Richmond County Literacy Network
It's Never Too Late To Learn!

Other Options
 

High School Re-Entry

 Once a youth has dropped out of school they are able to re-enter up to the age of 21.  The student’s re-entry may be dependent on the semester system.

 What to do if you want to re-enter?

 Make an appointment with the Principal

The principal looks at your records and you are able to re-enter the grade level you were in when you dropped out.

You may begin in September or February (depending on the semester system).

What if you are over 21?

 Make an appointment with the Principal

· If there is space available a letter of request can be made to the Director of Educational Services.  Together you can decide if re-entering directly is appropriate and/or explore other options.

Contact:

Richmond Academy @ (902) 226 - 4949

Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Academic Upgrading

If you want to enter NSCC for Academic Upgrading you must fill out an application and complete Testing for Adult Basic Education (TABE).  TABE will test your skills in a number of subjects that may include vocabulary, spelling, mathematics and science.

The test will be graded and you will be notified of the level in which you can begin academic upgrading.

Academic Upgrading at NSCC will teach the following levels:

· Level III - grades 9 -10

· Level IV - grades 11 - 12

In order to register for academic upgrading, you must be at least 21 years of age and have been out of school for a year.

For entry to all other programs at the NSCC, you must have a high school completion or an equivalent.

Contact:

Nova Scotia Community College - Strait Campus, Student Services @ (902) 625 - 4017.

General Educational Development (GED)

The GED testing is an international high school equivalency test for adults who have not completed high school.  It tests individuals in Language Arts Writing, Language Arts Reading, Social Studies, Science and Mathematics.

In order to write your GED you must meet the following requirements:

· You must be at least 19 years of age on the date of the test;

· You must not have received a Grade 12 certificate from any institution;

· You must have been out of the public school system for a year.

If you would like to write your GED, you can contact your local Department of Education Office, Skills and Learning Branch.  There is a $37.30 fee to take the tests.

Contact: Linda MacDonald

GED Testing Service, Skills and Learning Branch, Department of Education
c/o Strait Area Campus, NSCC
226 Reeves Street, Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A2
(902) 625 - 3761

Nova Scotia High School Diploma For Adults

What is the Nova Scotia High School Diploma for Adults?

The Nova Scotia High School Diploma for Adults is a new diploma issued by the Department of Education.  It recognizes the recipient as having completed a high school or secondary education.

Am I eligible to apply for the diploma?

You may be eligible to apply for this diploma if you:

are 19 years of age or older;

have been out of public school for one full year or more; and 

do not already have a Department of Education recognized high school graduation diploma.

How can the diploma help me?

The Nova Scotia High School Diploma for Adults will help you to:

improve your employability,
gain entrance into post-secondary programs in colleges and universities,
new skills and improve existing abilities.

            Where is the diploma offered?

The diploma may be offered through:

· Regional School Boards

· Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)

· Collège de l’Acadie

How many credits do I need to earn my diploma?

To earn your diploma, you will need to successfully complete 12 credits from any one or a combination of the following choices:

· Grades 11 & 12 Public School Program credits offered by Regional School Boards,

Adult Learning Program Level IV credits offered by the NSCC,

· Correspondence Study Program credits offered through the Department of Education.

What credits do I need to earn my diploma?

You will need 6 compulsory and 6 elective credits.  The compulsory credits are:

· English/French Language Arts or Communications (2 credits) 

· Mathematics (1 credit) 

· Science (1 credit)Technology,  

· Mathematics, and Science (1 credit) 

· Global Studies (1 credit) 

You may be granted equivalency credit from prior educational courses in vocational, training and post-secondary programs. 

You may also receive credits based on abilities and skills you have acquired through work and life experiences. 

How do I decide which credits best meet my needs?

 The credits you select to earn your diploma will depend on your educational and career goals. 

Your regional school board or NSCC will discuss your credit requirements and assist in your credit choices at the beginning of the program.

Is there a cost to earn my diploma? 

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you will pay no tuition to earn your diploma.  However, there may be registration fees and book costs. 

Who can I contact for more information? 

· Department of Education Skills and Learning Branch 625- 4031 

· Strait Regional School Board 625 - 7053 

· Nova Scotia Community College Strait Area Campus 625 - 4017