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Apex Learning
General Summary
- Online, self-paced curriculum for secondary students (grades 6-12)
- Accredited program offering both full-time enrollment and individual courses
- Comprehensive range of courses including core subjects, AP classes, and electives
- Interactive multimedia learning with modest teacher interaction
- Structured content with flexibility in schedule and pacing
Flexibility & Self-Pacing
Many parents and students value the program's scheduling flexibility and independence:
"I loved my year there! ... I did most of my assignments/classes at night, and worked full time during the day."
Reddit - What's a good online high school?
"They also offer AP/advanced classes (calculus etc.) which a lot of online schools don't offer."
Reddit - What's a good online high school?
Academic Quality & Course Offerings
Parents and students frequently praise the academic standards and variety of courses:
"As a parent, I liked that the ALVS platform was the same across disciplines and that there was a clear rubric for all assignments. Through the parent portal, I could easily track my child's progress."
Apex Learning - Facebook
"Taking AP US History with Apex Learning, I never worried about my potential exam score because of the course's meticulous and excellent preparation."
Apex Learning Virtual School - Yelp
Technical Support & Platform Reliability
Some parents have experienced challenges with technical aspects of the program:
"If I could give 0 stars I would. They are impossible to get a hold of when the technology doesn't work (and it doesn't work)."
Apex Learning Virtual School - MapQuest Reviews
Teacher Interaction & Support
Parents have mixed experiences regarding the level of teacher support:
"We received no [support]. That was completely untrue in my student's case."
Apex Learning Virtual School - MapQuest Reviews
"Many questions…should not have a single right answer."
Fall Semester Struggles — Sam Loui
Who Thrives With Apex Learning?
Well-Suited For:
- Self-motivated, independent learners who can manage their own schedule
- Students seeking flexible scheduling around jobs, sports, or other commitments
- College-bound students looking for rigorous AP or advanced courses
- Families needing a complete, accredited curriculum with minimal parent teaching
- Students who learn well through interactive, digital content
Consider Alternatives If:
- Your student requires significant direct instruction or teacher interaction
- You need reliable, responsive technical support
- Your student struggles with self-motivation or time management
- You prefer a curriculum with more discussion-based or collaborative learning
- Your student has limited access to reliable technology or internet
Our Bottom Line
Apex Learning offers a structured, comprehensive online curriculum that provides flexibility for busy or independent students. The program's strengths lie in its academic rigor, wide course selection, and accreditation. However, families should be prepared for minimal teacher interaction and should have contingency plans for technical issues. Success with Apex largely depends on the student's self-discipline and independent learning capabilities.
Subjects covered
Core subjects: Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies
Electives: Wide range including Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, world languages
Advanced options: AP courses available, including AP Calculus and AP U.S. History
Special emphasis: Interactive, multimedia learning; self-paced curriculum designed for independent learners
Teaching Format
Online delivery: All instruction is provided through a digital platform with no printed textbooks by default
Self-paced structure: Students progress through material at their own speed, with lessons being asynchronous
Interactive lessons: Multimedia elements like videos, animations, and interactive exercises to engage different learning styles
Assessment approach: Auto-graded quizzes and assignments, with certified online teachers grading extended assignments
Teacher interaction: Minimal day-to-day teacher involvement; communication primarily via email
Implementation flexibility: Can be used as a full curriculum or for individual courses; suitable for independent learners
Parent involvement: Moderate; parents monitor progress and support learning without direct instruction
Pricing
Apex Learning is a paid program (private online school), with costs varying by enrollment type.
Full-time students: High school (grades 9–12) full-time costs around $6,875 per year.
Middle school full-time: Slightly less than high school.
Elementary full-time: About $5,200 for the school year.
Part-time enrollment: Single courses are typically about $380 per semester (half-year) or $700 for a full year-long course.
Payment plans: Often available to spread out the cost.
Additional materials: Some courses may require additional books, supplies, or lab kits not included in the online fee.
Parent Involvement
Moderate involvement required
Daily responsibilities: Parents are not required to teach daily lessons but play a crucial supportive role
Oversight role: Parents help set schedules and enforce pacing guides, especially for younger or less motivated students
Monitoring: Parents can monitor progress through a Parent Portal, view grades, and communicate with instructors
Assessment duties: Parents receive regular progress reports and are encouraged to discuss these with their child and teacher
Technical support: Parents may need to assist with technical issues and ensure reliable access to technology
