Back-to-School Growth: VHS Learning Reports Double-Digit Enrollment Gains

Nonprofit reports 15% increase in full-year course enrollments and 18% growth in self-paced AP® courses as schools expand choices for students 

Boston – Aug. 08, 2025 – As schools head into a new back-to-school season, VHS Learning, a nonprofit empowering schools with rigorous, teacher-led online courses, today announced significant year-over-year enrollment growth across its program offerings. The 30-year-old organization, which helps schools and districts expand academic opportunities in areas where they may lack teachers, reported a 15% increase in full-year course enrollments, an 18% increase in self-paced AP® enrollments, and continued momentum in semester-based courses with 5% growth in spring and 2% growth in fall compared to the prior year.

“High schools across the country are looking for ways to meet student demand for AP® courses, advanced STEM electives, and unique offerings that aren’t always possible to staff locally,” said Carol DeFuria, President & CEO of VHS Learning. “VHS Learning is filling a critical need—helping schools cost-effectively expand their programs of study while ensuring students receive high-quality, teacher-led instruction that prepares them for college, careers, and lifelong success.”

Expanding Choices for Schools and Students

With more than 200 high school courses—including 31 AP® courses, world languages, STEM, humanities, and credit recovery—VHS Learning provides districts with turnkey access to classes taught by certified high school teachers. This allows schools to:

• Offer AP® and advanced courses when they cannot hire specialized staff.
  • Provide flexible self-paced AP® options for motivated students.
  • Strengthen college and career readiness by developing student critical thinking, collaboration, and time management skills.

Among the most popular courses this year are AP® Computer Science A, AP® Psychology, and AP® Economics, reflecting strong demand for Advanced Placement® options that help students earn college credits while still in high school. Social Studies courses such as Criminology, Psychology of Crime, and  AP® United States Government and Politics also continue to see high enrollments. VHS Learning’s breadth of course offerings ensures that college-bound students and those exploring career pathways can find classes that match their goals.

Three Decades of Impact

Since its founding 30 years ago, VHS Learning has partnered with thousands of schools worldwide. Its online programs enable districts to cost-effectively expand academic offerings while helping students collaborate with peers from across the U.S. and around the globe.

“As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we remain committed to expanding opportunities for students everywhere,” added DeFuria. “Every enrollment represents a learner gaining access to a course that could change their academic path and inspire their future.”

About VHS Learning

VHS Learning is a nonprofit organization with 30 years of experience providing world-class online programs to students and schools everywhere. More than 500 schools around the world enroll students in VHS Learning’s 200+ online high school courses—including 31 AP® courses, credit recovery, and enrichment courses—to expand their programs of study. VHS Learning is accredited by Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) and the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC). Courses are approved for initial eligibility by NCAA. For more information about VHS Learning, please visit www.vhslearning.org and follow on X at @VHSLearning.