How to Get a High School Diploma: A Comprehensive Guide

Graduating high school marks a significant milestone. However, life circumstances can sometimes disrupt the traditional path. The good news is that it's never too late to earn a high school diploma! Options exist for individuals of all ages, eliminating the pressure to complete it before turning 21. This article explores the various avenues available to finish your high school education as an adult.

Alternative Paths to a High School Diploma

Since returning to your former high school might not be feasible, here are several alternative pathways:

1. Online High School

Online high school has emerged as a popular and flexible option for earning a high school diploma. A key advantage of online schools is the ability to earn credits from anywhere. Whether you prefer studying in a library or at home, you have the freedom to create an optimal learning environment. Online high school makes it possible for anyone to earn their diploma. James Madison High School graduate Lawatkia Thompson earned her diploma at the age of 33 after experiencing some struggles during her traditional high school years.

2. The GED (General Educational Development)

The GED is a series of four subject tests designed to assess high school-level academic knowledge. While passing the GED doesn't grant a high school diploma, it demonstrates to employers and colleges that you possess a comparable knowledge base. GED test covers math, language arts, science, and social studies. Those pursuing a GED can choose to study independently or attend GED prep classes for structured support. 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.

3. In-Person Night School for Adults

While traditional public day schools typically cater to students under 21, in-person classes specifically designed for adult learners are available. These classes are usually held at night to accommodate working adults.

Read also: Creating a Strong Student Resume

Choosing the Right School

Selecting the right school is crucial for a successful experience.

Finding the Right Fit

Take your time to explore different schools and find the one that best suits your individual needs and learning style. Not every school will be the right fit, so take your time and find the perfect school for you.

The Importance of Accreditation

Accreditation is essential. An accredited high school ensures that your diploma is recognized by colleges and employers. Accreditation signifies that the school meets established educational standards, leading to a recognized diploma. According to the DEAC, accreditation is the primary way that students, families, the public, and government officials know that an institution provides a quality education. Career Institute’s High School is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, meaning that you can trust that our online high school diploma program is legit. Excel High School is regionally accredited by Cognia, the parent organization of the North Central Association CASI, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools CASI, and the Northwest Accrediting Commission.

In addition to being regionally accredited by Cognia, NCA, SACS, and NWAC, Excel High School has prestigious accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools CESS. We are also an "A+" Rated, Accredited Member of the Better Business Bureau. Excel High School issues the same accredited high school diploma as Public Schools. Excel High School is approved by numerous State agencies to ensure standards are met.

Excel High School’s regionally accredited diploma is accepted by colleges and universities around the world.

Contacting Admissions

Once you've narrowed down your choices, contact the admissions team with any questions you may have. Admissions specialists can provide information about tuition costs, enrollment policies, flexibility, and accreditation. 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.

Enrolling and Getting Started

Enrollment

Getting started and committing to a program can feel scary at first, but once you find the right school your admissions specialist can help address any of your fears. After enrolling, students can start the program immediately. Excel High School offers open enrollment, which means students can enroll in online courses and get started right away!

Transferring Credits

If you have previously completed high school courses, you may be able to transfer those credits.

Requesting Transcripts

Request your transcripts from your previous school. 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. High school credits don’t expire, so as long as you can get a copy of your transcript, you can transfer previous high school credits towards earning your high school diploma! USCI allows students to transfer up to 18 eligible credits. All students have 75 days to submit their previous transcript after enrollment for credits to be considered. If you have credits already under your belt, you may not need to start your high school journey from the beginning!

Transcript Policies

You’ll want to make sure you are sending the official transcripts. Look into how your online high school accepts transcripts. You may be wondering how to transfer credits to your new, online school. Well, every school’s transcript acceptance policy is different.

Read also: Creating a Strong Brag Sheet

Sending Transcripts

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. 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.

Transcript Evaluation

Send in your transcripts and wait for your evaluation. Whether you or your previous school are sending in your transcripts, after this is done, you’ll just have to wait. 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.

Electronic Delivery

Look into electronic delivery methods. Advancements in technology impact most areas of life. The process to request official transcripts is no different.

Staying on Track

Creating a Study Plan

Create a study plan and stay 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!

Time Management

Create a realistic schedule for yourself so you can dedicate time to your lessons, even if it’s only ten minutes a day. It all depends!

Avoiding Setbacks

You’ve already put in so much time and effort; you just need to complete your remaining credits to graduate! Remember to not just breeze through your lessons, as failing a class might result in more time needed to complete high school.

Program Length

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. The amount of time it may take you depends on a couple of different factors, the biggest being how many credits you transfer. If you are able to transfer the maximum amount of credits (18 credits) that leaves you with only 6 credits you need to get your online high school diploma (24 credits required in total).

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. 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. Penn Foster High School is designed to fit your life and how you learn. Our learning model is meant to help students like you succeed! At Penn Foster, you can learn at the pace that works best for you and your life.

GED

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.

In-Person Night School

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.

The Value of 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. On average individuals who have a high school diploma make about $8,400 more a year than people without a diploma*. But salary differences can vary widely depending on what state you live in! Department of Labor. "Education Pays" Career Outlook Handbook.

Penn Foster High School

Penn Foster High School is designed to fit your life and how you learn. Our learning model is meant to help students like you succeed! At Penn Foster, you can learn at the pace that works best for you and your life. You’ll take standard classes like English, math, history, science-and have a chance to take electives that fit your future goals. And, if you’re someone who wants to get a head start on a career while finishing school, you can do that, too! Our high school instructors are dedicated to helping students succeed! Learners are able to contact instructors for guidance, questions, and help through their Learner Center or 1:1 appointments. The Penn Foster High School program is a great option for busy passionate people who eagerly aim to advance forward in their career or education without putting employment or family duties on hold.

Excel High School

Excel High School offers a fully accredited, 100% online education that’s flexible, affordable, and self-paced. Students can enroll anytime and begin learning on their schedule, with up to 12 months to complete full-year courses and 6 months for single or half-year courses. Our curriculum meets national standards and offers a wide range of core and elective courses, including standard, honors, and AP options to support each student’s unique path. Our academic and success coaches are available during business hours to provide guidance and planning support through the Help Desk in the learning portal. Students also benefit from BRYTE, our AI-powered learning assistant, which offers instant help and explanations directly within their courses-anytime they need it. Excel High School offers a variety of programs to support students at every stage of their academic journey. For middle school students in grades 6-8, we provide courses designed to build a solid educational foundation. For high school students ages 14-18 (grades 9-12), we offer several pathways, including standard high school, honors programs, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses for those seeking a more rigorous challenge. We also offer an adult high school diploma program for students over the age of 18 who have been out of school for at least six months.

Key Considerations Before You Start

Before going back, consider your own reasons why you might want to do so, and which option clicks best for you and your lifestyle.

tags: #how #to #get #a #high #school