COHS is an online high school diploma and career certification program available through your California public library. This program offers free enrollment to a limited number of qualified adult students.
COHS is an online high school diploma and career certification program available through your California public library. This program offers free enrollment to a limited number of qualified adult students.
Adults who are at least 19 years old and wish to earn their high school diplomas can apply to the library high school program. Minors should pursue their high school education through existing high school programs.
Program applicants must live within the jurisdiction of a library participating in the program and have a library card in good standing from that library, or be willing to obtain one.
Need help with locating the name of your local library? Email cohs@library.ca.gov.
No. This is not a GED® (General Educational Development) program. Graduates earn a high school diploma and a career certificate through an accredited high school.
While both the GED and the high school diploma are important, there are several differences between them: among the most significant is the fact that some colleges, institutions, and organizations require a high school diploma and may not accept the GED. In addition to a high school diploma, with COHS, you can also earn a career certificate and complete additional job preparation documents and training.
The high school program includes a career certificate in the following areas:
*Prepares students to pursue the industry credential
To prepare you with the tools you need to find a job, you will learn how to create important documents, such as your resume and a cover letter.
Yes. The courses are 100% online.
You can use a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or iPad for all coursework. You can access your courses using smartphones, but we recommend the previous devices for the best learning experience.
Yes. Currently, all coursework is available in English only.
No.
You have up to 18 months to complete the program, which consists of 18 credits. You may transfer up to 14 credits from former accredited high schools. Depending on how many credits you transfer, the program can be completed in as few as five months.
COHS was founded in early 2010 and accredited as the world’s first online private school district in February 2011.
Yes. COHS is accredited by Cognia, the national commission that confers the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), and the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) accreditation seals.
Because the high school diploma is Cognia/SACS/NCA/NWAC accredited, it should be accepted by many colleges and universities. However, admissions requirements are always up to an individual college. Also, if you are interested in pursuing post-secondary education within your state you should check with your state to understand the requirements. States may impose requirements for receiving state financial aid. For example, an online high school diploma may not be recognized by some colleges and universities within your state to receive financial aid. We recommend you check with the institution for any specific restrictions—this is particularly important for residents of New York and New Jersey.
We are committed to the success of our graduates as they advance into the workplace or pursue postsecondary education and training. COHS California alumni who have questions about their transcripts or meeting college admissions requirements can call 1-866-999-7853 or email enrollment@shcoe.org for support.
Yes, all COHS instructors and academic coaches are state certified. Staff have regular office hours from 9:00am–5:00pm CT as well as evening hours at least one day a week.
Your library high school is committed to helping you meet your education and job preparation needs. Talk to the staff at your local library and find out about the services and resources offered.
Complete the short online “Are You Ready?” survey. After you have successfully finished the survey, you will be contacted by your California library within 5 business days to discuss the prerequisite course. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be contacted by the library to schedule an interview and discuss your application into the program.