What is AHS?
The Adult High School Diploma Program (AHS) is a FREE curriculum that consists of all the basic courses that you could have taken in high school and a choice of electives.  It is considered to be more similar to a high school diploma than the GED.  It is widely accepted at two and four year colleges and by employers, including the military. 

Can I take adult high school classes online?
Yes!  After coming to one of our campus locations to register, you can take AHS classes anywhere there’s a computer with Internet access. Please contact Don Cherry at 252-335-0821, ext. 2503 or via e-mail at donald_cherry@albemarle.edu.

Can I take traditional classes?
Yes!  Please click here for our Spring class schedule.

What do I do first?
You will need to get a copy of your high school transcript.  This will be checked by the Learning Lab coordinators.  A list of the courses that you need will be decided and a program will be planned for you. 

If you are under eighteen, you will also need to get a parental permission form and the permission of your county high school principal and superintendent.  You must be 18 years old to take AHS classes if you live in Dare or Perquimans Counties.
 
How long will it take me to finish?
The lab program is a competency-based program.  This means that you will work on a topic until you understand it.  Therefore, there is no set amount of time that any course will take.  Different students need different amounts of time to master the material.  All of your grades will be 80 percent or higher. 

The length of study will depend of three factors:
1. How many credits you need to earn
2. How well you study and concentrate (how quickly you learn)
3. How often you come to study 

What are the courses like?
For each course you may use books, computers, worktexts, DVDs, and cassettes to learn the material.  You will be given a syllabus for each course and assigned units of work.  You may then work at your own pace and on your own schedule.  Instructors are here to guide and assist you. We are ready to help any time you need extra teaching. 

When you have completed a unit of work,  you will be given a test on that material. Since this is a competency-based program, if your grade is below on 80, additional work and learning opportunities will be assigned until you can re-test at mastery level.
 
How many credits do I need?
You will need 20 credits to earn your high school diploma.  There will be a combination of required and elective courses.  The credits that you have already earned in high school will be applied towards the total needed. 
 
What happens when I finish?
You are eligible for a graduation ceremony at COA.  The graduation takes place at the COA campus in Elizabeth City and will be held next on May 15, 2012.  

A copy of your courses, grades, and class rank (a transcript) will be available soon after you complete your graduation requirements.  Transcripts are provided free of charge.  By signing a release form, a copy of your transcripts can be sent to a school or employer.  You will then need to pick up your Adult High School Diploma.