In California, 35% of adults have at least a bachelor’s degree. Getting a college degree can open up new job opportunities and help you make more money. Best online high schools make it easier than ever to get a college degree in California.
Schools in California’s online colleges offer degrees in a variety of high-demand professions, such as business and healthcare.
Online learning gives people the knowledge and skills they need to work in many different fields.
This page has a list of the best California online colleges. Read on to find out more about online high schools in California cost and what jobs in California pay well.
The List of Best Online High Schools in California
The following are the best online high schools in California:
1. San Diego State University
The academic programs at SDSU, a top public research university in San Diego, California, have teamed up with the SDSU Global Campus to offer fully online undergraduate and graduate degree completion programs. This gives working students more options for their education.
The online bachelor’s degrees from SDSU focus on business administration, communication, criminal justice, economics, and public health.
The university also gives online graduate degrees in teacher leadership, electrical engineering, epidemiology, regulatory affairs, and recovery counseling.
Students at SDSU can also take classes online or in a mix of on-campus and online classes.
Students in the lower division who want to transfer to SDSU but have less than 60 transferable credits cannot do so. All applicants must send in their official high school transcripts, fill out the CSU would have an application, and pay a nonrefundable $70 filing fee.
The WASC Senior Colleges and University Commission have given regional accreditation to San Diego State University (WSCUC).
2. Biola University
Biola is a Christian university in La Mirada, California, that is ranked among the best in the country. It offers fully online undergraduate programs so that students can finish their studies in an affordable and flexible way.
Biola offers online bachelor’s degrees in applied psychology, the Bible, theology, and apologetics, biblical ministries, business management, communication studies, early childhood, interdisciplinary studies, and public relations and digital media management. The university offers online courses that run for seven weeks and aren’t tied to a specific time.
Anyone interested can apply for free to any of Biola’s online bachelor’s degrees. For transfer students, the university asks accredited colleges for transcripts at no cost to the students. The school also gives each applicant an admissions counselor to help them through the process.
The WASC Senior Colleges and University Commission have given Biola University regional accreditation (WSCUC).
3. California State University-Chico
Chico State, which is in Chico, California, offers online courses and bachelor’s and master’s degree programs so that working students can still get their degrees.
There are bachelor’s degrees in social science, liberal studies, religious studies, and sociology among the programs offered by Chico State Distance and Online Education.
The university also has online programs for people who want to get a master’s degree in nursing or a certificate in career and life planning.
For the Bachelor of Social Work in Distributed Learning, students can also do a hybrid program that includes both online and on-campus classes. In this program, students learn through web-based, real-time classes that are offered on a rotating basis.
Those who want to apply must fill out an online application form and send in all transcripts of records from schools that are regionally accredited.
Students who want to take online classes at the school must be able to use a computer and have access to the internet.
The WASC Senior Colleges and University Commission is in charge of regional accreditation for California State University-Chico (WSCUC).
4. William Jessup University
Jessup is a Christian university in Rocklin, California. It now has 17 online degree programs for both undergraduate and graduate students that are accredited.
Jessup gives online bachelor’s degrees in psychology, leadership, business, computer science, criminal justice, and healthcare administration. The school also offers online master’s degrees in business administration, kinesiology, and leadership.
Students can take online courses whenever they want, and they can also use Jessup’s success center, online tutoring sessions, and the Paul Nystrom Library, which has thousands of books and other resources.
According to university policy, applicants can transfer up to 90 credits from an accredited school they went to before.
All applicants must fill out the school’s online application form and send in their academic transcripts and SAT or ACT scores.
The WASC Senior Colleges and University Commission has approved William Jessup University as a college in its region (WSCUC).
5. Concordia University-Irvine
CIU is in Irvine, California, and offers online bachelor’s degrees so that working people can keep learning at their own pace.
CIU’s online bachelor’s degrees include programs in business administration and leadership, Christian education leadership, healthcare management, and organizational psychology. In each online course offered by CIU, professors and other students meet regularly for two hours.
This lets students take part in live discussions and lectures. Students in this program can still use CIU’s support services and network of former students.
Applicants must fill out an application form that can be found on the school’s website. Prospective students should also write a statement of intent and send official transcripts from all colleges and universities they have attended before. The applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.4.
The WASC Senior Colleges and University Commission have given Concordia University-Irvine regional accreditation (WSCUC).
6. Mt. Everest Academy
Mt. Everest Academy is a top-rated public, online, alternative school in SAN DIEGO, CA. It has 291 students in grades K–12, and there are 24 students for every teacher.
State test scores show that 77 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 87 percent are at least proficient in reading.
Most students at Everest Academy are high-level athletes or want to be, and they compete on elite, club, provincial, or national teams.
Many of their students are trying to get athletic scholarships to college, so Everest students must be able to do well in both school and the sport they are interested in.
The overall development of their students is just as important, so the character is one of the most important things they look for in new students.
7. Amphi Academy Online
Amphi Academy Online is a public school that is in the big city of Tucson, Arizona. They have 909 students in grades K–12. The school serves students from all over the world.
At Amphi Academy Online, 25% of students scored at or above the proficient level in math, and the same number did so in reading.
61% of the students at the school are from a minority. The ratio of students to teachers is 39:1, which is worse than the district average.
There are 51% female students and 49% male students in the student population. There are 23 teachers who work full time and no school counselors who work full time.
8. California Preparatory Academy
The California Preparatory Academy is a public, online, alternative school in SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA, that gets high marks from parents and students.
It has 257 students in grades 9–12, and there are 37 students for every teacher. Based on scores on state tests, 35% of students are at least proficient in math, and 75% are at least proficient in reading.
In the National Rankings, California Preparatory Academy comes in at number 8,296. Schools are ranked by how well their students do on state-mandated tests, how many of them graduate, and how well they are prepared for college.
9. Learning Post High School
Learning Post High (Alternative) is a public school in a large suburb of Santa Clarita, California. There are 264 students at Learning Post High (Alternative), and the school serves students in grades 7 through 12.
52 percent of students at Learning Post High (Alternative) scored at or above the proficient level in math, and 87 percent scored at or above that level in reading.
41% of the students at the school are from a minority. The ratio of students to teachers is 29:1, which is worse than the district average.
There are 57 percent female students and 43 percent male students in the student population.
Twenty percent of the students at the school come from poor families. There are 9 teachers who work full time and 1 school counselor who works full time.
10. Buena Vista Virtual Academy
Buena Vista Virtual Academy is a public, online, alternative school in YORBA LINDA, CA, that gets high marks. It has 85 students in grades K–12, and there are 19 students for every teacher.
Based on scores on state tests, 35% of students are at least proficient in math, and 85% are at least proficient in reading.
The National Rankings took them off the list. Schools are ranked by how well their students do on state-mandated tests, how many of them graduate, and how well they are prepared for college.
11. Redlands eAcademy
Redlands eAcademy is a highly rated online public school in REDLANDS, California. It has 121 educators in grades K–12, and there are 12 students for every teacher.
The results of state tests show that 45 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 75 percent are at least proficient in reading.
12. California Connections Academy Southern California
California Connections Academy Southern California, which used to be called Capistrano Connections Academy, is an unrestricted, high-quality online public school for children in grades TK–12 in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties.
The Schools Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges recognized the school. It has an innovative curriculum that meets high state education standards and gives students the freedom to learn from anywhere.
When state-certified teachers, a tried-and-true curriculum, a wide range of electives, and community experiences come together, it makes for a supportive and effective learning environment.
13. Orchard View
Orchard View is a highly rated online public charter school in Sebastopol, California. It has 227 students in grades K–12, and there are 16 students for every teacher.
State test scores show that 47 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 67 percent are at least proficient in reading.
14. Val Verde Academy
Val Verde Academy is an online, public, alternative school that is better than average. It is in MORENO VALLEY, CA.
It has 109 students in grades K–12, and there are 11 students for every teacher.
The results of state tests show that 25% of students are at least proficient in math and that 55% of students are at least proficient in reading.
15. Cabrillo Point Academy
Cabrillo Point Academy is an online public university that is better than average.
It is in EL CAJON, CA. It has 4,492 students in grades K–12, and there are 32 students for every teacher.
Based on scores on state tests, 22% of students are at least proficient in math, and 45% are at least capable of reading.
16. Community Collaborative Virtual
Community Collaborative Virtual – Sage Oak Charter School is a public charter online school in REDLANDS, California that is better than average.
It has 2,648 students in grades PK–12, and there are 24 students for every teacher.
Based on scores on state tests, 34% of classmates are at least competent in math, and 48% are at least competent in reading.
17. California Pacific Charter Schools – San Diego
California Pacific Charter Schools – San Diego is a public, charter, online school in SAN MARCOS, CA that is better than average.
It has 308 educators in grades K–12, and there are 11 students for every teacher. Based on scores on state tests, 34% of students are at least skilled in math, and 52% are at least proficient in reading.
18. California Virtual Academy at San Joaquin
Imagine a high-quality WASC-accredited charter school that uses technology in new ways, has a rigorous and interactive curriculum from Stride K12, gives each student a personalized learning plan, and makes allowances for different ways of learning.
There are nine separate California Virtual Academies that offer this high-quality charter school. The California Virtual Academies are nine public charter schools that have been around since 2002. They serve students from all over the state.
When you sign up for one of the nine academies, you’re not just signing up for a school. You’re also signing up for an educational support system that works with your family and a California-certified teacher to give your child the best education possible.
19. Century Academy
Century Academy serves grades 6–12 and uses a blended learning model to offer a personalized way to learn.
They have three key parts that work together to teach the whole child and help all students succeed: a flexible online curriculum, weekly on-ground classes, and weekly one-on-one advising sessions.
Blended Learning is the main part of Century’s model. It is a mix of traditional classroom methods and independent study. Most of a student’s course materials will be online and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
Century Academy has individualized learning plans, Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and a small school community. At Century, you’ll find options for how to spend your time on campus so that you can balance your extracurricular and professional obligations.
You’ll also find counseling support for individuals and small groups, one-on-one college pathway coaching, and a balance between social and emotional growth and academic rigor.
Students at Century can join any of the sports and art forms programs offered by the Conejo Valley Unified School District as a whole.
Many Century students also take advantage of the dual-enrollment program, which lets them take classes at a junior college while they are still in high school.
20. Ilead Hybrid
Ilead Hybrid is a charter school in Acton, CA, which is a small town on the edge of a rural area. They have 3,670 students in grades K–12, and the school serves those in those grades. At Ilead Hybrid, 26% of students scored at or above the “proficient” level or higher in math, and 48% did the same or better in reading.
54% of the students at the school are from a minority group. The number of students to teachers is 22:1.
There are 52 percent female students and 48 percent male students in the student population. 34% of the students at this school come from low-income families. There are 164 teachers who work as much as a full-time job.
Best Online Associate Degree Programs
1. Online Private High School Diploma Programs
There is a wide range of quality, reputation, and cost among private online high schools. This path requires the most research, which we’ve helped with a lot, but it also has some great deals on top-notch education programs.
Best private online high schools in California are available all over the country, and the government has limited control over them.
They have great programs that meet the needs of each student, offer special interest programming, and work with many different ways of learning.
Even though they may get their diplomas from the state where they live, most homeschool graduates use private online high schools for their curriculum. Many of these private schools have special programs for students who are homeschooled.
One bad thing about private schools is that they can be very expensive. Also, even the most interesting programs need to be approved by the right people for a good education.
2. University Sponsored Diploma Programs
Online high school diploma programs that are run by universities have a lot of benefits and are often regionally accredited. Most university-sponsored programs offer a high-quality education, flexibility, and advanced or dual credit programs.
But these programs are often harder to get into, offer less interaction with teachers or services and can be expensive.
Students who can keep track of their own progress and work on their own tend to do best in university-sponsored programs.
Students who work hard might be able to finish a full year of college classes before they graduate from high school. This can be a very important benefit for students who want to go to college.
Even if a college or university is a public college or university, most of the programs they offer are not public for the purpose of classifying high school diploma programs.
How Does Online School Work?
Students in online school work from home and follow a set curriculum. Assignments are turned in through an online portal. Students also get feedback and grades from certified teachers, who can talk to them by phone, email, or web conference.
I do not really ask even parents to teach, most online schools ask them to help with their child’s education. Parents help their kids stay on track with their learning by acting as coaches.
Connections Academy and Stride K12 are two of the largest K–12 online schools in the United States. Connections Academy-supported schools are public online schools that don’t charge tuition and are available in almost 30 states right now.
Pearson Online & Blended Learning K-12 is in charge of them. In the same way, Stride K12 has public schools that don’t charge tuition in many states, as well as independent courses and career classes that do cost money.
Some online schools are completely online, but others are “blended schools.” So, what exactly are mixed schools? Blended schools are online schools that also have places where students can go and learn in person.
In Colorado, for example, GOAL Academy has “drop-in centers” where students can get help, do activities, or just hang out with their peers.
In addition to blended learning, online schooling is getting more and more different. Classes from a local school as well as an online school can be combined into a “playlist” for some students in certain states.
Because of this, some people in charge of online learning say that personalization is the real power of online learning.
Top-Paying Jobs in California
Lawyer, manager, and an engineer are some of the best-paying jobs in California. Many of the highest-paying jobs require a graduate degree, but some only need a two- or four-year degree.
A bachelor’s degree is enough to start a career as an air traffic controller, a financial manager, or a computer hardware engineer. See below for jobs in California that pay the most or the 6 best 6-month certificate programs that pay well.
1. Lawyers
These people help their clients choose legal strategies and stand up for them in court. Most lawyers focus on one area, such as family law or criminal law. Most lawyers go to law school, which usually takes about three years to complete. To get into the field, they must pass the California Bar Exam.
2. Air Traffic Controllers
These people are in charge of guiding commercial flights and other air traffic. They follow safety rules to make sure that planes can take off and land safely. People in charge of air traffic must follow federal rules. Most of them have an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. Air traffic controllers must go through training at the FAA Academy and get a certificate.
3. Nuclear Engineers
These engineers study nuclear energy to find new ways to use radiation and nuclear energy. They also work on safe ways to get rid of nuclear waste. Nuclear engineers can choose to focus on either nuclear power or the use of nuclear materials in the industry. These people need a bachelor’s degree in engineering to work in this field.
4. Pharmacists
Patients get prescription drugs from pharmacists. They work closely with doctors and other prescribers to make sure that people get the medicines they need. Pharmacists also tell people how to use prescription drugs and what side effects they might have. To work in California, they need a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, which takes four years, and a license.
5. Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forestry, conservation, and environmental science professors at colleges usually have a Ph.D. in their field. Many of them teach courses and do research in their area of expertise. These professionals may publish their research and talk about it at conferences for academics.
Online High Schools in California FAQs
How Long Do You Need to Live in California to Get In-State Tuition?
After having lived in California for more than a year, students are eligible for in-state tuition rates.
These students are required to demonstrate that they are financially self-sufficient and have the intention of remaining in the state after they graduate.
What Is the Cheapest College in California?
Community colleges are typically the most cost-effective educational option for students.
According to EducationData.org, the cost of one credit at a California community college is $42, making it the nation’s most affordable option.
Why Get an Online Degree in California?
The economy of California is currently the fifth largest in the world. Students have the opportunity to boost their earning potential by obtaining a college degree.
Those with a bachelor’s degree have an average annual salary that is around $27,300 more than those with just a high school diploma.
California’s online colleges are flexible and affordable options for higher education.
Participants are able to complete their homework despite having to balance it with their work and family obligations.
There are a lot of online universities in California, and many of them provide affordable tuition prices for students who study online.