Distance education started nearly 300 years ago in the form of correspondence schools, but the addition of technology created a different view of what distance education could be. That doesn't mean that quality correspondence schools have disappeared, though. In fact, they are stronger than ever.
 

Christopher Paolini should know.  The author of the best-selling novels Eragon and Eldest and the recently-released Brisingr is a graduate of the American School, a leader in distance education for more than 110 years.  In a recent interview with Homeschool.com, Chris discussed the value of an American School education and how it gave him the flexibility and the encouragement he needed to climb to the top of many best seller lists.  Chris is just one of the more than three million students who have chosen the American School over the years because of the School's:

1.      Personal Attention

• American School students receive individualized attention every step of the way, from the moment they enroll until the moment they receive their diploma personally signed by the School's president. 

• Instructors grade every exam by hand, which cultivates one-on-one relationships between students and their instructors.
• Instructors, guidance counselors and support staff are available to provide assistance any time during the School's business hours.
• The American School offers consultation, textbooks and study guides, final examinations and transcripts of credit to all of their students.

2.      Course Offerings and Programs

• Students can choose from over 70 subjects, not only the requirements in English, math, social studies and science, but also courses such as accounting, carpentry, computers, drafting, foreign languages, and photography.

• The American School's curriculum can supplement local programs and homeschooling or meet needs which might be impractical in a normal group-learning situation.

• The School's Independent Study Program provides a reliable, practical, and inexpensive way for students to make up credits while they work toward their diploma from a resident high school.

• The General High School Diploma Program is recommended for the student who wishes to get basic training in the field of his or her choice while qualifying for a high school diploma.

• The College Preparatory Diploma Program is designed to meet the needs of those who are planning to attend college or a professional school having similar entrance requirements.

3.      Flexibility

• Students may enroll at any time during the year.  The American School neither requires nor gives entrance examinations for admission to its courses.

• Each person can select subjects that will contribute to his or her own educational objectives, personal interests, and career needs.

• Students have 4 years to complete their high school diploma program, but they can work at their own pace and may be able to finish in less time.

4.      Quality Education

• The American School is accredited by the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA) and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education as a secondary school.

• Many American School graduates go on to college after completing the college preparatory course. They are usually admitted - as are students from any high school - on the basis of their scores on tests such as the SAT or the ACT and their grades with the American School.

5.      Reasonable Tuition

• The tuition for a full four-year high school program (18 units of credit), which includes textbooks and study guides, is only $1399.

• The tuition for one year (4.5 units) is only $589.

• Convenient monthly payment plans are available and interest is never charged.

The variety of options and the quality of the education which drew Christopher Paolini to the American School has also attracted many other entertainers, artists, and athletes, including 2008 Olympic medalist Katie Hoff, who won three swimming medals in Beijing just one year after earning her American School diploma.

Although the American School has a long history and tradition in the distance learning field, the School is continually revising and updating its programs and curriculum to meet the needs of today's learners.  The School's experience and flexibility offer students a quality and valuable education alternative.

For more information, visit the American School's Web site or phone 1-866-260-7221 (Admissions Only).  If you would like to receive a free information packet, click here.