Stanford Online High School review

Stanford Online High School is the choice for a strong student who wants a real classroom online: courses meet as small, live, discussion-based seminars, modeled on college seminar teaching. Its signature Philosophy Core combines philosophy, science, history and political theory. The school enrolls 1,092 students from 48 U.S. states and 55 countries, and it is an independent school within Stanford University for grades 7 to 12. Tuition is $31,900 a year for full-time students taking four or more courses, $19,140 for two or three courses, and $6,380 for a single course, which suits students who stay at their local school and add, say, college-level math. Books and materials add between $30 and $1,300. Stanford OHS offers need-based aid that can also cover books and some event tickets, but no merit scholarships, and admission requires an application. For most families the price and the application process rule it out.

Who it is for

academically advanced students who want live seminars

Price

Full-time (4 or more courses) $31,900 per year; part-time $19,140; single course $6,380; need-based aid available.

Full-Time (4 or more courses) $31,900
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Small, live, discussion-based seminar classes in a virtual classroom
• Philosophy Core curriculum joining philosophy, science, history and political theory
• Full-time, part-time (2 to 3 courses) and single-course enrollment
• Students from 48 U.S. states and 55 countries
• Need-based financial aid for tuition, books and some event costs

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Live seminars with scholarly instructors rather than self-paced modules
• Strength: Single-course option for college-level math, Latin and similar classes
• Strength: $2.5M in financial aid awarded, per the school
• Weakness: $31,900 a year full-time, the highest tuition on this list
• Weakness: Admission requires an application; the 2027 to 28 application is open now
• Weakness: Books and materials cost an extra $30 to $1,300, and there are no merit scholarships

Key facts

• Full-time tuition: $31,900 per year
• Single course: $6,380
• Grades: 7 to 12
• Enrolled students: 1,092

Where it ranks

Stanford Online High School is No. 9 in our Best Online High Schools verdict.