Very satisfied and would definitely recom. Mason, the operator of St. James Academy, acknowledges that graduates of his school are no longer accepted at Indian River State College and other state colleges and universities unless they take the GED but says his grads still get into some private schools. To graduate from Stone Coast Academy, students have to complete four online exams and write a 250-word essay on any one of "three easy topics," says Al Martin, who identified himself in email correspondence as a guidance counselor for Stone Coast Academy. We can surely help you find the best one according to your needs: Compare and book now! After declining interview requests, Continental Academy provided written responses to 10 questions from FCIR. Want to book a hotel in Florida? Went for a year to this school. Students must be prudent and do their diligence when pursuing admission to schools.. 9 complaints closed in the last 12 months. We will be waiting for her request. The Florida Commission for Independent Education, a state regulatory agency that oversees for-profit and public post-secondary institutions in the state, has received complaints from consumers about suspected diploma mills, said Tom Butler, press secretary for the Florida Department of Education. The only schools that are authorized to offer the *** program is the local public high school or community college. Continental Academy has been continuously accredited by the National Association for the Legal Support of Alternative Schools (N.A.L.S.A.S.) Each school also must complete an annual survey with information on the number of teachers, enrolled students and graduates. Many of the online private schools claim to be "nationally accredited," but the accrediting organizations rarely are recognized agencies like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, a division of Advanced that conducts accreditation evaluations for public elementary, middle and high schools and colleges in Florida, and also for many private schools. Although state law does not require it, none of these individuals has a teaching certificate with the Florida Department of Education. 3 stars . The student should see the $40.00 credit within 3 business days on his credit card. Other online schools point to their registration with the Florida Department of Education. In 2005, Jeffrey and Nersy Lopez created N & J Lopez Family Limited Partnership, putting down $1 million in initial contributions. It was February, and Rodriguez found Continental Academy, a virtual school based in Miramar. Few days later i get a call saying they are sorry but i can not be accepted due to my Continental Academy High School diploma not being accepted. The schools' operators who also paid $50,000 to the Attorney General's office to reimburse the state for the costs of the investigation are required to issue quarterly reports with the names and contact information of all consumers who request refunds, along with the dates of such requests and the date and amount of refunds paid. . The Jacksonville school charges about $595 per semester for its self-paced "distance-learning program," which includes coursework and tests in reading skills, English, mathematics and other subjects. These fake schools do NOT meet State requirements for issuing a high school diploma, which violates State and Federal Laws. When we challenge the colleges decision to deny admission to one of our graduates in writing, we never hear from the college and never hear from the graduate, Lopez said in a written statement. Continental Academy is one of the schools on that list. In December **** I graduated from Continental Academy receiving my high school diploma thru them. BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. International Association of Better Business Bureaus. *In Canada, trademark(s) of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus, used under License. However, out of professional courtesy, Continental Academy has authorized a full refund of the $40.00 that was paid by the student for the transcript that was sent to ****************. In at least a half-dozen instances, however, court records indicate the Indiana Department of Corrections refused to recognize diplomas that inmates earned from Continental Academy. Information for U.S. If you accept the program for what it is. Take advantage of the upper and left panel tools to redact Continental academy education verification. Programs like the one offered by Continental Academy in Miramar have also attracted inmates in states like Indiana, where prisoners can shave time off their sentences by earning a diploma. Als, I am fully aware of when I graduated. The bottom line is that CA helped me get a job. Most of Continental Academy students are adults that have absolutely no interest in enrolling in a 4 year high school program or paying $1,000.00 to $1,500.00 per academic year to graduate from a regionally accredited high school program (there is no financial aid for these programs because the public high schools are free). Like Continental Academy, Southeastern received its accreditation from NALSAS and is a member of NCACS. In a written statement to Florida Center for Investigative Reporting, Jeffrey Lopez, vice principal of Continental Academy, said Continental takes complaints seriously. Recently, we have not received a request for a transcript or a replacement diploma. Information for U.S. The Department's recognition of agencies does not extend foreign institutions or programs. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Please review our privacy policy athttps://www.excelhighschool.com/privacy_php. Incorporation records list the same address in Miramar as the principal address for these businesses. I have been enrolled with this college before with said high school diploma and have credits as well. Scott, of Cincinnati, Ohio, completed the course work by mail in 2004. 2023, International Association of Better Business Bureaus, Inc., separately incorporated Better Business Bureau organizations in the US, Canada and Mexico and BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust, Inc. All rights reserved. But while the state Department of Education maintains a list of private schools doing business in the state, it does not regulate, accredit or endorse schools. Tests are not offered online. Adults school teens that are busy or out of school teens can earn a free high school diploma online. The 24 year-old Rodriguez is an unemployed father who said he spent $350 to get an on-line diploma from another web based high school equivalency program, Continental Academy based in Miramar. I'm not sure what to think of it. Tammy Dawn Shedd, of Cornelia, Ga., has also struggled with Continentals lack of credentials. AG staff reports finding to the NCFMEA, and the NCFMEA makes a comparability determination. U.S. Department of Education Accreditation in the United States, (Closed by Attorney General & Federal Trades Commission), http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2014/09/ftc-action-halts-online-high-school-diploma-mill-made-11-million, https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/oagnews/release.php?id=4820, https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/newspubs/releases/2011/060211advent_afj.pdf, http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0206-diploma-mills, http://www2.ed.gov/students/prep/college/diplomamills/resources.html, http://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/plain-language/bus65-avoid-fake-degree-burns-researching-academic-credentials.pdf, Dual High School-College Enrollment Online, Accredited American High School Curriculum. The National Association for the Legal Support of Alternative Schools ONLY provides accreditation to private alternative schools at the K-12 level and the U.S. Department of Education does not recognize accrediting bodies for the accreditation of private or public elementary and secondary schools at the K-12 level. All those schools offer online or correspondence diploma programs. (Retrieved on June 21, 2017 from the U. S. Department of Education website at https://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation.html#Overview), Note: Accreditation does not provide automatic acceptance by an institution of credit earned at another institution, nor does it give assurance of acceptance of graduates by employers. The states private school directory identifies religious-based, nonprofit or for-profit schools, but it doesnt specify which ones are distance learning and online schools. I was so far behind in my neighborhood highschool. "These are pretty simple things.". Im very upset about this, Scott said. Five colleges, including Virginia Tech, have turned her down because they wouldnt accept her Continental diploma. Thank you. They informed me that they do not accept Continental Academy as they are not accredited school. BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes. After withdrawing Continental Academy accreditation from SACS, Continental owners tried to get SACS to accredit a new school, Elgart said. Students should contact the receiving institution to help determine whether credits are transferrable. Nersy Lopez also owns a house in Southwest Ranches valued at $896,840. The National Association for the Legal Support of Alternative Schools is not recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Florida Department of Education. Have already used couple of times, even to continue my education and also when school request transcripts you can also request them. Accrediting agencies, which are private educational associations that develop evaluation criteria and conduct peer evaluations to assess whether or not those criteria are met. Without CA I would have never graduated. Since private schools arent regulated by state or federal agencies, the Better Business Bureau has sounded alarms about certain schools. Jeffrey Lopez and Aguilera are listed as registered agents ofSoutheastern High School, another virtual school. Those measures should include inquiries to prospective educational institutions or employers. Continental Academy, which is registered with the state Department of Education, as all private schools are in Florida, obtained accreditation on July 26, 2006, from SACS, one of the widely respected organizations. I actually Felt the need to post after years of looking at reviews I graduated from Continental Academy in 2005 like everyone els I was skeptical I did not like school but did realize I needed something in order to get a good job or maybe even fur Hi My name is Cierra Johnson. Im going to take this to the furthest extent of the as I can. Listen now. I Received This Saying My Diploma Can Not Be Use To ************** I Want My Refund I Tried To Call Contineental Academy I Paid $850 I Also Lost My Job Over This . I graduated from here in ************************************** schools would search accreditation for this school they would find it. The registration cost for the events is $150. I dont remember receiving the diploma but I do remember receiving my transcripts that I had to paid for!!! Most have no brick-and-mortar locations. Their complaints underscore a fundamental problem in distance learning and online education. There are no time limits on the tests, and students may retake the exams as often as they need to pass, Martin says. And he didnt question accreditation when he decided to spend more than $500 to obtain his high school diploma. Mason says he urges students who want to go to state colleges and universities to get their GED instead. My experience with Continental Academy was very positive. Another school, St. James Academy in St. Lucie County, offers a $150 self paced, "correspondence" program. Neither does the federal Department of Education. since year 2000. The goal of accreditation is to ensure that institutions of higher education meet acceptable levels of quality. The National Association for the Legal Support of Alternative Schools is not recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Florida Department of Education. International agreements and the practice in the U.S. education system and labor market recognize the existence of three competent authorities for recognition matters: The admitting school or higher education institution, for students who seek to study in the United States and who are presenting credits or qualifications earned abroad; The hiring employer, for individuals seeking work and who are presenting degrees or other qualifications earned abroad; and. This is a list of colleges, seminaries, and universities that do not have educational accreditation.In many countries, accreditation is defined as a governmental designation. Continental Academy is fully accredited by the National Association for the Legal Support of Alternative Schools and has been continuously accredited by them since year 2000. This complaint is inaccurate. Our official . "I was never really good in public school, and I paid good money to do this online school. The tuition balance of $435.00 may be paid by Money Order or Cashier's Check and mailed to *************************************************************************. Complaint: 17206206I am rejecting this response because:Sincerely,***************************. I definitely learned a lot. I paid all my fees upfront theyre trying to tell me I only paid $15 which makes no sense I know I paid all my fees thats why I was able to get my transcripts and thats why I was able to go to college I wouldnt be able to go to college if I didnt have those transcripts. Earlier this y Continental Academy and the $100 discount. I had access to the online courses 24 hours a day / seven days a week. State or territorial licensing boards, for individuals seeking to practice regulated professions in a jurisdiction of the United States and who are presenting degrees or other qualifications earned abroad. Continental Academy has NEVER released a transcript regarding this student. The state's action against Continental and Southeastern is a rare intrusion into the largely unregulated world of private schools, however. There is no sugar coating. I was in so much disbelief and confusion. Distance-learning schools, traditionally done through mail as students received materials and worked at home, have been around for years. Rodolfo M. Rodriguez, a 24-year-old cashier at a gas station in Davie, was searching online for a school that would allow him to earn a high school diploma. State agencies for the approval of public postsecondary vocational education and for the approval of nursing education must meet separate sets of recognition criteria and their applications for recognition also undergo review by the Accreditation Group staff and the NACIQI. When contacted by phone with follow-up questions, Lopez said: We are done with that interview. He got his diploma from First Coast in 2012, but when he went to apply to Pasco-Hernando State College, Garner found the school wouldn't accept the credential. It was a good learning experience. These students, many of whom said they graduated with honors from Continental Academy, reported that colleges nationwide, including Virginia Tech and Southwestern College in Ohio, have refused to accept them because their high school diploma is from Continental. But a 2008 survey from the Sloan Consortium and Babson Survey Research Group, a nonprofit organization based in Massachusetts whose mission is to help institutions and educators improve the quality of online education, found that 3.9 million students who attended secondary and post-secondary schools were enrolled in at least one online course in 2007 a 12 percent increase over the previous year. In fact, the DOE states specifically on its website that being listed in the directory of private schools "should not be used by any private school to imply approval or accreditation by the state.". The partners anticipated contributions of up to $5 million, records show, and Nersy Lopez signed as the general partner. About Continental Academy: Fully accredited by the National Association for the Legal Support of Alternative Schools, Continental Academy is registered with the State of Florida Department of Education as a non-public, non-religious secondary school. The Better Business Bureau received 117 complaints about the schools from students living in 40 states. In **** i enrolled in ******************************** with said high school diploma for a semester. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile. ", According to the complaint, the "speedy issuances of non accredited high schools diplomas" helped those Job Corps Centers to rise in their rankings, making the federal contractors who ran the program eligible for "significant performance and incentive bonuses.". Therefore, this student is not entitled to a refund for the $350.00 tuition that was paid. The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) Summer Academies will take place in June and July at four schools across the state. In connection with this article, Lopez refused FCIRs request for an in-person meeting and later canceled a scheduled phone interview. Dozens of organizations accredit schools, but the U.S. higher education community at large only recognizes a handful of accrediting organizations as legitimate, education experts said. 03/21/2023 Complaint Type: Problems with Product/Service Status: Answered I recently reached out to Continental academy, regarding receiving a copy of my transcripts. This company has disappointed me and I know they won't fix it, so what's the point in asking? In 2009 I applied and was accepted in to degree program at CIE. Laid out and simple and everything I thought it would be," says Garner. Rodolfo M. Rodriguez is a dissatisfied graduate of Continental Academy. All in all, I did not enjoy my experience with this college. I liked their onl My adult son was enrolled in a public school which is regionally accredited (simply means its a 4 year program with advanced level courses to prepare you for college). As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Until a few years ago, state community colleges accepted students regardless whether they had valid high school diplomas. Credential evaluation services are independent organizations that perform analyses of non-U.S. qualifications and issue recommendations as to how a particular qualification compares to a similar qualification or set of qualifications in the U.S. education system, labor market or the professions. At the time the 16 credit pr Copyright 2017 TrustLink All Rights Reserved. They allege Continental Academy provided false information about accreditation. We use cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Besides a high school diploma, students can earn a GED (General Educational Development) certification, which is inexpensive $50 on average to take the test and widely accepted by many colleges and employers. This money back guarantee has expired. The acceptance of diplomas from private schools will be subject to the requirements of the receiving educational institution or employer. Under the HEA the Department "recognizes" (approves) accrediting agencies that the Secretary of Education determines to be reliable authorities as to the quality of education or training provided by institutions of higher education, and the Department publishes a list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies. The ADMISSIONs told me they don't accept this degree because it's fake and unaccredited. I'm trying to request one now and every time I submit a form to the e-mail that they have on file, I get a "non-deliverable" e-mail back to my e-mail address. Stone Coast Academy has no classrooms and uses no textbooks. Florida Department of State records indicate the school is operated by Jorge Sanchez of Miami Beach and Salvatore Coppolino of Lakewood Ranch, who list themselves as president and vice president, respectively, of Stone Coast Academy Corp. "The exams are a sampling of grade levels and are not considered difficult," martin wrote in an email responding to a request for information. It was due to the college's open door admissions policy that Continental Academy offered the academic program and that ***** was able to qualify for admissions and financial aid at several colleges prior to year 2010. Well it is not! Education experts and consumer advocates said many of these online high schools use accrediting groups with questionable credentials, giving the schools an endorsement that unsuspecting students often do not question. The (Continental Academy) website said that it was accredited, Rodriguez, a high school dropout, said. I put so much work into this para nada (for nothing).. Mason says he set up St. James Academy in 2002 to home-school his stepson, who was "thrown out of school twice." And if I dont pay that Im not a graduate, but it as soon as I pay it. It was a beautiful brochure, and I thought they were the real deal, Scott said. No organization tracks the total number of online high schools operating in the United States or the number of students attending these schools. The admissions requirements for college admissions today are not the same college admissions requirements that existed prior to year 2010. But an accreditation only has value if the U.S. educational community at large accepts the organization that provides the accreditation. The CA online program was great because I had access to my online program 24 hours a day and could do my homework at my own pace. Students do course work online or submit it through the mail. And these schools appeal to would-be students by offering study-at-home convenience and fast results while charging $300 to $1,200 for a high school diploma. The diploma and transcripts are fake and are not accredited. Accreditation Group staff reviews the medical education standards used by foreign countries using guidelines established by the NCFMEA. Thank You. The school has awarded 12,000 diplomas since 2002, says director James Mason, who operates the program out of his home in Fort Pierce. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the original message. I paid monthly installments to pay for this schooling. She was able to attend several colleges and receive financial aid due to receiving her Continental Academy high school diploma. January 15, 2013 by Excel High School Below is a list of the fake online high school scams as well as fake GED online programs. Continental Academy which was accredited by SACS from 2006 through 2008 but withdrew its accreditation in 2009 after questions were raised about the school's "Fast Track Program" continues . After receiving my High School Diploma in 2010 I decided to enroll to 3 different colleges and unfortunately was told that they had lost their accreditation in 2009. BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. Accreditation in the United States involves non-governmental entities (accrediting organizations) as well as federal and state government agencies (these three entities are formally known as the Triad). Which is why it comes to such a surprise that you school is no longer accredited. The goal of accreditation is to ensure that education provided by the institution meets acceptable levels of quality. The school also provides student testimonials from adults in Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia and Florida showing pictures and only listing first names. The school also stated in a press release that Continental was accredited by the Florida Department of Education, though the state Department of Education doesnt accredit schools. I am a sucker for discounts! Im aware of how to request a transcript, I said the email failed to send to the one that Im supposed to. NEWS: If you have a fake diploma from the following fake websites listed below in red, If so, please contact the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General of Arizona. Scott, who lost his job as a manager for a security company earlier this year, decided to pursue a new career and attend college. Beverly James, a spokeswoman for Bethune- Cookman, confirmed that the school has 10 students who graduated from St. James Academy. The school has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, as well as the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation, and the State of Florida Department of Education. According to the court filings in lawsuits fi led by inmates, including a murderer and a drug dealer, the Indiana Department of Corrections determined that Continental's program was "not accredited or recognized by the Florida Department of Education" and "did not meet the criteria of a high school diploma set by the Indiana Department of Education.". I was shortly emailed back saying I owed ****** and something dollars. All I would have to do is say, Susan's High School and establish a website and advertise $200, Get Your High School Diploma Here,' " says Fell of St. Petersburg College. Many, if not most, of these competent authorities in turn depend on expert comparability recommendations prepared by credential evaluation services. NALSAS accredits based only on one standard: consumer protection. After much consideration, Continental Academys governing body has decided that it is not in the best interest of Continental Academy to maintain its accreditation with AdvancED/SACS/CASI, Continental officials said in a statement to FCIR. If you are not accredited how are you considered a school. is not meant to represent an evaluation and/or approval of the materials, teaching staff or educational philosophy employed by the applicant program. Im very frustrated and very disappointed and I feel hoodwinked and I am going to look into taking legal action because this doesnt make any sense if youre smart stay away from this company or go somewhere else. Log in. BBB is here to help. Today I'm a CIE/WC graduate with Bachelor Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology. I called them and they were no help to me at all. Their online high school diploma programs allow any student to earn a fully accredited high . The reason: Continental Academy has not been accredited by an academic standards organization that Concorde accepts. This was way better than having to attend classes. Im very grateful. For $159, the school promises students access to its online diploma program, which it says is accepted and recognized by "employers in all 50 states.". PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT REQUESTS FOR SUCH EVALUATIONS TO US OR SUBMIT DIPLOMAS OR OTHER RECORDS FOR REVIEW. Continental Academy considers this case closed and will not respond further. I enrolled in it in January 2011. In terms of the refund request made by the student, Continental Academy fully disclosed to the student at the time of enrollment through our written terms and conditions of enrollment to please be advised that the acceptance of credits or graduates is always the prerogative of the receiving institution or employer. I enrolled in Continental Academy largely due to the $100 discount they offer. Click on New Document and choose the file importing option: upload Continental academy education verification from your device, the cloud, or a secure link. How in the world am I going to make this work for my current college? If you are not the intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this message. Monthly Payment Plan: $350.00 ($40 down/$40 a month.) Only agencies recognized by the Secretary can provide the gate-keeping function to allow institutions they accredit to participate in the federal student aid programs under the HEA. In other words, as far as Miramar-based Concorde Career Institute was concerned, Rodriguezs Continental Academy diploma was just a piece of paper. In November 2009, a group of former students filed a class-action lawsuit against Belford High School, alleging the Texas school defrauded them by using two two fictitious accrediting entities created to give Belford High School the appearance of legitimacy.. This school should not be open and accepting students as though they are fully accredited. This puts me in a bad position and is making it harder for me to attend college. Educators and Human Resources Professionals provides information about U.S. recognition of foreign educational institutions and links to regional and national sources of information on accredited institutions in other countries. The schools say they automatically reject diplomas awarded based on a single test aside from the GED. The Department recognizes only agencies that apply for recognition; many do not. "If I wanted to open up a high school, it's so easy. And while each state college maintains its own list of unacceptable high schools, Susan Fell, director of admissions and records for St. Petersburg College, says the schools share that information and "pretty much anyone that we turn away, everyone will turn away.". They didnt want to comply with requirements that would ensure they met the standards of accreditation, Oliver said without providing details. I still had 11th and 12th grade to complete back then. It was the same people behind the school with questionable business practices, Elgart said. Institutions and/or programs that request an accreditor's evaluation and that meet an accreditor's criteria are then "accredited". They are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing.. Additionally, the Florida Department of Education does not officially recognize any of the various agencies that accredit private schools. Information for Persons Seeking to Study in the United States [PDF, 110K] provides information and resources for persons educated abroad who seek to enroll in a study program in the United States. Robert Garner, a 21-year-old from Spring Hill who unloads trucks for Wall smart, says he was looking to "better himself" when he signed up with First Coast Academy in 2011. I was able to use my diploma to aquire my cna certification but other than that I have not been able to use it to further my schooling and most jobs do not accept it. Is Continental Academy a diploma mill? ), By Mc Nelly TorresFlorida Center for Investigative Reporting. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. The acceptance of diplomas from private schools will be subject to the requirements of the receiving educational institution or employer. After I graduated, my employer called CA to confirm that I was a high school graduate and was offered the job. If she needs a replacement diploma simply call ************** and request a replacement diploma. All Rights Reserved. 4.4 48 Reviews. Nersy and Jeffrey Lopez and Aguilera are also listed as registered agents of other businesses, including Home School of America Inc. and Home School of America Holdings LLC. Since 2011, Stone Coast Academy has awarded more than 300 diplomas to Florida residents, according to paperwork filed with the Florida Department of Education. Back in 2009 I completed their program and I paid all of my fees. ************************* ********* *********. I am being rejected because this school is no longer accredited. In Florida, 2,189 private K-12 schools, including online schools, are registered with the state Department of Education. MEMORANDUM October 8, 2010 (John Doe), Admissions Representative, (XYZ ) University From: Jeffrey Lopez, M.S., Vice Principal Re: Admission of Continental Academy's student (John Doe) We have recently learned that your institution has denied admission to one of our graduates, namely (John Doe). Kathy Bucklew, registrar at Polk State College, believes the state DOE needs statutory authority to take a more proactive role in legitimizing private schools. I got my financial aid accepted and all that they needed. (Higher Education Act), the Department (United States Department of Education) does not have the authority to recognize accrediting bodies for the accreditation of private or public elementary and secondary schools. Please be so kind to refer the student to our toll-free phone number for further assistance **************. They choose not to pay for that. Aside from the lack of institutional support and structural confusion that Continental Academy received from SACS, a stark reality of maintaining SACS accreditation is that a school or school district must have a significant amount of financial resources available for continuous school improvement.. The classes and curriculum were all really easy. None of the Continental graduates who spoke with FCIR received this type of support from Continental Academy after colleges refused to accept their high school diplomas. People are so desperate to earn that credential, and many of these schools are preying on people who are struggling financially, Turner said. Im angry, Rodriguez said. Continental Academy has been continuously accredited by the National Association for the Legal Support of Alternative Schools (N.A.L.S.A.S.) Another problem is that there are a lot of people who are not reporting this to state agencies.. Received credits at each college as well. In 2021, i went to apply for cosmetology at ********************************, a college i had already attended. 5/7/2010 4:12 PM (PST) Continental Academy is a Scam Please don't do it; I got screwed out of my money Big time I tried to cont my education and I couldn't I went to ultimate Medical Academy for about a month and I got drop from my enrollment that home school is not legit very big Red Flag's take it from me Don't do it Information for Persons Seeking to Work in the United States [PDF, 91K] provides information and resources for persons educated abroad who seek to work in the United States. Continental Academy took a hug As soon as I graduated from Continental Academy I applied with Costco and I landed the job. Those measures should include inquiries to institutions to which transfer might be desired or to prospective employers, as well as any private or governmental entity responsible for licensing or certifying graduates to work in the field for which the educational program is intended. First Coast Academy, which operates from Jacksonville, claims in an advertisement on YouTube and the school's Facebook page that it is a "nationally accredited school endorsed by the Department of Education," for example. "I got a letter saying my high school diploma wasn't accepted. That Committee has the legal responsibility for reviewing the standards that foreign countries use to accredit medical schools in those countries to determine whether those standards are comparable to the standards used to accredit medical schools in the United States. The National Association for the Legal Support of Alternative Schools and the National Coalition of Alternative Community Schools now accredit Continental. If they lost their credentials while I was attending I should of been notified or offered a reimbursement considering when I started. Professional Recognition [MS Word, 135K] provides information and resources concerning the recognition on non-U.S. qualifications in the regulated professions, either in order to practice the profession in the United States or to enter advanced professional studies. He did not admit, deny or contest the allegations. But that's the extent of the state DOE's requirements. ", The businesses the object of dozens of consumer complaints also agreed to stop advertising that their diploma or degree programs are appropriate for college-bound students or employment. But after recently applying to several colleges, including Southwestern College in Cincinnati, Ohio, Scott learned the schools would not accept his Continental diploma. If she needs a transcript, it is very simple, simply visit www.continentalacademy.com and ***************** on the top red navigation bar and print the transcript request form. They look at factors ranging from whether there's a brick-and-mortar location to the presence of a school calendar to curriculum materials to the number of teachers to accreditation by a recognized agency. But with the explosive growth of the Internet, many of these operations have flourished online, reaching large groups of students with little or no oversight from state and federal regulators. I was able to graduate and now have proof that I am a high school graduate. Br Review 2 BRINING WALGREENS AROUND FOR A 100 YEARS THE UNDER TAKER AT THE UNITED CENTER GOOD MORNING AMERICA Ma Review 3 Thank you CA!!! This school is a fraud and should be taken to court for abusing peoples rights. I had dropped out of high school back in **** due to pregnancy and complications. Approved programs can be found through the Distance Education and Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Continental Academys revenue and profits are unknown. "They can go on to, like, cosmetology school, or there's a bunch of nursing schools around here that are private that they can go to, and up in the Daytona area where we have a lot of students, we send them to Bethune-Cookman," says Mason, who left a public school teaching job in St. Lucie County after the Florida Education Practices Commission reprimanded him and put him on probation in 2000 after allegations that included inappropriately rubbing male students' backs, visiting a student's home and buying him gifts and asking about male students' sexual orientations. A $34.95 graduation fee, that includes your diploma, diploma cover, wallet-size diploma, and official graduation letter will be billed to the student account. The provisions of the Nurse Training Act relating to accreditation of nursing programs are now contained in the Public Health Service Act at 42 U.S.C. Mc Nelly Torres discussed this story with Phil Latzman on WLRN Public Radio. The last year Continental Academy offered a college bound program was 2009 due to the new rules and regulations established by the U.S. ***** of *********. since year 2000. *********,** 32505..*************..or my email *************************.Thanks for your time and hopefully your help. However, most Florida colleges and vocational schools don't recognize the association as an accrediting body. They cheated me of about $500, Shedd, 32, said because none of the colleges she applied to would accept her Continental Academy diploma. See details. The majority of students at Continental Academy are adults that have absolutely no interest in enrolling in a four year high school program or pay the required fees which can run anywhere from $1,000.00 to $1,500.00 per academic year ( there is no financial aid for these programs because the public high schools are free ). But in 2009, Continental Academy withdrew its accreditation, according to Jennifer Oliver, a spokesperson for AdvancED. Continental Academy doesnt provide a disclaimer on its site to warn students about this issue and students who spoke with FCIR said Continental Academy did not make this clear to them before they enrolled. They requested my transcripts and my high school diploma. The company is ridiculous and calling there is not helpful. The state Department of Education doesnt regulate private schools. Continental Academy which was accredited by SACS from 2006 through 2008 but withdrew its accreditation in 2009 after questions were raised about the school's "Fast Track Program" continues to appear on the state Department of Education's online directory of private schools, alongside respected private schools like Bolles School in Jacksonville and Shorecrest Preparatory School in St. Petersburg that are accredited by SACS. Keep in mind that this is a national problem and Florida does not have any statutory authority over the schools that are running diploma mills, Butler said. The same day, Jeffrey Lopez transferred ownership, again to Nersy Lopez, of an undeveloped property in Plantation, which he purchased in July for $280,000, records show. I act u ally dropped out. The fee includes professional learning, continental breakfast and lunch each day. The Department also recognizes state agencies for the approval of nursing education authorized by the State which the program is located to approve nursing programs for non-HEA purposes and that receive approval through the Secretary's recognition process. Last May, following an investigation by the Florida Attorney General's office, the operators of an online high school diploma program based in Miramar agreed to refund consumers more than $9,000 and change the way they advertise their diploma programs on the internet. Little did I know(my high school recommended this school)6 months or so prior, this school got it's nationally accreditation taken away. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. The reason: Continental Academy has not been accredited by an academic standards organization that Concorde accepts. Some employers also have grown leery of diplomas issued by online private high schools. In recent years, Continental Academy has described itself in marketing materials as trustworthy and a recognized educational institution. In online promotional materials, the school encourages would-be students to earn a high school diploma instead of a GED. He didnt specify the number of certified teachers, as FCIR requested, and would not provide resumes for the companys principals. I will be taking this matter to further eat extent if the as I can. I then was able to enroll into college for psychology and a couple of years later I was able to enroll into another college for journalism and mass communication. In his professional profile on LinkedIn, Lopez lists himself as the senior vice president of finance and corporate affairs of Home School of America. Complaint: 18044828I am rejecting this response because: I called numerous times complaining about the fact that I had been rejected from jobs due to the lack of accreditation, nothing was said, no apologies were offered. Since 2010, Continental Academy has been offering only the **** program which has been designed specifically for students who need an opportunity to earn a high school proficiency diploma for private sector jobs that require proof of high school proficiency , or, students who desire an opportunity to obtain a high school proficiency diploma for self-improvement and/or personal satisfaction. Now I can put proof that I graduated from high school on my resume and job applications. The school's address is a rented mailbox at a packing and shipping store on Miami Beach. Accreditation's quality assurance function is one of the three main elements of oversight governing the Higher Education Act's (HEA's) federal . SEO By, https://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation.html#Overview. For more on the latest information on accreditation released by the Department, please click here. Some schools, such as the Nationwide Academy in Broward County, grant academic credit for work and life experience. Also, in year **** Continental Academy never claimed to be regionally accredited and offered a 30 day money back guarantee. But Rodriguezs dreams of obtaining a college education and pursuing a career as a dental or medical assistant to better provide for his family were dashed in March after Concorde Career Institute, a technical-vocational school that specializes in health care training, refused to accept his Continental Academy diploma. Accrediting agencies that accredit only educational programs located in institutions of higher education apply for recognition for non-HEA purposes. Acceptance of credit or graduates is always the prerogative of the receiving institution or employer. The process pushes some schools out because they cant meet the standards and criteria.. Customize this page. Nothing. If they don't have the high school program you are looking for they will refer you to the right high school program for you. Since 2009, this student has been trying to request a transcript without paying the required tuition. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. Regular Hours Mon - Fri: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm More Info Email Email Business Payment method debit, visa, mastercard, all major credit cards, amex, discover We have hundreds of schools that lose accreditation every year, Elgart said. Continental reported to the state that it graduated 13,204 students during the 2008-09 academic year, according to its annual survey for the state Department of Education. Our adult students would rather take the *** exam at their local public high school and pay approximately $130.00 to graduate within 3 months. I am now in 2022 having to get my GED so i can go back to college to become a Phlebotomist. AdvancED, now the parent organization of SACS, currently accredits 130 distance-learning schools and has accredited more than 27,000 schools in 69 countries. 2 stars . (Photo by Mc Nelly Torres. I've already spoken to a lawyer in which we intend on filing a suit against continental academy for fraud, theft ,and impunitive damages.But the academy could always choose to take the easy way out and settle with me personally and civillyI would like the $350 fee which aquivilient to $1,000 22 years ago .Please return my request . Schools seeking accreditation from a respected accrediting organization must pass a review to ensure they meet educational standards. I went home to ****** about it and come to find out back in 2009 they stopped paying their accreditation fees. However, officials do not verify information submitted by schools, according to state officials. Very satisfied and would definitely recom Their program was affordable and convenient. Unfortunately, she never finished her college program and she does not have the high school credential that is required of any college applicant to meet the college admissions requirements of today. We will await for the listed information for further assistance. I feel you should be the one repaying my student loans since my high school diploma is useless and now my college credits are as well. Continental Academy Schools (6) 27 YEARS IN BUSINESS (954) 538-8000 Visit Website Map & Directions 3241 Executive WayMiramar, FL 33025 Write a Review Is this your business? I learned a lot from the Continental Academy online program and I was able to use the diploma for a job. You should no longer be in business if you are no longer accredited, no matter how long the graduation date was. Federal investigators are interested in high school diploma mills because 11 percent of all federal financial aid about $12 billion a year in grants and student loans has gone to students who earned high school diplomas from schools not accredited to award them, Mitchelson said. Credit Card or Debit Card required for initial tuition payment. . But, when I finished and graduated, I would have gladly given them a $500 bonus. Continental Academy lost its accreditation in 2009, while I was in school, never informed me. Continental now list three programs on its website: P.A.C.E., an accelerated online high school diploma program for adults 18 and older; O.U.T.R.E.A.C.H., an online high school diploma program for students 16 and older; and S.E.A.L., a high school diploma program through mail for students 16 years and older. I was so upset and lost my motivation to even sign up for school GED to pursue a better career for my future and my kids. 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