Earn Your High School Diploma as an Adult

It is not too late to finish high school. American School has no minimum or maximum age to enroll, so adults can earn an accredited high school diploma at home, on their own schedule. You can study with print courses by mail, take your courses online, or combine the two, and you can enroll at any time.

American School is a not-for-profit school that has taught students at a distance since 1897.

An accredited diploma, not a GED

American School is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), Accreditation International (Ai) and the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), and it is recognized as a non-public secondary school by the Illinois State Board of Education. American School does not offer GED courses; graduates earn the School’s own accredited high school diploma. See our accreditation page for details.

How many credits do adults need?

Every diploma student completes 20 units of credit, and at least 5 of them must be American School courses. You can choose between two programs:

General High School Program: for adults who plan to join the workforce or enroll in a two-year college after graduating.
College Preparatory Program: for adults who plan to attend a four-year college or university.

Graduation requirements are set by the Illinois State Board of Education and include English, math (with Algebra and Geometry), science with lab, United States History, Computer Literacy, Consumer Education/Financial Literacy, Government/Civics and Health. The full list for each program is on our high school page.

Use the credits you already earned

If you completed some high school before, you may not have to start over. American School accepts most credits from other accredited schools; the exceptions are religion, physical education, band, choir, driver’s education and ROTC. To begin, have an official transcript sent to our Registrar’s Office by email or by mail to 2200 East 170th Street, Lansing, IL 60438. There is a $25 transcript evaluation fee, and it counts toward your tuition if you enroll.

If you were homeschooled or attended a non-accredited school, you may be able to establish up to 5 units of credit by passing comprehensive examinations with a grade of 75% or better. Each examination has a $50 non-refundable fee, and you must be enrolled for at least 10 units of credit with American School to take them.

How it works

In print courses, you receive a textbook and a study guide or examination booklet by mail, work through each unit at your own pace and send your unit examinations to the School for grading. Online courses are taken through the Online Student Center; see Online Learning. Enrollment applications usually take 2 to 3 business days to process, and course materials arrive within about a week. Students living outside the United States take online courses unless they have a U.S. shipping address.

How long does it take?

Diploma students have up to 4 years to complete their 20-unit program. Because you set the pace, you may finish much sooner, especially if transfer credits cover part of the program.

What does it cost?

A full year of high school is 5 units of credit for $1,200, and all textbooks and study materials are included. Monthly payment plans are available for full-year programs. If you only need a few courses, individual courses typically cost $275 to $525. See our cost page.

Can I go to college afterward?

Many American School graduates go on to college after completing the College Preparatory Program. They are usually admitted, like students from any high school, based on SAT or ACT scores and their American School grades. Some public universities, such as those in New York, do not accept a distance education diploma and ask for a high school equivalency exam instead, so check admissions standards with your college before you enroll.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an age limit to enroll?

No. American School has no minimum or maximum age to enroll, so adults of any age can work toward an accredited high school diploma.

Is this a GED?

No. American School does not offer GED courses. Graduates earn American School’s own accredited high school diploma.

Can I use high school credits I already earned?

Yes. American School accepts most credits from other accredited schools, except religion, physical education, band, choir, driver’s education and ROTC. Have an official transcript sent to the Registrar’s Office; the $25 evaluation fee counts toward your tuition if you enroll.