Adult Learning @ the Public Library

Reengagement for Success

Earning a diploma or GED after leaving high school can be a difficult process, but there are alternatives and organizations that can support all learners.

Alternative programs in the school district or programs that award credits toward graduation are one path, while another is preparing for and taking the GED exam, or General Educational Development test.

• Studying for the exam and engaging with a preparation program often motivates students to focus on and cultivate skills for a career.
• A passing score leads to a High School Equivalency Certificate.
• GED has five subjects: Language Arts/Writing, Language Arts/Reading, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics.
• Test available in English, Spanish, French; large print, audiocassette and Braille.
• Testers must be 16 years or older.

Alternatives for Adult Learning

For specific institutions in the Albuquerque area see Local Schools and Organizations on the right side of the page.

• Albuquerque Public Schools has a dual-credit program that allows students to transfer or use toward graduation credits from Community Colleges, including UNM and Central New Mexico Community College often with in-person and online attendance options. There are also options for attendance for students still enrolled in high school looking for alternative or more challenging courses.
• To catch up or when a student is behind on credits for graduation, APS Summer School may be a way to meet that graduation date. Program courses, times, locations, and cost information are normally available in the beginning of April. A half credit course meets 5 days per week for 4 hours per day and will typically last 3 weeks. Students must obtain pre-enrollment paperwork from their School Counselor. Class locations vary; cost is approximately $200 per half credit.
• Charter schools are schools recognized by the Public Education Department of NM as part of APS or other school districts to offer alternatives to traditional public school. Most are full-time, but they may also offer summer school, evening or online courses. Many of based on lottery system for enrollment, while others will accept students on an application basis. Students and parents should confirm that charter school credits will count toward graduation requirements.

• Founded in 2000 by Oregon's Portland Community College, Gateway to College bridges the gap for students ages 16-21 who have dropped out of high school but want to finish their coursework and go to college. Gateway's program, which combines high school and college coursework, is available on 27 community college campuses in 16 states, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is using it as a model for part of the foundation's Early College High School efforts.
• Horizons Albuquerque is a nationally recognized academic enrichment program focused on bridging the achievement gap experienced by low-income families. With programs for summer school, family engagement workshops and after-school tutoring throughout the year, Horizons Albuquerque provides stimulating activities with academics to encourage success among Albuquerque students.

• New Horizons Computer Learning Centers offers computer and technology courses leading to certification through instructor-led classes and online. Phone: (505) 830-7100
• Nex+Gen and Freedom High School are Schools of Choice which may provide the flexibility that students need to "catch up" on credits, while they continue to receive support from their home school. Students have flexibility in enrollment. While they may graduate from the alternative school, they may also take courses for a semester or two and return to their home school, or a combination of both.

• The Workplace Innovation Opportunity Act created guidelines to create paths to success for in-school and out-of-school students. Based around the 14 WIOA elements, the One Stop WIAO Centers (YDI). offer alternative education, drop-out prevention, leadership, summer employment, guidance and counseling, work experience, supportive services, adult mentoring, occupational skills training and follow-up.
• Project Adelante (YDI) is a workforce program that assists students in obtaining gainful employment by completing their education and training for career-readiness. Refer to website for HUD income qualifications.
• An alternative program currently at Rio Grande, West Mesa, Albuquerque & Highland high schools, the Stay in School Program (YDI) is an in-school alternative program at that offers tutoring and homework assistance, pre-employment and life skills training, and work experience.

• Sunburst Youth Academy is a local program, one of several National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academies where 16- to 18-year-olds can earn their high school diploma.
• Students at YouthBuild (YDI) divide their days between high school and GED preparation classes and projects building or renovating homes for low-income families. Aimed at high school dropouts ages 16-24 from low-income families and foster care or the juvenile justice system, the program is 30 hours per week and supported by the Gates Foundation.

eResources for Test Preparation

Getting ready to take a standardized test like the GRE, GED, SAT or LSAT? We have resources to help!

Search the Catalog for GED Study Guides

Prepárate para el examen GED

Local Schools and Organizations