Correspondence courses are designed for students studying at a distance. Each course can be completed from home and includes a variety of learning assignments. Students generally communicate with their instructor via phone, mail, or email.

Correspondence courses are self-paced independent study courses that allow students to work at their own pace often with instructor guidance and no formal classroom attendance is required. For most courses, students work with a textbook and course guide.

Correspondence courses can be a complementing option for homeschooling; parents may take advantage of specific course offerings, in order to address insufficiencies in learning areas which the parent or guardian cannot properly manage by themselves. In this sense, distance learning is a step above the homeschooling alternative, as it can provide solutions in aid to the specific needs of the latter.

Unlike full-year courses, semester-based courses may qualify for financial aid. Students who cannot remain in school due to a circumstance, e.g., illness, distance, or other reason, may request a school board to consider paying the registration fee and may request a school to consider providing course textbooks.

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