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High School Diploma and GED

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
Monday, April 8, 2024
San Mateo Adult and Career Education
Morning: 10:00 AM
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
San Mateo Adult and Career Education
Evening: 6:00 PM
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA PROGRAM
Mon - Thu (In-person)
Morning: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Evening: 4:00pm – 8:00pm

For more information, please contact Carlota Zuniga at czuniga@smuhsd.org 

For transcripts evaluation, please email Counselor Melissa Martin at memartin@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
MONDAY - THURSDAY
LOCATION: MON-TUE (IN PERSON) AND WED-THU (VIA ZOOM)
Evening: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
ORIENTATION
Wednesday, April 10 @ 10:00 AM
Thursday, April 11, @ 6:00 PM
GED ENGLISH in-person
TBD
Location: SAN MATEO ADULT AND CAREER EDUCATION
MORNINGS: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
OR
TBD
LOCATION: SAN MATEO ADULT AND CAREER EDUCATION
EVENING: 6:30PM – 9:00PM
GED English online via zoom
Monday - Thursday
Location: Online
Evening: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
GED Testing dates
Tuesday March 26, 2024
Location: Smart Center, San Mateo Adult and Career Education 789 E Poplar Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
San Mateo Adult and Career Education is an official GED testing site. Please check the website for the updated schedule. Thank you for all your support.

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:

  1. Submit a copy of their high school transcript
  2. Complete the required paperwork
  3. Schedule  placement tests
  4. Schedule a counseling appointment
Orientation Dates: Summer Registration is open!

Morning Session: Thursday, March 18 @ 10:00 AM

Evening Session: Wednesday, March 20 @ 6:00 PM

ENROLL NOW

Introducing Spanish GED Orientation Session Dates: 

Morning Session: TBD

Evening Session: TBD

ENROLL NOW

Please call or email Carlota Zuniga at 650-558-2116 or czuniga@smuhsd.org 

Questions?

Contact Department Secretary Carlota Zuniga for more information.

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