Frequently Asked Questions

Excel High School welcomes middle school age students through older adults seeking a high school diploma and college credits. Enrollment into Excel High School is quite simple and will only take a few minutes. Students/parents should complete the enrollment application online and submit the application electronically with tuition payment to by Enrolling Here

All applications must be completed in full and signed digitally during the application process. Excel High School accepts all major credit cards and debit cards for tuition payments. Once your application is received by an enrollment counselor, we will make contact with the student/parent within 24-hours to plan your desired course(s). Course access will be granted once payment for the course(s) has been received by Excel. Students can expect to have online course access within 24-hours, but in most cases, access is provided much sooner.

Download the Excel High School Catalog Here (PDF)

Yes, Excel High School issues the same accredited highs school diploma as public and charter schools.

Excel High School is a non-public, State Department of Education accredited recognized school. Excel High School is Regionally Accredited by Cognia, the parent organization of the North Central Association CASI, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools CASI, and the Northwest Accrediting Commission. Click Here to view our accreditation profile. Excel High School is affiliated with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. See MSA-CESS for more details.

Excel Education Systems holds district/systems accreditation for all Excel schools.

Excel High School is Regionally Accredited by Cognia, the parent organization for the North Central Association CASI, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools CASI and the Northwest Accrediting Commission. Our Regionally accredited online middle school (6-8) and our high school diploma (9-12), and all credits earned at Excel High School are accepted by other K-12 schools, Colleges, Universities, the Military, and Employers.

Cognia/North Central Association CASI, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools CASI and the Northwest Accrediting Commission are accrediting agencies recognized by the State Department of Education, CHEA, and The United States Department of Education.

Cognia is a nationally recognized accrediting agency dedicated to advancing excellence in education worldwide. Cognia provides accreditation, research, and professional services to 34,000 schools and school systems—employing more than four million educators and enrolling more than 20 million students—across the United States and 70 other nations.

Parents and interested community members can learn more about the Cognia Accreditation Process at www.cognia.org

Excel High School is also a candidate for accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Excel High School offers middle school, university preparatory high school diploma 24-credits, a standard high school diploma 21.5-credits, and an adult high school diploma program. Excel High School also offers college in high school and ACE College Credits, so students can earn college credits while completing a high school diploma.

Our fully accredited programs are designed for students to pursue higher education through a community college, career college, technical college, or a university. Credentials earned at Excel High School are also designed to meet requirements for entry-level employment and to join the military under tier one preferred status. We advise students to call our counseling office at (952) 465-3700 so we can help you with college and career planning. Students seeking entrance into a 4-year university, we offer a university prep (24-credit) diploma. Excel High School does not offer a GED ® test leading to a GED ® test credential. The GED ® test HiSET and other high school equivalency programs are only available in person at a local State testing office.

For non-native English speakers, Excel High School offers online ELL (English Language Learning) middle and high school courses to support students as they sharpen their English skills and prepare for success in university.

Good news: Students can earn a State recognized, accredited high school diploma online through Excel High School. Excel High School accepts previous GED scores toward high school credit. 

If you are considering the in-person GED test, Excel High School does offer online GED Test prep to get you prepared. We can help you to prepare for the GED exam, or you would also have the opportunity to complete the adult high school diploma online.  

**Excel offers grades 6-8 for online middle school.

We also encourage you to consider Success Coach Pro for your child to ensure success.

• A Computer or Laptop
• High-Speed Internet Access
• A Positive Attitude and the Desire to Succeed

*Note: Participating in an accredited online school will take effort and determination. Students will need access to a computer/laptop and have access to high-speed Internet. Mobile devices will not work for all aspects of Excel's online courseware.

We also encourage you to consider Success Coach Pro for your child to ensure success.

Yes! Excel High School has a solid reputation within the academic community. Our graduates are able to pursue employment, post-secondary education or join the military with their EHS Diploma. All colleges, universities, and employers accept credentials issued by a Regionally Accredited High School. Excel High School’s Accreditation is recognized by all 50-States Departments' of Education, the Department of Defence and the US Department of Education.

Excel High School enrolls students ages 11+ for middle school online and age 14+ for online high school.  Excel serves students in any location in the US that has completed 8th grade for high school. As long as you meet Excel's minimum admission requirements, and have determined that you would be a great online student, we invite students from any location around the world to enroll at Excel High School. We do not set any geographical boundaries. International students make up a good part of our student body.  Students whose first language is not English must have a good mastery of the English language equivalent to the 8th grade in the American system. Excel High School does not require TOEFL test scores for admission. Click Here for Excel's credit transfer policy.

Excel thrives on diversity and feels our diverse student body is what sets us apart from other traditional American online high schools. We truly offer a well-round and diversified online learning experience. We serve students all over the world and are experts at working from a distance. Excel High School is an Accredited International High School. Any student age 14+ who have completed 8th grade may enroll at Excel High School.

*Middle school students must be age 11+ and have completed 5th grade to enter Excel middle school.

*International students wanting to transfer credits from outside the US system, please click here for credit transfer evaluation.

You can Start Today! Excel High School courses are taught 4-month semesters, similar to a college semester. Excel High School online courses are self-paced and can be taken at any time. Our online high school diploma program is geared toward today's busy lifestyle, and we offer a great deal of flexibility to our students. Adult high school programs can be completed faster than traditional high school.

Smartphones and tablets are very powerful devices but may not the best device to complete all parts of online courses. Some of Excel High School’s courses have applications that require a computer, which is particularly true with final exams and writing assignments. Most sections of Excel’s online courses can be accessed on a cell phone or mobile device, but keep in mind that final exams and writing assignments must be completed on a desktop or laptop computer.

A successful online learner must be a motivated self-starter and committed to the success of their education. While Excel High School offers a world-class education, it is ultimately up to the student to succeed. That can only be achieved by putting forth a lot of effort. Like anything, the more you put into your education the greater the benefit. Before you decide whether our college-prep courses, high school diploma programs, or online credit recovery courses are right for you, we suggest that you take our quick assessment: Is online learning right for me?

YES! Excel High School offers credit recovery and summer school courses online. We want to help students’ graduate on-time! It is our intention to provide students with whatever level of service they require. We can offer a full curriculum for grades 6-12; Standard and Honors Courses, or just one or two courses to satisfy your current school's graduation requirements. We also offer self-paced credit recovery courses and supplemental courses to help you complete your high school diploma. Our online courses and high school diploma are also an excellent option for homeschooled children. We offer all of the courses required to complete our program and graduate.

We offer flexible and affordable payment plans. (Excel High School is the most affordable Regionally accredited online high school)

Adult High School Diploma Online Enrollment ages 18+ is: $ 99.90 per month 
* Flexible monthly payment plans of $ 99.90. The program includes highly qualified instructors.

Full-Time Standard High School Diploma Enrollment ages 14-18 is: $ 1490 per school year 
* Flexible monthly payment plans of $ 149.00. The program includes highly qualified instructors and access to online tutoring.

Full-Time Honors High School Diploma Enrollment ages 14-18 is: $ 1690 per school year 
* Flexible monthly payment plans of $ 169.00. The program includes highly qualified instructors and access to unlimited online tutoring.

Full-Time AP/Honors High School Diploma Enrollment is $ 2490 per school year or $ 249.00 per month on the payment plan
* The program includes highly qualified instructors and access to online tutoring and success coach.

Dedicated  Enhanced Success Coaching $ 1,000 per school year, which includes regular checkpoints and one-on-one Zoom meetings to ensure academic success, SAT/ACT testing assistance, and college admission planning. 

Online Middle School - $ 1390 per grade level

Flexible monthly payment plans of $ 139.00 x 10, for the middle school program. The program includes highly qualified instructors and access to unlimited 24 x 7 online tutoring.

Part-time High School/Summer School/Credit Recovery Courses $ 199-$549 USD

Click Here for Dual Enrollment and College Courses

GED ® test Prep Online Course to prepare for the GED ® test $ 169.00

ACE College Credit Courses $ 199.00 each for 3-semester credit.

*  Excel High School offers affordable payment plans for all full-time, online programs.

You will notice the cost to attend Excel High School is less than half the cost of comparable accredited private high schools in the US. It is our goal to keep education affordable for everyone. Since we are able to keep our costs low, we pass these savings on to our students. We have no buildings to maintain, other than our administration offices; staff, and facilities, we have no schools buses to operate; we do not employ a facilities maintenance crew; we do not offer school lunch programs; so you can quickly see how we can be such an affordable option.

Click here to review the enrollment agreement

First of all, Excel High School is a tuition-funded, non-public school. Unlike public high schools, Excel does not receive any State or Federal funding whatsoever. Students are supported by the tuition they pay to the school. We offer flexible and affordable payment plans. Excel High School is the most affordable Regionally accredited online high school. We do our best to keep costs low for our students and their families.

Accredited, Online non-public schools are never free.

Public schools are funded by the State. As a non-public school, Excel High School does not receive government funding. As such, EHS is directly funded by student tuition.

The State pays for public schools through age 18. Students over age 18 no longer qualify for public high school and are obligated to pay out of pocket. There is no such thing as financial aid for non-public, adult, online high school diploma programs.

We do our best to keep our tuition low while providing exceptional, high-quality online high school programs.

Yes, Excel does offer convenient and affordable interest-free monthly payment options. You can choose to pay in full or our pay over time option when you enroll. Please call an enrollment counselor for details at 952-465-3700. There are no interest payments on Excel's programs.

All online high school courses and programs are taught by highly qualified instructors that hold appropriate degrees from Regionally accredited universities, relative to each instructor’s area of expertise. You can be sure that quality in education is our #1 goal!

Excel High School employs highly qualified instructional and support staff. Support services are available to all Excel High School students during normal school hours via phone, online chat, or by submitting a support ticket through the learning management system. We are here to support your learning.  Starting October 2020, Excel has partnered with Train the Brain to offer live online tutoring and homework help 24x7 for our students.

There is no difference in the college-preparatory curriculum between Excel and traditional American high schools. There is a significant difference in the flexibility offered to all Excel students in the way they can earn their high school credits online. Excel High School utilizes some of the best digital curriculum available anywhere. We have partnered with Holt HMH, the Discovery Channel, and Discovery Education, and Canvas LMS to deliver a wonderful online learning experience for our students.

Simply put, No! As an accredited American high school, Excel offers a flexible alternative for students; it is not an easier option than traditional accredited high schools. At Excel, every student has a "front row seat." All courses are written at or above grade level and require an average of one to two hours of focused study on a daily basis to complete one course within the traditional semester time frame. Our courses engage students in real-life projects, requiring the use of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply the knowledge they have acquired.

Absolutely! As a parent, you will most likely be receiving more updates and information about your student's progress than ever before. We strongly feel that a parent's involvement in their child's education is critical to their overall success. You can always check to see how your child is performing by logging into the parent portal of the Canvas LMS. In addition, all full-time high school students and their parents sign a parent/student/teacher contract each semester, which further strengthens the commitment to succeed on the part of everyone involved.

Parents are always invited to call the school during normal school hours and connect with a counselor to discuss your child's progress. We also encourage you to consider Success Coach Pro for your child to ensure success.

Excel students are athletes, performers, military families and students who benefit from individualized instruction, students who prefer to accelerate, international students seeking an American high school diploma, part-time students, students who travel, Adult high school students returning to high school, homeschool and summer school students. Through our various high school diploma programs and courses, students can earn high school credits online.

Excel partners with public school districts and private schools in the US to help educate students and aid in meeting online initiatives. We also offer adults an opportunity to complete their education online through our adult high school diploma program. For those needing a GED ® test prep course to prepare for the GED ® test, our GED ® test prep course offers an excellent opportunity to prepare for the official in-person test. Our adult high school diploma programs are geared for those adults who see the value of completing their high school diploma 100% online. Please call our admissions office for information concerning the online high school programs we offer.

If you are seeking online high school courses based on a Christian worldview, we recommend checking out Northgate Academy. Northgate Academy offers accredited online high school programs for families seeking a private, Christian education. This is a great choice for homeschooled families seeking an accredited and nationally recognized private high school.

Excel is pleased to offer accredited online middle school courses for (grades 6-8). Excel Middle School serves students in grades 6, 7, and 8 with online middle school courses designed to engage young learners. Excel middle school courses are a great option for online middle school. Please click here for more details. Consider adding an Academic Success Coach for your child.

Excel is pleased to offer the dual enrollment program, which is dual high school/college enrollment. Excel students earn a high school diploma and college credits simultaneously. High school juniors, seniors, and adult learners qualify to earn college credit and certificates while enrolled in the dual enrollment program. The dual enrollment program prepares students for a career and grants college credits that may save time and reduce tuition costs when transferring credits toward an associate or bachelor's degree. Please click here for details.

After graduating from Excel High School, we recommend you check out Excel's post-secondary options at Washington Online Learning Institute.  WOLI offers online college-level certificate and diploma programs in Business, Legal Studies,  Criminal Justice, Health Care, and Information Technology. Earn a career diploma or undergraduate certificate today at WOLI and start a new career in a matter of months!

Excel High School offers 20 ACE recommended college credits that may transfer to other accredited colleges and universities.

Students may also take Advanced Placement (AP) courses which are dual college credits transferable to other colleges and universities.  Click here to learn more.

Excel offers dual high school/college enrollment opportunities with Excel's ACE recommended credits.