FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Regardless of grade level, students must have a working knowledge of the English language.

Middle School

We recommend that students enrolling in Keystone Middle School have completed 5th grade and are at 5th grade reading level. Generally, parents know best when their child is ready for middle school, but if you have questions you may contact our knowledgeable Student Support Representatives.

High School

Students must have completed eighth grade as evidenced by a school transcript, a homeschooling portfolio, or standardized test scores indicating at or above eighth grade level performance in all subject areas. For students who do not have any other documentation for academic admissions to the ninth grade (e.g., prior homeschool students), the following guidelines will apply:

1. If a student is 14 years or older, he or she is considered “age appropriate” for ninth grade and may enroll in Keystone’s high school program, using a birth certificate or other official documentation as proof.
2. If a student is under 14 years of age, he or she must show proof of eighth-grade completion through one of these options:
   • A middle school grade report or transcript
   • A certificate of eighth-grade completion
   • Standardized test scores showing eighth-grade achievement or higher (Keystone recommends the IOWA test.)
   • A homeschool portfolio
3. Students and their families can speak with a counselor to address other circumstances.

No, Keystone is open to students of all ages. Our mission at Keystone is to help students from all backgrounds and personal situations achieve their individual potential, so we make every attempt to enroll students that are a fit for our program. For further information or to get started, please speak with a Student Service Representative.

Yes. Keystone has demonstrated success with students from all backgrounds, situations and geographic locations. We have educated students in nearly 100 countries! Students who take our online courses have 24 hour a day access to our curriculum regardless of where they live and will receive teacher feedback on assignments within 3 business days. If your student is grade 6-8, please contact our Student Support Department at (507) 264-0777 or via email at info@QLUacademy.org to find out more or to enroll. If your student has earned high school credit at a US high school, please call us to help you complete our online Transcript Request Form so we can request your student’s official records and provide a free transcript evaluation. Unofficial and official transcripts can also be emailed to our Guidance Department at info@QLUacademy.org.

If your student has earned credit at an institution outside the US, please contact our Student Support Department at (507) 264-0777 or via email at info@QLUacademy.org to see if your student’s transcript requires a foreign transcript evaluation. We can provide an evaluation of a foreign transcript but there is an associated fee. Homeschool portfolios can be emailed to info@QLUacademy.org. Homeschool portfolios are evaluated free of charge.

Please note there are a few countries in which The Keystone School cannot enroll students due to US embargoes or K12, Inc. non-compete agreements. Please contact our Student Support Department for more information.

Yes, please follow these guidelines:

If your student has earned credit at an institution outside the US, please contact our Student Support Department at (507) 264-0777 or via email at  info@QLUacademy.org to see if your student’s transcript requires a foreign transcript evaluation. If your student’s transcript does require a foreign transcript evaluation, our Student Support representative can help you to complete our Foreign Transcript Evaluation Form. There is a $180 fee associated with this process provided we have a certified English translation of your student’s transcript. If a certified English translation is required there will be an additional fee. The evaluation of foreign/international transcripts can take up to 15 business days from the time we receive the form and fee. If any questions arise during the evaluation process, please reach out to Student Services at (507) 264-0777.

Possibly. Most credits earned at accredited high schools and homeschool programs transfer into Keystone.  Before enrolling, please call us or email us to complete our online Transcript Request Form so we can request your student’s official records and provide a free transcript evaluation. Unofficial and official transcripts can also be emailed to our Guidance Department at info@QLUacademy.org. We will email you a free transcript evaluation so you will know which credits will transfer into our program and how many Keystone credits will be required to earn a Keystone diploma. Homeschool portfolios can be emailed to info@QLUacademy.org.  Homeschool portfolios are also evaluated free of charge.

Keystone fits students’ lives by allowing them to study on their own time and at their own pace. That extends to enrollment – feel free to enroll whenever you like by phone, on the web, or by mail. There is no specific time when you must enroll. For students based in Panama City, Republic of Panama we recommend to enroll during the months of January to March if you will be a full time student with us. For students who will take a few courses with us, registration can be any time.

If you are taking online middle or high school courses, you may begin exploring your course as soon as you receive your password from us — normally a couple of days from when you enroll!

Most books and materials are free of charge and in electronic form. If a particular course has a printed book assigned, it should arrive in around 10-15 business days after you enroll; if you enroll in online courses, you can begin your work in a couple of days after receiving a password and access to your courses.

If you plan to earn a Keystone diploma:

If you plan to earn a Keystone diploma and have already completed high school coursework, please call us to help youcomplete our online Transcript Request Form so we can request your student’s official records and provide a free transcript evaluation. Unofficial and official transcripts can also be emailed to our Guidance Department at info@QLUacademy.org. We will email you a free transcript evaluation so you will know which credits will transfer into our program and how many Keystone credits will be required to earn a Keystone diploma. Homeschool portfolios can be emailed to info@QLUacademy.org. Homeschool portfolios are also evaluated free of charge.

Yes, Keystone’s demonstrated record of success in its’ programs have earned recognition from two of the leading accrediting boards in the country, Cognia, (formerly AdvancED/Northwest Accreditation Commission) and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

You can be confident that your Keystone education is of the highest quality and that other accredited schools widely accept the work you do. Although we cannot guarantee that Keystone credits are transferable, we urge all students wishing to transfer credits receive pre-approval prior to course enrollment.   Should you have a doubt, you should contact your local school officials directly or contact a Keystone Student Support Representative at (507( 264-0777 to work with you and your local school officials to determine acceptance of Keystone credits.

Thousands of parents have confidence in The Keystone School because of its demonstrated record of student success. Graduates of Keystone’s high school program have been accepted to over 140 colleges and universities including Stanford, Yale, Duke, Rice, and Notre Dame; military academies like West Point; state university systems like the University of Washington; and many other two- and four-year colleges nationwide.

If our prior students are any indication, your child has a great likelihood of getting into college with Keystone.

The Army, Navy, and Marines are allowed to accept 10% of enlistees from Tier 2 schools with a minimum score of 50 on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT). The Air Force will only accept enlistees from Tier 1 schools. Keystone is currently listed as a Tier 2 school, and many of our graduates have gone on to start a military career. Schools can be re-categorized by the military at any time, so we recommend that you check with your local recruiter for specifics. Students can gain Tier 1 status by successfully completing 15 credit hours of college courses. Most students can earn this in one semester at their local community college.

The Keystone School’s middle and high school programs are accredited by Cognia, as well as the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. This means that these programs meet the academic and administrative standards required for admission to colleges and universities, and for transfer to other high schools.

Although students rarely have any problem transferring Keystone credits back to their local high school, Keystone cannot guarantee that every credit will transfer back to every high school. Should you have a doubt, you should contact your local school official directly or contact Keystone to work with you and your local school officials to determine acceptance of Keystone credits.

Absolutely. Keystone students thrive in a learning community, connecting with teachers and other students whenever they wish.

Social contact is a key element within the Keystone learning community. Online courses provide opportunities for students to connect with others through emails and discussion boards.

Yes, students can work at any time and complete as much or as little work as they need. There are no specific due dates, so the student is able to work ahead if needed, or spend extra time on lessons that are more difficult. Although the courses are self-paced, students are required to complete each course within 10 months from the date of enrollment.

Support persons associated with a student account will receive a weekly progress report.  Grades and progress can also be monitored using the Keystone Support App where the Support Person and student can view an academic record or unofficial high school transcript at any time.  Academic records and unofficial transcripts can be requested by emailing info@QLUacademy.org.  Official Keystone high school transcripts can be ordered by calling us to (507) 264-0777 or emailing us to info@QLUacademy.org.

Yes, but middle school students are limited to middle school courses and high school students to high school courses. However, middle school students can take up to 3 high school credits in the Math or Foreign Language area with counselor approval.

Students can enroll in a full course load or in individual courses.

Students choose to enroll in individual courses for different reasons:

• To gain experience with online learning
• To take courses that are not available in their regular school curriculum
• To get ahead in their studies
• To make up for missed classes

If you want a more challenging program of study, Keystone’s innovative, flexible, student-focused education is for you. Keystone students study on their own time and at their own pace, so to the extent that you want to be challenged, the pace of other students is not a factor. Parents of students who have standardized assessment results showing advanced abilities can work with a Keystone school counselor to determine the appropriate course of study.

Our program allows students to study on their own time and at their own pace, which helps to accommodate many special situations. In addition, our certified teachers are trained to work with students from a variety of backgrounds and with varying educational needs. However, we recognize that each individual is unique and may have a need that we have not faced before.

If you have a particular situation you are concerned with, your best course of action is to speak with our Student Services Representatives directly at (507) 264-0777.

No, but you can get something that is much more valuable — a Keystone high school diploma. A Keystone diploma is widely recognized by colleges, universities, and employers.

Attaining your Keystone diploma is an indication that you have completed an academic program of the highest standards and qualities.

Yes. Keystone helps you to reach your individual potential by encouraging you to study on your own time and at your own pace.

Keep in mind, however, that Keystone policy states that you may not complete a course in fewer than eight weeks from the date of enrollment. (This policy is based on a belief that a course of any material value takes a minimum amount of time for the student to properly absorb, apply, and be assessed on the content.) Contact Student Services at (507) 264-0777 for more information on working at an accelerated pace.

You can take our online classes using either a PC or a Mac. As of right now, Linux, iOS, and Android are not officially supported as an operating system by Keystone. If you are running a current version of Google Chrome or Firefox and a current version of Adobe Flash Player, our courses should work just fine; however, there may be issues. If such issues come up, we cannot provide support for them at this time.

It depends on the individual student, but a parent should expect that students will need help with planning, lots of encouragement, and general oversight. QLU School Learning Couches, Tutors and Counselors will relief you of devoting too much time to assist your children.

Yes, besides academic support from our certified teachers, the Keystone Student Success Advisors are available to assist students to help get them started.

Keystone Support persons will receive a weekly progress report, and access to the Keystone Support Application. The Keystone Support Application shows real-time student course progress and grades.

The Keystone Progress Reports are sent every week to the Support Persons and Student emails we have on file at Keystone.  These reports will give you an update on the progress your student has made over the past week and since they started each of their courses.

The Progress Reports will show the following information:

• The name of each course your student is currently enrolled in. Once a course is completed or withdrawn from, it will no longer appear on the Progress Report.
• Original Enrollment Date. This is the date that you initially enrolled in the course. Courses are due within one calendar year from the original enrollment date, so please be sure that your student is completing work regularly and on pace to finish the courses within 10 months or less.
• Due Date. This is the 10 months due date provided by Keystone based on the Original Enrollment Date. An extension of up to 2 more months can be granted if needed. All assignments within a course must be completed and successfully receive a grade by this date in order to receive credit for a course.
• Score to Date. The average score earned on all required assessments in the course.
• % Course Completed. The percentage of required coursework your student has completed in the course. Practice activities do not count towards the percentage of course complete. Courses must be 100% complete to receive credit for a course.
• Last Activity Date. The date an assessment was last graded in the course. Teachers have 72 hours from the time an assessment is submitted by a student to grade the work.
• Course Support Email. The contact information for who can assist your student with course content and assessments within each specific course.

Any Support Persons with a student enrolled in our program, as well as the student enrolled, can receive Progress Reports. Please call Student Support at (507) 264-0777 to ensure that your email address is on file and ready to receive Progress Reports.

You should be receiving your weekly progress report at the student and support email addresses you provided at enrollment. If you have not been receiving the progress reports weekly, you can call our Student Support Team at (507) 264-0777, Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm Eastern Time or you can email them at info@QLUschool.org.

Progress reports are sent out weekly, and you should receive your first progress report on the week after you enrolled with Keystone. If you have not been receiving the progress reports weekly you can call our Student Service Team at (507) 264-0777 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm Eastern Time or you can email them at info@QLUschool.com. Or you can update your email address through the Keystone Support App.

We have found that some email services will reject our emailed Progress Reports as spam. To help avoid this we ask that Keystone families- regardless of the email service you use, add the email address info@QLUacademy.org to your email address book or approved list. By doing this you should no longer have any issues receiving our progress reports. However, If you are still not receiving the progress reports weekly you can call our Student Service Team at  (507) 264-0777 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm Eastern Time or you can email them at info@QLUacademy.org.

If you have any questions about the Keystone Progress Reports, you can send an email to info@QLUschool.org or you can call our Student Services Team at (507) 264-0777.

If you have a student enrolled in at least one course with Keystone, you have access to the Keystone Support Application. This application gives student information access to support persons. Additionally, the application is available to school counselors or anyone else that supports the student educationally.

The Keystone Support Application allows you to see the following information:

• All graded work in each course, when they were completed, and grades received.
• Student and support person account information
• Keystone Teacher Link contact information
• Academic records
• Billing information
• direct email access to Student Services

This account allows parents to see if their student is progressing or has become inactive by not submitting coursework for an extended period of time. Please note, the Support Application does not provide access to student class or workable assignments.

Support staff will be able to find access to the Support Application by visiting the Keystone Support Tab within the student’s classes and by reading through the welcome letter that is provided to all students that enroll with Keystone. Additionally, you may visit email us info@QLUacademy.org or call Student Services at (507) 264-0777 for more information.

The “Score to Date” only counts required (weighted) assessments. Your student may be completing practice activities early on in the course, but until your student completes a weighted assessment that counts towards his/her final grade, there will be no score to report on the progress reports.

*The score reported on the progress reports is an estimate. No course grade is final until received on an official Keystone transcript. Please call Student Services at (507) 264-0777 if you have questions or concerns about the score reported on the progress report.

If you have questions about the Support App, you can send an email to info@QLUacademy.org or you can call our Student Services Team at (507) 264-0777.

If you encounter this, please send an email to info@QLUschoo.org or you can call our Student Services Team at (507) 264-0777.

Your student’s grade can be found under “Student Courses” you then select the name of your student. From this screen you can then view all courses the student is enrolled into. You can also view the courses in greater detail by selecting a specific course.

Be assured, all Keystone courses offer multiple options for support. When you have a content question and need a teacher, our Teacher Link is available 9–5pm EST for each of your core courses. The Electives Teacher Link is available 1–5pm EST. Look to your classroom to determine proper contact info. When you need help making a schedule or getting on track in your class, our Student Success Advisors are available. Reach out for support anytime via email at info@QLUacademy.org.

Middle School

Five courses are considered a full course load. Four core courses, one in each of the subject areas: Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies, plus one elective course. Core courses cover a full academic year of content (36 weeks) while electives cover 18 weeks of content.

High School

For high school students, 5.5 or 6 credits are considered a full course load.

Middle School

Core and advanced courses cover a full academic year (180 hours) of content while electives cover half an academic year (90 hours) of content.

High School

Most high school courses are available in half credits.

Students should expect to spend about 180 hours on a full year/full credit course and about 90 hours on a half year/half credit course. However, students who are gifted in a particular subject may be able to complete a course in less time, while other students might need to spend more time in some courses.

Keystone uses several types of assessments including practice quizzes, short answer and essay questions, objective multiple-choice exams, and oral examinations (when appropriate). This mix provides the independent learner with checkpoints to monitor his or her progress through each course. Students are also required to practice various styles of writing to help ensure learning and develop communication abilities that they will need after high school.

Keystone currently offers Chinese, French, German, Spanish and Latin. These courses are available online, providing the student with interactive tools and lessons specifically designed to improve language skills and comprehension.

You don’t have to, but many subjects are covered through a sequence of courses. Let’s use math as an example. Some students will start with Refresher Math, move on to Algebra 1, then on to Geometry, then on to Algebra 2, etc. Students move through courses at their own speed, and then go on to the next level when they’re ready. All Keystone courses are designed to balance the introduction of new information with the repetition of learned information.

Keystone’s high school online courses offer a more interactive experience. Courses contain virtual support activities to reinforce learning.

Keystone’s high school print courses are paper based classes delivered to you by postal mail. Students will need to access the Keystone print app virtually to submit their completed work.

Both formats are student centered and offer a sound, accredited, self-directed program that helps student reach their potential.

No, our middle school courses are engaging, interactive online courses designed specifically for middle school students.

Yes, feel free to mix online and correspondence courses.

Students should submit all print work through our Print App. If you need assistance with this process, please contact student services at (507) 264-0777 or info@QLUacademy.org.

AP®  (Advanced Placement) courses are offered to high school juniors and seniors in many subject areas including Science, Math, Social Sciences and Language Arts. These courses offer advanced students the opportunity to progress through a course with more challenging homework and exams, beyond even Honors course study. AP® exams are administered every spring by the College Board in your neighborhood during the month of May, and through the exams, students have the opportunity to earn college credit and/or advanced standing at most colleges and universities.

Yes. Our teachers are a fundamental part of our school. Parents should have confidence that Keystone’s teachers will help their children achieve their potential.

Keystone’s faculty members are all certified with an average of 12 years of instructional experience. More than 60% of our staff have earned a master’s or doctoral degrees in education or areas of specialty.

Sometimes. Regardless of which format they teach, all of our instructors are certified and knowledgeable in their subject area. Their focus in all cases is the same: to help you learn, grow, and achieve your individual potential.

Students are welcome to connect with core course teachers, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 AM EST and 5 pm EST through the Teacher Link. Students may call or email the Teacher Link to communicate directly with teachers. The Electives Teacher Link is available 1–5pm EST. You can connect with direct support course teachers anytime via email or voicemail extension and you will receive a response in 24 business hours. Look to your classroom to determine proper contact information.

Our tuition depends on the number of courses you enroll in. Please view our tuition pages in our web site and visit us, call us at (507) 264-0777 or email us to info@QLUacademy.org.

Yes, the High School and Middle School Keystone Tuition Payment Plan allows families to make monthly payments after an initial down payment. There are no interest payments or credit checks.

Not all Keystone courses require a book, the materials provided to the student directly varies course to course. Please refer to our course catalog for details regarding what is provided and materials that may need to be self-sourced. Most courses use digital books and materials which are included in the tuition. Few courses required a printed book, which may be included in the tuition and the student only has to pay the shipping charges. Students also have the option to buy the few required printed books through online bookstores.

Possibly. If you need to temporarily stop your studies for emergencies or medical situations, contact our Student Services Department at (507) 264-0777 or by email at info@QLUacademy.org.