Business ProfileforStone Coast Services Corp.

Following a review of Stone Coast Services Corp's website, generally, and information submitted by the company, BBB determined that despite the company's advertisement as an "Online High School," the company's services are limited to testing consumers on 5 areas of academics. Once all 5 tests are successfully passed, the company mails a diploma from "Stone Coast Academy." The business charges fees ranging $159 to $179 for this service. The company also advertises that the diploma is meant to be used to gain employment.

In general, generally on file for Stone Coast Services Corp indicate that consumers paid a fee to obtain a high school diploma, but were having difficulty in getting the diploma accepted by employers or universities as a traditional high school diploma.

BBB's review began on January 27, 2017 when BBB noted that Stone Coast Services Corp promotes their services on their website by using statements such as: "Earn Your High School Diploma Online from Stone Coast Academy" and "Stone Coast Academy is an online, private high school." The website also stated "Get Started for $49," as well as "Start your tuition with a one time payment of $49.00."

To get a better understanding of what was being offered by Stone Coast Services Corp BBB investigated the company by shopping them as a potential customer via their website's online request form. In response to BBB's shopping, the company sent an email which stated:

"Hello my name is Al Martin, I am the guidance counselor at Stone Coast Academy.
Below is registration information, and some general information about the high school and the registration process. You have already filled out the enrollment.

You can go to www.stonecoastacademy.com and at the top of the home page enter your email and password. After you log in you will click the register tab. You will then be brought to the tuition page. You can pay your tuition by debit, credit, and also prepaid debit cards. You can then choose how to pay your tuition. If you chose to pay the full $149.00 you will be saving $20.00. You also have the choice to start with $49.00. You then create your own payment plan. You can decide when and how much to pay until your tuition is paid in full.

There are no classes to attend or books to purchase. All five of your senior level high school exams are done on a computer using your password. The five exams are math, social studies, science, reading, and writing. Four of these exams are 40-50 question multiple choice, and have no time limits. The fifth exam is the written essay and you will be given an hour to write a opinion essay of your choice. Remember you can retake any and all of these exams as many times as you need to pass for free with no extra charge.

You chose (sic) when and what exams you want to take, and can complete your program in a few days, or a few weeks.

So yes the program can be completed entirely at your pace. I hope this was helpful, and if need a hand, or have further question do not hesitate to contact me."

Florida's Department of Corporations, which provides corporation registration information at www.sunbiz.org, indicates that Alfred Martin is registered as the President of Stone Coast Services Corp. BBB also noted that there is not an active registration on www.sunbiz.org listed for the name "Stone Coast Academy," either as a d/b/a for Stone Coast Services Corp. or as a stand alone company.

On February 7, 2017 and again on February 28, 2017, BBB sent an email to Stone Coast Services Corp that contained a list of questions to help BBB gain more information about the business's model. The company responded on March 9 via telephone to discuss the questions being asked by BBB. A company representative, Jorge Sanchez, followed up with BBB in writing on March 16, 2017 via email by stating that the information BBB had requested does not apply to Stone Coast Services. BBB requested that the company provide more explanation as to why they believed the questions did not pertain.

On March 16, Alfred Martin, President of Stone Coast Services responded to BBB by providing information about the services they provide to consumers as indicated below:

*BBB asked Stone Coast Services whether or not their school is accredited and by what organization, the company responded stating "Stone Coast is not accredited. This program is for employment purposes, not college or university."

*BBB asked what curriculum is being used and can they provide BBB with a copy and the company responded stating "Stone Coast is a testing program. No curriculum or course work is provided"
BBB asked how do their teachers interact with students and the company responded stating "Stone Coast is a testing program. No curriculum or course work is provided"

*BBB asked what training and qualifications do their teachers have and the company responded stating "Stone Coast is a testing program. No curriculum or course work is provided."

*BBB asked about the average time students are able to complete the program and the company responded stating "Individuals work at their own pace."

*BBB asked what percentage of students graduate? BBB also requested the name and contact information of recent graduates that received their diploma and were able to enroll in college or university. The company responded stating "This program is for employment purposes, not college or university. We can provide names of individuals who have acquired employment with our program if required." (The company did provide BBB with a list of 20 graduate references on March 21, 2017).

Due to the responses provided to BBB, a letter was sent to Stone Coast Services Corp via certified mail to address advertising concerns. BBB asked the company to address the use of the name "Stone Coast Academy" on the company's website http://www.stonecoastacademy.com due to the lack of an active registration for this name with the Florida Department of Corporations.

BBB also asked the company to substantiate or modify their current use of the terms "online private high school" and "High School Diploma," due to BBB's understanding from the company's response that that Stone Coast is a testing program and no curriculum or course work is provided.

In addition, BBB asked the company to substantiate or modify the use of the statement "Diploma accepted in all 50 states," as BBB noted that some generally on file allege that "diplomas" received from "Stone Coast Academy" were not accepted by employers.

BBB met with the company via teleconference on May 10, 2017 and since the company did not provide substantiation for the statements, BBB's team discussed suggestions on how the company could provide more accurate representations of their services on their website to potential consumers and shared the same suggestions in a follow-up email to the company.

As of May 24, 2017, BBB noted that the company added in a statement that says "There is no curriculum or coursework to complete," however, no other adjustments have been made to the company's website.

BBB will monitor and update this report as needed.