FAQs About Our Online School

Ohio Digital Learning School is a tuition-free, online public school serving Ohio students in grades 9–12 between the ages of 1614 and 21. We offer flexible learning options with the structure, accountability, and certified teachers families expect from a brick-and-mortar public school — and the freedom to learn in a safe, judgment-free space.

Absolutely! Ohio Digital Learning School is fully accredited by Cognia, a nationally accrediting organization. This rigorous accreditation is a valuable mark of distinction that ensures the quality of our policies and validates diploma eligibility and credit transfer nationwide.

ODLS uses a high-quality, proven curriculum from K12, a leader in online education with more than 25 years of experience. We tailor K12’s curriculum and resources to meet Ohio’s academic requirements and ensure students learn according to state standards.

Ohio Digital Learning School uses the K12 online learning platform, tailoring its high-quality curriculum and extensive resources to meet our students’ unique needs here in Ohio.

K12 has delivered online education for more than 25 years and is used in 100+ online schools across the U.S. We’re proud to be one of them!

ODLS offers full-time enrollment for students in grades 9–12, ages 14–21. Some students spend all their high school years with us, while others enroll for a semester or two to catch up on credits.

English, math, science, and history are the core courses. Students can choose from a variety of electives. Credit recovery courses are also available for students who need to get back on track.

Visit our high school academic page for more details.

There is no tuition for Ohio residents in grades 9–12 to enroll at or attend ODLS because we are an online public school. Like traditional public schools, some common household items — such as printer ink, pens, and paper — aren’t provided by our school.

Students must have access to a computer with an internet connection to attend our online public school.

To ensure you have the equipment you need for school, ODLS provides each student with a loaner laptop. These laptops are the property of Ohio Digital Learning School and must be returned when the student leaves the school. ODLS highly recommends that families accept our loaner computer, as we arecan then able to assist with technical and software issues.

Based on family income guidelines, an internet stipends may be available to help defray the cost of internet services. Contact our school to find out whether your family qualifies for an internet stipend.

Yes, Ohio Digital Learning School provides students with textbooks and instructional materials. These books and materials vary by grade level and the courses students are enrolled in.

Yes, students who attend ODLS are public school students, and they earn a high school diploma identical to those awarded by other public schools in Ohio. Our graduates enjoy the same rights and privileges as any other Ohio graduates when applying to colleges and universities across the state and nation. We also hold an in-person graduation ceremony to honor our graduates and their accomplishments!

At ODLS, we specialize in supporting students who are struggling. Our credit recovery and remediation courses help students get back on track. Our efficient approach to credit recovery lets students test out of material they’ve already learned and focus strictly on what they need to pass, often helping them to stay on top of their current classes while catching up. Credit recovery courses are also offered during special summer sessions.

High school students will typically spend more than 80% of their school time online. They may spend that time working on asynchronous lessons, joining live online sessions with teachers, and collaborating with peers on assignments and projects. 

Students also spend time learning offline doing activities such as hands-on science experiments, reading novels, and completing math problems. So, students won’t necessarily spend their entire school day on the computer.

Ohio Digital Learning School is a safe, inclusive, local community. Students can participate in live class sessions, group discussions, and collaborative projects that help build relationships and communication skills.

Students are also invited to participate in optional in-person school outings, field trips, school dances, and other social events throughout the year. Local groups of students and parents can also get together on their own.

K12 online national clubs, competitions, and field trips help connect students with peers who share similar interests and passions.

There are no home visits required to attend ODLS, and there are no other intrusions into your home.

Flex is a program designed to help optimize a student’s learning schedule through flexible options. Check out how ODLS’s Flex program works and learn more about program eligibility.

Transferring credits is usually straightforward, especially between accredited schools. Credits earned at a K12-powered, accredited online school like Ohio Digital Learning School are often transferable to and from accredited brick-and-mortar public schools and may count toward a high school diploma at both public and private institutions. Please confirm credit acceptance with the district you are transferring into.

Transferring credits is usually straightforward, especially between accredited schools. Public school credits generally transfer to Ohio Digital Learning School by K12, an accredited online public school. Some courses may not transfer exactly and could require placement adjustments or additional coursework. Please contact our school enrollment team to confirm credit acceptance.

Transferring credits is usually straightforward, especially between accredited schools. Public school credits generally transfer to Arizona Virtual Academy by K12, an accredited online public school. Some courses may not transfer exactly and could require placement adjustments or additional coursework. Please contact our school enrollment team to confirm credit acceptance.

Transferring credits is usually straightforward, especially between accredited schools. Partial credits or unaccredited coursework may require additional review, placement assessments, or makeup work. Ohio Digital Learning School by K12 is accredited and has standard processes to evaluate transcripts and accept credits for successfully completed courses. Please reach out to our school enrollment team to confirm credit acceptance.

Students who are enrolled at Ohio Digital Learning School (ODLS) are required to take the following tests:

• Course lesson assessments
• Course unit assessments
• Semester assessments
• Ohio-mandated state testing

Ohio-mandated testing includes:

• Ohio’s State Tests: Subject Areas Assessed: American History, American Government, Algebra I, Biology, English Language Arts I, English Language Arts 2, and Geometry. Purpose of Assessment: Assess content area knowledge from these courses to ensure students have met the competency requirements for graduation. Required By: The state of Ohio. Frequency: Given in December and March.
• Star Testing: Subject Areas Assessed: Mathematics and Reading. Purpose of Assessment: Assess prior knowledge in mathematics and reading to differentiate instruction for students; measure student growth throughout the school year; early screening for targeted Title I support in mathematics and reading. Required By: The state of Ohio for schools designated as a Dropout Prevention and Recovery school. Frequency: Given in three windows each school year, Fall, Winter, and Spring.
• ACT Testing: Subject Areas Assessed: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Purpose of Assessment: Given to all students in 11th grade to measure college readiness. Required By: The state of Ohio. Frequency: Given in March.

Students are also required to participate in:

• Online synchronous sessions with the teacher
• Phone conferencing with the teacher

Yes. As a public school, ODLS follows state requirements, which means all students must take part in state-mandated tests. These assessments help ensure students are on track and meeting academic standards.