Your Online School Questions Answered: Top FAQ’s from Parents and Students
Choosing an online school for homeschooling can feel like navigating a constellation — many points to consider, and you want to be sure your child connects to a path that fits them. At Constellation Learning Institute, we’ve walked this journey with many families. Below, we answer the most common questions from prospective parents and students about our private online high school and online middle school programs. We hope this helps you feel confident in exploring whether CLI is the right fit.
1. What kind of school is Constellation Learning Institute? Are you accredited?
We are a private online school serving grades 6–12, offering flexible options including full-time, part-time, or single courses.
CLI is fully accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED), which ensures we meet rigorous standards for quality, continuous improvement, and student outcomes.
That means whether your student is taking an accredited online curriculum through us or using CLI courses to supplement a homeschool path, the credits and transcripts we issue are recognized and reliable.
2. How do your programs for middle school and high school differ?
Our online middle school (grades 6–8) serves as a bridge into deeper, self-regulated learning, with scaffolded supports. As students move into grades 9–12, our private online high school curriculum builds on that foundation with more advanced coursework, including electives, deeper project work, and opportunities for AP coursework (when available).
Because we use a flexible and modular structure, students can jump into single courses in either middle or high school levels — for example, if they want to try a particular subject or catch up in one area.
3. Can I mix CLI courses with what I’m already doing at home or through another program?
Absolutely. Many families use our accredited homeschool curriculum courses as supplements — for core classes or electives. You don’t have to commit to full-time enrollment. This hybrid approach works well for families seeking flexibility or wanting to enrich their child’s offering of courses.
Because our curriculum is accredited and transferable, you can integrate what your student completes here with their other coursework. The flexibility allows you to tailor a unique path without losing academic rigor.
4. How much live class time is involved, and how does scheduling work?
We offer multiple pacing options, including Fixed Pace, Student Paced, and Guided Study formats to meet varying needs.
In our Fixed Pace mode (which many students choose), classes meet via Zoom about once or twice a week for 45 minutes to an hour. Electives may meet once a week.
Outside of live sessions, students engage in independent study, group work, projects, and assessments. Families can work with a CLI advisor during onboarding to tailor the schedule to unique constraints—sports, arts, time zones, or other commitments.
5. How many hours a week will coursework take?
On average, students should expect to invest 4–6 hours per week per course including live sessions, assignments, projects, and study.
Some weeks will require more time when projects or assessments are due; others may feel lighter. Because of the pacing and flexibility built into our formats, students and families can manage time more proactively than in traditional settings.
6. Do you support different learning styles or students with learning differences?
Yes, we take a multimodal approach to instruction—offering video, text, discussion, hands-on work, and choice in how students engage with material.
If a student has a documented learning plan or accommodations, we work with them and faculty to develop supports. Our online Learning Resource Center also helps students access alternate formats or scaffolds.
7. What kind of counselor or advisor support does CLI offer?
All full-time and part-time students receive a dedicated advisor. That person meets with the student one-on-one, monitors progress, helps with pacing, and guides course selections.
In addition, there are small-group advisory sessions, ongoing check-ins, and weekly communication so families can stay in the loop. This relational structure is core to our philosophy of human-centered online schooling.
8. How do grading, transcripts, and diplomas work?
You’ll receive both formative (ongoing) and summative assessments — projects, quizzes, tests, written work, and class participation. Faculty provide narrative commentary in addition to percentage and letter grades at midterm and term end.
If your child is transferring to or from another school, yes — CLI issues standard high school transcripts. And for full-time students who complete all graduation requirements, we offer a high school diploma.
9. Will CLI work across different time zones or unusual schedules?
Yes — we often accommodate families in multiple time zones or with nontraditional schedules (performing arts, travel, athletics, etc.). Course scheduling is built after a 1:1 consulting meeting to honor constraints.
We understand online schooling should be responsive to your life, not the reverse.
10. Is CLI one of the “best online high schools”? What makes it stand out?
While rankings and lists vary, families often identify CLI as among the best online high school options based on our accredited curriculum, flexibility, relational pedagogy, and rigor.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Deep relationship focus: small classes, dedicated advisors, intentional connection
Customization: choosing course load, pacing, calendars
Academic excellence + support: guided feedback, scaffolded learning, faculty who care
Rolling admissions and multiple entry points (you don’t have to wait for a new semester)
Proven results: families consistently give high praise for engagement, growth, and flexibility. See our reviews on Niche.
We believe that a great online high school is one that centers students — not just technology — and we strive daily to be that.
11. Do you offer AP coursework (or advanced/honors options)?
Yes, CLI offers advanced-level courses and, where demand allows, AP coursework. Students can request new course development, and we will often open sections if there is student interest.
In addition, even courses that are not labeled “AP” may have honors-level depth or enrichment options, so students can stretch academically in their areas of interest.
12. When can we enroll? Are there enrollment deadlines?
One of our greatest strengths is rolling admissions — you don’t have to wait for the new academic year. Students can begin courses at any point in the year.
We evaluate each student’s prior coursework, help with sequencing, and support them in midyear transitions if needed.
Final Thoughts
We know you likely still have more questions — and that’s good. Choosing an online middle or high school is an important decision. At Constellation Learning Institute, our goal is to illuminate your path: to serve as a trusted partner in designing a learning journey tailored to your student’s needs, dreams, and rhythm.
If you are curious to explore further, we’d love to walk with you. Please reach out through our inquiry form, schedule a walkthrough, or join one of our open houses. Whether your child enrolls full-time, part-time, or takes just one course, our hope is that the difference we make helps them thrive, grow, and feel deeply known.
Welcome to a constellation of learners. 🌟
