Welcome to the MiraCosta CollegeAdult High School Diploma Program Orientation

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

About our Program

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.

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.

Courses are tuition-free;however, books must be purchased or rented, and there are also parking fees.

Diploma RequirementsCredit 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.

Ways to Earn AHS Credits

Additional options to earn credits are available, and you are encouraged to discuss those options with acounselor after your transcripts havebeen 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.

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.

Course ScheduleAdult 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.

Enrolling in AHS Classes

Students initially enroll in classes with the assistance of a counselorduring 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: 07000001SURF 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.

Course Descriptions

Course descriptions and additional information about the Adult High School Diploma Program are available in the online college catalog.

Course descriptions may also be viewed by using the SURF online course catalog.

Click here

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!

Academic and Student Support Services

The following services are available atthe 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

Students may take advantage of the many academic and student support services that are offered at MiraCosta’s three campuses.

Read “The Connection” newsletter to learn about scheduled activities at the CLC.

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.

Step Into Higher Education

AHS students have the option of using college coursework to satisfy high school requirements and toget a head start in college. Regardlessof whether or not you choose this option, we want you to seriously consider continuing your education at MiraCosta College (or elsewhere). It’snever too early to discuss your future with a counselor!Anyone who has earned our diploma can be successful in college!