How to Get a High School Diploma Without Going to a High School

Earn your high school diploma online.

For some individuals, attending a traditional high school to obtain a high school diploma might be unfeasible for various reasons. Some people simply shun traditional classroom settings and prefer to learn at their own pace from the comfort of their homes. Fortunately, alternative resources to traditional high school attendance exist online and in the local community.

Instructions

1. Contact a Job Corps admissions counselor. Job Corps, a job skills training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, offers low-income young adults between the ages of 16 and 24, an opportunity to obtain educational and training skills while earning a high school diploma or GED.

2. Access high school diploma programs online. (See Resources) One of the benefits of becoming a virtual high school student is the flexibility to choose a program that fits your individual schedule and needs. Explore each program to determine program costs, course availability, prerequisite requirements and any other relevant information. Some schools award diplomas after completing and passing all final coursework and exams, while others allow students to test out of courses based on exam scores.

3. Verify the school's accreditation. Visit the U.S. Department of Education's post-secondary school and program accreditation web page. (See Resources) Enter the institution's name and location into the website's search fields. Click "Search" to view the program's accreditation information. This is a vital component of an online program, as future employers and other institutions of higher learning tend to accept high school diplomas only from reputable accredited programs.

4. Contact a local community college about obtaining a GED. The GED, also known as a high school equivalency diploma, requires achieving passing scores on tests in language arts, math, science and social studies. Many community colleges offer GED preparation classes free of charge.

Tips & Warnings

• Verify age requirements or restrictions before applying to an online school or GED program. Some schools have specific age requirements for all potential applicants.

• Read all institutional terms and conditions thoroughly while exploring high school diploma programs.

• Although some schools offer GED classes online, you must take the GED exam at a local testing site or designated community college.

• Some online high school diploma programs offer free enrollment, but you must pay additional fees to receive official copies of your transcript and diploma.

References

• Job Corps: Welcome to Job Corps

Resources

• Excel High School: Online High School Diploma--Online GED--High School Diploma
• Madison Falls High School: High School Diploma Online--Free Program Online
• U.S. Department of Education: FAQ About Accreditation