Top 10 Accredited Homeschool Programs in New York

More families across New York are choosing to educate at home, and they’re not alone. By the 2024 school year, about 3.4% of U.S. students were homeschooled, up from just 2.8% in 2018–19. That may not sound huge, but it represents hundreds of thousands of students, and in New York City, homeschooling has more than doubled since 2017.

For parents seeking quality, accredited homeschool programs, this jump brings fresh options, but also fresh questions. Which programs fulfil state regulations, deliver robust curricula, and prepare kids for college and beyond?

Join us as we explore New York’s top 10 accredited homeschool programs that combine credibility with the flexibility modern families crave. Let’s get started! 

Key Takeaways

• Homeschooling in NY is growing fast, but parents must follow state laws like IHIP submissions and annual assessments.

• Top programs offer both secular and Christian options, like TSHA (secular), Abeka (Christian), and Calvert (college-prep).

• Unique features include 24/7 support, AP courses, and flexible year-round enrollment across programs.

• Tuition varies widely, from budget-friendly monthly plans to premium full-year packages.

What are Online Accredited Homeschool Programs?

Online accredited homeschool programs blend the flexibility of homeschooling with the structure and credibility of formal education. These programs are typically run by state-approved schools or accredited online academies that provide full curricula, teacher support, and evaluated assignments. They deliver structured lessons, graded assessments, and often a diploma recognized by colleges. In

Benefits of Online Accredited Homeschool Programs

A solid mix of accountability and adaptability makes these programs attractive to many families. Here are some of the benefits of them: 

• Structured curriculum & certified educators: Lessons follow state standards and are taught or overseen by qualified instructors.

• College‑ready credentials: Students earn transcripts and diplomas that streamline college applications.

• Built‑in accountability: Regular grading and external oversight ensure consistent academic progress.

• Flexible pacing: Students learn at their own speed, fitting education around family life.

Homeschooling Laws in New York

In New York, families using these programs still follow state requirements. Families must meet clear legal obligations when homeschooling, even online. Here are the basic rules:

• Parents submit a Letter of Intent annually (by July 1 or within 14 days of starting).

• An Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) outlining subjects, materials, and quarterly reporting is required within weeks of beginning.

• Students must study state‑mandated subjects (e.g., English, math, social studies, health) and maintain thorough records.

• Annual assessments are required to verify progress under Part 100.10, though temporary exemptions applied during COVID-19.

• Online diplomas are not recognized by New York State; accredited online programs may still be used within the homeschooling framework, but students don't receive a state-issued diploma

Online accredited homeschool programs offer a guided yet flexible learning environment, but New York parents must still satisfy all state regulations.

Next, let’s see some of the top accredited homeschool programs in New York! 

Top 10 Online Accredited Homeschooling Programs in New York

When it comes to online homeschooling, finding an accredited program is essential to ensure that your child's education meets state standards and provides a pathway to graduation. New York has some fantastic online homeschooling options! Each program has its own special features, so you can find one that's just right for your family.

Let's discuss some of the top accredited programs to help you make an informed decision.

1. The School House Anywhere (TSHA)

The School House Anywhere (TSHA) is a groundbreaking online homeschooling program that combines cutting-edge educational research with a child-centered approach. Developed by a team of renowned educators, TSHA's American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) offers a comprehensive, interconnected learning experience that sets it apart from traditional online programs.

Key Features:

• Curriculum Program: AEC curriculum designed for homeschoolers, micro-schools, and education entrepreneurs. It covers a wide range of subjects to support intellectual, emotional, and social development.

• Educational Resources: Access to an extensive library of films, samples, and printables for active and engaging learning, providing everything needed for effective teaching.

• User-Friendly Interface: The platform ensures seamless integration of resources, easy lesson management, and progress tracking, designed for all experience levels.

• 24/7 Live Support: Round-the-clock support for curriculum-related queries, troubleshooting, and general help to ensure a smooth learning experience.

• Secular Education: TSHA offers a secular program, ensuring inclusivity for families from various backgrounds with a focus on critical thinking and real-world application.

• Transparent Classroom: A progress tracking tool to maintain accurate records and meet regulatory requirements, making portfolio management easy and organized.

Cost and Financial Aid Options:

• First Child: $300 per month or $2,800 per year (paid in full)

• Second Child: $225 per month or $2,000 per year (paid in full)

• Third Child: $180 per month or $1,500 per year (paid in full)

• Fourth & Fifth Child: Free! (We believe large families deserve some extra love!)

Accreditation Details:

TSHA's American Emergent Curriculum is recognized as one of the best online homeschooling programs in the United States. The curriculum is based on proven pedagogical science and is designed to meet or exceed state educational standards. 

TSHA's flagship brick-and-mortar school sets the standard for its online program. This ensures that students receive a top-notch education that is recognized across the country.

2. Pearson Online Academy

Pearson Online Academy is a fully accredited private online school that provides a high-quality, flexible education for students in grades K-12. The school offers a challenging curriculum designed to prepare students for college and future careers.

Key Features

• Expert Teachers: Dedicated, certified teachers with bachelor's and master's degrees

• High-Quality Curriculum: Top-notch curriculum developed by leading educational institutions

• Flexible Learning: Unprecedented freedom to choose when and where to complete assignments

• Engaging Lessons: Comprehensive daily lesson plans and exciting elective courses

Cost and Financial Aid Options:

Pearson Online Academy offers tuition discount programs, including pay-in-full, multi-child, and military discounts. New families that enroll full-time by August 31, 2024, for the 2024-25 school year can receive a 10% tuition discount.

Accreditation Details:

Pearson Online Academy is accredited by: 

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) 

• AdvancED: the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation 

• School Improvement (SACS CASI)

• Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC)

• North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI).

3. Northgate Academy

Northgate Academy is an accredited online homeschooling program that offers a flexible, Christian-centered education for students. It is designed to meet the diverse needs of learners, providing a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with New York's educational standards.

Key Features:

• Self-Paced Learning: Students can progress through their coursework at their own pace, allowing for personalized learning experiences.

• Christian Curriculum: The program incorporates Christian values into its educational framework, making it suitable for families seeking a faith-based education.

• Supportive Environment: Northgate Academy provides resources and support for both students and parents, ensuring guidance throughout the homeschooling journey.

Cost and Financial Aid Options:

The cost for traditional high school at Northgate Academy is approximately $190 per month, with flexible payment options available. They also offer an affordable monthly payment plan, making it accessible for families on various budgets.

Accreditation Details:

Northgate Academy is both nationally and regionally accredited. This accreditation ensures that the program meets high educational standards and provides students with a recognized high school diploma upon completion. 

4. Legacy Online School

Legacy Online School is an accredited K-12 online education provider that offers a flexible and comprehensive learning experience for students. The school emphasizes personalized education, catering to the unique needs of each learner while preparing them for future academic and career success.

Key Features:

• Live Teaching: Students benefit from live instruction in small groups, supporting engagement and interaction with teachers and peers.

• Extracurricular Activities: The school offers a variety of virtual clubs and organizations. This allows students to explore interests beyond the core curriculum.

• College Guidance: A dedicated college guidance team assists students in preparing for higher education, including access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

Cost and Financial Aid Options:

Tuition at Legacy Online School starts from $149 and goes up to $3199. The school aims to keep education affordable, with various payment options available to assist families in managing costs.

Accreditation Details:

Legacy Online School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), ensuring that it meets high standards of educational quality. This accreditation provides students with a recognized diploma upon graduation.

5. K12-powered Online Public Schools

K12-powered online public schools provide an innovative and flexible educational option for students in New York. These schools are designed to deliver a personalized learning experience, allowing students to thrive academically while enjoying the convenience of online education.

Key Features:

• Personalized Learning: K12-powered schools emphasize individualized education plans tailored to each student's strengths and interests, enabling them to learn at their own pace.

• Interactive Online Platform: Students engage with a robust curriculum through a user-friendly online platform that includes live classes, group activities, and offline projects.

• Comprehensive Support: The program offers access to certified teachers, counselors, and learning coaches who guide students throughout their educational journey.

Cost and Financial Aid Options:

While many K12-powered options are tuition-based, some may offer voucher or scholarship programs in certain states. Families should check for specific financial aid opportunities available in New York to help offset costs.

Accreditation Details:

K12 is a Cognia-accredited corporation, ensuring that it meets high standards of educational management.

6. Calvert Homeschool 

Calvert Homeschool (also known as Calvert Academy) is a fully online, accredited K–12 private school that offers a complete, structured curriculum and personalized support to homeschooling families. Calvert combines state-aligned lessons, certified teachers, and college‑prep options.

Key Features:

• Teacher‑Led Academy with Live Support: Students enrolled full time receive a dedicated team who offer real-time guidance and check-ins. They even provide 24/7 tutoring access when needed. 

• Dual‑Credit & NCAA‑Approved Courses: High school students can enroll in honors, AP, and dual-credit options, and Calvert maintains NCAA approval, helping families plan for college athletic and academic pathways.

• Personalized Learning Plans & Command Center: Calvert develops an individualized learning roadmap based on your child's goals and pace, with progress tracked via an intuitive Command Center dashboard.

Cost and Financial Aid Options:

Tuition for full‑time enrollment starts around $259/month for lower grades, scaling to about $399/month for high school, with annual options offering up to 10% savings. While Calvert doesn’t offer traditional scholarships, families may opt for pay‑in‑full discounts. 

Accreditation Details:

Calvert Academy holds full accreditation through NCA CASI and SACS CASI via Cognia, ensuring its diploma carries weight with colleges and transfer schools.

7. Abeka Academy 

Abeka Academy is an accredited online video homeschool program for K–12 students that blends Christian-based curriculum with expert instruction. Through streaming or DVD lessons led by experienced educators, families gain structure without sacrificing flexibility. 

Key Features:

• Master Teacher Video Lessons + Spiral Curriculum: Each grade level features high-quality video lessons led by experienced teachers, reinforcing concepts through a spiral learning method proven over 50 + years.

• Comprehensive Record‑Keeping & Transcripts: Accredited enrollment includes free report cards, official transcripts, and grading of high-school quizzes and exams, all managed by Abeka staff.

• Accredited Graduation Ceremony & Official Diploma: High-school graduates earn a diploma recognized by colleges, with an optional commencement ceremony held annually at Pensacola Christian College.

Cost and Financial Aid Options:

Abeka Academy’s accredited program is priced the same as its unaccredited counterpart, typically ranging from around $1,271–$1,399 for full-year K–6 enrollment (video & books) with flexible payment plans over six or ten months.

Accreditation Details:

Abeka Academy is fully accredited by both MSA‑CESS (Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary & Secondary Schools) and FACCS (Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools). 

8. Forest Trail Academy 

Forest Trail Academy is a fully accredited, self-paced K–12 online school offering asynchronous learning with access to certified teachers during live office hours twice a week. It's ideal for families desiring flexible scheduling without live classes, welcoming both secular and Christian homeschoolers globally.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Diploma Tracks: Offers two diploma options: College Prep (24 credits) and General Education (21 credits), with electives, AP courses, NCAA-approved classes, and credit-recovery to support diverse student goals.

• Flexible Year-Round Enrollment: Students can enroll anytime during the year, making it easier for families managing relocations, special circumstances, or mid-year homeschool transitions..

• Global 24/7 Access & Support: 100% online with anytime enrollment, twice-weekly live teacher office hours, dedicated academic advisors, and support for students with disabilities or nontraditional schedules.

Cost and Financial Aid Options:

Full-time tuition ranges from $1,900–$3,200/year, depending on grade level, with payment plans available over 5–11 months. A $150 enrollment fee applies; additional fees may include AP courses ($600), summer school, or credit recovery. Military and first-responder families may qualify for discounts.

Accreditation Details:

Forest Trail Academy holds robust accreditation from Cognia, MSA‑CESS, Accreditation International, and NCPSA, and is registered with the Florida Department of Education. Its diplomas are widely accepted by U.S. and international colleges, athletic programs, and employers.

9. Oak Meadow

Oak Meadow is a K–12 accredited online school offering a Waldorf-inspired, book-based curriculum ideal for families who prefer deeper, creative learning over screen-heavy instruction. You can enroll any time of year, receive printed books and digital versions, and enjoy ongoing teacher support.

Key Features:

• Experiential, Project-Based Learning: Oak Meadow emphasizes real-world, hands-on projects, like crafting, nature exploration, and seasonal activities, immersing students’ heads, hands, and hearts in learning.

• Asynchronous, Rolling Enrollment: Start anytime, with no live classes to attend. Students work at their own pace using book-based lessons, with teacher feedback via email, phone, or video.

• Personalized Teacher Support & Transcripts: Enrolled students receive one-on-one guidance, regular narrative evaluations, and official transcripts and diplomas maintained by Oak Meadow’s registrar.

Cost and Financial Aid Options:

Tuition is based on grade level plus materials, e.g., K–4 full-year runs about $3,355, while grades 5–8 cost between $4,470–$4,925. 

Accreditation Details:

Oak Meadow is regionally accredited by NEASC, marking it as the first distance‑learning school to earn this recognition, with its diploma and credits honored by major accrediting bodies and NCAA/A‑G approved for college prep.

10. The Keystone School

The Keystone School is a flexible, self-paced, accredited online K–12 homeschool program run by Stride Inc. (formerly K12 Inc.). Designed for both full-time and supplemental learners, it offers a catalog of courses, taught by certified instructors, and provides official transcripts and a diploma upon completion.

Key Features:

• Self-Paced Course Bundles with Real Teacher Support: Students can purchase full-year or semester courses and complete them at their own pace. Each course includes teacher feedback via toll-free lines, email, or the online portal.

• Flexible Enrollment & Credit Recovery Anytime: Enrollment is open year-round, ideal for mid-year transitions. The robust credit recovery program lets middle and high school students retake failed courses (online or print) whenever needed.

• Advanced & NCAA-Approved Options: High schoolers can take AP and honors courses, complete with lab components for subjects like biology or chemistry, earning weighted credit. The school also supports NCAA-approved classes. 

Cost and Financial Aid Options:

Full-time tuition typically runs $1,800–$2,900/year, depending on grade level and course selection, with semester courses around $250–$400 each. Credit recovery starts at $116, and adult diploma programs cost $99/month. Keystone offers multi-course discounts (5–10%), military/family discounts, and state scholarships where applicable. 

Accreditation Details:

The Keystone School is accredited by Cognia and by the Middle States Association (MSA‑CESS), ensuring its curriculum meets recognized academic standards. Its diplomas and credits are accepted by colleges, universities, the NCAA, and employers nationwide.

These online accredited homeschool programs provide New York families with a diverse range of accredited, customizable, and teacher-supported options. Each program meets state standards while offering parents the flexibility to design an education that aligns with their child’s learning style, goals, and pace.

How to Choose the Right Online Accredited Homeschooling Program?

With so many accredited online homeschooling programs available, selecting the one that best fits your child’s learning style and your family’s needs can feel overwhelming. To make an informed decision, it's essential to consider several key factors that can shape your homeschooling experience.

Let's break down the most important aspects to look for when choosing the right program:

• Verify Accreditation from Recognized Agencies

Ensure the program holds accreditation from reputable organizations like Cognia, MSA-CESS, or NEASC, so your child’s education meets national standards and is recognized by colleges.

• Evaluate the Curriculum Style and Teaching Methods

Choose a curriculum that matches your child’s learning style, whether hands-on, book-based, video-led, or project-focused, to keep them engaged and motivated throughout the school year.

• Assess Teacher Support and Academic Guidance

Look for programs that provide certified teachers, responsive grading, and access to tutoring or academic advisors, ensuring your child has the support to succeed independently.

• Check the Flexibility of Scheduling and Enrollment

Select a program offering rolling admissions and self-paced learning options so your child can work at their own pace and adjust their schedule as needed.

• Compare Tuition, Payment Options, and Financial Aid

Review the overall program cost, available payment plans, and possible discounts or financial aid to find a program that fits your family’s budget without compromising quality.

• Ensure Compliance with New York State Homeschool Laws

Confirm that the program helps you stay compliant with New York’s homeschooling regulations, including annual notifications, IHIP submissions, quarterly reports, and standardized assessments.

Remember, the best program is the one that best suits your child's needs and your family's goals. Do your research and choose wisely!

Homeschooling with The School House Anywhere (TSHA)

The School House Anywhere (TSHA) is an educational program designed to provide high-quality, flexible, and portable learning experiences for homeschooling families, micro-schools, and education entrepreneurs. 

TSHA offers a comprehensive, developmentally aligned curriculum grounded in the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC). The AEC, developed by TSHA, is a hands-on educational framework for Pre-K to 6th grade. It connects subjects in real-world ways, encouraging children to explore, think creatively, and solve problems.

With us, you will get: 

• TSHA Educator Film Library:  300 How-to Teaching & Informational films.

• Custom AEC printable materials & worksheets.

• Access to our Online Progress, Organizing & Portfolio Management Tool: Transparent Classroom.

• TSHA Materials Boxes* (optional to purchase)

• Digital TSHA Welcome Box to get you started!

• Access to TSHA Member Site

• LIVE Educator & Founder Online Gatherings weekly with Q&A session (Recorded & posted for future reference!)

• Live scheduled office hours

• Parent / Educator online social media network & support

Also, we do not support AI for students, but we believe in the power of AI. So, we offer AI-supported services only for parents and teachers to make their teaching process smooth and time-efficient! 

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right educational path for your child is a journey filled with both excitement and careful consideration. As we've explored, accredited online homeschooling in New York offers a unique blend of flexibility, personalization, and academic rigor. It empowers you to create a learning experience that truly meets your child's needs and aspirations.

Explore TSHA today and start your homeschooling journey. Register as Parent or Educator.

FAQs

1. Can my child switch between accredited homeschool programs mid-year without losing credits?

Yes, many accredited programs allow mid-year transfers, but you should confirm that the new program accepts previous coursework. Always request official transcripts from your current school to ensure a smooth credit transfer process.

2. Are there accredited homeschool programs that support children with learning disabilities?

Yes, several programs like Forest Trail Academy and The Keystone School offer accommodations and academic support for students with learning differences. Look for programs that provide individualized learning plans, flexible pacing, and access to special education resources.

3. Do these accredited programs offer extracurricular activities or social interaction opportunities?

Some online homeschool programs, such as Legacy Online School and Pearson Online Academy, offer virtual clubs, competitions, and group projects. These activities help students develop social skills and explore interests beyond academics.

4. Can homeschool graduates from these programs apply for financial aid in college?

Yes, graduates from accredited homeschool programs are eligible to apply for college financial aid. They must meet the same FAFSA requirements as traditional students and submit official transcripts from their accredited homeschool program.