications. Credits from an accredited school transfer more easily if your child later moves to a different school or state. Colleges and universities recognize accredited transcripts. And for student athletes, attending an accredited online school that's NCAA Approved is essential for eligibility to compete at the collegiate level.
Score Academy Online holds dual accreditation from Cognia and SACS CASI and is NCAA Approved. It serves students in grades 6 through 12 with class sizes ranging from one-on-one to six students per teacher, certified educators, and individualized education plans for every student. That combination of small classes and strong accreditation is unusual in the online school space and worth weighing against other programs.
California offers several public virtual school options, including charter-based programs like Connections Academy and programs administered through local school districts. These are tuition-free and follow state curriculum frameworks and testing requirements.
The tradeoffs? Public virtual programs tend to have larger student-to-teacher ratios. They're bound by state academic calendars and testing mandates. And the level of individual attention can vary widely depending on enrollment size and staffing.
A private online school doesn't face those constraints. Curriculum can be tailored. Instruction can be paced to the individual student. And teachers can focus more deeply on each student's academic plan because they're working with far fewer students at a time. That's a meaningful distinction for families whose children need something different from a one-size-fits-all approach.
The cost reflects that difference. Score Academy Online's tuition is approximately $15,000 per year, with registration and technology fees bringing the first-year total to around $17,225. It's an investment, and one that families should compare against the level of individualized support and accreditation quality they're getting in return.
A 2021 meta-analysis published in Education and Information Technologies reviewed 27 experimental studies and found that online education had a moderate positive effect on academic achievement, with an effect size of 0.409 compared to traditional instruction. The researchers noted that outcomes depended heavily on teacher involvement, instructional design, and use of digital tools to support engagement. (Read the study here.)
That finding reinforces what experienced online educators already know: structure and teacher quality matter more than the delivery format. A well-run online program with certified teachers and small class sizes can produce outcomes that match or exceed traditional classrooms, especially for students who benefit from personalized pacing.
Online school isn't a fit for everyone, but it works especially well for certain students. Families across California are turning to virtual education for children who are competitive athletes needing flexible schedules, students dealing with anxiety or social challenges in traditional settings, kids in the entertainment industry, military families moving frequently, students with chronic health conditions, and gifted learners who need more academic challenge than their local school provides.
California's size and diversity mean that the "right" school might not be anywhere near where you live. A private online school removes geography from the equation entirely. A student in rural Humboldt County and a student in downtown Los Angeles can access the same accredited program with the same quality of instruction.
When comparing online school programs in California, start with accreditation. Then look at class sizes, teacher credentials, and what kind of support systems are in place. Ask about individualized learning plans. Find out how the school handles struggling students. Check whether the diploma is recognized by colleges and, if applicable, whether the school is NCAA eligible.
Enrollment at Score Academy Online is rolling, which means you don't have to wait for a traditional academic calendar. Students can start mid-year, and the school works with families to ensure a smooth transition, including credit evaluation for students transferring from other schools.
For California families specifically, remember that you'll need to formally withdraw your child from their current school before enrolling in a private online program. If the private school you choose files a PSA with the CDE, your child's enrollment satisfies California's compulsory education requirement.
Is private online school legal in California? Yes. Private schools in California, including those that operate online, must file a Private School Affidavit with the California Department of Education annually. The state does not regulate private school curriculum or require teacher credentialing.
Does California accredit private online schools? No. California does not accredit any private schools. Accreditation is voluntary and handled through independent organizations like Cognia. Families should verify a school's accreditation status before enrolling.
Can my child get a real diploma from an online school in California? Yes. Students who complete their coursework at an accredited private online school receive a diploma recognized by colleges, universities, employers, and the military.
How do I withdraw my child from public school to enroll in online school? Contact your child's current school to formally withdraw them. Once your child is enrolled in a private school that has filed a PSA, they're exempt from California's compulsory attendance requirements for public school.
Are online school credits accepted by California colleges? Credits from accredited online schools are generally accepted by colleges and universities, including University of California and California State University campuses. Accreditation is the key factor.
What does private online school cost in California? Tuition varies by program. Score Academy Online's annual tuition is approximately $15,000, with additional registration and technology fees. Some families find this comparable to or less than brick-and-mortar private schools in major California metro areas.
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