Earn your diploma for FREE with our high school diploma program!
At West Contra Costa Adult Education, we are committed to making education accessible to everyone. We are excited to partner with Contra Costa Community College to offer adults the opportunity to earn their high school diploma while simultaneously earning free college credits. Whether you’re completing your high school education or pursuing a GED, our personalized one-on-one support will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you achieve your goals with confidence.
Achieving a high school diploma can change your life. Whether you've recently departed from school or have spent some time away, if you're only a few credits away from graduating, our high school diploma program presents an excellent opportunity for you.
Through West Contra Costa Adult Education, you can attain your diploma without incurring any out-of-pocket expenses. To enroll in our high school diploma program, adults are required to provide a copy of their high school transcripts for evaluation by our dedicated staff.
Steps to get started:
1. ATTEND ORIENTATION
At orientation, you will learn more about our program and take placement tests. Attendance is mandatory for new students and returning students who have not attended a course in the past academic year. Register for orientation at our Alvarado Campus main office. Bring a transcript from your old school to Orientation.
2. SET LEARNING PLAN
A counselor will review your past high school credits, life goals, and available time and design a learning plan tailored to your needs. Computer-based learning, independent study, and direct classroom instruction are options for some classes.
3. EARN CREDITS AT YOUR OWN PACE
Every learner is different. We believe that earning credit should be individualized to acknowledge what you already know and spend extra time where you need it.
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Where is the adult school located?We are located at 5625 Sutter Ave. Richmond, CA. 94801. We have three different locations: Alvarado Adult School | Serra Adult School We also have classes at Richmond High School
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Is West Contra Costa Adult School Accredited?Yes, West Contra Costa is fully accredited by Western Association of School and Colleges.
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How old do I have to be to take classes at WCCAE?West Contra Costa accepts all adult students ages 18 and older.
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Do you offer childcare?Unfortunately at this time, WCCAE does not offer childcare.
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Can you help me determining my academic/vocational needs?Yes. Counseling is available to help students determine their instructional needs for basic skills improvement, high school diploma completion, GED prep, job training, and self- improvement. Please contact Lillie Clausen, College & Career Specialist - LClausen2@wccusd.net
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What if I experience issues registering online?If you experience problems registering online, please phone the West Contra Costa Adult Education office at (510) 231-1453. Press 0 to speak with the front office.
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How much does it cost to take a class?High School Diploma, GED, ESL and Adult Basic Education are all FREE classes. Classes that require a fee are: Community classes, Career Technical Education class, Trade/Skills courses.
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Are there Refunds?All requests for refunds must be in writing (email accepted). Class fees will NOT be refunded for any reason if written request is less than two (2) business days BEFORE the start of class. Refund requests incur a $25 service charge per class. If a class is cancelled by WCCAE for any reason, a full refund will be made automatically. No refunds are provided for books.
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What is your community interest fee schedule?The costs of running classes are built into the fee structure. In most classes, 10 students are required to start a class at the stated fee. If fewer than 10 students enroll in the class, hours of instruction may be decreased or the fee may be increased for the class to continue. Note: Due to state budget cuts that have been imposed on California Adult Schools, there is no state funding for classes. The entire cost of instruction, use of facilities, clerical and administrative support is built into the fee structure. Fees have been set to provide maximum services at the lowest possible cost to students. Senior discounts do not apply.
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What is your community interest refund policy?All requests for refunds must be in writing (email accepted). Class fees will NOT be refunded for any reason if written request is less than two (2) business days BEFORE the start of class. Refund requests incur a $25 service charge per class. If a class is cancelled by WCCAE for any reason, a full refund will be made automatically. No refunds are provided for books.
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What payment methods do you accept?Payments can be made through Credit/Debit Card, Check or Money Order (payable to WCCAE), or Cash (in person only).
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How old do I have to be to enroll at WCCAE?Adult education classes are open to persons 18 years of age and older
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What’s better for me: GED or High School Diploma?Neither is better. One is a diploma from our own adult education high school that is earned by completing classes for credits and the other is a General Education Diploma that’s earned through a series of tests. If you’d like to know how many credits you would need to earn your high school diploma in our high school diploma program, you can submit a copy of your high school transcript(s) for a brief evaluation by our staff.
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I only needed three credits to graduate from my high school. I want to come there and get those credits so I can get my diploma. Can I do that?We still need to do an evaluation because we don’t know the subjects you’ve earned previous credits in. Additionally, adult education credit totals are different from other high schools in the district. The best thing for you is to submit your official transcript for an evaluation. Then we will know how many credits you will need to earn in our program.
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Do I need to get transcripts?Yes. Your transcripts are used to determine what additional classes you need to earn your diploma. You can order transcripts from Parchment.com. Cost ranges from three to twenty dollars and it takes approximately 3 days for delivery. Parchment sends the transcripts to us electronically.
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Will having a GED negatively affect me?No. In fact, having a GED will improve your life. You will experience all the rights as a person with an High School Diploma, you can apply for college, financial aid and apply for a variety of different job opportunities.
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Which one is faster for me: GED or High School Diploma?It’s hard to predict because each student’s case is different. The practice test in our orientation provides a good indication of how you’ll do on the GED test. Choosing a path of study and participating in class does help. For those who can’t attend a regular class, we offer traditional distance learning classes, which are much like an independent study program. Our advisor can help you make the best decision when choosing between the two programs.
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Which one is faster for me: GED or High School Diploma?It’s hard to predict because each student’s case is different. The practice test in our orientation provides a good indication of how you’ll do on the GED test. Choosing a path of study and participating in class does help. For those who can’t attend a regular class, we offer traditional distance learning classes, which are much like an independent study program. Our advisor can help you make the best decision when choosing between the two programs.
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I earned some credits in another program, will those count?"Please get an official copy of your transcript from an accredited institution and submit it to WCC Adult Ed staff for review. If credits apply, we will include them in the evaluation.
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What types of ESL classes are offered?The following types of ESL classes are offered: ● Literacy, Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced ESL ● Online and In-person at Serra, and Richmond High - online students will receive a link to join the class after they register ● Morning and evening classes available
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What type of instruction is used?Instructor-facilitated, self-paced Textbook-based with computer support Group instruction and individual support
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What can I expect from taking this class?Dynamic and supportive learning environment College atmosphere Knowledgeable, experienced instructors Respect for students
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What locations offer ESL?● Serra Adult Center, 6028 Ralston Ave., Richmond 94805 ● Richmond High School, 1250 23rd. St., Richmond 94804 ● Alvarado Adult School, 5625 Sutter Ave, Richmond 94804 ● Online
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Where can I register?● Call: 510-231-1453, press “0” ● Online registration at wccadulteducation.com, go to the Learn English button ● In-person registration at DeJean Adult Center, Richmond High and Alvarado
