Happy distance education high school student doing online schoolwork while outside on her computer

Distance Education

Distance education at Australian Christian College offers unparalleled flexibility in today's dynamic world. English in the garden, Math in the study. Work where it suits you.

In remote places around Australia, students have been learning by distance since ‘School of the Air’ commenced in Alice Springs on 8th June 1951.

In fact, the term ‘distance education’ heralds from this era and suggests that students reside some distance from the school. However, this is rarely the case today with most students living in metro locations.

Distance education delivers the same education as a regular school, except it is delivered digitally to students at home. Students interact with teachers, chat with other students, watch lessons and complete exams online.

Primary School Demo

Day in the life of a Secondary Student

  •  
  • Regular School

  • Distance Education

  • Home School

  • Do I have to register with the government as a homeschooler?

  • regular school: no
  • distance education: no
  • home school: yes
  • Do I have visits from government moderators?

  • regular school: no
  • distance education: no
  • home school: yes
  • Do I have to create or buy a learning program that meets the Australian Curriculum Standards?

  • regular school: no
  • distance education: no
  • home school: yes
  • Is my child taught by qualified teachers through a registered school?

  • regular school: yes
  • distance education: yes
  • home school: no
  • Do I have to keep records of lessons, learning progress, time allocations and assessments?

  • regular school: no
  • distance education: no
  • home school: yes
  • Am I part of a registered school?

  • regular school: yes
  • distance education: yes
  • home school: no

Four Australian Christian Colleges are registered to deliver school fully online, with a fifth (Victoria) currently in the registration phase. Collectively, they are Australia’s largest non-government distance education provider. They provide an online education to students living in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and Tasmania with appropriate matriculation options upon graduation. We expect Victoria to become registered by the start of the 2025 school year.

Different states impose different eligibility requirements for online enrolments, and so it’s important to check your child’s eligibility with the distance education providers in your state.

DE Student Stories

ACC Distance Education (DE) suits a diversity of students. Our DE student stories highlight a small selection of students, showcasing how ACC DE is meeting their individual needs and enabling them to pursue their specific goals.

In grade 10 I decided to choose online school as my workload and swimming were both increasing… I haven’t regretted it! - Esther Davies

Esther is a national champion swimmer from Queensland who is also a high achieving academic student. She wanted to continue achieving in both areas.

DE allows her to complete her school work around her rigorous training schedule without compromising on either.

You can learn more about our distance education providers from the respective websites: