How to earn high school credit for online arts classes

Learn how to earn recognized credit while taking online arts classes and online music classes.

A music student sits down at their laptop for an online class

October 8, 2026

Students enrolled in middle or high school can earn high school credit by completing an online arts certificate program through an accredited educational institution. At Interlochen Online, students can earn .5 high school credits after successfully completing a certificate program.

If you or someone you know are looking to get ahead in school while also investing in your artistic education, online certificate programs can be a great option. These flexible online programs are built to fit into any busy schedule and can be applied as credit towards your degree.

Whether your school lacks a curriculum or instructors in your chosen art form or you’re simply looking to diversify your education, there are tons of reasons to consider online arts education. Below, we’ll explore how high school credit works, and how you can earn credit through online arts certificates.

What are online arts certification programs?

Online arts certificate programs are a type of online education that consists of a structured series of courses in a specific area of study.

At Interlochen Online, for example, students can pursue certificate programs in creative writing, dance, film and new media, music, theatre arts, and visual arts. Each program includes three four-week courses that fit together to build your knowledge, develop new techniques, and complete creative projects.

Courses are taken whenever the student’s schedule allows—often, classes will include self-paced lessons, projects, and discussions, with instructors offering hands-on feedback and support to ensure you get the most out of the experience. Some programs also offer optional live class sessions for students to interact with their instructors and fellow peers.

After completing your certificate program, you’ll earn a credential that you can add to your résumé, LinkedIn, or application materials. If your program is accredited, you’ll also leave with an official transcript that can be transferred to your high school.

What’s an accredited educational institution?

An accredited educational institution is an institution that has been evaluated by an accreditor and approved to provide official high school or college credits.

Accreditors are a governing body that provides a school with the authority to give out degrees. Once a school is accredited, they can offer official academic recognition for participating in their schooling, usually in the form of class credits. Think of this process like your school getting a license to give out degrees—every so often, they’ll need to renew their accreditation, but once they’re accredited, they’re officially “licensed” to give out class credit.

Interlochen Online, for example, is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) for high school credit, and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for college credit. Every few years, Interlochen must complete a series of renewal processes through each accreditor to maintain its accreditation status.

If you’re uncertain whether or not your online classes are offered through an accredited school, we recommend reaching out to your institution’s admissions team for more information. If your institution isn’t accredited, you will not be able to transfer any credits from their courses to your high school.

How can I transfer credit from online arts classes to my high school?

Students who complete an arts certificate at an accredited institution will receive an official transcript that can be processed by your high school and applied towards your degree.

If you want to ensure your online arts classes will transfer to your high school, you’ll need to determine whether your classes are provided by an accredited institution your school will recognize.

Not all schools follow the same transfer requirements, so it’s best to double-check before you make any commitments. We recommend that students and families consult with their school counselor or registrar in advance to determine whether or not a program’s credits can be transferred towards your degree.

Can I earn college credit through online arts classes?

Yes—many online arts certificate programs offer both high school and college credit to eligible students. Just like with high school credit, you’ll need to make sure your arts institution is accredited in order to receive transferable credits.

If your program is accredited by a higher education accreditor, you’ll be able to receive an official transcript at the end of your certificate program. This formal academic recognition can then be used to transfer your credits to different colleges or universities.

For example, since Interlochen is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, high school students and adult students can earn 3 college credits upon completing an Interlochen Online certificate program.

While your online arts classes may offer eligible credit for your college of choice, it’s also important to remember that this credit may not automatically apply towards a degree. Depending on your major, your credit might not count as part of your degree path, so we recommend students consult with their school’s registrar to ensure their art class credit will transfer.

In conclusion

Online arts classes and online music classes have become a popular option for young artists looking to go beyond general education to hone their craft. These flexible courses offer access to expert faculty, advanced schooling in specific arts disciplines, and can be taken at any time from the comfort of home.

For students looking to get ahead on a degree, online certificates from art schools can be a great tool. As a series of structured courses taken together, these certificates offer a robust education and formal credits that can be transferred to both high schools and colleges. To ensure your class credit is transferable, we recommend meeting with your high school counselor or college registrar before committing to an online arts class or certificte program.

If you’re interested in exploring high school or college credit through Interlochen Online, visit interlochen.org/online for more information, or meet with one of our advisors here.