Welcome to the MiraCosta College Adult High School Diploma Program Orientation

1. Welcome to the MiraCosta CollegeAdult High School Diploma Program Orientation

2. Overview of Orientation About our program Diploma requirements Ways to earn AHS credits Course schedule Course descriptions MiraCosta College catalog Enrolling in AHS classes Your first day of class  Academic and student support services  Step into higher education

3. About our Program Adult High School classes are held at the Community Learning Center (CLC), located at 1831 Mission Avenue in Oceanside. Courses are taught in a traditional format and require attendance. To earn our diploma: Students must complete 170 credits, (20 credits in residence) and must demonstrate competency in English and mathematics. Students receive 5 credits for each successfully completed class. Courses are tuition-free; however, books must be purchased or rented, and there are also parking fees.

4. Diploma Requirements Credit Requirements – 170 high school credits which must include: • English 40 • Science 20* • Mathematics 30** • U.S. History 10 • American Government 5 • Economics 5 • World History & Geography 10 • Humanities 10 • Electives 40     Residency Requirements • Any student planning to receive an Adult High School Diploma from MiraCosta College must complete 20 high school credits in residence, either in Adult High School Diploma or in college credit classes. Proficiency/Competency Requirements • In compliance with state law, students must demonstrate competence in English and mathematics skills. In order to assess the student's level of proficiency, tests and assignments are administered in classes. Additional options to demonstrate competency are also available, and students are encouraged to discuss those options with a counselor. • Options for Satisfying Competency Requirements (PDF) *Must include biological and physical sciences. • **Students must complete 5 credits of Algebra Essentials, Geometry Essentials, Contemporary Mathematics 1 or 2, or equivalent.

5. Ways to Earn AHS Credits Most students earn credits by enrolling in AHS or college level courses at MiraCosta. Click here to view the list of MiraCosta College courses that fulfill AHS requirements. Additional options to earn credits are available, and you are encouraged to discuss those options with a counselor after your transcripts have been evaluated. Additional ways to earn credits: • Transfer credits from accredited high schools and colleges. • Receive elective credits for basic training, military schools, and work experience. • Earn up to 130 credits through General Education Development (GED) tests in the areas of English, math, science, and electives. • Write a foreign language essay to satisfy the Humanities credit requirement.

6. Course Schedule Adult high school classes meet for a minimum of 49.5 instructional hours, and every class is worth 5 high school credits.There are two 8-week terms in the fall and spring semesters:  Day Classes: M/T/W/TH, approximately 1 ½ hours each day  Evening Classes: 2 Evenings (M/W and T/TH), approximately 3 hours each evening The summer term is 6 weeks long, and meeting times are adjusted to accommodate the shorter term. Click here to view the course schedule.

7. Enrolling in AHS Classes Students initially enroll in classes with the assistance of a counselor during the registration session. Students may enroll themselves into most classes in future terms using SURF. SURF also allows you to add and drop classes, view grades, and print an unofficial transcript. Your SURF ID is your student ID number, with the leading zero replaced with a “W”. Student ID: 07000001 SURF ID: W7000001 Classes that require a counselor signature to enroll include English 4 and all math classes with the exception of Basic Skills Math 1. Counselors are available to discuss course selections with you. Appointments are strongly recommended.

8. Course Descriptions Course descriptionsand additional information about the Adult High School Diploma Program are available in the online college catalog. Course descriptions may alsobe viewed by using the SURF online course catalog. Click here

9. The MiraCosta College Catalog In addition to course descriptions, the catalog contains information about: • Academic programs and services • Academic policies • College calendar • Credit and noncredit courses/programs • Degrees and certificates • Rights and responsibilities • Student Services • And more!

10. Academic and Student Support Services Students may take advantage of the many academic and student support services that are offered at MiraCosta’sthree campuses. The following services are available at the Community Learning Center: • Counseling • Academic Support Center • Tutors in all high school subjects • Writing Center consultants • Outreach librarian • Community Learning Lab • Placement Testing • Student Ambassadors • Workshops and Events Read “The Connection” newsletter to learn about scheduled activities at the CLC.

11. Your First Day of Class Attend 1st Class: If you don’t attend the first class meeting you may be dropped from the class, since many classes have waiting lists. Books: Bring money for books – you will be given homework! No Smoking: MiraCosta College is a smoke-free campus. Smoking on campus is only allowed in personal vehicles. Parking: Campus Police do not write parking tickets during the first two weeks of classes, but be sure to purchase a parking permit before the start of the third week. Day passes are also available.

12. Step Into Higher Education AHS students have the option of using college coursework to satisfy high school requirements and to get a head start in college. Regardless of whether or not you choose this option, we want you to seriously consider continuing your education at MiraCosta College (or elsewhere). It’s never too early to discuss your future with a counselor! Anyone who has earned our diploma can be successful in college!