Overview

The American School of Correspondence is an accredited American distance education institution providing secondary-level coursework by mail and online. Founded in 1897, it has offered flexible study options for students who need alternatives to traditional classroom attendance. The school awards its own high school diploma and reports a large, often part-time enrollment, with figures commonly cited in the tens of thousands.

Structure and programs

The school focuses on individualized, self-paced study. Its curriculum covers standard high school subjects and electives and is arranged so students can begin and finish courses at varied times rather than following a conventional semester schedule. Typical learners include re-engaging teens, adult students completing a diploma, performers and athletes with irregular schedules, and students who supplement or replace classroom instruction.

  • Delivery: coursework historically via mail and now supplemented by online platforms to submit assignments and receive feedback.
  • Credentials: the institution issues a high school diploma and maintains accreditation, which supports credit transfer and postsecondary acceptance in many cases.
  • Flexibility: self-paced progression and credit-recovery options make it suitable for diverse life circumstances.

History and development

Established at the end of the 19th century, the school grew during periods when correspondence education was a primary means to reach distant or nontraditional learners. From 1912 until the late 20th century it operated in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago before relocating to south suburban Lansing. Over time its methods evolved from strictly mailed lessons to include digital tools while retaining a correspondence model of independent study.

Uses, importance, and notable facts

Many students turn to the school for credit recovery, to complete interrupted high school programs, or to obtain a diploma while balancing work, travel, or professional commitments. Because of its long history, the institution is often mentioned as an early and persistent provider of American correspondence secondary education. Prospective students should verify current accreditation, program details, and admission policies directly with the school to ensure alignment with their goals.

Further information

For more on the broader field of distance education and how correspondence models work, consult general overviews. Details about secondary-level offerings may be found under entries for high school programs. The school's current base is in Lansing, Illinois, though it historically operated in Hyde Park, Chicago from 1912 to 1996. Information on the diploma it grants is often discussed where high school diploma requirements are reviewed.