Frequently Asked Questions
SCHOOL NAME CHANGE
Why did the school name change?
In April 2007, University of Miami Online High School (UMOHS) was acquired by Kaplan Virtual Education (KVE). KVE is a business unit of Kaplan Higher Education, and a subsidiary of Kaplan, Inc., a worldwide leader in education. By joining the Kaplan family, UMOHS gained an even greater capacity to serve students through an expanded menu of Kaplan education programs. In April 2008, to align with its new position as the private college preparatory high school of the Kaplan family of companies, University of Miami Online High School was renamed Kaplan College Preparatory School (KCPS).
How will this affect UMOHS students and parents?
The college preparatory level curriculum, teaching, academic support levels, and college counseling will remain constant, as will the high level of support that you are accustomed to from UMOHS.
Students with uninterrupted enrollment who graduate in the next 12 months as planned will receive transcripts and diplomas issued by UMOHS. Students graduating after April 8, 2009, will receive Kaplan College Preparatory School transcripts and diplomas.
ABOUT KCPS
What are the benefits of learning from Kaplan?
Kaplan has been in the business of education for 70 years and has earned a reputation as one of the world's leading providers of educational services. KCPS students benefit from Kaplan's deep experience in first-rate curriculum, college coaching, and test prep. Kaplan serves over 1 million students per year and employs more than 27,000 people worldwide.
Is KCPS an accredited school?
Kaplan College Preparatory School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA).
What is the difference between KCPS and traditional brick-and-mortar college preparatory schools?
KCPS competes with leading college preparatory high schools in providing students with an elite private school education and college preparatory curriculum, but KCPS students also benefit from Kaplan's extensive additional resources and the flexibility of attending school virtually any time from anywhere.
Is KCPS less challenging than other schools?
No. Although KCPS provides flexible scheduling and alternative access to education, our college preparatory level program is extremely rigorous. All courses are written at or above grade level and require focused study on a daily basis to complete one course within the traditional annual or semester time frame. Our courses engage students in real-life projects, requiring the use of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply knowledge they have acquired. All curriculum was developed with the goal of preparing students for top-tier colleges and universities.
Who are KCPS students?
The KCPS student body includes students who want a college preparatory high school education which will prepare them for the next step in their education. The range of students includes athletes, performers, students who travel, students who benefit from individualized instruction or who want to accelerate, international students seeking an American high school diploma, part-time students, and summer school students, as well as students who are just looking for an alternative method of going to school.
ONLINE SCHOOLING
How does online schooling work?
Kaplan College Preparatory School (KCPS) is an accredited private high school that provides students with the flexibility to get an elite private school education virtually any time from anywhere in the world. KCPS assignments, quizzes, tests, and projects are completed online. For each course, each student has an Instructor with whom he/she communicates by email, instant message (IM), and telephone.
Why should a student take online courses?
Taking an online course in high school KCPS means mastering time management, self-discipline, and effective written communication skills.
What if the student has questions or problems while taking a course?
Students enrolled in the KCPS program are assigned dedicated Instructors for each course. They may contact their teachers by a toll-free phone number, email and instant message (IM) with questions or problems that may arise. Technical support is also available to all KCPS students.Instructors and Academic Advisors work to keep the students on track and to ensure all courses are completed to the best of the individual student's potential.
How do parents or guardians learn about their student's academic progress?
Parents have access to their children's courses and gradebook virtually 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to view assignment completion status and grades. The dedicated KCPS Academic Advisor also monitors the student's progress and will contact the parent(s) if the student is falling behind.
Can a student complete work while traveling?
Absolutely! Students can access their coursework and assignments via the Internet from virtually anywhere, at any time.
How do you prevent cheating?
Most of our assignments require critical thinking, and therefore, cannot easily be replicated by other students. KCPS has many technological checks and balances to detect cheating and plagiarism.
ADMISSIONS
Who can enroll?
Students from nearly anywhere in the world can attend KCPS, though fluency in English is required to be able to successfully complete the curriculum. Typically, students should be 13-years old to enroll in KCPS, but exceptions have been made based on previous academic history. Students are carefully screened during the admissions process to ensure they are placed in the appropriate program and courses.
What happens once a student is accepted to KCPS?
An Admissions counselor will discuss course selection with the student and parents or guardians after the application is accepted. KCPS students may begin their coursework any time of year. Upon setting a start date, a KCPS representative will call the student at an arranged time for a phone and online orientation, in which they review the course navigation, student handbook information, and expectations for the school year.
Can a student transfer mid-year?
Yes. KCPS representatives review student transcripts and place transferring students in the applicable courses at the appropriate place within those courses. Transferring students are not required to retake the areas of study they have already mastered but are required to take the KCPS final exam. In order to receive a diploma from KCPS, students must successfully complete a minimum of six one-credit courses through the KCPS program, regardless of the number of credits earned at other schools.
Do you accept part-time students?
Yes. KCPS students may take one to seven courses at any given time with KCPS. Enrollment in one to three courses at once is considered part-time. Often, part-time students take some classes with KCPS and the remainder with their home school. KCPS credits may also be transferred to other public and private high schools.
COURSES & INSTRUCTORS
What courses are offered?
KCPS offers a full range of college-preparatory level core curriculum, Advanced Placement, and honors courses. The current course offerings are listed on the Course List page.
How long are the courses?
Half-credit courses are one semester long, approximately 20 weeks. Full-credit courses are taken in a sequence of two semesters, which equals approximately 40 weeks.
Can students take advanced placement (AP) courses?
The Academic Advisor can make recommendations based on the individual student's capabilities and potential of succeeding in a KCPS AP-level course.
Who teaches the courses?
State-certified Instructors who specialize in teaching online high school are assigned to each student in each course. Students will communicate with their Instructors via phone, email, and instant messaging (IM).
What does the Academic Advisor do?
Each student is assigned an Academic Advisor in addition to their Instructors. The Academic Advisor is available to answer general questions regarding the program and the student's progress. The Advisor works with the student and parent to help ensure that the student is placed in the appropriate level courses, stays on pace, and takes full advantage of the college preparation services.
COLLEGE PREPARATION
What services are provided to prepare the students for college?
The college-preparatory curriculum, AP and honors courses, teachers, Academic Advisors, and college counseling programs have all been developed with the goal of helping our graduates get into top-tier, competitive universities.
Who is eligible for the college admissions preparation services?
Full-time KCPS students are eligible for the college admissions preparation services.
Where have KCPS graduates been accepted to college?
Yes, some KCPS students have been accepted to Alabama, Auburn, Barry, California Santa Cruz, Colorado, Columbia, Florida, Gettysburg, George Washington, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisville, Lynn, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Purdue, Stanford, Southern California, Spring Hill, South Carolina, St. Mary's, Temple, Texas, Texas Tech, Virginia, Wagner, Wake Forest, and counting.