FREE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA AND GED PROGRAMs
Having a high school diploma or GED opens up a world of opportunities that may otherwise be unavailable to people who haven’t finished high school or a high school equivalent:
- Increase job opportunities
- Help you prepare for better career opportunities
- Prepare you for community college
- Qualify you for financial aid to further your education
We offer quality teacher-led instruction and independent study options across programs – the majority of which are open entry. Take the next step towards your success today!
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA PROGRAM
The Adult Learning Center at San Mateo Adult & Career Education provides the opportunity for adult students to earn credits toward a high school diploma. Instruction is individualized, so each student works on the specific courses he or she needs. Courses are textbook and computer-based. Teachers are always available to work one-on-one with students. Goal setting, skill building, and career and life planning are incorporated into the classes.
RegistratioN
To enroll in the High School Diploma Program, you must first attend a mandatory orientation session. Please bring an official copy of your most recent high school transcript to the orientation or you can email your transcripts to Carlota Zuniga czuniga@smuhsd.org (Contact the registrar at your most recently attended high school to request an official transcript.)
Orientation
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA PROGRAM
For more information, please contact Carlota Zuniga at czuniga@smuhsd.org
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The minimum requirements for a San Mateo Adult & Career Education High School diploma, as identified by the San Mateo Union High School District, are as follows:
COURSES |
UNITS |
|---|---|
| English | 40 |
| Algebra | 10 |
| Other Mathematics | 20 |
| Physical Science | 10 |
| Biology | 10 |
| World History | 10 |
| U.S. History | 10 |
| Government | 5 |
| Economics | 5 |
| Health | 5 |
| Electives | 25 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
We can transfer eligible credits earned in other accredited high schools, adult schools, colleges, or technical schools:
This includes:
- Credits earned in a foreign country
- Work achievement or military service
- Pre-approved job training classes
- Pre-approved work achievement
A diploma for high school graduation is awarded upon successful completion of all required courses. The completion of at least a 5 credit course at San Mateo Adult & Career Education may also be required to establish residency (see Counselor for clarification).
Frequently Asked Questions About The High School Diploma Program
We are located at 789 E. Poplar Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401. Parking is available on our campus near our SMART Center.
Most employers will accept either, but some employers look more favorably on a high school diploma, as it shows them time and effort have been committed to attend and complete classes. Many students are closer to their High School Diploma than they think. Our trained Counselor can assist you with deciding on which option is best for you at orientation. You may also change your goal once enrolled in our program.
- The High School Diploma Program is self-paced and individualized.
- For the diploma, it depends on the number of credits you need, how often you attend class, meeting grade standards, and how quickly you turn in your work.
- Students are encouraged to develop, with the assistance of staff, a timeline based on their weekly schedule to complete required course(s) in an efficient and timely manner.
You must first request a transcript from your prior high school. Next call 650-558-2116 to make an appointment with our counselor. Our orientation schedule allows students to start throughout the school year.
All classes are free!
GED PREPARATION PROGRAM
We recommend our GED program to students who need more than 30 credits. They will complete classwork and GED practice tests to prepare for the official GED exams. We are also offering Spanish GED classes.
GED EN ESPAÑOL/GED SPANISH HYBRID
GED ENGLISH in-person
OR
GED English online via zoom
GED Testing dates
For more information, contact Carlota Zuniga at czuniga@smuhsd.org.
San Mateo Adult & Career Education is an official GED TEST SITE. Visit WWW.GED.COM to register for the official GED test(s).
SAN MATEO OFFICIAL GED TEST DATES:
TUESDAYS 5:30pm – 8:45pm
GED TESTING REQUIREMENTS
- The earliest you can take a GED test is 60 days before your 18th birthday
- Tests can be given only in the state where you legally reside
- Government-issued photo identification must be presented as part of the test admission process. If your government ID is not a California one, you must present proof of California residence.
- Registration for each test must be completed at least 24 hours before each test. Registration can be completed online at: GED.com
- The cost is $35 per exam or $140 for all four
| GED Exams |
Times |
|---|---|
| Reasoning through language arts | 155 min. |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 120 min. |
| Social Studies | 75 min. |
| Science | 95 min. |
GED Scores
- The range of scores on each GED exam is 1 to 200
- A GED passing score is 145 to 200
- GED FAQS
ORIENTATION
HSD/GED orientation sessions are mornings or evenings. Students should plan to attend the session that corresponds to the time they are planning to attend classes.
All students must plan to attend an orientation session (up to 1 hour) where they will:
- Submit a copy of their high school transcript
- Complete the required paperwork
- Schedule placement tests
- Schedule a counseling appointment
Orientation Dates
Morning Session: Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 10:00 AM
Evening Session: Wednesday, August 30 at 6:00 PM
Please call or email Carlota Zuniga at 650-558-2116 or czuniga@smuhsd.org
Questions?
Contact Department Secretary Carlota Zuniga for more information.