Sterling Academy is Not Sterling Style Academy: Clearing Up the Confusion
Sterling Academy is NOT Sterling Style Academy. It happens all the time on the internet. You search for a specific school or program, and two very similar names pop up. Suddenly, you aren’t sure which tab belongs to the accredited high school and which one belongs to the fashion institute.
This is a common occurrence with Sterling Academy and Sterling Style Academy. While they share a first name, these two institutions could not be more different. They serve entirely different audiences, offer distinct curriculums, and lead to completely different career paths.
If you are trying to decide where to enroll your child for high school, or if you are an aspiring fashion consultant looking for certification, you need to know exactly which Sterling you are looking at.
This guide clarifies the distinction between these two separate entities so you can navigate your educational future with confidence.
Sterling Style Academy: The Fashion and Image Consultant Institute
On the other side of the spectrum is Sterling Style Academy. This institution has nothing to do with K-12 education. Instead, it is a vocational training center focused exclusively on the fashion, image consulting, and personal styling industry.
Who Is It For?
Sterling Style Academy targets adults and professionals who want to build a career in fashion. Their student base typically includes:
- Aspiring Personal Stylists: Individuals who want to help others improve their personal image.
- Fashion Bloggers and Influencers: Content creators looking to deepen their technical knowledge of style.
- Retail Professionals: Those working in luxury retail who want to upskill in personal shopping.
Key Features
The training here is highly specialized. Courses focus on color analysis, body shape analysis, personal shopping strategies, and the business side of becoming a fashion consultant. They offer training in major fashion capitals like New York, Paris, and Dubai, as well as online options.
The goal of this academy is to certify professionals so they can launch their own businesses or work within the high-end fashion industry. It is not a substitute for a high school diploma; it is professional development for a creative career.
Reputation and Reviews: Sterling Academy is Not Sterling Style Academy
Sterling Style Academy is highly rated by its alumni. They currently hold an impressive 4.9-star rating on Google Reviews, reflecting high satisfaction among graduates who have taken their certification courses.
You can explore their ratings and feedback here: Sterling Style Academy Google Reviews.
Sterling Academy: The Online Private School (Grades 6-12)
Sterling Academy is an accredited, 100% online private school. It is designed for middle and high school students (grades 6-12) who need a flexible alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar schooling.
Who Is It For?
This school serves students across the United States and internationally. It is an ideal solution for:
- Athletes and Performers: Students who need to train or travel during typical school hours.
- Students Needing Flexibility: Those who learn better at their own pace or need to catch up on credits.
- Homeschool Families: Parents looking for a structured, accredited curriculum to support their homeschooling efforts.
Key Features
The core philosophy of Sterling Academy revolves around self-paced learning. Unlike traditional schools where a bell dictates when learning stops, Sterling Academy allows students to move through courses as quickly or as methodically as they need.
The curriculum covers core subjects like math, science, and English, alongside a wide variety of electives including engineering, digital arts, and foreign languages. This ensures students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for college or the workforce.
Reputation and Reviews
Sterling Academy maintains a presence on TrustPilot, where parents and students share their experiences regarding the curriculum and administrative support. Currently, they hold a 3.8-star rating.
You can read verified reviews and learn more about student experiences here: Sterling Academy TrustPilot Reviews.
On the other side of the spectrum is Sterling Style Academy. This institution has nothing to do with K-12 education. Instead, it is a vocational training center focused exclusively on the fashion, image consulting, and personal styling industry.
Sterling Academy is Not Sterling Style Academy: Who Is It For?
Sterling Style Academy targets adults and professionals who want to build a career in fashion. Their student base typically includes:
- Aspiring Personal Stylists: Individuals who want to help others improve their personal image.
- Fashion Bloggers and Influencers: Content creators looking to deepen their technical knowledge of style.
- Retail Professionals: Those working in luxury retail who want to upskill in personal shopping.
Sterling Academy is Not Sterling Style Academy: Key Features
The training here is highly specialized. Courses focus on color analysis, body shape analysis, personal shopping strategies, and the business side of becoming a fashion consultant. They offer training in major fashion capitals like New York, Paris, and Dubai, as well as online options.
The goal of this academy is to certify professionals so they can launch their own businesses or work within the high-end fashion industry. It is not a substitute for a high school diploma; it is professional development for a creative career.
Sterling Academy is Not Sterling Style Academy: Reputation and Reviews
Sterling Style Academy is highly rated by its alumni. They currently hold an impressive 4.9-star rating on Google Reviews, reflecting high satisfaction among graduates who have taken their certification courses.
You can explore their ratings and feedback here: Sterling Style Academy Google Reviews.
Sterling Academy is Not Sterling Style Academy: The Core Differences at a Glance
To further clarify, here is a breakdown of how these two entities diverge.
1. The “Product” is Different
Sterling Academy provides a high school diploma. It is about foundational education—algebra, history, biology, and literature. It is an academic institution regulated by accreditation boards relevant to primary and secondary education.
Sterling Style Academy provides professional certification. It is about vocational skills—color theory, wardrobe editing, and personal branding. It is an industry-training body, not a general education school.
2. The Target Audience is Unrelated
It is very unlikely that the same person would be looking for both schools simultaneously, unless you are a high school student who plans to become a stylist immediately after graduation.
- If you are a parent looking for a safe, flexible learning environment for your teenager, you want Sterling Academy.
- If you are an adult looking to pivot your career into the luxury fashion market, you want Sterling Style Academy.
3. The Accreditation is distinct
Accreditation for a high school ensures that universities and employers recognize the diploma. Sterling Academy holds cognia accreditation (formerly AdvancED), which is standard for K-12 schools.
Sterling Style Academy’s credentials are industry-specific, recognized within the image consultant field but not equivalent to academic degrees.
Why the Confusion Happens
The confusion stems simply from the name “Sterling.” In branding, “Sterling” often connotes high quality or a standard of excellence (like sterling silver). It is a popular choice for businesses wanting to project reliability and value.
However, in the digital age, this can lead to mixed search results. If you type “Sterling reviews” or “Sterling school,” search engines might serve you results for both, blending K-12 education with fashion consulting.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Path
When browsing for your next educational step, details matter.
If your goal is to secure a high school diploma through a flexible, online platform that allows you to work at your own pace, Sterling Academy is your destination. Their focus is on academic growth and university preparation. Don’t forget to check their student feedback on their TrustPilot page.
If your goal is to master the art of image consulting and enter the world of fashion styling, Sterling Style Academy is where you belong. Their focus is on style, aesthetics, and business development for creatives. You can verify their high praise on their Google Review profile.
Despite the similar names, these two institutions operate in different worlds. By understanding the distinction, you can ensure you apply to the program that actually aligns with your life goals.
