High School Diploma for Adults: A Second Chance at Education

For many adults, the dream of earning a high school diploma may seem out of reach. Life circumstances, such as needing to work, raising a family, or dealing with unexpected challenges, can interrupt their education. However, it’s never too late to pursue this important milestone. This article explores the various options available for adults over 21 to earn a high school diploma, highlighting the benefits and pathways to achieving this goal.

The Importance of a High School Diploma

Fifteen percent of California adults over 25 do not have a high school diploma. Not having a high school diploma is linked to many factors that affect a person’s health and quality of life. Adults without a diploma are routinely excluded from opportunities in the workplace and higher education, such as job promotions or college admission. A high school graduate earns $9,568 more per year than those without a diploma.

Graduating high school is an important milestone in every person’s life. However, not everyone is able to do it on a traditional timeline. Life can sometimes get in the way. The good news is that it’s never too late! There are options for everyone to earn their high school diploma at any age, so there’s no rush to try and get it before you’re 21.

Options for Adults to Earn a High School Diploma

Career Online High School (COHS)

Career Online High School (COHS) empowers California adults to earn a high school diploma and career certificate through their local public library. California libraries have provided this valuable service at no-cost to students since 2015. COHS increases the number of California adults with a high school diploma. COHS’s flexible virtual learning environment supports independent learners. COHS also provides students with important professional support. While working toward their diploma, students work toward a career certificate in one of 10 high-demand fields, such as childcare and home care professionals and commercial driving. For adults struggling to juggle childcare, multiple jobs, and monthly expenses, a high school diploma may be a deferred or unattainable dream.

Unlike the General Education Development (GED) test, there is no charge for exams. Students have up to 18 months to complete the COHS program. They can also transfer credits from their high school, GED, adult school, and other educational experiences.

Successful graduates will earn an accredited high school diploma and a career certificate. While both the GED and high school diploma are important, some colleges, institutions, and organizations require a high school diploma and may not accept the GED. Additionally, COHS gives students the benefit of earning a career certificate and completing additional job preparation documents and training, which GED programs typically do not provide. Students will be given up to 18 months to complete the program, which will consist of 18 credits, each designed to be completed over the course of a month. Students accepted into the program may transfer up to 14 credits from their former high school or from GED courses successfully passed at Performance Level 2 or higher (145+). Depending on how many credits the student is able to transfer, the program can be completed in as few as 5 months.

COHS Support System

Career Online High School offers a supportive community of certified instructors, academic coaches, and career mentors who care about your success and are there for you every step of the way. Each student is assigned an academic coach who offers ongoing support and connects you with additional instructional help when needed. Most of the academic coaches and academic instructors are located in Florida, so office hours are 6 am - 3 pm PST; however, coaches also have evening hours twice a week. Learners can complete coursework using a desktop computer, laptop, tablets, Xbox, and mobile devices.

COHS is accredited by the COGNIA. While COHS is a new institution and may not immediately be familiar by name, it is easy to demonstrate that the school is recognized across the nation as a quality school system, delivering a COGNIA accredited online high school diploma.

COHS Example

LA County Library offers the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma for free online in just 18 months or less through LA County Library and the Career Online High School program. This self-paced adult high school diploma program is free to those who fit our program requirements and allows you to do all your studying online, to fit your busy life. It is a fully accredited education that will allow you to pursue your educational, career, and personal goals.

Adult residents 19 or older living within the LA County Library service area are eligible. Minors should pursue their high school education through existing high school programs.

Read also: A.T. Still University: Arizona

Excel Adult High School

Launched in 2021, the Excel Adult High School diploma program is changing lives and building up communities by looking beyond traditional GED certificates to achieve adult literacy. Students of the program can graduate with an accredited high school diploma after completing coursework online through a self-paced schedule in 24 months or less for free through public libraries.

ABC Adult School

ABC Adult School requires 180 Credits to obtain your diploma. Earn your high school diploma with the help of our highly qualified and credentialed staff, and take advantage of the latest technology and software available. You can complete as many five-credit classes during each semester as your schedule allows.

ABC Adult School Resources

ABC Adult School offers teacher-led classes for the most in-demand subjects each quarter. Classes such as Algebra & English Live Zoom options may also be available. Call (562) 229-7960 ext. 25053 to find out about the specific class schedule for each quarter.
The Learning Center provides students with access to computers, calculators, and the online programs needed for high school diploma classes. It is a quiet learning environment that is free from distractions.

To enroll in ABC Adult School:

Come to the Cuesta Campus Main Office with picture identification and official, unopened transcripts. Office hours are Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-8:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am-3:30 pm.
Meet with the Academic Advisor who will help you determine the best educational path and will create a custom learning plan for you.
Take the required CASAS test in our Assessment Center at the Cuesta Campus. Testing hours are Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-4:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am-2:30 pm.
Plan to spend about 1-2 hours for transcript evaluation, testing, orientation and class scheduling.

GED or High School Equivalency

California has approved the use of the GED® and HiSET® high school equivalency tests for students 18 years old and older for the purpose of receiving a California High School Equivalency Certificate. The GED and HiSET subjects exams are offered in English or in Spanish.

The GED is a series of four subject tests a person can take to demonstrate their high school academic knowledge. Learners that choose this option don’t actually get a high school diploma, but it is definitely a way to show employers and colleges that you have a high school level knowledge base. Those that pursue a GED can either study for the math, language arts, science, and social studies tests on their own or attend GED prep classes for a more supported approach.

GED/HiSET Preparation at ABC Adult School

ABC Adult School offers preparation and testing for both the GED and HiSET exams in English and Spanish.

Before signing up for the official GED or HiSET exam, most adults find it helpful to enroll in a preparation program.

In-Person Classes

In-person classes guide students through the process of preparing and registering for their high school equivalency exams.

Teacher-led classes guide students through the process of preparing and registering for their high school equivalency exams. The classes review the core subjects of each exam. Test taking tips and strategies are taught, along with the most common multiple-choice question types and scored essay feedback.
The Learning Center provides students with access to computers, calculators, and the online programs needed for their high school equivalency study. It is a quiet learning environment that is free from distractions. Students are able to work at their own pace and credentialed teachers and paraeducators are there to help.

Online High School

In today’s world, online high school is a popular option to earn a high school diploma. While each online school tends to be different, one thing many have in common is that you can earn your credits anywhere you go. Whether you choose to work on your lessons in a public place like the library or the comfort of your own home, you can have the freedom to work in an environment that works best for you.

With a self-paced school, no one is going to push you to complete your lessons except yourself so staying motivated and dedicating time toward your lessons is crucial for a timely graduation.

In-Person Night School for Adults

Although many public day schools are limited to students under 21, there are still in-person classes for adult learners. These classes tend to be at night to support learners working during the daytime. If you really value in-person learning, this is probably the best option for you. However, your night school will have set times and attendance necessary in order to earn your diploma. You may have to adjust your work schedule or miss out on social gatherings during class times ranging from evenings to weekends. With this option, you’re also bound to the speed of the teacher and possibly others in the class if they’re not grasping the lessons.

Choosing the Right Program

If you’re ready to finish your high school diploma, it’s important to make sure you choose the option and school that’s right for you. Not every school will be the right fit, so take your time and find the perfect school for you.

Accreditation

An accredited high school may be the difference between your diploma being accepted by a college or an employer or not. Accreditation ensures that your school has met educational standards so that you can earn a recognized diploma. According to the DEAC, one of the accreditors for James Madison High School, accreditation is the primary way that students, families, the public, and government officials know that an institution provides a quality education.

Contact Admissions

Once you have your choices narrowed down to a few different options, it’s a smart idea to contact someone on the admissions team with any questions. Whether you’re wondering about the price, if there’s open enrollment, the flexibility, or even just need to verify that they are accredited, your admissions specialist is a knowledgeable asset for you on your journey to find the perfect fit.

Transferring Credits

Request your transcripts from your previous school. If you have credits already under your belt, you may not need to start your high school journey from the beginning! Once enrolled, you’ll want to send your new school your transcripts right away. This is important to look into because if your credits transfer into your new school, it may cut a significant number of classes out from what you need to complete. You’ll want to make sure you are sending the official transcripts. Look into how your online high school accepts transcripts.

Whether it’s been decades or just a few months since you last attended high school, your school may will still have your records ready to go. A quick call to the school’s office can help you secure your transcripts. Keep those transcripts sealed! Let your new school do the opening, or you may need to request the transcripts again. This is a safety measure to prevent tampering so that your new online school knows that your grades are legit.

Send in your transcripts and wait for your evaluation. Once received by your new school, your transcripts will be evaluated by a transcript expert, and if your credits match up close enough to your new school’s curriculum you may be awarded credit. Look into electronic delivery methods. Advancements in technology impact most areas of life. The process to request official transcripts is no different.

Creating a Study Plan and Staying Dedicated

Signing up for high school is the easy part. The part where you’ll really have to put effort in is committing yourself to getting it done. Luckily, once you get in the habit, this will become super easy! Create a realistic schedule for yourself so you can dedicate time to your lessons, even if it’s only ten minutes a day.

Time to Completion

Between online high school, the GED, and in-person night school there are many different factors that can contribute to the length of your high school completion.

Online High School: If your online high school is self-paced, this means it’s totally up to you on how quickly you can receive your diploma! Going at your own pace means moving on to the next subject when you’re ready, but also having the ability to focus on a subject a little longer if you need it. A self-paced environment can also be handy in the case of a family emergency, or if your schedule tends to not be consistent. Transferring credits can also be a huge advantage in shortening the time needed to complete the program.
GED or high school equivalency: To earn the GED, all you technically need to do is pass the 4 subject tests. This means that if you need absolutely no studying, it may be a really quick option. Many people likely will need at least some study time in order to pass, however. The GED effectively condenses all of high school into tests, so it would definitely be in your best interest to prepare by studying, taking practice tests, and possibly even GED prep classes. Taking the tests before you’re ready may mean you may need to retake it in the future.
In-person night school for adults: If you really value in-person learning, this is probably the best option for you. However, your night school will have set times and attendance necessary in order to earn your diploma. You may have to adjust your work schedule or miss out on social gatherings during class times ranging from evenings to weekends. With this option, you’re also bound to the speed of the teacher and possibly others in the class if they’re not grasping the lessons.

Benefits of Earning a High School Diploma

While everyone’s circumstances are different, we think that completing your high school diploma is totally worth it! Why? Well, high school diploma holders earn nearly $10,000 more per year and have nearly twice as many occupations open to them.

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