High School Diploma / Equivalency Basic Skills

A High School Diploma or GED Equivalency is recognized as the key to employment opportunities and advancement. If you need to complete this important step of your education, Continuing Education can help you. We also offer classes to help you prepare for the GED exam, the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), or complete job training.

Adult basic education classes offer review in reading, math, spelling, writing, communication, and critical thinking.

High school classes are available for the following subjects:

  • Algebra 1 and 2 and Pre-Algebra 1 and 2
  • American Literature 1 and 2
  • Computer Literacy
  • Contemporary Voices 1 and 2
  • Economics
  • English 3 and 4
  • Government
  • Physics 1
  • Unifying Algebra and Geometry 1 and 2
  • US History 1 and 2
  • World History 1 and 2

Joint High School Diploma Program

Completing your High School Diploma or GED is an important step in your education. Often, this step is critical to having successful employment opportunities in the future.

San Diego Continuing Education is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. We offer two Joint High School Diploma Program options, as well as a GED program. Our programs use many teaching styles in the classroom including group and individualized instruction. We also maximize the use of technology by offering computer-assisted instruction, video lessons, and the use of appropriate websites.

The Joint High School Diploma program is in cooperation with San Diego Unified School District. Please speak with a Continuing Education counselor at any campus to understand how the options work, and to find out how you can achieve this educational goal.

Eligibility

Students who are 18 years old and who were not enrolled in the previous semester in San Diego Unified School District, or who are 19 years 11 months or older should contact a San Diego Continuing Education campus for additional information.

Students who are between the age of 18 and 19 years 11 months and who were enrolled in the previous semester in San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) should contact one of the SDUSD Adult Education sites.

Attendance

Regular attendance is expected in all classes in accordance with the approved class schedule. It is important to be in every class, be on time, and keep up with class assignments. The campus (instructor or staff) must be notified of the reason for any absence. If the campus is not notified after three (3) consecutive absences, you may be automatically dropped from classes, and an appointment with your counselor may be required to re-enter class.

Progress and Grading

Progress in each academic course will be measured by letter grades A, B, C, D, and F (unsatisfactory). Unsatisfactory progress for 30 hours of instruction in any class will result in an instructor-counselor conference to discuss the reason(s) for lack of progress and ways to improve performance. If you receive a grade F in more than half the subjects you have taken, you will have a review with your counselor to discuss your educational goals. For purposes here, a grade of incomplete in a course will be considered satisfactory.

Privacy Rights

The San Diego Community College District does not release information to any organization, agency or individual without student consent, regardless of the student’s age.

Conduct Policy

The California Education Code requires that community college classes for adults be open to the public. Cause(s) for dismissal may be willful interference with the conduct of the instructional program, threats or acts of violence against the instructor or other students, or acts which interfere with the safety of students, school personnel or school property. Use of, or being under the influence of drugs or intoxicants on school premises, may also be cause for dismissal.

Option 1

Students who complete this option will receive a joint high school diploma from the San Diego Continuing Education program in cooperation with the San Diego Unified School District Adult Education.

Students must earn a total of 40 semester credits. Credit for appropriate senior high (Grades 9-12) courses taken in Grades 7 or 8 may be applied to a high school diploma. Credit may be given for previous education. No high school credit is given for religion classes.

Credit requirements

  • 8 English, including American Literature
  • 2 Fine Arts or Foreign Language
  • 1 Practical Arts
  • 6 Mathematics, including Algebra 1&2, Geometry 1&2, and Intermediate Algebra 1-2, or Unifying Algebra and Geometry 1-2
  • 6 Science, including Biology 1&2 plus 2 (4 credits) of the following courses: Earth Science 1, 2; Physics 1, 2; Chemistry 1, 2; or equivalent
  • 6 Social Studies, including World History 1&2, U.S. History 1&2, U.S. Government, and Economics
  • 11 Electives

Additional requirements

  • Competency in computer literacy
  • Senior exhibition
  • A minimum 2.00 Grade Point Average
  • Passing scores on the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) in English and Math

Option 2

Students who complete this option will receive a joint high school diploma from the San Diego Continuing Education program in cooperation with the San Diego Unified School District Adult Education.

Students must earn a minimum of 24 semester credits or the equivalent. You must demonstrate competency and earn credits though a combination of standardized testing, high school classes, and college classes. Credits from previous education may be applied toward this diploma.

College credit courses may be taken in lieu of high school courses. A two-unit college course is equivalent to two semesters of high school credit.

Credit requirements

  • 1 American Literature
  • 5 English
  • 6 Social Studies (World History 1&2, U.S. History 1&2, U.S. Government, and Economics)
  • 4 Mathematics, including Algebra 1&2 or equivalent
  • 4 Science, including Biology 1&2, and 2 Physical Science or equivalent
  • 2 Practical Arts (San Diego Continuing Education students may use some work experience)
  • 2 Visual Arts, Performing Arts, or Foreign Language (or a combination)

Additional requirements

  • Competency in computer literacy
  • Senior exhibition
  • A minimum 2.00 Grade Point Average
  • Passing scores on the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) in English and Math
  • 2 units of college credit (waived for 2012-2013)

High School Equivalency (HSE) Tests

California has approved the use of two high school equivalency tests (GED® and HiSET®) for the purpose of receiving a High School Equivalency Certificate. See more information on GED® and HiSET® testing »

Mission: San Diego College of Continuing Education commits to student success and community enrichment by providing tuition-free, accessible, equitable, and innovative quality education and support services to diverse learners in pursuit of lifelong learning, training, career advancement, and pathways to credit college. read more »