Smart Horizons Career Online High School (SHCOHS) is part of the world's first Cognia/SACS/NCA/NWAC accredited, nationally recognized, private online school district. Believing that everyone is capable of achieving a high school education when they have a program designed to fit their needs, we offer affordable, career-based online education for individuals who need high school diplomas to access better career and educational opportunities.
At SHCOHS, students earn both a high school diploma and a career-based education aligned to workforce needs. We offer programs in high-demand fields such as General Career Preparation, Home Care Professional, Early Childhood Education, Retail Customer Service, Commercial Driving, Security Professional, Office Management, Food and Hospitality, and Hospitality and Leisure.
Contact us for details.
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Graduation Requirements
Core Academic Courses
English
- English 1 — Grammar and Composition
- English 2 — Introduction to
Literature
- English 3 — World Literature
- English 4 — American Literature
Math
Social Studies
- Social Studies 1 — World
History
- Social Studies 2 — American
History
- Social Studies 3 — American
Government and Economics
Health/PE
Science
Career Courses
Child Care and Education
- Child Care and Education 1
- Child Care and Education 2
- Child Care and Education 3
- Child Care and Education 4
This program prepares students to obtain the national Child Development Associate (CDA) certification and employment as a childcare worker. The courses help students learn to perform tasks in a professional child care setting.
Students who graduate from this program will receive a certificate acknowledging that the courses taken meet the 120 clock hours of professional development required by the Council for Professional Recognition in order to obtain the National CDA credential.
Topics You Will Learn About- Observing and recording progress/behavior of children
- Advancement of physical and intellectual development
- Enhancement of social and emotional development
- Positive relationships with families
- Commitment to professionalism
- Effective program operation
- Safe and healthy environments for children and childcare workers
Office Management
- Office Management 1
- Office Management 2
- Office Management 3
- Office Management 4
The program in Office Management prepares students for successful careers in clerical positions in any type of office setting. From corporations and law firms to schools and governmental organizations to local companies and health clinics, every office can benefit from a skilled, organized receptionist or office assistant.
Topics You Will Learn About- Effective communication
- Time management
- Creativity
- Conflict resolution
- Dealing with difficult people
- Establishing goals
- Leadership and teamwork
- Hiring procedures
Certified Protection Officer
- Certified Protection Officer 1
- Certified Protection Officer 2
- Certified Protection Officer 3
- Certified Protection Officer 4
The Protection Officer program teaches students important protection and security principles. It also prepares them to take the Certification Exam and obtain a Certified Protection Officer (CPO) Certification and employment as a security guard and/or a protection officer.
Topics You Will Learn About- Report writing
- Physical security
- Emergency procedures
- Workplace violence
- Traffic control
- Fire prevention
- Use of force
- Security risk management
Homeland Security
- Homeland Security 1
- Homeland Security 2
- Homeland Security 3
- Homeland Security 4
The program in Homeland Security teaches and prepares students to obtain entry-level employment in the transportation security industry.
Topics You Will Learn About- Crowd control
- Emergency measures plan
- Advanced first aid
- Preserving evidence
- Fire safety
- Handling bomb threats
Commercial Driving
- Commercial Driving 1
- Commercial Driving 2
- Commercial Driving 3
- Commercial Driving 4
The program in Commercial Driving teaches and prepares students to obtain a Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) and employment as a truck driver and/or commercial driver.
Topics You Will Learn About- Driving safety
- Defensive driving
- Transporting passengers
- Parking and turning procedures
- Blind spots and danger zones
- Driving in adverse weather conditions
General Career Preparation
- General Career Preparation 1
- General Career Preparation 2
- General Career Preparation 3
- General Career Preparation 4
In the General Career Preparation Program, students gain the skills and knowledge needed for success a variety of career fields. The program also prepares students for career college, vocational training, community college, or continuing education. This is an excellent option for students who are undecided in their career majors, but need career training they can apply in any occupation or course of study. The program stresses the personal and professional skills needed in today’s workplace.
Topics You Will Learn About- Advancing in the workplace
- Communication
- Time management
- Creativity
- Employment hot topics
- Workplace challenges and opportunities
Food and Hospitality
- Food and Hospitality 1
- Food and Hospitality 2
- Food and Hospitality 3
- Food and Hospitality 4
The Food and Hospitality program prepares students for careers in food services, restaurants, and the hospitality industry. The program emphasizes the personal and professional skills used in a wide variety of food service settings. This is an excellent option for those already working in the food services environment who want to apply for management positions, or for those interested in starting new careers.
The program also prepares students to take the Prometric Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) exam.
Topics You Will Learn About- HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) principles
- U.S. food service regulation
- Food preparation and safety
- Foodborne illnesses & bloodborne pathogens
- Receiving and storing food items
- Working in teams
- Communication skills
- How to advance at work
- Workplace challenges and opportunities
Retail Customer Service Skills
- Retail Customer Service Skills 1
- Retail Customer Service Skills 2
- Retail Customer Service Skills 3
- Retail Customer Service Skills 4
The Retail Customer Service program prepares students with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in today’s retail world. This is an excellent option for those already working in a retail environment who want to advance in their careers, or for those interested in starting new retail jobs. The program emphasizes customer service skills that can be applied in a wide variety of retail settings.
Topics You Will Learn About- Working in retail sales
- Communicating with retail customers
- Providing an excellent customer experience
- Dealing with difficult people
- Time management
- Working in teams
- How to be successful on the job
- Workplace challenges and opportunities
Career Portfolio Course
- Non-Credit Resume and Career Preparation
- Basic Letter Format
- Basic Thank You Letter
- Business Letter
- Cover Letter
- Resumé
- Researching and Restating the Career Requirements for Career Certificate
- How to Research/Locate/Contact Employment Sources
Accreditation
Smart Horizons Career Online Education is fully accredited as an online school district by Cognia (formerly AdvancED).
Cognia is the national commission that confers the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), and the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) accreditation seals.
This means that the Smart Horizons Career Online Education district and all of its schools are Cognia/SACS/NCA/NWAC accredited, and that Smart Horizons Career Online Education is recognized across the nation as a quality school system.
Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, professional learning, and improvement services to institutions and other education providers. As a global nonprofit working in over 80 countries, Cognia serves 36,000 institutions, nearly 25 million students, and five million educators every day.
To learn more about the District Accreditation Process, visit www.advanc-ed.org.
Tuition Options
Pay in Full — $1,495
- Save $35 (Administration Fee waived).
- Upon enrollment, you choose to pay the total enrollment fee of $1,495.
Automatic Payment Plan — $1,530
- $1,530 total.
- Pay $85 upon enrollment, then 17 automatic monthly payments of $85 will be charged to your credit/debit card.
Payment Methods
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Discover
- American Express
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Smart Horizons Career Online High School is fully accredited by AdvancEd/SACS/NCA/NWAC. We are also approved as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
How much does it cost?
The program tuition is $1495. There is a $35 administration fee that we waive for students who select the full payment plan. Contact us for more information about our low monthly payment plan option.
What is the career portfolio?
To arm you with the tools you need to find a job, we will teach you to create essential documents, such as your resume and a cover letter.
What if I need help with my coursework?
Your Academic Coach will connect you with one of our certified instructors to provide you with additional academic support, when needed.
When can I work on my courses?
Courses are self-paced and taught in an online learning environment available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How much time will I need to dedicate to my coursework?
We recommend that you dedicate 6-10 hours per week to your coursework. Your Academic Coach will help keep you on track! We also provide you with a Pace Guide that helps you move through the program by completing one credit every two weeks.
I dropped out my senior year. Will all of the courses I completed count toward this diploma?
Once you are ready to start the program, our Registrar will analyze your transcripts and apply credits for any course work you completed that fulfills our credit transfer requirements. Elective credits do not apply since the electives we offer are necessary in you earning your career certification.
When can I start my classes?
We offer rolling admissions, which means you can start anytime of the year – whenever it is convenient for you. Within one day of completing the enrollment process, an Admissions Advisor will provide you with all of the information you need to get started.
How long will it take me to complete the program?
Depending on how many credits you transfer in, you can be on your way to earning your high school diploma in a few months. You will be given up to 18 months to complete the program.
Will you send me materials in the mail?
No. All of your course material is available online! This means you always have all of your materials available anywhere you are.
Will I need to purchase textbooks?
No, you will not need to purchase textbooks.
What does graduation entail?
When a student meets the graduation requirements, we mail their high school diploma and career certificate to the shipping address provided. While we do not host a graduation ceremony, we recommend the student celebrate this huge accomplishment with family and friends.
If I choose a major like Child Care, how will I train to work with children?
While we provide you with all of the coursework you need in order to qualify for a Childcare Certification, you will need to find a local agency in your community to fulfill the hands-on training hours required.
Is the diploma accepted by colleges?
Because the program is accredited, it should be accepted by many colleges and universities. However, admissions requirements are always up to an individual college. Also, if you are interested in pursuing post-secondary education within your state you should check with your state to understand the requirements. States may impose requirements for receiving state financial aid. For example, an online high school diploma may not be recognized by some colleges and universities within your state to receive financial aid. We recommend you check with the institution for any specific restrictions — this is particularly important for residents of New York and New Jersey.
What is your refund policy?
Students cancelling their High School enrollment within 5 business days of the date of enrollment will receive a full tuition refund, minus the $77 non-refundable Enrollment Application fee. After 5 business days, refunds are not available and full tuition is owed.
