High School Diploma
Program Overview:
- Mathematics (4 credits)
- English (3 credits)
- Civics (3 units)
Total: 10 credits for students who must take all three classes. Some students may be eligible to receive Prior Learning Assessment based on previously completed coursework and/or previously taken standardized tests.
The High School Diploma Program is flexible enough for working adults motivated by the idea of college and workforce readiness. Classes happen in the evenings and weekends to accommodate busy work schedules and other responsibilities. The course content can be completed at the students’ own pace, giving them the freedom to decide what might be best for their own learning. CCD also offers a similar level of support through access to college resources, making things more manageable for all types of students with different learning abilities.
How is this program different from the GED preparation class?
The High School Diploma Program can be considered a more cost-effective option than passing the GED or HiSET exams—both of which cost more than $150 for individuals who need to demonstrate knowledge of all four required subjects: English, Mathematics, Civics, and Genocide/Holocaust.
| Feature(s) | HS Diploma Program | GED Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Access to Instructor(s) | Yes (online/in-person) | Yes (in-person) |
| Access to Excel Zone Tutor(s) | Yes (online/in-person) | Yes (online/in-person) |
| Access to Auraria Library | Yes | No |
| Access to Student ID Card | Yes | No |
| Class Duration | 11 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Class Days/Times | Tues/Thurs (6:30-8:30pm) / Saturday (9am-12pm) | Tues/Thurs (6:30-8:30pm) / Saturday (9am-12pm) |
| Self-paced Progress | Yes | No |
| Enrollment Periods | 4x per year | 4x per year |
| Total Cost | $50 | Free (+ 1st exam attempt covered) |
Learn more about taking the GED. | Learn more about taking the HiSET.
Academic support is provided through CCD’s Excel Zone, which helps students succeed by offering a variety of learning opportunities. We are located on campus on the 4th floor of the Confluence building. Bilingual tutors will be available to support ESL students with coursework administered in English.
All enrolled students in the HSDP program will also be supported by a career and academic advisor whose role will be to help navigate academics and identify potential career pathways after graduation.
The program basics include a one-time $50 charge.
This program is not eligible for federal financial aid; however, completion of this program provides eligibility to apply for Financial Aid for future certificates and degrees.
Earning the high school diploma will also unlock access to the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CAFSA). Both funding sources will require individuals to submit necessary application materials by the deadline specific to the academic year they plan to use the award(s).
Classes meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings to accommodate most working adult schedules. Classes are in-person, but students can attend remotely when needed or complete their learning online. The program can be completed in as little as 11 weeks or take up to a year to finish.
Course Offerings:
ENG 0090 | Composition & Reading
Lecture Credit: 3
Integrates and contextualizes college level reading and writing. Students can expect to learn how to develop short essays into longer ones as well as develop reading skills to be prepared for college level texts.
MAT 0250 | Quantitative Literacy
Lecture Credit: 4
Develops number sense and critical thinking strategies, introduce algebraic thinking, and connect mathematics to real world applications. Topics in the course include ratios, proportions, percents, measurement, linear relationships, properties of exponents, polynomials, factoring, and math learning strategies. This course prepares students for Math for Liberal Arts, Statistics, Integrated Math, and college level career math courses.
PSC 1050 | Current Political Issues: GT-SS1
Lecture Credit: 3
Incorporates an in-depth analysis of the background and nature of political issues and themes. This course is one of the statewide guaranteed transfer courses. GT-SS1
Fill out an interest form with your basic information so we can contact you to discuss the program and its requirements.
Join our academic advisor for an important meeting to review your academic history and other past experiences.
Schedule a time to come to campus so you can take straightforward tests to help us determine which classes you need.
Return to campus to attend one of our orientations meant to give you important information and let you meet other students in the program.
The $50 charge can be paid in-person at the Cashier’s Office or online if you can’t make it to campus.
Reconnect with your academic advisor after paying your fee to enroll in the classes you need.
Show up to the classes you signed up for, and get ready to hit the ground running.