CONNECT with the CityAdult High School Diploma Program
Earn a High School Diploma Through the Library!
San Diego Public Library is proud to offer adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma.
These two diploma programs are for San Diego Public Library cardholders that:
Are 19 years and older.
Reside in or work for the City of San Diego.
Can spend eight-plus hours a week working online.
Quick links:
Career Online High School
For over 10 years, San Diego Public Library has used Career Online High School to offer adults the chance to complete their high school diploma and receive a career certificate in one of 10 fields. Academic coaches support learners by offering tips, resources and an open ear. Participants can earn a diploma in 18 months or less.
Excel Adult High School
Excel Adult High School is an online program that allows adults to earn a high school diploma with courses in core subjects and dozens of electives. Participants can earn their diplomas in 24 months or less.
Enrollment Process Overview
To be considered for a scholarship that covers the cost of tuition for either program, applicants must first complete an online survey and prerequisite course, followed by an information session with San Diego Public Library staff. Enrollment is open year-round. Here are the steps:
Graduation Ceremonies
San Diego Public Library celebrates the achievements of its graduates by hosting a commencement ceremony at Central Library in the East Village neighborhood of downtown. Families, friends and community members are invited to attend. The accomplishments of the grads are an inspiration to all.
Learn more about the Adult HS Diploma Program and Past Graduates:
2016 Adult High School Graduation | City TV (09/01/2016)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a GED and a Diploma?
The GED or HiSet is a high school equivalency credential. It shows you passed a series of high school equivalency tests, demonstrating you have the same knowledge as a traditional high school graduate.
An accredited diploma signifies that you have completed recognized coursework to earn a designation as a high school graduate.
The time requirement is a key difference between a GED and a high school diploma. Traditional high school students need to complete the coursework for core subjects and elective classes to graduate, while the GED is a 7-hour test. For most people, preparing for it takes less than a year. In most states, you can take the GED tests any time after age 16.
Will I need to purchase textbooks?
No. All readings, quizzes and tests are done entirely online.
Success Coaches and Academic Coaches can be contacted for help with course questions and study tips in both programs.
Are the courses available in languages other than English?
A basic mastery of English is required to apply and begin the program. Webpage translation tools could be used for the Career Online High School courses, and Excel Adult High School has English language learner tools built into each course that provide side-by-side translation to many major languages.
What if I don’t have internet access or a computer?
Adults enrolled in the Online High School Diploma Program may borrow a basic laptop once they have been enrolled and awarded a scholarship. For internet, all San Diego Public Library buildings offer free Wi-Fi to the public.
In addition, through the SD Access 4 All initiative, cardholders may check out Wi-Fi hotspots and lending laptops at select San Diego Public Library locations. Learn more about SD Access 4 All.
Give motivated students a second chance at success by sponsoring a scholarship through Library Foundation SD. Learn about sponsoring a scholarship.
Contact Us
Questions? Please email diploma@sandiego.gov or call 619-238-6693 and our enrollment team will contact you.
Adult High School Diploma program tuition scholarships are made possible through the support of Library Foundation SD and its generous donors. In addition, Career Online High School is a project of the California State Library, supported with funds from the State of California.