Penn Foster Group Achieves Prestigious Recognition as a Top Online Learning Provider in 2025

Penn Foster Group Earns Esteemed Place on Newsweek's 2025 List of America's Top Online Learning Providers

Penn Foster Group, recognized as a top-tier online educational institution, has been named to Newsweek's prestigious 2025 list of America’s finest online learning providers. This accolade marks the second consecutive year for Penn Foster, celebrating its effective and learner-focused educational model designed for modern learners. As a leading provider in skills training, Penn Foster caters to various educational needs, from high school diplomas to professional careers in healthcare, veterinary, and trades.

In collaboration with Statista, a respected global data firm, Newsweek undertook a comprehensive analysis of over 200 online educational institutions through a survey involving more than 10,000 learners. The evaluation criteria were rigorous, focusing on key metrics such as educational quality, technological advancements, and dedication to student success. This recognition emphasizes Penn Foster's unwavering efforts to provide exceptional online education tailored to the diverse needs of its students.

Kermit Cook, the Chief Executive Officer of Penn Foster Group, stated, “Our mission has always been to meet learners at their individual points of need. Being included in Newsweek's esteemed list reaffirms our commitment to driving learner success and our efforts in creating high-quality educational experiences.” This recognition is a testament to their consistent dedication towards merging quality with accessibility in education, ensuring that students achieve their desired educational and career outcomes.

A pivotal component of Penn Foster’s educational approach is the innovative LAADS model, which stands for Learner-Centered, Authentic, Active, Differentiated, and Skill-Based learning. This model was carefully designed to enhance students’ educational experiences, fostering better knowledge retention and skill application. By focusing on interactive and adaptive courses, the LAADS framework sets a new standard for online learning. It has undergone successful trials in 2024 and is set for a broader rollout in 2025.

Andy Shean, Chief Learning Officer at Penn Foster Group, emphasized the importance of grounding their teaching methods in research. “Our LAADS model is transforming online education into a skills-driven experience, ensuring that our courses engage learners and prepare them for real-world challenges.” This strategic initiative has already shown improvements in learner engagement, retention, and satisfaction, highlighting Penn Foster's focus on aligning educational offerings with the current demands of the workforce.

Beyond the advancements in educational models, Penn Foster is lauded for its flexible, self-paced high school and career development programs that cater to a variety of in-demand industries like healthcare and veterinary services. Continuous updates to their course content and learning experiences ensure that they meet the evolving needs of students, thus reinforcing their commitment to educational excellence and learner outcomes.

The year 2024 also marked significant milestones for Penn Foster. Alongside the recognition from Newsweek, it celebrated the appointment of Kermit Cook as CEO, opened its Arizona Center of Excellence in Chandler, and established a record-breaking graduation ceremony for over 75,000 graduates globally. These achievements showcase Penn Foster’s forward-thinking approach to education, emphasizing its unwavering commitment to learner-centered innovation.

As a trailblazer in digital education, Penn Foster Group continues to innovate and adapt, opening pathways for learners to enhance their economic mobility through relevant skills training. Founded in 1890, it has a rich history of providing accessible education, initially offering training to coal miners via mail. Today, through its extensive educational networks, including Penn Foster, Ashworth College, and James Madison High School, it embodies the spirit of innovative learning for future job markets.

For more insight into Penn Foster Group’s offerings and their impactful educational programs, visit Penn Foster Group.