Overview

Many students use Start ASL courses to earn world language credit through their high school, homeschool program, college, or other educational institution.


Start ASL has partnered with hundreds of schools and organizations that accept our ASL courses for language credit. However, whether credit is awarded is always determined by the student's school or educational program.


Important: Credit is awarded by your school, not by Start ASL.

Will My School Accept Start ASL for Credit?

Possibly.

Many schools accept Start ASL courses for language credit, but every school has its own policies and requirements.

Before enrolling, we strongly recommend obtaining approval from your school in writing.

You should verify:

  • Whether American Sign Language is accepted for world language credit

  • Whether Start ASL courses meet your school's requirements

  • What documentation your school requires for credit approval

Are Start ASL Courses Accredited?

No.

Start ASL courses are not accredited.

However, our courses are:

  • Aligned with the California World Language Standards

  • Aligned with ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) standards

  • Used by many schools and homeschool programs

  • Designed to provide structured language instruction comparable to introductory world language coursework

What Documentation Does Start ASL Provide?

Depending on your enrollment option, Start ASL may provide:

  • Course Completion Certificates

  • Instructor-verified completion records

  • Grade reports

  • Course syllabuses

  • Standards alignment documentation

  • Course completion policies

Schools determine whether these documents satisfy their credit requirements. Some of this documentation can be found on this page: https://www.startasl.com/sign-language-for-school-credit/

Online Self-Study vs Online Guided for School Credit

Online Self-Study

Includes:

  • Course completion tracking

  • Completion certificates

  • Automatically graded quizzes and activities

Best for:

  • Schools that only require proof of completion

  • Homeschool students

  • Independent learners

Online Guided

Includes everything in Online Self-Study plus:

  • Instructor feedback

  • Assignment grading

  • Practice Sessions

  • Office Hours

  • Instructor-verified grade reports

  • Verified course completion

Online Guided is often recommended when a school requires:

  • Verified grades

  • Instructor review

  • Course completion verification

  • Additional documentation

How Much Instructional Time Is Included?

Each Start ASL course level is designed to provide instructional time comparable to a full-year high school world language course.

Estimated workload:

  • Approximately 120–150 instructional hours per course level

Instructional time may include:

  • Guided practice

  • Independent practice

  • Assessments

  • Review activities

  • Language-use activities

Actual time spent may vary based on student pace and practice habits.

How Are Grades Calculated?

On our current learning platform, students receive grades on quizzes, assignments, and assessments throughout the course. The platform tracks individual scores and calculates an overall course average based on completed graded activities.


Students can view their grades and progress directly within the course. For students enrolled in the Online Guided option, grade reports and completion verification are available upon request.


Please note that completion certificates verify successful course completion and are not official academic transcripts.

What Should I Do Before Enrolling?

If your goal is to earn school credit:

Step 1

Contact your school.

Ask whether they will accept Start ASL for language credit.

Step 2

Determine what documentation they require.

Examples may include:

  • Completion certificates

  • Grades

  • Instructor verification

  • Course syllabuses

  • Standards alignments

Step 3

Review Start ASL's available documentation and verify that it meets your school's requirements. Some of this documentation can be found on this page: https://www.startasl.com/sign-language-for-school-credit/

Schools, Teachers, and Homeschool Programs

Start ASL also offers solutions for:

  • Public schools

  • Private schools

  • Charter schools

  • Homeschool programs

  • Educational organizations

These options may include:

  • Classroom Licenses

  • School Online Enrollment

  • Group enrollment solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Start ASL Award Credit?

No.

Start ASL provides courses and documentation. Credit decisions are made by your school or educational institution.

Can Start ASL Guarantee My School Will Award Credit?

No.

Each school has its own policies and approval process.

Students should obtain approval directly from their school before enrolling.

Which Option Is Best If My School Requires Grades?

Online Guided is generally the best option when a school requires instructor-reviewed grades, verified completion, or additional documentation.

Which Option Is Best If My School Only Requires Proof of Completion?

Online Self-Study may be sufficient if your school only requires completion documentation.

Students should verify requirements with their school before enrolling.