What Reviewers Say

Silicon Valley High School (SVHS) is widely recognized in the homeschool community as a high-value, low-cost option for high school credits. Reviewers from Niche and Trustpilot consistently praise the school for its high-quality video production, which many find more engaging than traditional text-based online curricula. The $125 per course price point is frequently cited as its most attractive feature, especially for families seeking NCAA-approved courses for student athletes. However, common trade-offs include a lack of live interaction and the necessity for strong student self-discipline. Some critical feedback mentions that while teachers are available for grading and questions, the turnaround time can sometimes be slower than expected. Overall, it is seen as a reliable, accredited 'workhorse' for credit recovery or supplemental high school coursework.

How It Works

Students log into the online portal to watch high-quality video lessons and complete interactive activities independently on their own schedule. A typical week involves the student moving through one or two units, which consist of watching instructional videos, taking auto-graded quizzes, and submitting written assignments for a remote teacher to grade. Parents act as supervisors who monitor the student's progress through a digital dashboard and proctor the final exam at the end of the course. Each course is designed to take about 30 to 60 hours, meaning a student typically spends five to eight hours per week to finish a subject within a standard semester. All materials are digital and included in the course price, so the only physical requirements are a computer and a reliable internet connection.

Switching to This?

Silicon Valley High School does not offer formal placement tests, so families typically choose courses based on the student's current grade level or their state's standard graduation sequence. Because enrollment is rolling and courses are self-paced, families can start at any time of year, making it an ideal choice for students needing to switch mid-semester or catch up on credits. When switching from a traditional textbook-based program, parents should expect a transition period where the student learns to manage their own deadlines without a daily bell schedule. It is helpful to review the public syllabi for each course to ensure the topics align with what the student has already mastered. For those transitioning from parent-led curricula, be aware that SVHS takes over the instruction and grading, shifting the parent’s role to one of accountability and support.

Curriculum Details

Price

$125 - $1500

Courses are priced individually at $125 per semester-length course (5 credits). Full-time enrollment involves paying for multiple courses.

Grades

9 - 12

Available As

Digital Video

Coverage

All subjects

Subjects

Math Reading/Language Arts Science History/Social Studies Foreign Language Art Computer Science Physical Education Logic & Critical Thinking

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Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

0-15 min/day

Parent Involvement

None

Student Independence

Fully independent

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Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Secular

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to Study.com, which uses short, bite-sized video modules, SVHS offers more comprehensive, classroom-style video instruction that many students find more cohesive for full-credit courses. When weighed against Apex Learning, SVHS is significantly more budget-friendly for individual course purchases, though it offers less 'live' instruction and is strictly asynchronous. Parents choosing between SVHS and Time4Learning often find that SVHS provides a more rigorous, high-school-specific environment with the added benefit of WASC accreditation for official transcripts. Unlike Sora Schools, which relies on a collaborative, project-based social model with live meetings, SVHS is a solitary 'workhorse' curriculum designed for students who want to work through material quickly and independently. Finally, compared to Acellus Academy, SVHS provides more human feedback through teacher-graded essays and projects, whereas Acellus relies almost entirely on automated, computer-graded assessments.

Getting Started