High School Completion & GED

Earn Your High School Diploma or GED

Adult High School (HS+/HSC) Diploma

HS+ is an online, accelerated program that helps you complete the required classes needed for a Washington State High School Diploma. Credit can be earned for some life and work experience. For example, you can: receive PE credit for hiking; Occupational credit for working; Art credit for DIY projects. Students typically earn their diploma in three to six months. Students must live in Washington state but there is no 1-year Washington State residency requirement. To be eligible, students must be at least 18 years old, and their graduation year must have passed.

APPLY: HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA PROGRAM

Step 1: Apply online or in-person.

Online - HS+ application
In-Person - Apply in-person at Orca Central in the Heiner building.

Step 2: Accept the Canvas Invitation sent from HSC@whatcom.edu.

In Canvas, you will complete the following:

Official Transcripts submitted to WCC
Writing Assessment
Math Assessment
Enroll in the HSC 50 Online Orientation

Note: Official transcripts must come from your high school office, state department or institution by mail or email.

Mail transcripts to:
Whatcom Community College
Attn: Transitional Learning
237 W. Kellogg Road
Bellingham, WA 98226

*Parchment Transcript Requests:
Official transcripts from Parchment will be accepted when emailed directly to HSC@whatcom.edu.

Step 3: Complete the HSC 50 Online Orientation

Your advisor/navigator will sign you up for this course.

Orientation will include:

Navigate your MyWCC portal account
Access your WCC student email account
Canvas Navigation
HSC Program Overview
Tips for E-Learning
Online Time Management
Computer Literacy
Campus Resources

GED Prep Classes

The GED® is a certificate of high school equivalency for individuals who have not completed high school. The exam consists of four separate tests, one for each of the following areas: Social Studies, Science, Mathematical Reasoning, and Reasoning through Language Arts (RLA). The GED® is a good option if you can demonstrate your knowledge through a series of testing. For more information visit the GED® website at GED.com.

Whatcom Community College offers online and in-person ABE classes to help students prepare for the GED® exam. To be eligible, students must be at least 19 years old. Students who are 16 - 18 years old must submit a Request for Approval to Test form approved by a Washington state public high school.

APPLY: GED PROGRAM

Step 1: Apply in-person at Orca Central.

Orca Central is located inside the Heiner Building
Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Step 2: Take the CASAS placement test.

The CASAS test is a state required test that helps us know which class would be best for you. After receiving your application, we will contact you to schedule an appointment for CASAS testing.

Step 3: Register for classes.

After completing the CASAS test, you will meet with someone to help you register for class. Our program costs $25 per quarter.

Additional Information

FAQ

How long will it take me to complete my high school diploma?

It depends on your individual circumstances. Most students take 2 classes per quarter and earn 2 high school credits per quarter.

Can I get credit for experience, training, or other certificates?

YES! You may be able to document learning and competencies gained outside of the classroom from employment, volunteering, on-the-job training, non-credit courses, and other learning experiences.

What if I need help with my classes?

Students have access to a study lab where they can drop in to get extra help. Students can also access the Learning Center.

If I'm an online student, can I use campus resources?

YES! Online students have access to the following resources:

Career and College Resources
Personalized Counseling
Student Clubs
Student Recreation Center (SRC);
WCC Orca Card/WTA bus pass;
State of the art library;
Dining services;
On-campus printing ($15 quarterly credit)
WCC sporting events (w/student ID card).

Do college level classes count towards my high school completion?

YES! Students pay regular tuition for college level credits

Am I able to get accommodations?

Any student with a disability requiring auxiliary aids, services, or reasonable accommodations should contact the Access and Disability Services office in the Entry and Advising Center in LDC 116 or call 360-383-3080 or 360-255-7182 (videophone) to make an appointment.

Tuition and Fees