Summary: Life’s unexpected twists and turns may require us to reassess our priorities. Coming back to school as an adult learner, after things settle down, is always a worthwhile experience. Most adult learners think that a GED is the only way for them, but a high school diploma can mean so much more. Online high schools like Primavera Online School can give you the full education experience that you deserve.
II. Do I Even Need a High School Diploma? The Difference Between a Diploma and a GED
III. How Can Online School Help Me as an Adult Learner?
A. Flexibility, Study Whenever and Wherever
B. Award-Winning, Rigorous Curriculum
E. Cut the Costs with Primavera
IV. What Else Can I Do as an Adult Who Wants to Get My High School Diploma?
B. Make Sure Your Online School is Accredited
Introduction
There are many reasons why someone might choose to leave school. Maybe your family relocated or maybe you wanted to put a pause on school first while you made some money to support yourself and/or your family. There are also many reasons for you to resume your formal education journey. Maybe you want to finish what you started, inspire the people around you that education is important, or maybe you just want to prove to yourself that you can do this. No matter the reason for stopping or for starting again, Primavera is here to support you because you can do this!
As an adult learner, traditional schools might not be able to meet you where you’re at, but we can. At Primavera Online School we have students that come from all walks of life, and we love cultivating a place where diversity can thrive. We value having different perspectives in our “classrooms” and as an adult learner you can bring a sense of maturity through lived work and/or family experiences. We respect the courage that it took for you to want to return to formal schooling, and we strive to give you the quality education that you deserve.
Primavera accepts adult learners from ages 18-21 years old. We celebrate your determination and resilience when it comes to your education.
Do I Even Need a High School Diploma? The Difference Between a Diploma and a GED
One of the first thoughts that many adults have when they want to study again is to consider getting a GED instead of a high school diploma. The term “GED” has often been used interchangeably with “diploma”, but is it really?
Most adults think that a GED is their only option, but with online schools like Primavera this doesn’t have to be the case. Online schools give you the chance to get your high school diploma at your own pace. A GED might seem like the faster route but through an online school, depending on your pacing, you may finish in less than 4 years.
GED
A GED or General Educational Development is a form of equivalency diploma. This means that it is not a diploma itself but an alternative to one. You can receive a GED by taking a test that shows whether or not you have a high school level of knowledge. The test is broken into 4 main topics:
- mathematical reasoning
- language arts
- social studies
- science
You can take all 4 tests at once or spread them out. You must master the concepts that are taught throughout the 4 years of high school either through your own preparation or by participating in group classes.
Pros
- quick way to earn a high school equivalent credential
- appealing for people looking for a faster one and done solution
- a single (four part) test
Cons
- not everyone tests well, some people may suffer from test anxiety
- focuses on theories and concepts rather than developing life skills
- shorter time frame cannot deliver the full high school experience
Diploma
A high school diploma is earned by receiving credits through taking classes. Your success is measured through your performance in an entire class rather than just one test. You will learn the full high school curriculum apart from the 4 core topics in the GED, including electives.
A diploma can help you advance your career or pursue higher education. While some jobs do not require a diploma, you might need one in order to get promoted and earn more money. Employers want people with diplomas to take on management positions. A diploma is a symbol of all the hard work, time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving that you can do. A high school diploma is also an important prerequisite for college, trade school, and the military.
Pros
- you are eligible for more jobs and colleges — while most jobs and colleges accept GEDs as proof of a high school education, there are some that do not; make sure that you check the requirements of your desired college/job carefully
- you may have increased earning potential
- straightforward college admission and consideration for scholarships – schools may require additional testing/documentation for GED holders
- receive a wholistic educational experience with structure: learn more about your interests through electives and build skills for a job that you are passionate about
Cons
- more time consuming compared to a GED – may take 4 years compared to the possible months of preparation for a GED test
Of course, choosing between a GED or a high school diploma would depend entirely on your own preferences and specific situations.
You might feel like it’s too late to go back to high school, but it isn’t! Online high school can give you a diploma that functions just like a traditional brick and mortar high school diploma. Going back to school at any age is always worth it!
How Can Online School Help Me as an Adult Learner?
Traditional schools try their best to accommodate all kinds of learners, but they just cannot. While traditional school is not the right fit for some people, it especially isn’t so for people looking to return to their education. Online education helps all kinds of students get the most out of their education while having the time for their other commitments or the freedom to explore what else life has to offer.
1. Flexibility, Study Whenever and Wherever
- Just because you have a busy schedule, does not mean that you cannot or should not continue your education. Our flexible structure allows you to integrate your studies around your existing schedule. Your pace is the only one that matters. Study when and where you can. Maybe you are busy with a job, your family, or other commitments – Primavera has many kinds of enrollment programs. Find the one that suits you the best. We have over 10,000 part-time students enroll with us every year. Read more about how online school helps some of our students study and work at the same time.
2. Award-Winning, Rigorous Curriculum
- Primavera’s accredited curriculum is informative and impactful. Learn the same material that traditional, and even GED prep, students are learning and more! Our engaging material keeps students interested and curious to know more.
3.Personalized Support
- Our teachers and staff are incredibly qualified and compassionate. Instead of trying to get the attention of almost over 30 students in a classroom, our teachers are able to take the time to give each student the attention that they deserve. Our teachers and staff are happy to assist you with anything that you need. Whether it be a scheduling concern to work around your daily life or questions that you have about the lessons.
4. Credit Recovery
- We have multiple programs that help you catch up or even advance in your educational timeline through credit recovery. These programs can help you stay on track without having to add another school year to your journey.
5. Cut the Costs with Primavera
- While GED preparation and the test itself may cost you some money, Primavera is a tuition-free charter public school. Invest time into your diploma without having to break the bank!
Online high school requires the same hard work and concentration as a traditional brick and mortar, but it lets you learn on your own terms. Primavera is a 100% online, tuition free, fully accredited school that works to give you an education that fits your schedule, not the other way around.
What Else Can I Do as an Adult Who Wants to Get My High School Diploma?
Here are a few more tips you might want to take into consideration as you resume your education journey.
1. Take Stock of Finances
- While Primavera offers free tuition and free credit recovery programs, you might want to consider what you’ll be doing after getting your high school diploma as well. If you’re looking to go into higher education after, Primavera can help you work on your FAFSA application. Read more about that here. At Primavera, there is also the StrongMind Merit Award and Performance Award that can help you fund college, trade school, or entering the military.
2. Make Sure Your Online School is Accredited
- What makes an online high school diploma as legitimate as a traditional school diploma is if the online school is accredited. Rest assured that Primavera is accredited by Cognia and NCAA, making it an ideal choice for student athletes as well.
3. Time Management Discipline
- Set a realistic goal and timeline for yourself. This will help you create concrete steps towards your goals and make reaching it more manageable. Don’t forget to celebrate every win! All wins, no matter how small, take you closer to your ultimate goal!
4. Remember Your Why
- Why did you want to study again in the first place? Was it to get that promotion? To inspire those around you about the importance of education? Or did you want to show yourself what you can do? Whatever the reason is, try to write it down and place it somewhere you can easily see it. Remembering your why will help you push forward through your schooling especially when times get tough.
5. Make Use of Your Support Systems
- Be aware of the available resources around you. Reach out to friends, family, and even the teachers and staff if you have any concerns. Let them encourage and support you. No matter what age you are, a good support system is an invaluable thing.
Ending Notes
Getting your high school diploma is a big accomplishment at any age. It is incredibly worth it as it opens the doors to new job opportunities and the potential to earn more money for you and your family. It also increases your chances to further your education through college or trade school. But putting all these aside, it is also an exciting and rewarding experience.
Working towards your high school diploma does not have to mean uprooting your current schedule, let Primavera’s flexibility work for you. Working towards graduation takes hard work but know that you will never be alone. Our staff and teachers are dedicated to giving you the best experience possible. They will help you understand every concept and build skills that will serve you for a lifetime.
Getting your diploma will also give you an incredible confidence boost. A sense of accomplishment and pride in your capabilities.
Ready to recommence your learning journey? We have rolling enrollment open throughout the whole year. Enroll in Primavera Online School now!
FAQs
1. Can I work and finish high school at the same time?
- Absolutely! Primavera Online School enrolls almost 10,000 part-time students every year. Most of them are juggling a job, family responsibilities, and/or athletic/artistic training.
- You might find it difficult to juggle work with a traditional brick and mortar school. Online schools like Primavera Online School are just as rigorous as a traditional school but grant you the flexibility to make your study schedule work around you and not the other way around. At Primavera you’ll also get an award-winning curriculum that doesn’t put you to sleep, but keeps you engaged and has a lasting impact.
- Read more in this blog about a working student’s guide to finishing high school online.
2. What is the age limit for applying to Primavera Online School?
- Primavera Online School accepts adult learners aged 18-21 years old. Although, if you are just about to turn 22, then try reaching out to us anyway and let us take your case into consideration.
3. What’s the difference between a high school diploma and a GED?
- A GED is an equivalency diploma. It is granted after you pass a test that focuses on 4 main topics: mathematical reasoning, language arts, social studies, and science. It determines whether or not you are able to master concepts taught throughout the 4 years of high school. A high school diploma, on the other hand, is granted after you collect enough credits from classes. Your grade is not determined after a one and done test but your performance during an entire class.
- Some people prefer GEDs for how quick you can get one, of course it isn’t an instant process since you need to prepare for the test. Most adult learners think that a GED is their only option, but online schools now make it more possible to get a high school diploma at your own pace. High school diplomas from accredited online schools carry the same weight as a diploma from a brick and mortar school. Schools like Primavera Online School can give you the flexibility to learn what you can when you can (and even where you can) while not just learning facts but improving yourself holistically.
