Can You Earn a High School Diploma Online in Vermont? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re a Vermont student or parent exploring online learning, you may be asking yourself, “Can I earn a high school diploma completely online?” The short answer is yes—but the path to get there may not be exactly what you expect.
While Vermont does not currently have a standalone, diploma-granting online school, there are well-established pathways that allow students to learn 100% online and still earn an accredited high school diploma. At the Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative (VTVLC), we’re proud to partner with schools across the state to make that possible.
Here’s how Vermont students can earn their diploma online—with the support of VTVLC and our school partners.
Path 1: Stay Enrolled at Your Local School
If you live in a town that operates a high school, you can take a full-time course load online through VTVLC while staying enrolled in your local school. This means you’ll earn your diploma from your home district, while completing your coursework virtually.
VTVLC works with partner schools across Vermont to support this model. Students complete a full academic schedule—taught by Vermont-licensed teachers—using VTVLC’s Canvas learning platform. Your diploma is conferred by your local high school, but your learning takes place online.
Is my school a partner?
You can find out if your school is a VTVLC partner at vtvlc.org/vtvlc-partnership, or talk to your school counselor about full-time virtual enrollment through VTVLC.
Path 2: The Collaborative Diploma Program (CDP)
For students who live in non-operating towns—towns that do not run their own high schools, sometimes called “choice towns,” or “tuition towns”—VTVLC offers another pathway: the Collaborative Diploma Program (CDP).
Through this program, students “choice” into one of VTVLC’s CDP partner schools, while taking all of their courses online through VTVLC. Participating CDP partner schools include:
- Richford Jr./Sr. High School
- White River Valley High School
- Hazen Union School
These students are enrolled at one of these public high schools and, upon successful completion of graduation requirements, receive a fully accredited high school diploma from their CDP partner school—all while learning online.
One of the Best Parts? You Stay Connected to a School Community.
Unlike many out-of-state or private online learning programs, VTVLC students remain closely connected to a Vermont school. That means you can often continue to:
- Participate in extracurricular activities like sports, clubs, and student government
- Use school resources such as libraries, counseling services, and academic support
- Stay socially engaged with classmates and your broader school community
Students who choose the CDP path can even take part in events at their partner school, like prom, graduation, and field trips.
Why Choose Online Learning with VTVLC?
Online learning through VTVLC isn’t just about flexibility—it’s about access, opportunity, and preparation for the future.
Here are just a few reasons Vermont students choose to earn their diploma online:
Flexible Scheduling
Online learning allows students to work at their own pace, making it easier to manage part-time jobs, sports, or family responsibilities.
Course Variety
Students have access to a wide range of courses that may not be available locally, including a wide array of Advanced Placement (AP) classes, career and technical education (CTE) programs like Digital Media Production, and unique electives.
College and Career Readiness
Students develop essential 21st-century skills such as self-direction, time management, communication, and digital literacy—skills that are highly valued in both higher education and the workforce.
Equity and Access
For students in rural or underserved areas, online learning expands access to coursework and opportunities that might otherwise be limited by geography.
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Earn Your Diploma Online in Vermont
While Vermont does not have a standalone online high school that grants diplomas, students can earn a diploma online by enrolling in either:
- Their local public school (in partnership with VTVLC), or
- The Collaborative Diploma Program (CDP) through one of VTVLC’s designated partner schools.
Both options are rooted in strong partnerships with public schools and designed to ensure students remain fully connected to Vermont’s public education system, while benefiting from the flexibility and innovation of online learning.
Interested in exploring your options?
Visit vtvlc.org, talk to your school counselor, or contact us directly—we’re here to help you find the right path.