The American Academy

How do I get started?

To get started, create an account. Fill out the enrollment form and then browse for courses. Add courses to your Backpack and checkout. We'll send you login information, materials shipment information, and you'll be ready to go on Monday!

If you'd prefer to have us walk you through it, you can give us a call at 866-689-1932.

Who can take courses at The American Academy?

The American Academy welcomes students of all ages and locations*! Whether you need courses, credits, or a diploma, we have a program that's just right for you.

How does the program work?

The American Academy offers 233 core and elective courses as well as an accredited high school diploma program. Classes start each Monday; you can work through them at your own pace with the help of a licensed instructor. You'll have up to six months to complete your course. Each course represent .25 credit.

Will other schools accept the credits I earn at The American Academy?

Yes! The TAA academic program is accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, which makes sure that The American Academy diploma will be recognized by schools and employers throughout the U.S.

In order to earn accreditation through the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, The American Academy had to document compliance with all of the NAAS standards in areas ranging from school vision, curriculum, instruction, and school leadership, to student services, facilities and finance, and continuous improvement.

What courses do I need to take to earn a diploma?

To earn a diploma from The American Academy, you will need to complete a total of 20.0 credits, with a minimum of 2.5 credits completed at The American Academy.

Can I transfer in credits from my previous high school(s)?

Absolutely! We accept transfer credits for previous high school work completed at any public or accredited private school in the country. Placement and credit recovery testing options are also available.

Who can I talk to if I need help choosing my courses?

For on-demand help, you can complete our “course selection wizard” or listen to our “Selecting Your Next Course” podcast. Our enrollment counselors are also standing by to help you select the course that’s just right for you.

What technology do I need in order to complete my courses online?

Our minimum technology requirements include having reliable access to:

• Computer
• Internet connection (we recommend broadband, but dial-up will work)
• An internet browser – we recommend Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Flash Player

What if I have problems accessing my courses online?

Call us at 866-689-1932.

What if I’m on an IEP?

The American Academy does not provide special education services. We have found that online learning is, in many instances, an appropriate placement for students with learning disabilities, global organization disorder, ADD/ADHD, and certain physical disabilities. However, we encourage you to try out a course with us to make sure it works with you prior to enrolling in our school full-time.

When will I receive my course completion certificate or transcript?

Course completion certificates will be mailed out within 5 business days of your final grade being reported by your instructor. Please be sure your online account information reflects the correct name and mailing address for the person who needs to receive your certificate. There is no charge for the first certificate.

How can I order a duplicate certificate?

If you need a duplicate course completion certificate, you can order it online by adding it to your Backpack and checking out. There is a small fee for this service. Again, please be sure the contact name and address is correct in your online account.

How do I order my transcript?

Transcripts can be ordered online or by faxed request. To complete your request, click on the “Request Transcripts” link. From there, you will be able to submit your request online or you can download, print, and fax your request to us at 801.931.2706. Transcript requests will be processed within 10 business days. Expedited processing is available for a fee.

How do I transfer credits from TAA to my school?

When you request a course completion certificate or transcript, make sure you give us your school’s address and tell us to address the envelope to the Registrar’s Office. It’s a good idea to confirm with your School Registrar that he or she has received the documents.

How do I prepare and register for AP exams, SAT, or ACT?

You can register to take AP, SAT, and ACT exams in your local school district or at a local testing center. Students who are interested in receiving reminders about test registration deadlines are encouraged to subscribe to our Standardized Testing calendar. The American Academy's School Code for the ACT, SAT, and AP exams is 450480.

What is the grading scale?

The American Academy courses use a traditional grade scale:
93-100% A
90-92% A-
87-89% B+
83-86% B
80-82% B-
77-79% C+
73-76% C
70-72% C-
67-69% D+
63-66% D
60-62% D-
0-59% No credit

How long should I plan on working to complete each course?

Plan to spend 30-40 hours per quarter-credit course. When you work those 30 hours is up to you and your schedule!

How long do I have to finish my course?

To provide you with maximum flexibility, courses through The American Academy are available for six months from the start date of the course. We recommend that you finish the course as soon as is possible given your circumstances, but we know that life comes a-calling now and again: babies are born, projects at work keep you working until all hours, etc. Rest assured that your course will be there waiting for you when you’re ready to return to your studies.

Do I need to be available at certain times?

We don’t require students to be available during any specific times. However, your instructors will be available for online office hours, so if you want to ask questions and get immediate answers, it’s a good idea to make office hours a part of your schedule!

Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns about a lesson?

Your instructor! The role of instructors at The American Academy is to help you succeed by answering your questions about the course and assignments. Think of them as your coach and your cheerleader. One of the best kept secrets in online learning is that online instructors actually look forward to getting emails from students. I’m serious! (I should know, I was one!)

Are TAA instructors licensed?

Everyone who teaches for The American Academy holds a current teaching license. In addition, they’ve completed a training program to help them make the transition from teaching in a brick-n-mortar classroom to teaching online.

When does my credit card get charged for tuition?

The American Academy offers “on-demand” education: you can enroll, register, and be working in almost any course of your choice in less than a week! In order to make this system work, we charge your credit card upon check out.

What methods of payment do you accept?

For your convenience, The American Academy accepts all major credit cards, Paypal payments, and check or money order. Your enrollment and course registrations will be processed upon receipt of payment.

What is The American Academy’s refund policy?

The American Academy offers a full refund for any reason within 10 business days of your course start date.

How do I notify you of a change in billing address or credit card?

You can change your billing address and credit card information in the Student Portal.

How do I notify TAA of change of address, email address, phone number?

Please keep us informed of any changes to your name, address, email address, and phone number. You can update your information in the "My Account" section of the TAA website.

Will I need to purchase my own materials?

Most of the courses offered by The American Academy do not require additional materials. However, for the courses that do require materials, you have the option of ordering the materials through us (just select “Yes, order my materials” when you add the course to "My Backpack") or on your own. The list of required materials is available in the course catalog.

Why should I get a diploma through The American Academy?

The American Academy offers a flexible, affordable, accredited high school diploma program. We allow you to start courses when you’re ready, give you plenty of time to finish them, and guarantee that your diploma will be recognized by all regionally-accredited post-secondary institutions throughout the U.S.

Why should I take courses through The American Academy?

The American Academy offers individual courses for credit-recovery and acceleration. So, whether you need to retake the third quarter of English 11 to graduate on time, you need to take Health online so you can take Choir at school, or you want to graduate early, we have a full catalog of flexible, affordable, accredited courses designed with you in mind.