Guide · Updated 2026-10-17 · By the CurriculumQuiz editorial team
Accredited vs Non-Accredited Homeschool Programs
Short answer: Accreditation applies to schools, not books. It matters mostly when a school issues transcripts or diplomas. Many homeschoolers use non-accredited curricula and keep their own records.
What accreditation covers
An accredited school has been reviewed by an accrediting body. When you buy a curriculum but remain the teacher, you are usually responsible for records yourself, so accreditation of the materials is generally not the point. Online schools and distance-learning programs are the ones that typically hold accreditation.
When it may matter
- Transferring back into a school that asks for accredited transcripts
- Some sports, scholarship or program eligibility rules
- Wanting an outside school to issue the diploma
When it often doesn't
Many colleges evaluate homeschool applicants on parent transcripts, test scores and portfolios. Check with the specific colleges you have in mind.
Programs listing an accredited option (11 of 41)
| Program | Price as shown | Grades | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K12 | Tuition-free (K12-powered online public schools, where available by state) | K-12 | K12-powered online schools accredited under Stride's institutional Cognia accreditation (per K12) |
| Connections Academy | Tuition-free (public online school, where available) | K-12 | Accreditation referenced on official site |
| Abeka | Abeka Academy, Video & Books: accredited Gr 1-6 $148.40 x 10-month plan; unaccredited Gr 1-6 $143.40 x 10; K5 $98.40/$93.40 x 10. Other plans on page. | PreK-12 | Accredited and unaccredited video options (Abeka Academy pricing page) |
| Acellus Academy | Monthly plans shown on tuition page (e.g., $299/mo and $499/mo tiers) | K-12 | Accredited high school diploma referenced |
| Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) | unknown | Grades 5-12 (AoPS Online) | ACS WASC accredited (per site) |
| Oak Meadow | Oak Meadow School full-year enrollment: Kindergarten $3,509 ($2,870 tuition + $639 materials); 1st grade $3,577 | PreK-12 | Accredited distance school (per site) |
| Seton Home Study School | Grades 1-12 base $530/student (full payment) plus grade fees (e.g., +$260 grades 9-12); PreK/K $210; single courses $40-$230 | PreK-12 | Accredited distance school (per site) |
| BYU Independent Study | High/middle school: $229 per 0.5-credit standard course; $329 specialized; $130 best value (effective Aug 1, 2026) | Grades 7-12 and university | Accredited (470+ accredited courses per site) |
| Stanford Online High School | 2026-27: $31,900 full-time; $19,140 part-time; $6,380 single course | Grades 7-12 | Accredited (per site) |
| Laurel Springs School | Full-year: Elementary $7,200; Middle $8,300; High $11,700; Academy MS $12,650; Academy HS $17,250 | K-12 | Accredited private online school (per site) |
| Miacademy | Trial shown: first month $1 (regular price not captured) | K-8 (MiaPrep 7-12) | Described as 'accredited program' on site |
Prices as shown on official pages, checked 2026-10-17.
Frequently asked questions
Are homeschool curricula accredited?
Accreditation applies to schools. Curricula usually aren't accredited themselves. Some publishers also run accredited distance schools; Abeka Academy, for example, lists both accredited and unaccredited options.
Do colleges require accredited homeschool diplomas?
Policies vary by college. Ask each admissions office directly.
Which online schools are accredited?
See the table on this page. It lists programs whose official pages reference accreditation, checked 2026-10-17.