Out of District Coursework Considerations

Please refer to the OSPI Approved Online Provider Course List.

Most popular providers: APEX Learning, BYU Independent Study, Red Comet, Accelerate, ASU, Fuel Ed

LWSD staff do not recommend any specific provider. Below are recommended considerations for evaluating whether an online program is right for you/your student.

Accreditation and credibility

• Verify that the program is accredited by a recognized regional or national accreditation body.
• Research the reputation of the institution or provider offering the course.

Course rigor and curriculum quality

• Review the syllabus and learning objectives to confirm they align with your student’s academic needs and long-term goals.
• Investigate whether the course prepares students for the next level of study in the subject.

Instructor qualifications

• Check that instructors are certified, experienced, and qualified to teach the subject.
• Look for access to instructor support, such as office hours or feedback on assignments.

College acceptance and recognition

• Confirm whether colleges and universities will accept or value credits earned through the program.
• Look for programs that provide official transcripts from accredited institutions.

Cost and fees

• Review all associated costs, including enrollment fees, course materials and technology requirements.
• Determine whether the program offers scholarships, financial aid or payment plans.

Support services and accessibility

• Evaluate the availability of student support services, such as tutoring, technical assistance and academic advising.
• Assess whether the program is accessible to all learners, including accommodations for students with disabilities.

Flexibility and scheduling

• Consider whether the course is self-paced or has fixed deadlines, depending on your student’s schedule and learning style.
• Look for programs that integrate well with your student’s current commitments and workload.

Assessment and grading

• Examine how student performance will be assessed (e.g., exams, projects, or participation) and whether grading policies are transparent and fair. 
• Find out if the student will need to find a test proctor. LWSD staff do not officially offer test proctoring for outside of district courses.

Engagement and interaction

• Investigate whether the program encourages interaction with instructors, peers or collaborative projects.
• Check for features that support student engagement, such as live sessions, discussion boards or multimedia content.

Student well-being and balance

• Assess the potential impact of the course on your student’s well-being, including their ability to maintain a healthy life balance.
• Ensure that the course will not overwhelm your student or detract from their ability to enjoy other pursuits.

Transferability of credits

• Confirm that the credits will transfer to your student’s high school and count towards graduation requirements.
• Obtain approval from your student’s LWSD school before enrolling using the Appendix C process.

Technology requirements

• Ensure your student has access to the necessary technology, such as a reliable internet connection, compatible devices, and any required software.

Online providers each have a course catalog with course offerings. Online Learning Course Catalog.

Filter example: 10th grade, Algebra 2, standard class

Families fill out and submit LWSD Appendix C​ using their school’s established submission procedures.

The rigor of online courses can vary widely, with some programs potentially not meeting the same standards as in-person, school-based classes.

A less rigorous course may leave students underprepared for subsequent, more advanced coursework in the subject area, potentially impacting their academic progression.

Outside online programs often come with personal costs, including enrollment fees, technology requirements and potential additional expenses for course materials.

Families should weigh the financial commitment of the course against the anticipated benefits and availability of other comparable resources.

High school students often juggle a full schedule that includes academics, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities.

Adding an outside course to their workload could potentially lead to stress, burnout, or diminished engagement in other important aspects of their school and personal life.

Prioritizing the student’s overall well-being and ensuring they maintain a healthy life balance is critical in determining whether the additional coursework is appropriate.

Colleges may evaluate online courses differently than those completed within a traditional school setting, depending on the program's reputation and accreditation.

Please note that students may submit their OOD transcripts separately as part of college applications or other post-high school plans.

It is important to research whether the online coursework will be recognized and valued equally in the context of college admissions.