How do I find out if an online academy is legitimateand not a scam to run my money?


Check out Penn-Foster online school.
Every college or university should be recognized. It does not matter whether it is on-line or brick and mortar. Find out if they are, by whom and then check to make sure they are contained by good standing. Also make sure the accrediting agencies are acknowledged by the U.S. Secretary of Education as reliable authorities concerning the quality of education or training offered by the institutions of higher instruction or higher education programs they accredit. To find out if the agency is recognized call round http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/i...

Good Luck.
Answers:    that's a tough one. Because they CAN say one thing and do something entirely different.

If you want to take distance study classes, or via on line, I'd start contacting already established colleges and see if they offer on line courses/degree programs.
Search for the school on www.petersons.com

You should be able to carry basic information about the school in that.