Be cautious of fake online high schools and GED programs. Only those institutions holding State or US Department of Education Recognized Accreditation are deemed credible. Any institution not holding such accreditation is viewed as unaccredited.
Alert: If you possess a diploma from the online institutions listed below, you may be a victim of a scam. Please reach out to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Attorney General of Arizona. These institutions violate both State and Federal Laws, including sections 15 U.S.C. §§ 41-58 and Section 5(a) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. § 45(a), which forbid unfair or deceptive commercial acts or practices.
Suspected Fraudulent Institutions
West Madison Falls High School
highschooldiplomaonline net
Aberdeen Academy
highschooldiploma.net
Dalloway High School Online
highschooldiploma org
Aspen Heights High School
fasthighschooldiplomaonline com
Heritage Westen High School
highschooldiplomaonlinecourse com
Columbia Northern High School
onlinehighschooldiplomaprogram com
Paramont High School Online
highschooldiplomaonlinefree com
Aspire Online High School
onlinehighschooldiploma net
Glaciar Online High School
freeonlineged org
Gold Leaf Academy
freeonlineged org
The schools listed above are currently under legal scrutiny by the FTC. For more details on the lawsuit, visit the official FTC website. You can also view the press release and the related lawsuits here and here.
Excel High School is at the forefront in combating these fraudulent activities. Teaming up with a coalition of accredited institutions, we aim to aid victims of these scams. We facilitate the process of lodging verified complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the Attorney General, and the US Federal Trade Commission. Our mission is to ensure that victims get rightful redress and these deceptive diploma mills are permanently closed. Moreover, we provide genuine assistance for victims to earn a recognized, accredited high school diploma.
For a legitimate educational experience and a credential that holds significant value, it's essential to opt for a high school diploma over a GED. Seek high schools holding Regional accreditation from a State Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Excel High School, for instance, is accredited by AdvancED, which encompasses The North Central Association CASI, The Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC), and Southern Association of Schools and Colleges CASI. To verify any school's accreditation, consult the International Registry for Accreditation.
Important Notes:
- • As of August 31st, 2023, no online institutions offer an accredited equivalency program or high school diploma via an exit exam. Genuine, accredited high school diplomas necessitate several months or years of comprehensive coursework.
- • Only accreditation agencies recognized by CHEA.org are deemed legitimate by colleges and employers.
** Schools found below are not accredited and are typically not accepted by colleges/employers.
List updated in October 2023 - Online High School Review - Online High School Scam
For more information about unaccredited high schools, check out the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, or your state Attorney General's office.
FAKE ONLINE SCHOOLS LIST
(UPDATED October 2023)
IF YOU HAVE SENT MONEY TO ANY OF THE FAKE SCHOOLS ON THIS LIST, YOU SHOULD DEMAND A FULL REFUND. THE SCHOOLS ON THIS LIST ARE NOT ACCEPTED BY COLLEGES OR EMPLOYERS
(You can search the table below to see if a school you are considering is included.)
| School Name | School Name |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen High School | Adison High School |
| Alford High School | Aspen Heights High School Academy |
| Aspire High School | Auburn Canyon High School |
| Beacon Falls High School | Belford High School |
| Brooksville High School | Bussville High School |
| Continental Academy | Cambell State University |
| Capitol High School | Christian Kingdom Academy |
| Columbia Northern High School | Columbia North High School |
| Corllins University | Cornerstone Christian High School |
| Country High School | Crystal Canyon Academy |
| Dalloway School | Dalloway High School |
| Edison High School | Edward High School |
| Foster City High School | Fortville High School |
| Garrison Global Academy | Glacier High School |
| Headway University | Heritage West High School |
| Hill University | I. Jean Cooper Private School Scam |
| Jefferson High School | Kennedy High School |
| KokoPelli Online High School | Lincoln Academy Online High School |
| Lorenz University | Mary Grand High School |
| Marwin High School | Marque Learning Center |
| Mayflower High School | Mcford Univrsity |
| Mcford High School | McHill High School |
| Merto High School | Midwest High School |
| Missionary Chapel | Must High School |
| Nation High School | North Cleveland High School |
| Northern Port University | Pacific High School |
| Panworld University | Palm Valley High School |
| Penford High School | Remington High School |
| Rochville High School | Roosevelt High School |
| Sanford High School | Stenford High School |
| Silverstone Academy | South Bristol High School |
| South Brook Academy | South East High School |
| Southwest Home School Academy | Stanberry Home High School |
| Standford Online High School | Stanley High School |
| Stratford Career Institute | Sunfield High School |
| Titan High School | United Christian Home School |
| Victorville High School | West Madison Falls High School |
| Western Valley Advanced University | Wilson State University |
| Winford High School | Woodfield High School |
Need to add a fake school to the list? Give us a call at 952-465-3700 and we will research the matter and add any unaccredited scam online high schools to the list.
This list is created and provided by a consortium of Regionally Accredited online schools and colleges to raise public awareness concerning fake and scam schools. Don't become a victim. Do your research before selecting an online high school and check with your State Department of Education and the Better Business Bureau.
Fake High Schools Recently Shut Down and Sued by the State and US Government:
- https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2015/01/ftc-shuts-down-diploma-mill-operators
- http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2014/09/ftc-action-halts-online-high-school-diploma-mill-made-11-million
- https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/oagnews/release.php?id=4820
- https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/newspubs/releases/2011/060211advent_afj.pdf
