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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes a Dual Diploma Different from a Regular High School Diploma?
A dual diploma gives you two qualifications: your home country diploma, plus a high school diploma from the U.S. or Canada, issued by LA STEAM Academy or our Ministry-inspected Canadian partner school. Coursework is completed through accredited schools, with official transcripts for every course. It’s different because it gives you a second diploma that universities in Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Australia already know how to read, without adding years to your studies.
Will the diploma from the US or Canada facilitate University acceptance?
A dual diploma doesn’t guarantee acceptance — no program can promise that. What it does is give admissions offices a credential they already know how to read, without the delays or extra evaluation a foreign diploma alone can require.
How can a dual diploma from an international program enhance my future opportunities?
Beyond the diploma itself, students graduate having completed real coursework in English, taught by certified teachers at accredited schools — the kind of academic record that carries weight whether a student is applying to university abroad or explaining their background to a future employer.
How does a dual diploma program prepare students for the global workforce?
The online high school experience offers more than just a diploma. It helps students build self-discipline and digital skills. They also learn to adapt to different cultures by seeing a variety of viewpoints. These skills are important for working in today’s connected world.
What are the benefits of pursuing a dual diploma program in high school?
Benefits are having a US High School Diploma along with American students. You can also improve your bilingual skills. This will help make your university applications better. It will also help you develop a global mindset, all while you are in high school.
What are some common misconceptions about dual diploma programs?
Our students take real courses with accredited schools, taught and graded by certified teachers, with an official transcript for every course completed. A high school diploma from Canada or the U.S. makes a student more marketable to universities in Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Australia because it’s a credential they already know how to read, with no foreign-diploma evaluation needed.
Can I do online school instead of traditional school?
Yes, we offer a range of internationally accredited courses for full-time enrolment
How much does online school cost?
Pricing depends on which diploma track your child chooses and their individual course plan. Contact us for current pricing.
Do you only cater to advanced students?
Not at all. We cater to all students. You can study above your grade level at an honors or AP level or you can study below grade level and with personalized attention we will help you catch up. Every student has different needs and we are here to help each student achieve their personal goals.
Are your classes interactive or live?
Our classes are asynchronous. Students are able to advance at their own pace although we develop personalized plans, assign teachers for every subject and have weekly or biweekly meetings to make sure they meet their objectives

LSA American High School Diploma: A Guide for Prospective Students

1. What does the LSA American High School Diploma offer?
LSA issues your American High School Diploma. Your coursework is completed through accredited schools, each with its own certified teachers, issuing an official transcript for every course you complete.
2. Are students officially registered in the United States?
Your child is enrolled with LA STEAM Academy, and takes individual courses with accredited U.S. schools, which provide instruction, grading, and an official transcript for each course. LSA brings these transcripts together and issues your child’s diploma
3. What academic performance is required to graduate?
While a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is generally recommended—equivalent to approximately 80%—academic expectations vary based on each student’s individual objectives.
4. What are the eligibility requirements for LSA’s High School Program?
Students must demonstrate a strong proficiency in English. Additionally, LSA’s academic advisors carefully evaluate each applicant’s transcript to determine transferable credits and ensure alignment with U.S. diploma requirements.
5. When should students begin to pursue their American High School Diploma at LSA?
We encourage students to begin their studies in 9th grade, the first year of high school in the United States. This allows for a structured and manageable courseload, enabling students to distribute their coursework over four years.
6. What level of commitment is expected?
The academic rigor of the program is tailored to students’ long-term aspirations. At the outset, LSA guides students in evaluating their university and career goals. Key considerations include: Are they pursuing the diploma to strengthen their university applications locally? Do they seek to enhance their English proficiency? Are they preparing for admission to a U.S. university, and if so, which institutions? Success in the LSA program demands dedication, as students must meet the rigorous academic standards of an American high school. This is not merely an extracurricular activity; it is a serious academic commitment that will vary based on the student’s English proficiency and the year they enter the program.
7. How many courses must students complete?
Students will be required to complete 8 to 10 credits, including 6 core subjects and 4 elective courses. The precise course load is determined by an individualized academic plan that accounts for prior coursework and future aspirations.
8. What distinguishes LSA’s American High School Diploma?
Unlike large-scale online programs, LSA is dedicated to personalized education. We maintain a boutique approach, ensuring each student receives tailored support and guidance. Our focus is not on enrollment numbers but on student success. Through immersive coursework in the English language and American culture, students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a globalized academic environment.
9. Are there additional material costs beyond tuition?
Students must have access to a reliable internet connection and a personal computer. LSA will provide all instructional materials and resources at no additional cost.
10. What assurances of success does LSA provide?
While no institution can guarantee university admission, LSA equips students with the tools, resources, and support necessary for academic excellence. Our rigorous coursework, dedicated university counselors, and structured college preparation ensure students are well-positioned for success. As with any American student, success depends on individual effort, academic performance, and proactive engagement in the college admissions process.
11. How can I learn more?
For further inquiries, we invite you to contact us through our “Contact” form. Our team is happy to assist you in exploring how LSA can support your academic journey.

LSA Canadian High School Diploma: A guide for prospective Students

1. What is the LSA Canadian High School Diploma?
  • The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is the official high school diploma of Ontario, Canada.
  • Earned through LA STEAM Academy in partnership with a school inspected by Ontario’s Ministry of Education.
  • The Ministry of Education in Ontario oversees the OSSD and grants the authority to schools to offer the official diploma.
2. Why should I choose the Canadian diploma?
  • Known for strong academic standards and university preparation.
  • A credential that Canadian, American, and international universities already know how to read.
  • Graduates apply to universities in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Europe, and beyond.
3. Who is eligible to apply?
  • Students in grades 9–12 (or international equivalents).
  • English proficiency.
  • Transcripts required and evaluated for credit transfer through the partner school’s Equivalent Credit Assessment (for students admitted after Grade 9).
4. What courses will I take?
  • First, decide whether you are completing the full OSSD with us or transferring credits from your local diploma to complete your dual diploma. This will determine how many credits you need.
  • Your courses are then decided based on the pathway you choose, for example, Medicine, Psychology, or Business.
  • All courses meet Ontario Ministry of Education standards and are taught by certified Canadian teachers.
5. How many credits are required to graduate?
  • Full OSSD: 30 credits: 18 compulsory and 12 optional credits earned from various classes offered by LSA’s Ministry-inspected partner school in Ontario.
  • Dual diploma: Most students do not start from scratch. Credits from your home-country school transfer toward the OSSD, and most students take several additional courses per year alongside their regular studies. Your exact number is determined individually upon application, once we receive your documents and transcript.
  • One credit per completed course. To maintain acceptance in the LSA program, students must maintain a minimum average of 70% in each course.
6. Is anything else required to graduate?
  • 40 hours of community service completed in your own country. Our guidance team can help you determine what would qualify.
  • Ontario’s literacy requirement is satisfied through the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC), a full-credit English course completed online.
7. How is the program delivered?
  • 100% online and asynchronous: study on your schedule.
  • Personalized academic advising and feedback.
  • Tutoring included, as often as you need it: Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm Eastern Time, booked at least 24 hours in advance, subject to tutor availability for the subject.
8. Is there an academic advisor?
  • Yes, every student receives personalized academic advising and feedback.
9. Is tutoring included?
  • Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, subject to tutor availability for the subject. Sessions must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Additional, more personalized tutoring can also be arranged at an additional cost.
10. Do I need to buy textbooks or materials?
  • No, all course materials are provided online at no additional cost.
  • You’ll need a reliable computer, an internet connection, and headphones with a microphone.
11. Is university counseling included?
  • Yes, personalized admissions support for Canadian, U.S., and international universities.
12. What does tuition cover?
  • All academic instruction and course access.
  • Tutoring specific to each class.
  • Official OSSD transcripts and diploma.
  • Academic advising and university counseling.
  • For fees, contact our admissions team.
13. How do I apply?
  • Complete the online application form and let us know which program interests you.
  • Submit your transcripts.
  • Receive your customized academic plan, based on your Equivalent Credit Assessment.
  • Begin your courses.