High School Diploma
Discover the path to success with our Adult High School Program! Are you looking to earn your high school diploma and unlock countless opportunities? Join our program designed specifically for adult learners.
Whether you're seeking career advancement of personal growth, our flexible schedule and supportive team are here to guide you. Don't let anything hold you back - sign up today and take the first step toward a brighter future!
Registration for online High School Completion classes is on an open-entry, space available basis, through the 15th week of the current semester.
New or Returning Students Who Have Missed A Year or More
You will need to complete the following steps:
-
Complete the online College of the Desert Noncredit admission application by going to “Getting Started”. Applications take 1-2 business days to be processed and received by the Noncredit office.
-
Send official transcripts to College of the Desert: Request official transcript(s) from previous high school(s) where credits were earned to be sent by mail or electronic delivery to College of the Desert's Noncredit Programs.
Official transcripts should be emailed to: abepd@collegeofthedesert.edu
Official transcripts should be mailed to:
Attention: Non-credit Programs Office
South Annex Building # 15
College of the Desert
43-500 Monterey Avenue
Palm Desert, Ca. 92260Note: The Non-credit office will not accept transcripts emailed directly from the student. Transcripts must be sent through Parchment, emailed directly from the school, or mailed an official copy to the Admissions and Records office.
- Complete online orientation (Orientation is mandatory for all NEW students only): The online orientation is available through WebAdvisor. Once logged into the Student Menu, find the Orientation Link under the Academic Profile section. This orientation takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
-
Meet with an Adult Basic Education (ABE) counselor: After transcripts have been evaluated, the Noncredit Programs office will contact the student to set up an appointment with a counselor. In this meeting, the counselor will review the High School program expectations, Student Educational Plan (SEP) and future educational goals.
- Register for classes: Register for classes through WebAdvisor on or after the priority registration date. Choose classes from your Student Educational Plan (SEP) reviewed with the ABE counselor. Click on "How to Register for High School Completion Courses on WebAdvisor" for step by step instructions.
-
Pay your fees: Pay fees through WebAdvisor by selecting “Pay My Fees” in the Student Menu. Students are financially responsible for classes in which they enroll. Students are also responsible for dropping courses they are not attending. Click on "How to Pay Your Fees on WebAdvisor" for step by step instructions.
-
Activate your FREE COLLEGE EMAIL: All COD communications with students will be through the free COD student email address (Note: All new students are required to have their @mycod email account activated) Click on "How to Set Up Your MyCOD Email" for step by step instructions.
Returning Students Who Have Attended Within the Year
- Register for classes: Register for classes through WebAdvisor on or after the priority registration date. Choose classes from your Student Educational Plan (SEP). Click on "How to Register for High School Completion Courses on WebAdvisor" for step by step instructions.
- Pay your fees: Pay fees through WebAdvisor by selecting “Pay My Fees” in the Student Menu. Students are financially responsible for classes in which they enroll. Students are also responsible for dropping courses they are not attending. Click on "How to Pay Your Fees on WebAdvisor" for step by step instructions.
Graduation Requirements
- English (40 Credits)
- U.S. History (10 Credits)
- U.S. Government (5 Credits)
- Math (30 Credits)
- U.S. Econ. (5 Credits)
- Science (20 Credits)
- Fine Arts (10 Credits)
- World History (10 Credits)
- Electives (30 Credits)
Total credits required (160 Credits)
Note: There is a minimum 20 credit "In Residence"(must be completed in COD's ABE program) requirement in order to graduate from College of the Desert High School Completion program.
In addition to earning the above credits, the California adopted minimum proficiency standards must be met by passing Proficiency Exams (not to be confused with the CHSPE) in Math, Reading, and Editing (Essay).
There is no cost for these tests and they may be taken an unlimited number of times until passed. They are given, by appointment, with ABE faculty members.
*P.E. credits are not required nor will they be counted in your evaluation of previous transcripts.
*Students may be eligible to be awarded elective credits for:
- A valid Driver's License (if no credits were received from Driver's Ed.)
- Work Experience (proof required)
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take?
Each students' timeline varies. High School Completion students work at their own pace and schedule. The average student earns about 15 credits per subject per semester.
Where are the classes?
All High School Completion courses are being offered fully online for the Spring 2023 semester. There are no in person ABE classes/labs being offered at this time.
What is the cost?
There is a mandatory health fee of $21.00 per semester for the Spring and Fall semesters and $18.00 for Summer session (when offered).
Some class textbooks are provided electronically and free of charge.
If you wish to purchase your own, the instructor can provide you with information to purchase books.
How do I graduate?
When an student completes all of the requirements for graduation, they should obtain and complete an Intent to Graduate Form.
Once submitted, all requirements will be reviewed and students will be awarded their high school diploma upon successful completion. Diplomas are mailed between 4-6 weeks after each semester ends.
Where can I get more information?
For more information you can contact the Non-credit programs office by emailing abepd@collegeofthedesert.edu or call 760-776-7348. Office hours are Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m to 6:00p.m and 9:00a.m to 12:00p.m on Fridays.
Se habla español.
