High School Completion Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get an actual high school diploma from the Morris Hills Regional District Adult High School or do I get a GED?
The Morris Hills Regional District Adult High School issues the same diploma as Morris Knolls High School. It is not a GED. A GED (General Education Diploma) is a state equivalency diploma issued upon successfully passing the five-part GED test.
How long will it take me to get a Morris Hills Regional District Adult High School diploma?
How long it takes depends on several things:
- The number of credits the pupil has already earned in previous high school experiences
For example: A person entering the Adult High School having already completed 90 credits would need to complete 50 more (10 classes) in order to achieve the district requirement of 140 credits. With dedication to the task, it would be reasonable to accomplish this in 2 semesters.- Successfully passing the New Jersey HSPT (High School Proficiency Test)
All sections of the HSPT or the current revision HSPA (High School Proficiency Assessment) must be passed with a score of 300 or more in order to qualify for a diploma from any New Jersey high school. This requirement may have been accomplished at a previous high school. If not, it must be done through the Adult High School. All out-of-state and foreign-born students must complete this State test.
- The time one can commit to school each semester
Sometimes other commitments such as jobs or family may take priority over schooling. While this is unfortunate, it is a reality for many adult high school students. Academic Advisors at the Adult High School always suggest that a student lighten his/her couse load rather than drop out completely.
- The year a pupil originally entered high school
No one may complete the Adult High School program prior to his/her original year of graduation unless he/she is entering military service.
At what age may I enroll?
A prospective student must be at least 16 years of age.
What documents do I need to enroll in the Morris Hills Regional District Adult High School?
An unofficial copy of the student's academic transcript from the previous school is helpful for the initial scheduling classes. Sixteen and seventeen year old students should submit a signed "Certificate of Consent to Participate" to the Adult High School office. This form may be obtained from that office prior to enrollment.
How many courses can I take each semester?
Because the Adult High School is a work at your own pace program, this is up to each individual student. A student should consider employment responsibilities and other factors when deciding on the level of course work each semester. A student with a full-time course load usually schedules six courses or 30 credits in a semester. Academic Advisors do not recommend that a pupil attempt to carry a larger class load than this because the academic demands are too great. However, the final decision on class load is up to the student.
If I come to the Morris Hills Regional District Adult High School and take some classes can I transfer credit back to my previous high school?
It is advisable to consult with one's individual school district. Some will accept credits, while others will not. The Morris Hills Regional District does not accept credits awarded in the Adult High School in either Morris Hills High School nor in Morris Knolls High School, should a student be permitted to reenter either one of them.
How is it possible to earn almost a year's worth of credit in one semester when in high school I had to go a year for the same number of credits?
The Morris Hills Regional District Adult High School is a competency based program rather than time based. Although some class time is required for completion of a course, successful completion is based on passing the course competencies, including a final examination in most courses.
What is the attendance policy of the Morris Hills Regional Adult High School?
There are actually two actual components of the Morris Hills Regional Adult High School's attendance policy:
- First, in order to remain enrolled in the Adult High School, a student must meet the requirement of at least one hour of contact time every two weeks.
- Second, in order to earn credit in a course, a student must attend at least 2/3 of the scheduled hours for each course, i.e., 10 classes for a 5 credit course - 5 classes for a 2 ½ credit course in order to receive credit for the course.
Are there courses available in the Morris Hills Regional District Adult High School for people who have their high school diploma, but want to refresh their skills in English and/or math?
Yes. A student coming to the Adult High School who already possesses high school diploma is considered a post-graduate student. The Test of Adult Basic Education would be administered to determine whether a post graduate student would have to pay for the desired courses. The $100.00 per course fee is waived for students scoring below the 9th grade level on this test.
What will getting a high school diploma from the Morris Hills Regional District Adult High School mean for my future?
Further Schooling is a likely direction for graduates. Most Adult High School students investigate the possibilities of further education while they are completing their high school diploma requirements. There are several counselors available to help students in the decision-making process.
Colleges
Many of our Adult High School graduates decide that attending a county college either for a two year Associate of Arts degree or simply for college experience is the best way to begin post-graduate education. The County College of Morris provides students with an opportunity to gain initial college experience. It also affords students the opportunity to enroll in a wide range of degree programs.Although the majority of our graduates do not initially enroll in four year colleges, this is usually due to financial considerations rather than their ability to gain acceptance. Recent graduates have been accepted at such schools as NYU, Albright College and Syracuse University to name a few.
Business and Technical Schools
Continuing education at a business or technical school is also beneficial in a career quest. There are many local choices for career development as licensed beauticians, medical and dental technicians, computer applications technicians, culinary artists, automotive specialists, or holistic health and therapeutic massage specialists, to name a few. Counselors assist interested graduates in the application process.Military
Another option for graduates is enlistment in military service. The Adult High School has actively works with recruiters from all four branches of military service. Service in the armed forces provides training, employment opportunities and even money for college through the G.I. Bill and college funds. For additional information, access the military branches web sites listed below:Personal Fulfillment
The best way to show the level of personal fulfillment gained from earning a Morris Hills Regional District Adult High School diploma is to share some quotes from previous graduates.“Graduating from high school has given me a sense of pride and accomplishment and the ability to believe in myself with self assurance.”
“Many positive effects have come from receiving my high school diploma through the Morris Hills Regional District High School. My self-esteem both academically and emotionally have increased significantly.”
“The positive effects that have occurred in my life due to receiving my diploma are, a feeling of accomplishment and closure and a door to attending college.”
“I have a beautiful diploma which I didn’t see myself getting. I realize I am a capable, talented person. I have a good job and a better life.”
“I have continued on into college and will be obtaining my B.S. soon. I also was able to join the military which was a big change in my life and was a factor in my employment as a police officer.”
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