So you're looking into BYU high school courses? Good call. Whether you're a homeschool parent, a student wanting to graduate early, or just trying to tackle that tricky chemistry class, I've been exactly where you are. Let me walk you through everything - the good, the bad, and the stuff nobody tells you about BYU independent study.
What Exactly Are BYU High School Courses?
Run by Brigham Young University, these are accredited online courses for grades 9-12. They've been around since the 60s - way before online learning was cool. Unlike some programs, BYU high school courses come straight from an actual university (not some random education tech company).
Think of it like this: You get the curriculum BYU uses for their on-campus students, adapted for high schoolers. All courses are NCAA-approved and transferable to most schools. I've seen students use them for:
- Making up failed credits (my neighbor's kid did this for algebra)
- Getting ahead before college
- Homeschooling graduation requirements
- Taking specialized classes like AP Latin (rare in regular schools)
How It Actually Works Day-to-Day
You log into their portal anytime. No Zoom classes at fixed times - total self-paced learning. For each BYU high school course:
| Component | What It Means | Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|
| Lessons | PDF/textbook materials | 3-5 hours weekly |
| Assignments | Submitted online (essays, math problems) | 2-4 hours weekly |
| Exams | Proctored final (you find a local proctor) | One per course |
| Teacher Access | Email support (responses in 48-72 hours) | As needed |
Deadlines? You've got a full year to finish from enrollment date. Most students knock out a course in 4-6 months though.
Course Offerings: What You Can Actually Take
Core Academic Courses
These satisfy graduation requirements. BYU's English and history courses are surprisingly robust:
| Subject | Course Examples | Credits | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | Algebra I/II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus | 1.0 per course | Calculator use varies - check requirements |
| Science | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science | 1.0 per course | Labs are home-based with kits |
| English | English 9-12, Creative Writing | 1.0 per course | Heavy essay grading |
| Social Studies | US History, World History, Government | 1.0 per course | Primary source analysis emphasized |
Electives That Might Surprise You
BYU's niche courses are where they really stand out:
- Family Finance (teaches actual budgeting - wish I'd taken this!)
- Hebrew 1 & 2 (rare for high school programs)
- AP Art History (includes virtual museum tours)
- Astronomy (requires telescope access)
- Early-Morning Seminary (for LDS students specifically)
Advanced Placement Options
Their AP catalog punches above its weight. Important note: You must register separately for AP exams through College Board.
| AP Course | Exam Pass Rate | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| AP Calculus AB | 71% (3+) | Graphing calculator required |
| AP English Lit | 68% (3+) | 8 major writing assignments |
| AP US History | 63% (3+) | Document-based questions weekly |
| AP Biology | 59% (3+) | Lab kit purchase ($125-175) |
How Much This Actually Costs
Let's cut through the confusion. For 2024:
| Course Type | Cost | What's Included | Extra Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Courses | $186 per course | All materials, grading | None |
| AP Courses | $292 per course | AP syllabus materials | AP exam fee ($98) payable to College Board |
| Lab Sciences | $186 + kit cost | Digital curriculum | Lab kits $89-$179 (non-returnable) |
Watch for discounts: They run seasonal promotions (August/January) with $25-$50 off per course. Military families get 10% off if you call them directly - not advertised online.
The Enrollment Process Step-by-Step
I helped three teens enroll last year. Here's what actually happens:
- Create account at is.byu.edu (5 minutes)
- Select courses - Cart works like online shopping
- Payment - Credit/debit accepted (no payment plans)
- Access granted - Instant login for digital courses
- Materials shipped - Physical books arrive in 5-7 days
Transfer Credit Reality Check
Will your school accept BYU high school courses? Almost always yes - but verify!
You need to:
- Get pre-approval from your counselor (email template below)
- Send official transcript to your school ($15 fee)
- Follow up in-person with counselor
Sample email I used: "Dear [Counselor], Could you confirm acceptance of BYU Independent Study course [Course Name] for [Subject Area] credit? Course accreditation details: https://is.byu.edu/accreditation"
Brutally Honest Pros and Cons
Where BYU Shines
- Self-pacing is legit - pause during sports season
- Academic rigor is solid - colleges recognize it
- LDS scripture courses unmatched elsewhere
- Start ANY day - no semester constraints
- Book prices included (most competitors charge extra)
Potential Dealbreakers
- Grading delays - up to 3 weeks for essays last semester
- Zero live instruction - only email support
- Tech issues with their legacy portal
- No hands-on help for struggling learners
- Religious content in ALL courses (even math word problems)
That last point surprised me. While doctrine isn't in math concepts, word problems often reference LDS life. Fine for members, potentially awkward for others.
Who Should Actually Use BYU High School Courses?
Based on what I've seen work (and crash):
| Student Type | Success Rate | Best Course Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Self-motivated learners | High | AP courses, electives |
| Students needing credit recovery | Medium | Core requirements |
| Homeschoolers supplementing | High | Lab sciences, foreign languages |
| Students with learning differences | Low | Not recommended |
| Those needing teacher interaction | Low | Look elsewhere |
Alternatives When BYU Isn't Right
For some situations, other options work better:
- Teacher support needed: Try UC Scout or Apex Learning
- Secular curriculum: Stanford Online or Johns Hopkins CTY
- Budget under $100:
Check your state's virtual school Your Top Questions Answered
Do colleges respect BYU high school courses?Absolutely. I've seen transcripts accepted at BYU (obviously), USC, UVU, and even out-of-state publics. The key is accreditation - BYU is Regionally accredited by NWCCU. That's the gold standard.
Can international students enroll?Yes, but shipping takes ages. A friend in Australia waited 6 weeks for books. Digital courses work better internationally. Note: All courses are in English with no translation.
How do proctored exams work?You find a local proctor - librarian, teacher, or clergy member. They verify your ID and supervise the test. BYU sends them the materials. It's smoother than most think.
What's the hardest BYU high school course?Hands-down AP Chemistry. The lab kit costs $179 and assignments take 15+ hours weekly. My cousin dropped it after 3 weeks. AP Calculus AB is tough but better structured.
Can you accelerate graduation with BYU?Technically yes - but most schools cap transfer credits. Max I've seen transferred is 6 credits (about junior year). Don't expect to do your entire diploma through BYU high school courses.
Final Reality Check
BYU high school courses saved my niece's graduation plan when she moved states. But it's not magic. You need discipline and a quiet workspace. The courses are academically solid but dry as toast sometimes. If you need hand-holding, look at live online schools instead.
Still unsure? Call their advising line at (800) 914-8931. Wait times are under 5 minutes typically. Ask about your specific situation - they're honest about whether their program fits.
One last tip: Sample lessons are available free on their site. Try one before paying. If the format clicks with your learning style, you'll know within an hour.
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