Adult High School Program

The Adult High School program allows students to earn a high school diploma issued jointly by Burke County Public Schools and Western Piedmont Community College. Students earn 22 credits through our free classes and may transfer any earned high school credits toward completion.

The program provides:

  • free classes, free materials, and free tutoring
  • predictable completion dates
  • friendly, supportive teachers
  • earn one or more credits per term
  • small classes
  • convenient class times
  • seated, instructor-led interactive classrooms
  • self-paced, online independent study

Here are answers to frequently-asked questions about our Adult High School program.

How long will it take?

It depends on how many credits you transfer in and how many credits you take per term. We offer six terms each year. Student can take up to two seated instructor-led classes per term or online self-paced independent study classes.

How old do I need to be to enroll in the Adult High School program?

Students under 18 must bring a parent or guardian with them. The parent or guardian must also bring a valid photo ID. If you are under 18 and last attended a Burke County Public High School, you will also need to bring the completed Referral for Adult High School Program form. If you are not a BCPS student, we will need a copy of the official withdrawal form from your previous high school or a copy of the Official Non-Public Home School Registration Record.

How does a student get started?

1. New student orientation is required!
2. If you want to transfer credits, bring an unopened, official transcript of classes taken in all high schools.

When and where do classes meet?

Adult High School classes meet at the Western Piedmont Community College campus at 1001 Burkemont Avenue in the bottom of Patton Hall. When you enter campus, proceed past the pond to the first road on your right. Please park in Parking Lot 3. If you need handicapped parking, there are spaces available if you proceed straight upon turning into the college. You may choose to take one or more classes each term.

Seated, in-person classes typically meet:

  • Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • ESL Specific Hybrid Class, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
    • One class per term (ESL Hybrid [seated and online] class is vocabulary-heavy and focuses on reading skills and comprehension)

Can I transfer in Home School credit?

Yes.

  • Student(s) must be at least 16 years old
  • Provide a copy of the Official Non-Public Home School Registration Record
  • Provide a home school transcript with the following information:
    • The home school name, address, and telephone number
    • Social Security Number for the student
    • Titles of subjects completed by the student by school year (for each of those four years)
    • The numerical (or letter) grade and unit credit earned for each subject
    • Signature of the chief administrator and date of signature
    • Annual nationally standardized test scores

How much does the AHS program cost?

The AHS program is free! The only cost may be school system fees to obtain official transcripts.

How do online classes work?

  • AHS Coordinator will evaluate your official high school transcripts to determine transferred classes
  • The AHS Diploma program uses the independent-study online learning software, Apex®.
  • After orientation and assessment testing, students will receive a username and temporary password for Apex® (www.apexvs.com)
  • Students may work online at any time, or use the Open Lab (M-Th, 9:00 am-6:00 pm) in Patton Hall.

How do I contact the program to register or to obtain more information?

For more information call 828-448-6710 or to request more information, submit our online form.