Resource Description
Website: Acellus/Power Homeschool (may contain affiliate links)
(39 Reviews)
Before investing in any homeschooling resources, please read "How to Choose the Best Homeschool Curriculum."
Contributor Reviews
Reviews are solely the opinions of the contributor.
Cons: Buggy (keep in mind, it may be my internet connection), Not Much Variety for Certain (student) Learning Paces, Unable to Go Back to Lessons & Videos
Grades Used: 8th Grade
Hello! I am a student of the Acellus program- have been for about a week now, and I’ve got a good idea of how this program works. For those looking for a home schooling program, Acellus is a good (enough) choice. Although, I haven’t been using Acellus alone. I’ve been using Khan Academy after I finish my Acellus lessons. I use both programs because Acellus gives a more structured schedule for lessons, though (in my personal opinion) it doesn’t have enough lessons. To fill out the large amounts of time I have throughout the day, I do Khan Academy so that I may work at my own pace and choose what I would like to learn. If I had to choose between the two, hands down- it’s Khan Academy. If you’d prefer an out-of-ten rating, Acellus 6/10 and Khan Academy 9/10. Khan Academy would have an 8/10 if it weren’t for the ability to create your own lesson structure. On the other hand, Acellus would be a 5/10 if it weren’t for the ability to work further than the day’s set goals per course. The average school day consists of 8 hours, but it only takes me an hour to complete all of my Acellus lessons for the day, hence the use of Khan Academy. (For better grade results on both learning platforms, I recommend keeping notes in a notebook for either what’s on the board in the Acellus videos, or what you need to study/remember on Khan Academy)
Cons: Sometimes the video can be long.
Grades Used: 10th
Hello Everyone
My 15-year-old loves this program for his 10th-grade curriculum.
He takes all his core classes and loves the videos and the pace. Our kindergarten will be starting this fall, and I think the problem is perfect for our family.
Cons: .
Grades Used: .
During the lessons when you give a video that explains how to do the specific problem, there should be a way to re-watch that exact video. None of the help videos go over that exact problem, and using the "skip" button doesn't solve the question. Sometimes problems make more sense after they've been solved, so when videos are given for exact questions, I believe it would be helpful for the person in the video to solve the entire question slowly so it's easier to follow along and not get confused.
Cons: Videos, structure of the program, bugs and issues with the site that lower your grade and prevent you from moving on, countless others
Grades Used: 11
I myself am a student that is using this program for eleventh grade, and I would not recommend it for any student that wishes to use this program for High School. I highly encourage you to look for other online options, as you will doubtless run into many issues.
**Note: I have not bothered to check over any spelling or grammar mistakes, so I apologize in advance if you encounter any**
Summary: I am trying my best to find positives about Acellus. You can work at your own pace, while simultaneously seeing how many lessons you have left to be on track to finish. For pros, that's about it. (I do not say that with sarcasm, there are very little pros with this system). On the other hand, there are far too many cons. The system is noticeably bugged, with problems that will affect your grade badly. The user interface is lacking, and very outdated. Most courses' content is basic and routine, and you will have to find most of your information online and on your own. In a way, I believe it is comparable to how you would be learning in college. Lastly, you are required to complete "Special Lessons" which are mainly essays before receiving your certificate of completion. These are FAR too numerous (I have written around 17 essays so far, each needing around 200 to 300 words). If you are looking for an online option for high school, look somewhere else. Every day for me is a nightmare with this program, and I am hardly able to progress to due to its incompetence and neglect. Do not waste your time with Acellus; look for an online school that will provide you with a good education.
Pros:
Acellus is easy to use due to its simplistic and very outdated user interface. You are able to work at your own pace while still keeping track of how much progress you have left.
Cons:
To begin with, you will not receive a transcript until you complete at least one of your courses. While this doesn't sound too bad, its horrible for when you are working with a college advisor and they need to see your transcript. This has caused me to have to focus on certain classes over others, such as Math and Science over Spanish and Computer Science, just so that I have proof that I have been working on a class.
Another problem is the fact that while I am using Acellus, for courses such as Calculus and Chemistry, I have had to turn to Youtube and Khan Academy to explain most of the material. The teachers try their best to explain it, but the examples given in the lesson video are simplified, while the problems you receive after a lesson video are much more difficult. Oftentimes, they require extra work/calculations that are not explained in the lesson video.
A very major problem with this website, and the reason for me posting this review, is the fact that the website is noticeably outdated and bugged. As an example, as I near the end of my Calculus course, I have encountered a certain problem over and over again, with seemingly no way fix to it:
I get a set of problems, and begin working on the first one. I get the first one wrong, and retry it. I get it wrong again. This continues until I have seemingly no other ways to solve the problem, so I skip it to move on without damaging my grade too much. The same occurs with the rest of the problems, until I get to the last one. On the last problem, when I try to skip it, I am hit with a 15 minute long help video that is a repeat of the lesson video I took extensive notes on. The help video is designed to help; it does not. The help videos, which cannot be skipped, cover exactly the same content in the exact same manner that was presented in the original lesson video. Once the help video is over, the cycle rinses and repeats until by some stroke of luck, it is over. Now, while it is possible that I am getting each problem wrong, I have proof that that is not the case. Let's say that for Problem 1 my answer was 1.234, and it was wrong. I went through the cycle until I was hit with the help video, and restarted a new series of problems. Cool. Luckily, this time, I am able to complete two problems correctly until, would you look at that, there's the same Problem 1 that I got wrong last time. I try to solve it once more, and get the same answer: 1.234. I input it and this time, however, it is correct, and I can proceed with the lesson. I cannot explain in words how frustrating this is, as each time I get problems wrong, it lowers my grade. And yet, on almost each lesson, especially near the end of my Calculus course, this cycle continues two or three times at least, affecting my grade pretty hard. It seems that towards the end of some courses, the creators of this program got lazy with the development, as they were near the end anyways.
Another problem I have is with Acellus's "special lessons". At the end of my first semester, I finished my History course, only to receive a message that I must complete my special courses for History before getting a certificate of completion. I think, alright, they're probably not too bad, let's see what these special lessons are. Lo and behold, I had to write around 12 or 14 (I lost track) 200 to 300 word essays discussing subjects I had covered. And if this wasn't bad enough, at the moment, I have around 11 special lessons for English, which I am only three quarters of the way through. There are too many of these "essays" that are mandatory to complete a course. While there isn't any quality control on what you write about (only basic requirements such as: "include the words: American Revolution", etc.), they still take lots of time.
The last problem I have with this program is simple: there is no way to skip through videos. There is no way to skip ahead in a video, and if you want to skip back, you must skip back by fifteen seconds. The interface is not the best, to say the least.
Cons: Lots, all covered.
Grades Used: 11
For context: I'm a 17 year old highschool junior with a part time job. My school is using Acellus as its own online program along with AP Classroom and UC Scout (great programs). I am taking Music Appreciation, Environmental Science, Pre-calc/Trig, AP Lang, and Spanish through Acellus. I'll go through each class with its pros and cons as best as I can, along with pros and cons of Acellus as a whole.
If you aren't aware of how Acellus functions, here it is: Each course has a certain amount of lessons. Each two lessons being a video and a follow up section with questions from the video. So, one lesson being the video and the second being the questions. The average amount of lessons in my courses is around one hundred and twenty. There are also special lessons that can include essays, worksheets, or quick projects.
Music Appreciation (elective): This class is fine. Probably one of the more enjoyable ones. It's essentially a listen and repeat class - most of these classes are. Take notes on the slides and listen to what she says, and you'll be able to ace each question lesson. Sometimes there are full videos of just listening to music, which I don't entirely mind, but can get annoying when you want to be efficient with your work but end up having to sit through seventeen minutes of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.
Environmental Science: Again, a listen and repeat class. It's easier to pay attention to because environmental science is of interest to me. However, it is very noticeable how outdated this information is. Especially with a topic as currently-changing as environmental science, I would expect to have more up-to-date information. Occasionally we got to watch the man perform labs, which were interesting.
Pre-calculus/Trigonometry: From what I have experienced, the math program of Acellus is downright awful. The lessons are learnable, sure, but if you don't understand something through the video they provided you have to go to a third party in order to learn it. When you answer a question wrong, there are *sometimes* help videos to help work through the problem. Other than those occasional videos, you get no feedback on your answers - only right and wrong. You can skip a question but they won't explain how to get to the right answer. You're left in the dark.
AP Lang: The only positive part of this course was the occasional interesting passages that you have to read and the teacher - he seemed friendly and talked as if he cared about his subject. The first half of the course is the same formatted lesson. Read a passage. Answer questions about the passage (that you don't even have to have read the passage for, just notice the pattern of the answers). And listen to a man talk about the passage for fifteen minutes. He was one of the only instructors not reading off of a slideshow, so props to him. The rest of the course wasn't much different; all that changed was the format, not the factor of repetition.
Spanish 3: Do NOT expect to learn any Spanish through this course. I grew up in a Spanish-speaking family but was never taught to speak it - but I do know more than the average high schooler. Each lesson is essentially the teacher reading off the translation for a list of words. Sometimes they discuss grammar but they're usually just one lesson never to be used again. I have not learned anything except for some new words that wouldn't help me in day-to-day conversation. I think it's incredbily difficult for an online program to teach a language, but Acellus surely can't.
ACELLUS Pros:
I'll start positive. Acellus enables you to an incredible amount of flexibility. I'm able to work a part-time job while in school which I wouldn't have been able to do otherwise. I'm able to do schoolwork whenever I want. While my school provides us online students with a pacing plan, you could be able to pace yourself in any way you want to as well.
The second pro to Acellus would be the ability to retake video lessons (and exams if your teacher permits it). I don't find myself doing many retakes but it was always provided as an option to us which I would gladly use if I needed it.
ACELLUS Cons:
Instructors read directly off of the slides. In most videos I'd be able to mute my tab, take notes when a slide comes up, and then be able to ace the questions that follow the video. At times, the instructors add nothing to the slideshow that they are reading off of (especially Environmental Science).
Special Lessons are a true wonder to me. Math special lessons are just worksheets, usually. They have vague instructions and once again, you get no feedback. For english, most of my special lessons were essays. The program automatically grades your essays through the factors of word count, grammar, spelling, and word difficulty. You could write the dialogue of a movie and as long as it had those four things, you could get more than 100%. It was upsetting for me when I would do a special lesson and I would receive no feedback. Sometimes I was proud of what I submitted and knowing that no one would even comment on it bummed me out and took away from my minimal excitement for school.
Acellus if very "one-size-fits-all." I mean this with one thing in mind: the lack of video speed adjustment. It is hard to listen to slow-talking old men for long periods of time. Even if we were given the option of 1.25x speed, it would make the videos so much more engaging. I believe that this function was available for a few days but was immediately taken away. Hopefully they'll reinstate it.
I've watched videos twice on Acellus. Not because I wanted to, they just showed up twice. Same video, same questions. My first semester of math and current second semester have already had around 50% of the same videos. Sure I'm only two months into my second semester, but I was expecting new content. I've also experienced this with Environmental Science to a lesser degree.
Once again, I really want to emphasize that there is no feedback on wrong answers. This also applies to exams which, in my personal opinion, should definitely provide a way to see what you did wrong. You can't even see *which* problems you get wrong on exam, just a final percentage. What's the point in taking an exam if you can't learn from it?
All in all, Acellus is, simply put, a bad program. It's outdated, nonengaging, and repetitive. Coming from a student of Acellus who has to deal with it on a day-to-day basis, I can't stand it and won't be continuing with the program next year. Please do not enroll your child into Acellus.
Cons: Some repition
Grades Used: 8th
I've read other peoples reviews and they constantly talk about how Acellus is sexist, racist, and religion based, but I couldn't disagree more. Based solely on my experience, Acellus has been a very mature and neutral regarding any sensitive topics. In my history class we have discussed the oppression of women, slavery, the government, and different types of religions and in all cases the teacher simply stated facts and did not try to sway my opinion in either way.
I greatly enjoy that I can work at my own pace. In my past experiences with the education system, I was greatly slowed down by my peers and my age. With Acellus, I can work at my own pace so I no longer need to wait for others to grasp a concept I memorized immediately and the teachers are actually capable of answering my questions unlike previous teachers of mine.
I, unlike others, love that the lessons are short. This allows me to spend time doing what I enjoy, which my previous school system did not. This also means that I can get more done in less time and if there is anything I would like to teach myself I now have to time to do so.
To be fair, the school I was enrolled in before was extremely flawed and did not give me the time or resources I needed to succeed academically, so there isn't a fair comparison. I am also socially challenged and enjoy the isolation, which I know is not the best for me. I agree that some of the lessons are repetitive, but it does help with the memorization of more challenging concepts and the videos aren't that long so it is not unbearable.
There are pros and cons to every school system, but so far I have had a positive experience with Acellus.
Cons: Some special lessons are confusing and no structure in essays, have to be a self-learner because they don’t get back to you quickly
Grades Used: 8th, 9th and 10th
This will be my third year using Acellus and so far it has worked very well. The special lessons could use some work but overall I have learned a lot.
Cons: Most of the website seems to be hot garbage
Grades Used: 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th,
I am a student of Acellus and my brother did Acellus full-time last year. I believe Acellus offers next to none on engaging school work and can get really boring and frustrating when it seems like they don't explain the subject very well or some of the teachers are just downright annoying to listen to (The old math Teacher). I haven't personally seen the sexist and racist comments but I wouldn't be surprised if it was true because the videos are super outdated. I also have problems in math when I miss a question it shows a help video every time so It just gets me pissed off and makes me not want to pay attention to the help videos and such because even if I do they just don't explain it well so I get the question wrong and get sent right back. This usually causes me to just go to a website called math papa and put in the problem and see what formula they use to get the answers. I also feel like I'm falling behind because before I started using Acellus I was at the top or near the top of my math classes but when I took my diagnostic after a year of Acellus I was a grade below when usually I'm at the next grade level or end of the year already. I also believe it's not engaging because I have my lesson goals set at 10 for math, 15 for history, and 13 for Spanish but, I'm able to get all my lessons for the week done in one sitting using two class periods it used to be three but I felt that was too much time. It usually just leaves me playing games after I'm done since it doesn't make me want to come back and do more math and, right now I'm currently halfway through the year in my courses but we have like 2 months till 2nd semester. I'm actually currently writing this during a study table for Acellus. Lastly, I feel the special lessons have not much to offer but they come in hordes of lessons so every 20-30 lessons I'll get like 5 special lessons back to back.
Cons: Don't care about students
Grades Used: 10, 11, 12
Do not use this school if you are on Social Security Disability Income. My daughter turned 18 at the beginning of her 12th grade. Acellius refused to sign the SSA form stating my daughter was enrolled in their school, so my daughter's supplementary check was discontinued. We have now lost almost $9000 in our household income so she can graduate OR I can disenroll her, let her get a GED and work at McDonald's so we can pay our bills. Reason I am on SSDI is because I'm dying from Stage 4 cancer. They will not talk to me on the phone, only sent me an email stating why they won't sign the Social Security form.
Cons: NONE
Grades Used: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd and currently using
I Absolutely love Acellus Academy. I actually took my son out of a private school called " Richmond Montessori" when he was diagnosed with ADHD. I didn't want to place him on medication so, I decided to Home School him instead, and It was one of the best decision I've ever made. One of my co-worker actually recommended Acellus Academy to me. The lessons are pre recorder, the school actually records their attendance, the amount of hours the child spent on each subject, their test grades and GPA. Your child will be able to pause the videos and take notes. There is even an option to take Spanish as a 1st grader. My son has been taking Spanish classes on Acellus Since 1st Grade and he is now in 3rd. Most elementary schools do not offer a foreign language unless you're in private school. I absolutely love the program and so does my son. I would definitely recommend Acellus Academy .
Cons: If you’re looking for a hands off program this isn’t for you , parents MUST supervise
Grades Used: 0-100
This program is wonderful, easy
To use and fabulous in every way. It’s also VERY affordable compared to all other programs.
Grades Used: 5th & 8th
My two kids are enrolled in Acellus Academy and both are doing wonderful!! I'm so grateful for this school! The lessons are creative and interesting. My children are learning and excelling with Acellus Academy! It's so easy for parents! Students log in and know exactly what they have to complete for each day and week. The school records their attendance, hours on each subject, test grades and GPA. Lessons are explained thoroughly with lots of visuals. Lessons are prerecorded which allows the students to watch the lesson multiple times if needed, pause or rewind. Tests are given after each lesson and students receive their grade immediately so they always know how they're doing academically. Students also have the ability to complete their work anytime of the day and weekends if they choose. The parent app allows the parent to see exactly what their child has completed, attendance, grades and much more.
Cons: Every single thing to the last bit
Grades Used: 11th
This school is literally the biggest piece of steaming trash ever. That’s all that can be said. Other than the fact that the teachers are sexist, racist, people. They keep pushing on the stereotypes of the girls having to cook and clean for their husbands. Grow up! It’s 2021 women can do exactly what men can do and so can men! My god! Needless to say don’t even think about using Acellus. It’s not worth your time nor your money. Bottom line is its a steaming piece of garbage.
Cons: Would be nice if there was a way to practice more math problems
Grades Used: 3,4,5,6
I am blown away by all the negative reviews and suspect that a lot of them are politically motivated or from people who did not really take the time to learn how to navigate the program and access the parental resources (for example someone complained that you could not access the gradebook. You absolutely can access the grades as well as the answers your student gives on each test question. We actually use that feature to pinpoint the exact part of the lesson my son did not understand). I am a long time veteran of homeschooling with having successfully homeschooled two older children who are now both college graduates. We have used so many different programs including Abeka, switched on schoolhouse, K-12, Saxon math, Time for learning, and just so many other different programs and the Acellus checks so many boxes .We have been using Acellus homeschool, now known as Powerhome school, for 4 years now (3rd through 6th grade). This program has been nothing short of a lifesaver for us! It gets to the meat and potatoes of learning without all the fluff that can bog down education. Also if your child has any learning disabilities whatsoever there are so many natural built-in supports that make it so much easier for both you and your child. My son actually did a video presentation for his school as to why this program helps him so much and even I was surprised by how many different things he noticed that I had not. One big recommendation I have though is to do the course in the tutor mode, especially if you have any learning disabilities. Just to be able to have the visual menu, the ability for them to go back and review lessons they may have forgotten or are struggling with, the visual progress indicator, the ability to develop organizational and autonomy skills, etc. make this mode extremely valuable. The other thing that makes it’s very valuable to children with learning disabilities is that it separates out learning from writing. For example my youngest son has dyslexia and dysgraphia and by design this program allows him to learn content without this being a roadblock, and then we work on the writing skills independently. I will say there is a writer toll that is used for the special lessons that has been so much of an encouragement to him it has actually helped him to write more. The fact that it displays the word count has been a huge confidence builder for him. He also is learning to type as an accommodation and so this gives him a great opportunity to practice those skills.