Learn Star Academy Student Handbook

Purpose of This Handbook

This Student Handbook is your comprehensive guide to Learn Star Academy's adult high school diploma program. It outlines the policies, procedures, academic requirements, and resources you need to earn your diploma successfully — on your schedule, at your pace.

Learn Star Academy is built specifically for adults 18 and older who are ready to finish what they started. Whether you stepped away from school months ago or decades ago, this program is designed around your life — not the other way around.

In addition to serving as a student resource, this handbook is the official document governing academic policies, program requirements, and accreditation standards. Students are generally held to the graduation requirements in effect at the time of their enrollment.

Reservation of Rights

Learn Star Academy reserves the right to revise, modify, or discontinue policies, procedures, academic programs, and other provisions outlined in this handbook at any time, with or without prior notice, in accordance with applicable accreditation and licensing requirements. This handbook is not a binding contract but serves as a general guide to the school's current programs and expectations.

While students may be permitted to complete their academic program under the requirements in place at the time of their enrollment, revised policies may, in some cases, supersede prior guidelines. When feasible, the school will provide support to ensure a smooth transition under updated policies or academic structures.

Message from the President

Dear Learn Star Student,

Welcome to Learn Star Academy. You have taken one of the most important steps of your life — the decision to finish your high school education and earn an accredited diploma. We are honored to be your partner on this journey. At Learn Star, we believe every adult deserves access to a high-quality, flexible, and affordable education. Our 100% online, self-paced program is designed to fit around your work schedule, family obligations, and personal commitments. You set the pace; we provide the support.

Learn Star Academy is accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). Our team is here to support you every step of the way. Reach out anytime — we are committed to your success.

Warm regards,
Rod Clarkson, MBA, EdS
President/CEO

Mission Statement

Learn Star Academy will provide an exceptional online learning experience for adult learners that exceeds the highest academic standards in a flexible, supportive, and affordable environment.

Vision Statement

Learn Star Academy is committed to becoming the leading accredited online high school for adult learners — empowering individuals to earn their diplomas and transform their lives.

Core Values

• Student First: Every decision we make is guided by what is best for the adult learner.
• Integrity: We operate with honesty, transparency, and the highest ethical standards.
• Flexibility: We design programs around the real lives of real adults.
• Excellence: We hold ourselves and our students to the highest academic standards.
• Empowerment: We believe a diploma changes lives — and we act accordingly.

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About Learn Star Academy

Learn Star Academy is a fully accredited, 100% online adult high school operated as a component school of Excel Education Systems, Inc. (EES), headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Learn Star Academy was established to serve the estimated 37 million adults in the United States who have not yet earned a high school diploma. As a mobile-first, AI-enhanced, competency-friendly school, Learn Star represents the future of adult education.

Legal Governance

Learn Star Academy is organized under the laws of the State of Minnesota, Statute 302A, as a Minnesota-based non-public accredited school.

Contact Information

Address: Learn Star Academy / Excel Education Systems, Inc., 601 Carlson Parkway, Suite 1250, Minnetonka, MN 55305

Website: learnstar.com

Phone: 952-465-3700 | Toll-Free: 800-620-3844

Email: support@learnstar.com

Non-Discrimination Policy

Learn Star Academy is dedicated to fostering a respectful and fair educational environment for all students and staff. We are firmly committed to a policy of non-discrimination in all aspects of our operations — including student admissions, hiring practices, and educational programs — regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, age, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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Why Accreditation Matters

Accreditation means an independent body has reviewed the school against established standards for quality and continuous improvement. It is the same kind of review used by public and private schools across the United States. Each college, university, employer, and military branch makes its own decisions about accepting diplomas and credits, so students should confirm requirements with the institution they plan to attend.

Middle States Association CESS (MSA-CESS)

Learn Star Academy is accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) as a component school of the Excel Education Systems school district/system. MSA-CESS is a globally recognized accrediting body that serves over 3,000 schools across the U.S. and more than 100 countries.

Parent Organization

Excel Education Systems, Inc., Learn Star Academy's parent organization, holds corporate (district-level) systems accreditation.

Competency-Based Education (CBE) Certification

The CBE model empowers adult learners with personalized pathways, increased flexibility, and clearly defined outcomes, allowing students to progress at their own pace by demonstrating real competency before moving forward.

See the Accreditation page for current details.

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Academic Expectations

Learn Star Academy is designed for self-motivated adults. Because our program is fully online and self-paced, your success depends primarily on your own engagement, dedication, and consistent effort. Our team of academic coaches and student success coaches is here to guide and encourage you — but you are in the driver's seat.

• Log into your courses consistently and make regular progress.
• Complete assignments to the best of your ability and with academic integrity.
• Communicate proactively with your Success Coach when challenges arise.
• Take ownership of your academic plan and graduation timeline.

Transfer Credits

Learn Star Academy welcomes transfer credits from a variety of educational backgrounds. If you have previously attended an accredited high school, you may be eligible to transfer credits toward your diploma — potentially reducing the time and cost to graduate.

Accepted transfer credit sources include:

• Regionally or nationally accredited U.S. high schools
• Public and charter schools recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
• Accredited international schools recognized by their country's Ministry of Education

To transfer credits, students must submit official transcripts directly from the issuing institution to the Learn Star Academy Registrar's Office. Adult students cannot transfer homeschool credits. In accordance with accreditation guidelines, Learn Star Academy allows the transfer of up to 75% of the total credits required for graduation. All students must complete a minimum of 6.0 credits directly through Learn Star Academy to earn a diploma, regardless of how many credits have been previously earned.

GED and HiSET Credit Transfer

Learn Star Academy awards up to 5.0 high school credits for students who have passed sections of the GED or HiSET exam. Students earn 2.0 English credits for passing the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) section. Students receive 1.0 credit each for passing the Math, Science, and Social Studies sections.

These credits are considered ungraded transfers and do not impact GPA. Students must have their official GED or HiSET transcript sent directly from the testing service to the Learn Star Academy registrar.

Guidelines for International Students

Learn Star Academy welcomes adult learners age 18 and older from around the world who wish to complete their secondary education and earn a U.S.-based high school diploma through a flexible, fully online program.

Online enrollment and U.S. student visas: Learn Star Academy is a 100% online adult high school diploma program and does not issue Form I-20 for F-1 student visas. Enrollment in Learn Star Academy does not provide eligibility for an F-1 visa or other U.S. student immigration status.

International students may complete the Learn Star Academy diploma program while residing outside the United States. Because educational recognition and requirements vary by country, students are responsible for determining whether a U.S.-based online high school diploma will meet the educational, employment, postsecondary admission, or other requirements of their country of residence or intended destination.

International transfer credits: Adult learners who have previously completed secondary-level coursework outside the United States may be eligible to transfer qualifying credits toward their Learn Star Academy diploma requirements. International academic records may be considered for evaluation when the original transcript:

• Is written in English;
• Includes letter or numerical grades;
• Clearly identifies the courses completed; and
• Identifies the credits or equivalent academic units earned.

Official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing school or institution to the Student Records Office at records@excelhighschool.com. Official transcripts submitted directly by students cannot be accepted as official records.

Credential evaluation: If an international transcript does not meet the requirements above, is not in English, does not clearly identify courses, grades, and credits, or otherwise cannot be evaluated internally, the student will be required to obtain an independent credential evaluation through Scholaro, an approved Educational Credential Evaluator. Credential evaluations must be completed on a course-by-course basis. Students are responsible for all evaluation fees and for arranging for the completed official evaluation to be sent directly to Learn Star Academy.

When transcripts are evaluated: Learn Star Academy does not review or evaluate transcripts for transfer credit until the student is officially enrolled and the first required tuition payment has been received. Following receipt and evaluation of all required academic records, eligible transfer credits will be applied toward the student's selected Learn Star Academy adult high school diploma pathway.

Apostille and legalization services: For graduates residing outside the United States, Learn Star Academy offers Apostille and Legalization services to assist with authenticating diplomas and transcripts for international use. Services may include certification of eligible academic documents through the appropriate Secretary of State. Upon request, authenticated documents may also be mailed to the appropriate embassy or directly to the graduate, depending on the requirements of the destination country.

Learn Star Academy does not obtain embassy or consular stamps on a graduate's behalf. When additional embassy or consular legalization is required, the graduate is responsible for coordinating and completing those requirements directly with the appropriate government authority. International students are encouraged to research the academic recognition, legalization, and documentation requirements applicable in their home country before enrolling.

Academic Records Policy

Adult learners (age 18+) who begin a program at Learn Star Academy with the intent to complete all graduation credits through the school are not required to submit prior academic records at enrollment. Adult students seeking transfer credit must submit appropriate documentation for review, including official transcripts from accredited institutions sent directly from the issuing school.

Read the transfer credit guide for step-by-step help.

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This handbook describes the 21.5-credit Adult High School Diploma (Standard Career-Ready). Learn Star Academy also offers the 24-credit College & Career Prep Diploma under the same Enrollment Agreement; see the College & Career Prep page for its requirements, and compare programs.

The 21.5-Credit Adult High School Diploma provides a streamlined, flexible path to graduation that respects your time, recognizes what you already know, and gets you to the finish line.

Program at a Glance

Credit Requirements for Graduation

To earn an accredited adult high school diploma from Learn Star Academy, students must complete a minimum of 21.5 credits. Students who enter the program with prior high school credits may transfer up to 75% of required credits, reducing the coursework needed. Because at least 6.0 credits must be earned directly through Learn Star Academy, up to 15.5 transfer credits can count toward the 21.5-credit diploma (up to 18 toward the 24-credit College & Career Prep diploma).

Diploma Residency Requirement

Regardless of how many transfer credits are accepted, all students must complete a minimum of 6.0 credits directly through Learn Star Academy to earn a diploma. This ensures the integrity of the Learn Star Academy credential and compliance with accreditation standards.

Completion Tracks

Standard Track (Self-Paced): Complete coursework lesson by lesson at your own pace. Ideal for students who prefer a structured, guided learning experience. Monthly tuition until graduation; maximum eighteen-month program duration.

AcceleratED Track (Competency-Based): Demonstrate mastery of subjects you already know through competency assessments and test-out options. This fast-track pathway is designed for motivated adults who want to graduate sooner by leveraging what they have already learned in life and work. Learn more about competency-based learning.

Note: Learn Star Academy reserves the right to modify programs or policies as needed. Students are generally held to the graduation requirements in effect at the time of enrollment. When changes occur, reasonable efforts will be made to help students remain on track.

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Your Learning Platform: Learn Stage

All courses are delivered through Learn Stage, Learn Star Academy's proprietary Learning Management System (LMS/SIS). Learn Stage is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year — so you can study when your schedule allows, from anywhere with a reliable internet connection.

Learn Stage features include:

• Intuitive course navigation with lesson-by-lesson progression
• Built-in progress tracking and grade reporting
• Digital textbooks, video lectures, interactive activities, and assessments
• Help Desk Ticket system for communicating with your support team
• BRYTE AI Tutor — available 24/7 for on-demand academic support

BRYTE AI Tutor

BRYTE is Learn Star Academy's AI-powered academic tutor, available directly within your courses 24/7. BRYTE can explain difficult concepts, guide you through assignments, provide real-time academic help, and support independent learning at your own pace. Think of BRYTE as your personal tutor — always ready to assist when you are stuck, curious, or preparing for an assessment. Meet BRYTE.

School Hours of Operation

While coursework is accessible around the clock, the Learn Star Academy administrative office operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. Academic coaches, instructors, and support staff are available during these hours to answer questions, provide assistance, and ensure your academic experience runs smoothly. The Help Desk Ticket system remains available 24/7; tickets will be addressed during regular business hours.

Adult Student Participation Expectations

Adult students are not subject to compulsory attendance requirements; however, consistent academic activity is essential to program completion. Students who are inactive for 60 consecutive days or more may have their accounts locked and risk program termination. To stay on track, we recommend completing a minimum of one to two lessons per week per course.

The more time you put into your online courses, the sooner you will graduate! At Learn Star Academy, we have had students graduate in a matter of months and not years. Seat time is not a central focus of this competency-friendly program.

Note: Lack of time to communicate or participate will not be considered a legitimate reason for an extension.

Course Extension Policy

In rare situations, Learn Star Academy may approve a one-time, two-month course extension, allowing a student additional time to complete a course. To be approved, the following criteria must be met:

• Reasonable Progress: The student must have made reasonable progress toward course completion, as determined by the review committee.
• Legitimate Reason: A legitimate reason must be submitted in writing through the Learn Stage Help Desk for routing to the review committee. Examples include unforeseen personal or medical emergencies and natural disasters.

A course extension does not extend the 18-month maximum program duration.

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Grading Scale

GPA Policy

Learn Star Academy uses a standard 4.0 grade point average scale. Final grades, GPA, and earned credits are recorded in the Learn Stage Student Information System and reflected on official transcripts.

Learn Star Academy does not offer course forgiveness. All course attempts, including retakes, are included in the student's official academic record and calculated into the cumulative GPA. When a course is repeated, both the original and repeated grades appear on the transcript, and both are factored into the GPA. This policy ensures transparency and reflects the complete academic history of the student. Students are encouraged to seek academic support if challenges arise to avoid the need for retakes.

Minimum Performance Requirements for Credit

To earn academic credit for any course at Learn Star Academy, students must meet all of the following:

• Final Exam: A score of 60% or higher on the final exam is required.
• Writing Assignments: Each writing assignment must receive a score of 60% or higher.
• Final Course Average: The student must achieve a final average of 60% or higher for the course.

Credit Awarding & Diploma Eligibility

High school credit is awarded upon successful completion of coursework with a passing grade (D or higher, or 'Pass' in pass/fail courses). Students must complete the minimum 21.5 credits required under the Adult Program. Final grades, GPA, and earned credits are recorded in the Learn Stage Student Information System and reflected on official transcripts.

Final Exam Access Policy

For adult learners, final exams are unlocked by default and may be taken at any time upon course completion. Students are allowed two attempts to pass a final exam. If both attempts are unsuccessful, the course must be retaken. A new exam will only be unlocked after 14 days.

Age-Based Enrollment Policy

Learn Star Academy requires that students be at least 18 years of age to enroll in the adult diploma program. There is no upper age limit — adults of any age are welcome. There are no exceptions to the minimum age requirement.

Status Letters and Transcripts

Learn Star Academy provides status letters and transcripts upon request, provided the student has successfully completed at least one course and is current on all tuition payments. Official transcripts are sent directly from the Registrar's Office to the designated records or admissions office at a receiving institution and will not be released if there is an outstanding balance on the student's account.

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Academic Probation

Students who fail two courses will be placed on Academic Probation. During this period, they are required to maintain regular communication with their Academic and Success Coaches. A third course failure may result in dismissal from the school.

Course Withdrawal and Drops Policy

Drop Window: Students have a window of 30 days from the date a course becomes available to request a course drop or transfer, provided the student has not completed coursework past the midterm.

Withdrawal: Courses not dropped within the 30-day period are subject to grading policies based on completion and progress.

Failing Grades: A course will be recorded as 'Failed' on a student's transcript if the student attempts the midterm or completes lessons beyond the midterm but leaves remaining assignments unfinished by the course deadline.

Withdrawn Grades: A course will be recorded as 'Withdrawn' if the student completes little to no coursework or any amount up to the midterm but discontinues progress without completing additional assignments.

Course Load Policy

Adult students may be enrolled in up to six courses at a time. Students may take only one core course per subject area concurrently. For example, if enrolled in English Composition, a student may not also enroll in another English course simultaneously. New courses are automatically assigned in sequence as courses are completed.

Academic Records

Learn Star Academy maintains academic records in the Learn Stage Student Information System. Official transcripts are available upon request through the Registrar's Office. Official transcripts will not be released if there is an outstanding balance on the student's account.

Program Reengagement Policy

Learn Star Academy's Program Reengagement Policy promotes academic integrity, student accountability, and successful program completion.

Students whose subscriptions have lapsed or been canceled, or whose accounts have been placed on hold or locked due to inactivity, must reactivate their subscriptions to resume enrollment. Students who have been inactive for an extended period may be required to restart coursework or retake previously enrolled courses to ensure alignment with current academic standards and course requirements.

Students who have voluntarily withdrawn on multiple occasions, demonstrated a pattern of insufficient academic progress, or failed to complete their program within the designated timeframe may be required to submit a formal written appeal for reentry consideration. Appeals must demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances and a clear, actionable commitment to academic success. All outstanding financial obligations from prior enrollments must be satisfied in full before reengagement requests are processed. Patterns of repeated withdrawal and prolonged inactivity are strongly discouraged, and reentry is not guaranteed.

Academic Integrity, Plagiarism & AI Use

Learn Star Academy is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct. Students are expected to complete their coursework honestly and demonstrate mastery of course content through their own efforts. While technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), can be a valuable educational tool, students must use such tools responsibly and in accordance with this policy. To protect the integrity of our academic programs, Learn Star Academy utilizes plagiarism detection, AI-content detection, authorship analysis, and activity monitoring tools integrated into the Learn Stage LMS. All written assignments are screened through AI detection systems.

Students are expected to:

• Submit original work that reflects their own knowledge, understanding, and effort.
• Properly cite and reference any outside sources used in assignments.
• Complete assessments, quizzes, exams, discussions, and written assignments independently unless collaboration is specifically authorized.
• Use AI and other technology tools in a manner consistent with this policy.
• Respond honestly and cooperatively when questions arise regarding authorship or originality of submitted work.

Permitted use of AI: Students may use AI tools for educational support purposes, including brainstorming ideas, conducting preliminary research, improving grammar and spelling, receiving study assistance, clarifying concepts, organizing notes and outlines, and practicing skills. Students remain fully responsible for understanding all material submitted for academic credit.

Prohibited use of AI — students may not:

• Submit AI-generated work as their own original work.
• Use AI to complete essays, assignments, projects, discussion posts, or assessments without authorization.
• Copy and paste AI-generated responses into assignments for credit.
• Use AI to answer exam questions, quizzes, or assessments.
• Misrepresent AI-generated content as personal work, or use AI to bypass learning objectives.

The unauthorized use of AI-generated content may be considered academic dishonesty and may result in disciplinary action.

Plagiarism is the act of presenting another person's words, ideas, work, research, or creative content as one's own without proper attribution. Examples include copying content from websites, books, or online sources without citation; submitting work created by another person; purchasing essays or assignments; submitting AI-generated content without authorization; reusing previously submitted work without instructor approval; and paraphrasing a source without proper acknowledgment.

Learn Stage academic integrity monitoring: Learn Star Academy uses integrated tools within the Learn Stage platform, including AI-detection technology (writing-style consistency, authorship analysis, linguistic patterns, and originality indicators), plagiarism detection (scanning against public internet sources, academic databases, published materials, and student submission repositories), and activity monitoring (login patterns, assessment behavior, submission history, time-on-task metrics, and device/browser activity).

Authorship verification and investigations: Learn Star Academy reserves the right to verify authorship of student work through oral examinations, interviews, writing samples, revision requests, and supplemental assessments. Detection software does not automatically determine misconduct; flagged submissions are reviewed as part of a broader evaluation in which students may be asked to explain their work, demonstrate understanding, provide drafts, or complete additional assessments.

Consequences of violations:

• First Violation: Warning, educational intervention, assignment resubmission requirement, or reduced grade / assignment failure.
• Repeated or Serious Violations: Course failure, academic probation, suspension, administrative review, or dismissal from Learn Star Academy. The severity of disciplinary action depends on the nature and extent of the violation.

AI-Assisted Grading & Grade Review

Some assignments at Learn Star Academy are evaluated with the support of AI-assisted grading tools under the oversight of qualified staff. AI assistance helps provide timely, consistent feedback; final grade decisions remain the responsibility of Learn Star Academy's instructional team. A student who believes an assignment was graded in error may request a grade review through their coach, and a staff member will re-evaluate the work. Learn Star Academy's approach to academic integrity and the responsible use of AI is governed by Excel Education Systems Policy EES-POL-2026-003 (Academic Integrity in Online Education).

FERPA — Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student education records. Students have the right to inspect and review their academic records, request amendment of inaccurate records, and provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information. Because Learn Star Academy serves adult learners exclusively, all FERPA rights belong to the student.

Generally, the school must have written permission from the eligible student before releasing any information from an education record. However, FERPA permits disclosure without consent to certain parties or under certain conditions, including:

• School officials with legitimate educational interest
• Other schools to which a student is transferring
• Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes
• Accrediting organizations
• Compliance with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena
• Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies

Students may assign observer access in the Student Information System to share online course progress and account information with authorized third parties.

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Success Coaching

Every Learn Star Academy student has access to Success Coaches for support. Your Success Coach is your primary point of contact throughout your academic journey. They are here to help you set goals, stay on track, navigate challenges, and celebrate your progress. All students also have access to BRYTE AI for immediate student support and answers to questions that may arise.

Academic Coaching

Academic Coaches are certified instructors available to help you with course-specific questions and content. They provide timely feedback on assignments, clarify course material, and help you prepare for assessments.

BRYTE AI Tutor

BRYTE is available 24/7 directly within your Learn Stage courses. Use BRYTE to get immediate explanations, assignment guidance, and real-time academic support whenever you need it — day or night.

How to Access Support

Submit a Help Desk Ticket through your Learn Stage portal or email support@learnstar.com. Our team is available Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CST. BRYTE is available 24/7. You can also reach us through the contact page.

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Learn Star Academy is committed to making your diploma accessible and affordable. Tuition rates are subject to change; always refer to your signed Enrollment Agreement and the Tuition page for current pricing.

Tuition Overview

Program Fees

Payment Terms

Monthly tuition is automatically charged to a valid credit or debit card and continues until graduation or cancellation. Students are expected to keep accounts in good standing. Official transcripts and the diploma will not be released while an outstanding balance remains on the account.

Refund Policy

Students may cancel at any time; cancellation stops future charges. Refund eligibility is limited to the first 10 days from initial enrollment. No refunds are issued after this initial 10-day period. Monthly renewals do not restart this window. Once a student account is cancelled, students will not have login access to their account.

See Section 4 of the Enrollment Agreement for full terms, including specific policies for state-funded scholarships, education savings plans, and vouchers.

Transfer Credits and Acceptance

Learn Star Academy is accredited by MSA-CESS. Each college, university, employer, and military branch makes its own decisions about accepting credits and diplomas, so students should confirm requirements with their intended institution. Refund eligibility is governed by the initial 10-day refund policy.

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Enrolling in Learn Star Academy is fast, secure, and 100% online. Students can enroll any day of the year — there are no enrollment deadlines or start dates to wait for. Courses will be activated immediately after the subscription payment is made.

Steps to Enrollment

• 1. Online Application: Complete the application form at learnstar.com.
• 2. Enrollment Agreement: Review and sign the official Enrollment Agreement.
• 3. Required Documentation: Submit transcripts if seeking transfer credit. Adult learners not seeking transfer credit are not required to submit prior academic records at enrollment.
• 4. Payment: Submit tuition payment to activate your account. Monthly tuition continues until graduation or cancellation.

Open Enrollment

Learn Star Academy operates on a rolling open-enrollment model. Students can enroll and begin classes any day of the year. There are no application deadlines, no waiting periods, and no start-of-semester delays.

Proof of Enrollment

Learn Star Academy provides Proof of Enrollment (POE) documentation for students who require official verification for purposes such as DACA, Social Security Administration, Department of Motor Vehicles, insurance, work permits, or other institutional or legal requirements.

Students can download or email verification letters or transcripts in the student portal. There is no charge for this service.

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Behavior Expectations

All Learn Star Academy students are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct in all academic and digital environments. Students must demonstrate respect, integrity, and responsibility in their communication, coursework, and interactions with staff. Behavior that disrupts school operations may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Examples of unacceptable behavior include: plagiarism or academic dishonesty; harassment, bullying, or inappropriate language; violation of the Acceptable Use Policy; and disrespectful or disruptive communication with staff.

Progressive Discipline Policy

Learn Star Academy follows a progressive discipline model that provides opportunities for correction, support, and accountability while addressing inappropriate behavior. Depending on the severity of the behavior, steps may be accelerated or skipped.

• Step 1: For minor breaches, the student receives direct communication from a Coach or Advisor to address the behavior and reinforce expectations.
• Step 2: For continued or more frequent breaches, communication is escalated to include school administration. Behavior expectations are clarified, and documentation is recorded.
• Step 3: For a moderate policy violation, the student may be placed on behavioral probation with clearly defined conditions. Future violations may lead to suspension or dismissal.
• Step 4: For a serious violation such as plagiarism, harassment, or a significant Acceptable Use Policy breach, a formal review is conducted. Disciplinary outcomes may include probation, removal from a course, or dismissal. In cases of severe or egregious misconduct, immediate dismissal without a prior conference may occur.

Harassment, Bullying & Discrimination Policy

Learn Star Academy is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment, free from harassment, bullying, intimidation, and violence. This policy prohibits all forms of harassment — including religious, racial, sexual, and chronic or continual harassment — whether conducted verbally, physically, in writing, or electronically. Any student, staff member, or community member who believes that harassment, bullying, or discrimination has occurred should report the incident immediately to a school administrator, Success Coach, or through the Help Desk. Learn Star Academy will investigate all reported incidents and take appropriate disciplinary action when violations occur.

Acceptable Use Policy

Access to the Internet and digital systems is critical to the function of Learn Star Academy's academic programs. All users must use school-managed technology and platforms solely for educational purposes. Use of school technology is a privilege — not a right. Any user who fails to comply may face disciplinary action, including restricted access, removal from the program, or legal consequences.

Unacceptable uses include: accessing or transmitting inappropriate content; cyberbullying, stalking, or targeted harassment; introducing malware or attempting to bypass security systems; logging into another person's account; and submitting AI-generated work as original content without acknowledgment.

Internet Safety Policy (CIPA Compliance)

Learn Star Academy is committed to providing a safe, responsible, and legally compliant online learning environment in accordance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Learn Star Academy uses technology protection measures to block access to inappropriate or harmful content and maintains rigorous personnel screening standards for all staff.

Privacy Policy & FERPA

As an adult learner, all FERPA rights belong to you. Learn Star Academy will not release personally identifiable information from your educational record without your written consent, except as permitted by law. Your academic records are stored securely in Learn Stage and are accessible only to authorized personnel. See the Privacy Policy.

Policy Enforcement & Grounds for Dismissal

Learn Star Academy reserves the right to withdraw a student's enrollment if any of the following conditions apply:

• Chronic course inactivity or prolonged lack of academic engagement
• Disciplinary issues, including harassment, academic dishonesty, or disruptive behavior
• Failure to pay tuition or fees by established deadlines
• Violation of any school policy, including the Academic Integrity Policy or Acceptable Use Policy

Withdrawal or dismissal does not create a separate refund right. Any refund is determined solely under the 10-day Refund Policy.

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Students do not need advanced technical skills to succeed at Learn Star Academy. Basic digital literacy is essential. Students should be able to navigate the Internet confidently, use email, and create and edit documents using common software such as Google Docs or Microsoft Office.

Note: Learn Star Academy's courseware is not fully compatible with mobile devices or tablets for all coursework. While some content is accessible via smartphone, full functionality — including exams and certain interactive assignments — requires a desktop or laptop computer.

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Can adults really earn an accredited high school diploma through Learn Star Academy?

Yes. Learn Star Academy is accredited by MSA-CESS and awards an accredited high school diploma to students who complete all graduation requirements. Each college, employer, and military branch makes its own acceptance decisions, so check requirements with the institution you plan to attend.

How long does it take to complete the program?

Completion time depends on how many transfer credits are accepted and how quickly you progress through your coursework. Most students complete the program in 3 to 18 months; the maximum program duration is 18 months. Students with significant prior high school credits may graduate faster.

When can I start?

Learn Star Academy operates on a rolling open-enrollment model. You can enroll and begin classes any day of the year — no deadlines, no waiting periods.

Is the program 100% online?

Yes. Learn Star Academy is 100% online and fully self-paced. There are no in-person sessions, no set class times, and no geographic restrictions. You can learn from anywhere in the world with a stable internet connection.

Can I transfer credits from my previous high school?

Yes. Learn Star Academy accepts official transfer credits from accredited U.S. high schools and eligible international institutions. Adult students may transfer up to 75% of the required credits, and you must complete a minimum of 6.0 credits directly through Learn Star Academy — so up to 15.5 transfer credits can count toward the 21.5-credit diploma, or up to 18 toward the 24-credit diploma.

What if I passed my GED?

Learn Star Academy can award up to 5.0 credits toward your diploma for passing sections of the GED or HiSET exam. Contact the Registrar's Office to submit your official GED or HiSET transcript.

How much does it cost?

Tuition is $99 per month for the Career Ready program or $129 per month for College & Career Prep, until graduation or cancellation, plus one $19.00 domestic (or $75.00 international) diploma and graduation processing fee. See the Tuition page for current pricing.

Can I get a refund?

You can cancel at any time. Refunds are available only within the first 10 days from initial enrollment; monthly renewals do not restart that window. See the Refund Policy.

Will colleges accept my diploma?

Learn Star Academy is MSA-CESS accredited. Each college, program, employer, and military branch makes its own admission and credit decisions, so check requirements with the institution you plan to attend.

What support will I receive?

Every student has access to BRYTE AI for 24/7 academic and administrative support, plus Success Coaches and Academic Coaches. Students may submit a Help Desk ticket for additional help.

Is there a GPA requirement to enroll?

No. Learn Star Academy has open enrollment. There is no minimum GPA requirement to enroll in the adult diploma program.

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All students and/or authorized representatives are required to review and acknowledge this handbook prior to or at the time of enrollment. Enrollment in Learn Star Academy constitutes acceptance of all policies outlined in this handbook and the official Enrollment Agreement.

Student acknowledgment: By enrolling in Learn Star Academy, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the policies, procedures, graduation requirements, and expectations outlined in this Student Handbook. I agree to comply with all school policies and the Enrollment Agreement as a condition of enrollment.

Acknowledgment is recorded when you sign the Enrollment Agreement during enrollment; this page does not collect signatures.

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