How do I register?

Register in person. Simply print out this form, (.pdf ) provide the indicated information, and come in person for registration the day you are ready to start attending. The Career and Education Center is located at 674 Allard Ave. Eureka, CA 95503 (click here for directions and a map).  We are open for registration between 8:30 and 5:00 pm Monday through Thursday and from 8:30 – noon on Fridays.

During registration we will help you determine what you need to complete your High School Diploma, GED Preparation or Review. You can start classes on the same day. If you are working toward your High School Diploma, we will request your records for you.

How much does it cost?

Our High School Diploma, GED preparation, Review and English Learner classes are all free.  The official GED test is given by College of the Redwoods and costs $90 if you prepare here.

When can I enroll?

Any time of the year! We are open year round except for holidays and a brief summer break.

What’s the difference between a high school diploma and the GED?

Both demonstrate that you have a High School level education and both are accepted throughout the United States.

The High School Diploma requires that you take and pass approximately 36 classes required by the State of California and that you also pass the High School Exit Exam.

The GED requires that you take tests in English Reading and English Writing, Math (includes Algebra), Social Studies and Science.  The GED enables you to answer “yes” on applications that ask about High School Diploma or GED completion and allows you to qualify for federally based financial aid at various educational institutions such as community colleges, universities and vocational schools.   There is no charge to prepare for the test at the Career and Education Center.  The official test is given at College of the Redwoods and costs $100 or $90 if you have prepared with us.

I have a high school diploma or GED. What else might I study?

For those with Diplomas or GEDs, we provide a review program in a variety of subject areas.  You can take any of our classes for enrichment, professional growth, or vocational needs.  For example you can:

• Review Math and English for the Humboldt County Office of Education Paraprofessional test
• Take our Math and English classes, at no cost to you, to prepare for college placement tests which help you enter College level classes directly
• Review Math for the Plumbers apprentice test
• Review Government or History classes for Citizenship
• Receive help on your college preparation homework
• Improve your ability to help your children with their homework

How long does it take?

To earn a High School Diploma from the Career and Education Center, you need 180 credits and successful completion of the California High School Exit Exam (see the following list of classes and associated credits). After we receive your transcripts (a record of your grades), we can tell you which classes you will need to take.

An average student will earn a credit for every 10 hours of productive class time (for example, if you have 50 credits to complete, multiply 50 credits by 10 hours. It will take about 500 class hours to complete 50 credits).  If you have a lot of credits to earn, we can talk to you about ways to earn credits more quickly.

English Algebra Other Math Biological Science Physical Science World History U.S.History Civics (Government) Economics  Fine Arts/Foreign Lang Guidance Electives

40 credits 10 credits 10 credits 10 credits 10 credits 10 credits 10 credits 5 credits 5 credits 10 credits 5 credits 55 credits

GED students typically take between two and ten months to prepare. When you enroll we provide a sample GED exam that will indicate which areas you need to study and your readiness to take the official exam.

How do I decide between a high school diploma and GED?

If you have trouble deciding which path to take we can help. We’ll review your transcripts and give you a GED sample exam that will help decide how you can best meet your goals.

What time are the classes?

Classes are offered Monday–Thursday from 8-6pm and Fridays from 8-Noon.

Are the classes taught by a teacher?
You generally do not have a teacher standing up in front of the class. Instead, you and the teacher will plan which classes you need to take and you come in during our open hours and work on those classes at your own pace.  A teacher and assistant are always in the class to help you.

How do I find out which classes I need?

We order transcripts from all of the schools that you have attended and compare them to what is necessary for you to receive your High School Diploma.  For the GED, we give you a sample exam that will reflect which subjects you need to review.

Do I have to complete my work in class?

We are open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Thursday and 8:00 am to noon on Fridays, which allows most students to complete their work in class. We do have a small Independent Study program so you can study from home.  In order to qualify, please come in to the Career and Education Centers Main Office and we can help you determine if this is the best option for you.

Students can earn elective and guidance credits at the Job Market.  Please see the Main Office at the Career and Education Center for specifics.

Students can also earn elective credit for work and military experience.  Sometimes community college courses can be used when the class is at high school level – College of the Redwoods English 350 is an example.

What’s it like in class?

During the first week with the Career and Education Center, you will attend an orientation, take an assessment test and set goals for yourself. After that you will be working on your individual plan at your own pace. You will be working in booklets, on a computer, and in books. Then it’s a matter of getting to class and staying focused on your goals.

The classroom is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday and from 8:00 to noon on Fridays.  You always have a friendly and supportive teacher and aide in the classroom at all times.  If you are working on your High School Diploma, you will receive a report card each time you earn a credit so that you can monitor your progress.

The same hours are available for both GED and Review students.  Any time the classroom is open, you are welcome to come in and study.  GED students will work with their teacher and decide when it’s time to register for the official GED test.  Review students' studies are complete whenever they feel that they have mastered the required skills.

Do I get a diploma?

High School graduates receive a diploma. Students who earn a GED certificate are given our certificate of achievement. Our High School Diploma and GED students are invited to participate in our June graduation/recognition ceremony.  We are pleased to honor all of the students who have worked hard to attain their goals.  We cordially invite their family and friends to attend both the ceremony and the reception afterwards.  Your success is our success.

How do I get started? 
Now’s the perfect time to get started! Register in person. Simply print out this form, (.pdf) provide the indicated information, and come in person for registration the day you are ready to start attending. The Career and Education Center is located at 674 Allard Ave. Eureka, CA 95503 (click here for directions and a map).  We are open for registration between 8:30 and 5:00 pm Monday through Thursday and from 8:30 – noon on Fridays.

When you register we will help you determine what you need to complete your High School Diploma, GED Preparation or Review. You can even start classes on the same day. If you are working toward your High School Diploma, we will request your records for you.

We look forward to helping you accomplish your educational goals!