If you did not receive a high school diploma, look for a program that allows you to earn a high school diploma for adults. Possible benefits of these programs include free tuition, child care, and transportation services. Here are five tips for adult learners earning their high school diplomas:
1. Find Classes That Fit Your Schedule
Work, childcare, hobbies, and other responsibilities of adult life can impact the amount of time you have available for classes. When researching programs or schools to earn a high school diploma for adults, look for courses that accommodate your schedule and allow you to balance school and work. This helps you avoid rearranging your entire schedule or quitting your job to pursue a diploma. Some schools offer day and night classes year-round, allowing you to choose the most convenient class schedule.
2. Choose Schools With Free Resources
Because adult learners may face restrictions like a lack of transportation and child care, some programs provide complimentary services to support their learners and allow them to succeed in the program. Some programs offer free transportation services to help you get to school more easily. Other programs provide child care centers where children of adult learners can be monitored during classes. This allows you to attend classes and office hours without having to arrange for a babysitter, and it gives you more time to focus on course materials. When enrolling in a diploma program, ask what child care services are available and what ages they accept.
3. Access Your High School Transcript
Get a copy of your original high school transcript to identify what classes you have already taken. Evaluating your transcript lets you know what credits you are missing, allowing you to take only the classes you need for your diploma. This keeps you from repeating classes unnecessarily and helps you finish the program and earn your diploma as quickly as possible. Call or email your high school to see if they will send you a copy of your transcript. The school you are studying through can also help you access your transcript.
4. Complete Additional Certifications or Credits
Some high school diploma programs offer opportunities to enroll in dual-credit courses for college credits. Dual-credit courses allow you to simultaneously earn high school and college credit to progress in your post-secondary education goals. If you want to advance in your job or change careers, look for programs that help you achieve career certifications. Certain jobs require candidates to be certified in skills relating to the role. Certification training programs help you learn and practice these skills, which can make you a more qualified candidate for a promotion or a new career path.
5. Build a Support System
While working on your high school diploma, build connections at school that will give you access to assistance and support when needed. These relationships include those with fellow students, teachers, and life coaches. Fellow adult learners in your classes likely face similar life circumstances and have similar values. Use study groups and other opportunities to meet with students to discuss coursework and professional goals. This allows you to receive and give support and celebrate academic achievements.
Attend your teachers’ office hours for more one-on-one time with your instructors. During these meetings, you can get answers to questions about the course material and receive academic support. Communicate with your teachers about personal challenges that may impact your attendance or academic performance. Some schools provide their students with access to life coaches and mentors. These trained professionals help students with personal challenges that impact their education. Your life coach can create an education plan to help you achieve your academic goals.
When registering for your diploma program, ask about available support systems and services. If you are looking to improve your reading or math skills, see if tutoring services are available. Some programs offer access to career-related skill-building courses and activities.
Earn a High School Diploma for Adults
Depending on the academic program you choose, you may be eligible to earn a high school diploma, even if you already have a GED. Attending an adult high school program can also give you resources for career planning. Register for a program today to start earning a high school diploma for adults.
