High School Diploma
Program Overview:
- Earn 10 total credits in the following subjects:
- Math (4 credits)
- English (3 credits)
- Civics (3 credits)
Classes can all be taken at once, or one or two at a time. CCD staff will review your educational records to determine what you already know and then give you credit for it. That way you can focus on learning only what you need to know, letting you get to the finish line even faster.
Register for a public webinar to learn more about the program and how you can join the next cohort!
The High School Diploma Program is meant to be flexible enough for working adults preparing for college or jobs. Classes are usually held during weekday evenings and weekends to fit busy schedules. Students can work at their own pace and choose the best way to learn. CCD provides wraparound support and access to many resources proven to help students succeed.
What makes this program different from others?
The High School Diploma Program can be considered a cost-effective option for anyone who does not want to take and pass the GED or HiSET exams.
| Feature(s) | HS Diploma Program |
|---|---|
| Access to Instructor(s) | Instructors & tutors are available during class and online |
| Access to Excel Zone tutor(s) | ✅ |
| Student ID Card | ✅ |
| Class Duration | 5-weeks of live classroom instruction |
| Class Subjects | English Math Civics |
| Class Days/Times | Weekday evenings & weekend mornings & daytimes |
| Self-paced Progress | ✅ |
| Examination | Math & English assessments during onboarding |
| Total Cost | $50 while students are active with CCD * |
*Students are no longer considered active after 1-year of not taking classes from the last semester they took at least one class.
WHEN YOU CAN JOIN THE PROGRAM
Spring Semester Schedule (2026)
| Recruitment/Onboarding Deadlines: People interested in joining must finish all five onboarding steps by the dates below to start taking classes. | Classes Start: People who finish all five recruitment & onboarding steps can start taking the required classes on the dates below. |
|---|---|
| December 29, 2025 | January 13, 2026 |
| February 2, 2026 | February 17, 2026 |
| March 16, 2026 | March 30, 2026 |
The recruitment and onboarding process can be finished in only a few short weeks and is done almost entirely online. All five (5) steps are listed and explained below.
- Apply Online: People who submit an application and receive an invitation to register for a public webinar (step #2)
- Attend Webinar: People who attend the public webinar will receive an invitation to register for a tech ed workshop (step #3)
- Attend Tech Ed Workshop: People who attend the tech ed workshop are given guidance on completing the new student orientation class (step #4)
- Complete The New Student Initiation Course: People who finish the required activities in the online portfolio are eligible to enroll and pay the non-refundable $50 fee (step #5)
- Enroll/Pay $50 Fee: People who submit their enrollment survey to pick classes can then proceed with paying their $50 fee
Questions about the recruitment and onboarding process? We’d love to help! Please send your inquiries to: hsdiploma@ccd.edu
The High School Diploma Program is built to follow the academic calendar used by the wider college. That means there are specific timeframes (e.g., semesters) for students to take classes and specific dates that the school can award official credentials like diplomas, degrees, professional and technical certificates, etc. If you need proof of program completion sooner than the dates listed below, we recommend discussing your circumstances with our Onboarding Navigator.
Semester | Credential Award Date(s) |
Spring 2026 | May 16, 2026 |
Summer 2026 | August 8, 2026 |
Fall 2026 | December 12, 2026 |
The full academic calendar set by the Office of Records and Registration (ORR) can be found here.
Students work with an Onboarding Navigator whose main role is to help people figure out if the High School Diploma Program is right for them. If so, they also help people finish all five of the recruitment and onboarding steps.
Students work with an Academic Advisor whose main role is to help them complete the program and earn their diplomas. That involves helping students create a custom educational plan, addressing questions and/or concerns, overcoming unexpected obstacles, and so much more!
Career exploration support is available to students through a dedicated Career Navigator with the Admissions, Recruitment, and Outreach (ARO) team. Students can participate in open career development workshops or schedule 1-on-1 appointments with the Career Navigator.
Educational tutoring is available to students through the Excel Zone at CCD, which is located on campus in the Confluence building (4th floor). Teachers are also readily available during the 5-week instructional periods that students attend classes.
Completing the High School Diploma Program requires students to earn 10 credits in the following three (3) subjects. Students eligible to take all three classes can take them in any order, together all at once, or one at a time.
English (3 credits):
Integrates and contextualizes college level reading and writing. Students can expect to learn how to develop short essays into longer ones as well as develop reading skills to be prepared for college level texts.
Civics (3 credits):
This course covers civics and genocide standards required for high school graduation in Colorado, including civic participation, the structure and functions of federal government, the structures and functions of state and local governments, and the role of American foreign policy in responding to genocide.
Math (4 credits):
Develops number sense and critical thinking strategies, introduces algebraic thinking, and connects mathematics to real world applications. Topics in the course include ratios, proportions, percents, measurement, linear relationships, properties of exponents, polynomials, factoring, and math learning strategies. This course prepares students for Math for Liberal Arts, Statistics, Integrated Math, and college level career math courses.
Students enrolled in the High School Diploma Program receive similar treatment to those enrolled as college students at CCD. That means getting a college-issued email address, an official student ID card, access to the wider Auraria Campus, etc. Students who graduate from the High School Diploma Program have an even easier time getting into the college because many of their records are already stored with CCD.
The High School Diploma Program requires its students to pay a one-time $50 non-refundable fee at the point of enrollment. Students are only asked to pay the $50 fee again after 1 year of not taking any classes.
The High School Diploma Program is not eligible for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); however, students who successfully complete it will then become eligible to apply for FAFSA to help cover the cost of future certificates, degrees, etc. Completing the program will also unlock access to the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CAFSA). Both funding sources will require individuals to submit necessary application materials by the deadline specific to the academic year they plan to use the award(s).