It's never too late to earn your Diploma!
We are excited that you have decided to continue your educational journey with us! Coming back to school, especially if you have been out for a while, can be a daunting experience. Whether you struggled academically or life experiences prevented you from getting your high school diploma the first time around, we believe it is never too late to pursue your goals & create the future you want for yourself. We are proud of you for taking these first steps!
Step 1: Register using the link above, then email transcripts from your past high schools to [email protected].
Try to get your transcripts as soon as possible, we need them before you can start classes! If you need help acquiring your transcripts Brienne can guide you through the process, just ask!
Step 2: Attend one of our "Intro to Adult Ed" sessions listed below alongside other newcomers to learn about how our program works and take a required assessment.
This required CASAS assessment helps us to determine the academic needs of our students, as well as helping to fund our program and keep our cost FREE to you. The assessment takes 45-60 minutes on average.
If you've already been enrolled with us in the past year or 2, you don't need to come to another Intro, but you will still need to do an assessment if it's been more than 3 months since your last enrollment.
Step 3: A 1-on-1 meeting between you & an instructor, and the start of your classes!
Questions? Email [email protected] or call (805) 474-3222.
Future 'Intro to Adult Ed' sessions will typically be on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday/Wednesday of each month.
Upcoming Session Dates
January 7, 2025
5:00 PM @ the Oceano Learning Center
January 8, 2025
9:00 AM @ the Oceano Learning Center
4:30 PM @ the Nipomo Learning Center
January 21, 2025
5:00 PM @ the Oceano Learning Center
January 22, 2025
9:00 AM @ the Oceano Learning Center
4:30 PM @ the Nipomo Learning Center
February 4, 2025
5:00 PM @ the Oceano Learning Center
For directions to our locations, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a High School Diploma and an Equivalency?
A High School Diploma (HSD) is earned by completing a set of required courses determined by both state and local guidelines. An adult can finish their HSD courses and earn a Diploma by enrolling in an adult school, and HSDs are universally accepted by schools and employers. These classes are completely free to you!
A High School Equivalency is earned by instead passing a series of challenging tests in the various High School subjects. The most common Equivalency is the GED, while HiSET is another option. These are accepted by most schools and employers, but not universally. Classes & supports offered by us to students for Equivalency are still free, however taking the tests themselves does have a cost.
Which path is right for me?
Generally speaking, if you are about halfway or more toward earning a HSD already, we strongly advise finishing your diploma. Students on the HSD path only need to take 1 of the CASAS assessments, either Reading or Math.
When you take the required CASAS assessment(s), your test results will show an indication of how prepared you are to pass the GED or HiSET exam in those subjects. If your scores are already high, the Equivalency path might be right for you. Because Equivalency is a test-based program, students on this path will be required to take both the Reading & Math CASAS assessments.
How many credits are required to earn a diploma?
In California, high school credit requirements average between 220-260 credits for a diploma.
Lucia Mar Adult Education removes many of the elective credits needed to graduate from traditional high schools and requires only 180 credits to earn a Diploma. You may be closer to graduation than you think!
You can also earn up to 20 elective credits with proof of past work experience! Ask your instructor for details!
