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High School Diploma Programs

Don't have a high school diploma? You do have options!

You can choose between two ways to earn a Maryland high school diploma at AACC: enroll in the GED® Test Preparation program or complete the National External Diploma Program (NEDP®). AACC offers both programs at no cost to participants. GED® classes and the NEDP® are only offered in English. If you need to improve your English skills before entering either of the programs, contact the ELL office for information about free English language classes.

How to Get Started

Before registering for either program, you must attend an orientation and assessment session in person. During this session, you will learn about the GED® Test Preparation and NEDP® programs, complete a timed assessment in reading and math, and discuss your educational plan with a member of the intake team.



Adult Basic Skills (ABS) & GED® Test Preparation Program

This free program is designed for students 18 or older who don’t have a high school diploma and need to prepare for the GED® exam. You will participate in classes which include all four subjects for the GED® test: math, science, social studies and reasoning through language arts. Flexible class schedules can easily fit your busy life. Just select a learning format and class schedule that work the best for you. We offer morning, evening and weekend classes delivered online and in-person by experienced instructors.

Eligibility

  • Be 18 or older
  • Have officially withdrawn from high school (only if you are 18)
  • Access to the internet and a computer (desktop, laptop or Chromebook)
  • Attend an orientation and complete assessment.

Adult Basic Skills Class Schedule

The ABS and GED® test preparation classes are delivered in person and online. In-person class offerings and locations may vary term to term. To participate fully in online classes, you need access to the internet and a computer (desktop, laptop or Chromebook) with webcam, speakers and microphone. 

Glen Burnie Town Center

Monday/Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Monday/Wednesday, 6-8:30 p.m.
Tuesday/Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Tuesday/Thursday, 6-8:30 p.m. 

Michael E. Bush Annapolis Library

Tuesday/Thursday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Severn Library

Tuesday/Thursday, 6-8:30 p.m. 

Pip Moyer Recreation Center

Monday/Wednesday, 6-8:30 p.m.

Stanton Community Center

Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Arundel Mills

Monday/Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Monday/Wednesday, 6-8:30 p.m.


GED Ready

GED Ready® (practice test) is half the length of the actual GED® tests and includes questions similar in content, difficulty and format to the actual tests. This is an excellent predictor of how you may perform on the official tests. After completing GED Ready®, staff will meet with you to discuss your scores and make recommendations.


Mathematical Reasoning for the GED® Test

This program is designed to review math skills needed for the GED® test and provide instruction in number sense and operations, data analysis, algebra, geometry, and test-taking strategies. This course meets virtually twice a week, with required completion of assignments outside of class. After successful completion, you can take the GED Ready® Math practice test at no cost. Enrollment is based on documentation of passing scores on the Science, Social Studies and Reasoning through Language Arts sections of the GED® test.


Official GED® Test

AACC is a certified official testing location, however you must register through the GED Testing Service. For details about testing dates, locations and costs, visit the Maryland Department of Labor or the GED Testing Service.


National External Diploma Program (NEDP®)

The NEDP® is designed for adult learners as an alternative to taking the GED® exam. This online, performance-based program provides a unique way to earn a high school diploma without taking classes or completing a series of tests. Rather, you will complete program requirements by working independently on a series of assigned tasks or competencies, at your own pace. During this time you will meet periodically with a trained NEDP® advisor to develop a portfolio that proves you have the skills required to be awarded a Maryland High School Diploma. NEDP® measures academic and life skills such as reading, writing, math, oral communication, critical thinking, self, social, occupational awareness and other workforce skills.

This program is a very good fit for self-directed learners who don’t thrive in a classroom environment or have difficulty with standardized testing.

Eligibility

  • Be 18 or older
  • Be a Maryland resident 
  • Have officially withdrawn from high school (only if you are 18)
  • Access to the internet and a computer (desktop, laptop or Chromebook)
  • Attend orientation and complete an assessment
  • Meet cut scores

Funding for this Program

The total cost of this project is $925,338, of which 40% ($366,897) is funded through the U.S. Department of Education, 40% ($373,373) is funded through the Maryland Department of Labor and 20% ($185,068) is supported by Anne Arundel Community College.


Questions?

Email gedprogram@738628.com or call 410-777-1823. Provide your name, phone number and email address, and a staff member will respond to you during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To request information in your preferred language, call 410-777-2901 or email esloffice@738628.com


Questions?

We're here to help.

Adult Basic Skills

High School Diploma Options at AACC (English)

High School Diploma Options at AACC (Spanish)

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