Diploma Requirements: Adult and Mature Students
ADULT STUDENTS
An Adult Student is defined as a student 20 years of age, or older, as of September 1 of the current school year. Adult students are eligible to obtain the Alberta High School Diploma, High School Equivalency Diploma, Certificate of High School Achievement or the Certificate of School Completion. Please visit the Government of Alberta website for additional information on requirements.
For registration, course and fee information visit our Adult Upgrading page.
MATURE STUDENTS
According to the Government of Alberta, a mature student is defined as an individual 19 years of age or older as of September 1 of the current school year or the holder of a previously awarded high school diploma from the province of Alberta, or an equivalent high school diploma from a jurisdiction acceptable to the minister. Mature students are eligible to obtain the Alberta High School Diploma, High School Equivalency Diploma, Certificate of High School Achievement or the Certificate of School Completion. Please visit the Government of Alberta website for additional information on requirements.
ALBERTA HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA (100 CREDITS)
CORE REQUIREMENTS
Required Courses: | Credits: |
---|---|
English Language Arts 30-level (30-1 or 30-2) | 5 credits |
Social Studies 30-level (30-1 or 30-2) | 5 credits |
Math 20-level (20-1, 20-2 or 20-3) | 5 credits |
Science 20-level (Science 20, Science 24, Biology 20, Chemistry 20 or Physics 20) | 5 credits |
Physical Education 10 | 3 credits |
Career and Life Management | 3 credits |
Mature students must complete the specified requirements, except for Physical Education 10 and CALM.
Prerequisite courses are recommended, but not required for Adult students.
10 CREDITS IN ANY COMBINATION FORM
Required Courses: |
---|
Career and Technology Studies (CTS) Courses |
Fine Arts Courses |
Second Languages Courses |
Physical Education 20 and/or 30 |
Registered Apprenticeship Program Courses |
Locally developed courses in CTS, fine arts, or second languages courses |
10 CREDITS IN ANY 30-LEVEL COURSES (IN ADDITION TO A 30-LEVEL ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS AND A 30-LEVEL SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES)
Required Courses: |
---|
30-Level Locally Developed Courses |
Advanced Level (3000 Series) in Career and Technology Studies Courses |
30-Level Work Experience Courses |
30-Level Registered Apprenticeship Program Courses |
30-Level Green Certificate Specialization Courses |
Special Projects 30 |
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Diploma Requirement Checklist: Please review the checklist available in MyPass to ensure you have all of the courses you need.
- Cross-Reference Chart: Click here for a list of all current courses offered that meet one or more of the requirements above.
HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA
There are two options to obtain your High School Equivalency Diploma:
Option 1
A. IF YOU MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
- 18 or older as of September 1 of the current school year
- Deficient in credits needed for an Alberta High School Diploma and wishes to obtain a High School Equivalency Diploma
- Out of school for 10 consecutive months
B. APPLY TO OUR PRINCIPAL, STEVEN KAPLAN:
Mr.Kaplan will confirm that you have achieved 60 credits through classroom instruction in a school or other instruction accredited by or acceptable to the minister. Once confirmed, our principal will apply additional credits.
C. CHOOSE FROM THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS BELOW TO OBTAIN YOUR REMAINING CREDITS:
- A maximum of 15 credits for approved adult education courses offered by recognized agencies (e.g. public colleges, institutes of technology, extension divisions of universities, adult evening classes), which have not been previously completed for high school credit as dual credit courses.
- A maximum of 15 credits for age, according to the following scale:
- Age 21-24 (inclusive): 5 credits
- Age 25-29 (inclusive): 10 credits
- Age 30 and over: 15 credits
- A maximum of 5 credits for extensive travel
Example: An essay stating how travel influenced appreciation of other cultures, lifestyles and development of personal values. - A maximum of 5 credits for extensive reading
Example: An essay stating how extensive reading has contributed to personal growth, career progression and how it may contribute to the future
To be awarded the credential, the additional credits added to the minimum 60 totals to at least 100.
Contact the Student Records or the Special Cases and Accommodations Team for additional information.
Option 2
Earn the newly introduced Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC). If you have any questions about the CAEC, please contact Lori Goetjen-Lienau at lori.goetjen-lienau@pembinahills.ca.
CERTIFICATE OF HIGH SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT AND CERTIFICATE OF SCHOOL COMPLETION
The Certificate of High School Achievement and Certificate of School Completion cannot be obtained at Vista Virtual School. Please consult your local schools to see if these options are right for you.
WAIVING PREREQUISITES AND RETROACTIVE CREDITS
In certain circumstances, retroactive credits may be awarded and prerequisites may be waived. Please contact one of our Academic Counsellors for more information.
Note: Mature students cannot be awarded retroactive credits.
QUESTIONS? TALK TO LORI OR CHRISTINA!
Lori Goetjen-Lienau for Grades 10-12 with a high school diploma & Adults
Email: lori.goetjen-lienau@pembinahills.ca
Phone: 1-855-974-5333 x7211
Schedule an appointment: Goetjen-Lienau Appointment Booking
Christina MacMillan for School-Aged and Adult Students
Email: christina.macmillan@pembinahills.ca
Phone: 1-855-974-5333 x7207
Schedule an appointment: MacMillan Appointment Booking