Program

  • Overview
  • Career Certificates
  • Accreditation
  • Curriculum

HELP YOUR STUDENTS OR WORKERS EARN A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

Graduate

At Career Online High School, student earns an accredited high school diploma, as well as a workforce readiness certificate.

The program is 100% online, which means students can access their course materials from anywhere, at any time. There’s no need to purchase any additional materials, as the program is all-inclusive. And, unlike traditional schools, our cutting-edge high school diploma program was designed with the adult learner in mind.

As an accredited high school program, students can transfer in previously earned high school credits, which means they do not have to repeat courses they’ve completed in the past, helping them graduate faster. Contact us for more information.

WORKFORCE CERTIFICATES PREPARE STUDENTS WITH THE SKILLS NEEDED TO SUCCEED IN JOBS

All of our career certificate tracks are designed to teach students the skills needed to advance in a career or attend further school/training. The certificate shows an employer that they have special skills and training for the job. Students complete their career program alongside their high school diploma, and earn both of the following:

  • An accredited high school diploma
  • A credentialed career certificate in their chosen career path

In addition to the career courses, students must also meet the core course requirements to earn their diploma. You can find information about core courses in the culculum section.

A School You Can Trust for a Valid Online High School Diploma

accredCareer Online High School is part of Smart Horizons Career Online Education, the nation’s first private, accredited online school district. The district has been granted District Accreditation from the AdvancED Accreditation Commission. AdvancED is the national commission that confers the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), and the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) accreditation seals. This means that the Smart Horizons Career Online Education district and all of its schools are AdvancED/SACS/NCA/NWAC accredited, and that the district is recognized across the nation as a quality school system.

AdvancED provides nationally recognized accreditation for school districts and individual schools and represents 27,000 public and private schools and districts across the United States and in 65 countries worldwide, educating 15 million students.

Why Accreditation Matters for Your Students and Workers

  • Students can transfer in credit, accelerating their degree completion, which saves time and resources
  • Required for entry to many colleges or post-secondary workforce training
  • Provides students greater access to financial aid, federal loans, and scholarships
  • Many employers want to see that a prospective employee attended an accredited institution
  • Ensures the quality of the school; an accredited school must “act with integrity in all matters.”

Curriculum Overview

Students must successfully complete a total of 18 credits (they can transfer in up to 14 credits) in the following subjects. See below for the Course Catalog.

  • English (4 credits)
  • Social Studies (3 credits)
  • Math (3 credits)
  • Science (3 credits)
  • Health/PE (1 credit)
  • Career Elective Courses (4 credits)

About the Program

  • How It Works

    • Students will do the following:

      1. Enroll and receive Transfer Credit:
        • They transfer in high school credits for courses they have already completed
        • Virtual Welcome Kit shows them step by step how the program works
        • Welcome phone call kicks off a virtual tour of the online campus (think of it as the first-day-of-school orientation)
      2. Complete their high school diploma courses:
        • 24/7 access
        • Instant feedback on lessons and exams
        • Online learning resources including eLibrary, Calendar, and Academic Support Services
        • Pace Guide to show students how much they need to complete in order to stay on track to graduate
      3. Get help whenever they need it
        • Academic Coach
        • Qualified, certified instructors
        • Technical Support
      4. Prepare for their careers:
        • Complete coursework to become certified in a chosen career area
        • Attend online seminars to prepare for the workplace
        • Complete a Career Portfolio in which they create resumés, cover letters, and more
      5. Graduate, having earned the following:
        • Accredited High School Diploma
        • Career Certificate
        • Career Portfolio with resumes and cover letters
        • Job training and skills
  • Student Support

    • Student support is huge to us! From the moment students call us until the day they receive their high school diplomas in the mail, we are there for them.

      We combine extensive student support with the flexibility of online delivery. Students have access to an Academic Coach, a Certified Instructor, and Technical Support.

      Upon enrolling, every student is assigned an Academic Coach who is there to be their cheerleader, answer questions, connect them with instructors for academic support, and provide any guidance and motivation that is needed.

  • Graduation Requirements

    • Students must successfully complete a total of 18 units (either through COHS or through a combination of transferred credits from an accredited institution and COHS credits) in the following areas to receive a COHS AdvancED/SACS/NCA/NWAC accredited high school diploma and career certificate:

      • English (4 credits)
      • Social Studies (3 credits)
      • Math (3 credits)
      • Science (3 credits)
      • Health/PE (1 credit)
      • Career Elective Courses (4 credits)

      Students can transfer in as many as 14 credits from other accredited institutions and only need to take the courses that they are missing.

      Students have 18 months to complete the high school diploma program; however, many complete the program in 3 to 4 months, depending on how many courses they need.

  • Transfer Credit

    • We grant transfer credit for courses students have already completed at other accredited institutions, which can accelerate their program completion. Students may transfer in up to 14 courses.

      To get started on transfer credits, students can download the Transcript Request Form and send it to any past schools they have attended.

  • Technology Requirements

    • This checklist covers the minimum technology requirements for our high school diploma courses.

      DESKTOP COMPUTERS

      Supported browsers
      Internet Explorer 11 and later
      Mozilla Firefox 42 and later
      Apple Safari 9 and later
      Google Chrome 50 and later
      Opera 30 and later
      Microsoft Edge 12 and later

      Additional plug-ins (may be required)
      Macromedia Flash Player 8 (version 10 for test assignments)
      Adobe Acrobat Reader (view and print certificates)
      Tablets

       

      TABLETS

      Supported browsers
      Internet Explorer 11 and later
      Mozilla Firefox 10 and later
      iOS Safari 8 and later
      Google Chrome 51 and later
      Opera 37 and later
      Microsoft Edge 12 and later

      Additional plug-ins (may be required)
      Adobe Acrobat Reader (view and print certificates)
      Mobile Devices (Phones and others)

       

      MOBILE DEVICES (PHONES AND OTHERS)

      Supported browsers
      Google Chrome 51 or later
      Microsoft Edge 13 or later
      Opera Mobile 37 or later
      Safari on iOS 9.3 or later
      Firefox Mobile 47 or later
      Samsung Internet 2.0
      Amazon Silk

      Additional plug-ins (may be required)
      Macromedia Flash Player 8 (version 10 for test assignments)
      Adobe Acrobat Reader (view and print certificates)
      Other Devices

       

      OTHER DEVICES

      Supported browsers
      Microsoft Edge 13 or later on the Xbox

      Additional plug-ins (may be required)
      Adobe Acrobat Reader (view and print certificates)

       

      We offer a Technology System Check so students can confirm that their computer meets the minimum technology requirements.

  • State Restrictions

    • Students interested in pursuing post-secondary education within their state should check with the state to understand the requirements. States may impose requirements for receiving state financial aid. For example, an online high school diploma may not be recognized by some colleges and universities within a state to receive financial aid. We recommend students check with a specific institution for any specific restrictions—this is particularly important for residents of New York and New Jersey.

CAREER CERTIFICATE TRACKS

  • General Career Preparation

    • Program Overview

      In the General Career Preparation Program, students gain the skills and knowledge needed for success in a variety of career fields. The program also prepares students for career college, vocational training, community college, or continuing education. This is an excellent option for students who are undecided in their career majors, but need career training they can apply in any occupation or course of study. The program stresses the personal and professional skills needed in today’s workplace.

      Career Information and Outlook

      Although these skills can be applied to almost any career field, office and administrative support positions tend to rely greatly on the information learned in this program. The occupations within this group often work in an office setting, performing clerical or customer service related tasks. Many of these occupations are expected to have at least a 10 percent increase in employment from 2014 to 2024.*

      Topics Students Will Learn About:

      • Advancing in the workplace
      • Communication
      • Time management
      • Creativity
      • Employment hot topics
      • Workplace challenges and opportunities

      Careers in this Field:

      • Customer Service Specialist
      • Receptionist
      • Bank Teller
      • Administrative Assistant
      • Financial Clerk

      Career Courses

  • Office Management

    • Program Overview

      The certificate program in Office Management prepares students for successful careers in clerical positions in any type of office setting. From corporations and law firms to schools and governmental organizations to local companies and health clinics, every office can benefit from a skilled, organized receptionist or office assistant.

      Career Information and Outlook

      The program is designed to prepare students to manage the day to day needs of an office and its staff. Office and administrative support workers often help with communicating office policies to new employees, keeping inventory and ordering office supplies, or even recommending staff needs and procedural changes to management.

      The career outlook for office management professionals is bright. It is expected that employment of receptionists and office clerks will grow faster than average from 2014 to 2024.* Job prospects are expected to be better for those who can manage a wide range of responsibilities.**

      Topics Students Will Learn About:

      • Effective communication
      • Time management
      • Creativity
      • Conflict resolution
      • Dealing with difficult people
      • Establishing goals
      • Leadership and teamwork
      • Hiring procedures

      Careers in this Field:

      • Clerk Specialist
      • Member Service Representative
      • Office Assistant
      • Receptionist
      • Office Coordinator

      Career Courses

  • Food and Hospitality

    • Program Overview

      The Food and Hospitality Certificate program prepares students for careers in food services, restaurants, and the hospitality industry. The program emphasizes the personal and professional skills used in a wide variety of food service settings. This is an excellent option for those already working in the food services environment who want to apply for management positions, or for those interested in starting new careers.

      The program also prepares students to take the Prometric Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) exam.

      Career Information and Outlook

      Professionals in the food and hospitality industry work in restaurants, hotels, resorts, and cafeterias. Some of the tasks they perform are food preparation, serving food, assisting customers, and managing restaurants or hotels.

      Although the careers in this industry vary, many have bright outlooks. For example, the employment of food servers is expected to increase by 10 percent from 2014 to 2024.* Employment of combined food preparation and serving workers is expected to grow faster than the average in that time frame.**

      Topics Students Will Learn About:

      • HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) principles
      • U.S. food service regulation
      • Food preparation and safety
      • Foodborne illnesses & bloodborne pathogens
      • Receiving and storing food items
      • Working in teams
      • Communication skills
      • How to advance at work
      • Workplace challenges and opportunities

      Careers in this Field:

      • Server
      • Cook
      • Concierge
      • Food Service Manager
      • Crew Member

      Career Courses

  • Childcare and Education

    • Program Overview

      This certificate program prepares students to obtain the national Child Development Associate (CDA) certification and employment as a childcare worker. The courses help students learn to perform tasks in a professional child care setting.

      Students who graduate from this program will receive a self-study CDA certificate that meets the 120 clock hours of professional development required by the Council for Professional Recognition in order to obtain the National CDA credential.

      Career Information and Outlook

      Childcare workers keep children safe, care for their needs, and help them with their development through reading, doing crafts, or engaging in other activities. They also communicate with parents regarding their children’s progress and behavior. Childcare workers often work at daycare centers, preschools, someone’s home, or even their own home.

      Childcare is a growing career field. Employment of childcare workers is expected to grow by 14 percent from 2012 to 2022. Increases in the number of children who require childcare and continued demand for preschool programs will fuel growth in the industry.*

      Topics Students Will Learn About:

      • Observing and recording progress/behavior of children
      • Advancement of physical and intellectual development
      • Enhancement of social and emotional development
      • Positive relationships with families
      • Commitment to professionalism
      • Effective program operation
      • Safe and healthy environments for children and childcare workers

      Careers in this Field:

      • Childcare Worker
      • Daycare Worker
      • Teacher Assistant

      Career Courses

  • Retail Customer Service

    • Program Overview

      The Retail Customer Service Certificate program prepares students with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in today’s retail world. This is an excellent option for those already working in a retail environment who want to advance in their careers, or for those interested in starting new retail jobs. The program emphasizes customer service skills that can be applied in a wide variety of retail settings.

      Career Information and Outlook

      Professionals in retail work in clothing stores, auto sales, sporting goods stores, and other merchandise stores. Those in this field commonly perform tasks like greeting customers, answering customers’ questions, and accepting payment for merchandise. They are often the busiest during the holiday season toward the end of the year.

      Employment of retail salespersons has a “bright outlook” over the next decade.*

      Topics Students Will Learn About:

      • Working in retail sales
      • Communicating with retail customers
      • Providing an excellent customer experience
      • Dealing with difficult people
      • Time management
      • Working in teams
      • How to be successful on the job
      • Workplace challenges and opportunities

      Careers in this Field:

      • Store Clerk
      • Sales Associate
      • Customer Assistant

      Career Courses

  • Certified Protection Officer

    • Program Overview

      The Protection Officer Certificate program teaches students important protection and security principles. It also prepares them to obtain a Certified Protection Officer (CPO) certificate and employment as a security guard and/or a protection officer.

      Career Information and Outlook

      Some of the tasks that security guards perform include patrolling a specified area, writing reports on observations, and detaining violators. They may also monitor alarms and cameras for any suspicious activity. Guards protect people, money, merchandise, and sensitive records. For example, retail stores may employ security guards to help prevent shoplifting.

      There will continue to be a demand for security officers, especially as private security firms take over duties that used to be performed by police officers. From 2012 to 2022, the employment in this field is expected to grow by 12 percent.*

      Topics Students Will Learn About:

      • Report writing
      • Physical security
      • Emergency procedures
      • Workplace violence
      • Traffic control
      • Fire prevention
      • Use of force
      • Operational risk management

      Careers in this Field:

      • Security Agent
      • Campus Security Officer
      • Loss Prevention Officer

      Career Courses

  • Commercial Driving

    • Program Overview

      The certificate program in Commercial Driving teaches and prepares students to obtain a Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) and employment as a truck driver and/or commercial driver.

      Career Information and Outlook

      Truck drivers with a CDL can drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of more than 3 tons. They perform maintenance checks on their vehicles, follow safety procedures for hazardous materials, and operate equipment such as CB radios.

      Most of the freight in the United States is carried by trucks and as the economy grows so will the demand for goods. This is one of the reasons employment of truck drivers is expected to grow by 11 percent from 2012 to 2022.*

      Topics Students Will Learn About:

      • Driving safety
      • Transporting cargo
      • Transporting passengers
      • Combination vehicles
      • Tank vehicles
      • Hazardous materials

      Careers in this Field:

      • Line Haul Driver
      • Semi Truck Driver
      • Tractor Trailer Operator

      Career Courses

  • Homeland Security

    • Program Overview

      The certificate program in Homeland Security teaches and prepares students to obtain entry-level employment in the transportation security industry.

      Career Information and Outlook

      Transportation security screeners ensure compliance with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. These professionals may screen passengers, cargo, or baggage. They often use tools such as x-ray machines and hand wands.

      Employment in the transportation security field is expected to grow by 6 percent from 2012 to 2022.*

      Topics Students Will Learn About:

      • Crowd control
      • Emergency measures plan
      • Advanced first aid
      • Introduction to hazardous materials (HAZMAT)
      • Overview of weapons of mass destruction (WMD)
      • Types of terrorists

      Careers in this Field

      • Security Officer
      • Compliance Inspector
      • Baggage Screener

      Career Courses

Core Courses

Career Electives

Career Portfolio Course

  • Non-Credit Resume & Career Prep
      • Basic Letter Format
      • Basic Thank You Letter
      • Business Letter
      • Cover Letter
      • Resumé
      • Researching and Restating the Career Requirements for Career Certificate
      • How to Research, Locate, and Contact Employment Sources
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