If you don't already have a high school diploma and you are looking to obtain one, you have opened the right catalog! There are a few ways to earn a high school diploma at the New Haven Adult and Continuing Education Center.

Each person entering New Haven Adult and Continuing Education has a unique experience. Before deciding on a diploma program, please discuss your situation with our counselors who are on-site at the Ella Grasso Boulevard location Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 3:15 PM and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. They will help you make an informed decision on which program is best for you. The important thing is that you register to start a program!

Important Information for New Haven Area Residents
When you visit the New Haven Adult and Continuing Education Center for the first time, and if you're under 21 years old, please bring withdrawal papers from the last high school you attended and your high school transcript. These documents will help the counselors place you in the best program for you. Please read the following information carefully before making a decision about a program.

The High School Credit Diploma Program is for people who are at least 16 years old and have officially withdrawn from day school. Students 16 and 17 years old must come to the Center with a parent or legal guardian. Also, students must attain a certain score on the CCS placement test to gain admittance. Day and evening classes are available at the Center on Boulevard.

In the High School Credit Diploma Program, students earn academic credit in required subjects (English, Math, History, Science), as well as in optional elective classes. These credits are then added to any credits already earned in previous high school classes. Upon attainment of 22 credits, students receive a high school diploma, awarded by the New Haven Board of Education at a formal Graduation ceremony.

The High School Credit Diploma Program meets five days a week. As an alternative high school program, students benefit from small classes and a committed teaching staff. While High School Credit subject classes meet Monday through Thursday, between 9:00 AM and 3:15 PM and Friday between 9:00 AM and 12:30 PM, electives and IDP begin at 9:00 AM. Please be sure to see your counselor for your schedule.

Curriculum Packets
Curriculum Packets are another way students can earn credit towards their diploma. Students receive instruction and assistance in completing the packets, which can be worked on at home or in the Center's Resource Lab. Students study the information in the packets and, when ready, take a proficiency test after each unit. All units must be successfully completed to earn credit. Only 2 credits may be earned doing curriculum packets.

External Diploma Program
Students can also earn a diploma throught the EDP program. EDP is a competency-based assessment program that credentials adults who have acquired their high school-level abilities through life experience. The EDP allows adults to demonstrate these abilities in a series of simulations that parallel job and life situations. It also gives them the opportunity to be evaluated by their own performance instead of by comparison with others, to take responsiblility for acquiring instruction through existing community resources, and to demonstrate mastery of the 65 required competencies - including an occupational or specialized skill - without stepping inside a classroom. A list of the demonstrated competencies appears on the back of each transcript. For more information, contact 203 492-0213 and ask for an EDP counselor.

Earned Credit
Students enrolled in the HS Credit Diploma Program who have previous employment experience, volunteer experience, or military duty may be eligible for credit. Please see a counselor to determine whether you are eligible.

Career and Educational Opportunities Program
Students who have had difficulty learning in the past can improve their reading and writing skills using visual, auditory, and tactile approaches. Students receive a high school diploma, awarded by the New Haven Board of Education upon completion of the program. If you think you might be a candidate for this program, please see one of our counselors for assistance.

High School Course Descriptions - Each semester we offer different courses within the four major disciplines: English, Math, Social Studies, and Science. We also offer opportunities to earn elective credit in such subjects as Computer Technology, Entrepreneurship, Career Education, etc. Additionally, we participate in the Connecticut Virtual High School On-Line Learning Consortium in which students can earn high school credit by taking on-line courses.

Since everyone's situation is different, the best plan is to bring your transcript to a counselor at the Adult Education Center. Together, we will plan an appropriate course of action so that you can meet the requirements for a High School Diploma and achieve your goal of being a High School graduate.