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Adult High School Program - Adult Education and Literacy Services

What is the Adult High School Program?

The Adult High School Program is for adults 21 years of age and older who did not graduate from high school. Successful completion is based on the Maryland High School Graduation Requirements. Previous high school credit earned may be applied towards the diploma earned through the Adult High School.

Who is eligible to attend?

To attend Adult High School, a learner:
  • Must be 21 years of age or older;
  • Must reside in the State of Maryland;
  • Cannot already have a Maryland High School Diploma; and
  • Cannot have completed the requirements for high school graduation through the GED® Test or the National External Diploma Program®

Where are the adult high schools located?

  1. South Baltimore Adult High School is operated by Elev8 Baltimore, Inc. and is located in the Cherry Hill neighborhood of Baltimore City. It’s address and contact information are: South Baltimore Adult High School Entrance on Caver Road 844 Roundview Road Baltimore, MD 21225

    Phone: 443.682.9403

    Email: sbalths@elev8baltimore.org
  2. The Excel Center is operated by Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake and is located Downtown in Baltimore City. The Excel Center 222 East Redwood Street Baltimore, MD 21202

    Phone: 443-870-5050

    Email: info@excelcentermd.org

Who do I contact to get more information or enroll in one of the adult high schools?

For more information about South Baltimore Adult High School, contact Shareé Turner, Manager of Adult and High School Education: sbalths@elev8baltimore.org.

For more information about The Excel Center, contact Sherry DeFrancisci, Director: info@excelcentermd.org.

What are the benefits of the Adult High School Program?

The Adult High School Program establishes an alternative method for adults, who did not graduate from high school, to earn a high school diploma and potentially earn post-secondary credit or an industry-recognized certification in an environment that meets the needs of the adult learner.

The Adult High School Program will address the needs of adult learners and improve their quality of life by providing:

  • Academic services that lead to a high school diploma
  • Postsecondary education and training opportunities
  • Industry recognized credentialing opportunities, and
  • Wraparound services that address challenges.

This will provide learners with the necessary tools and skills to meet their current and future academic and career aspirations.

What classes do I have to take?

In order to earn a diploma through this program, learners must successfully complete coursework that is aligned to the Maryland graduation requirements which includes the minimum credits in English, fine arts, mathematics, physical and health education science, social studies, technology education and world language or advanced technology.

In addition, learners may need to meet the service learning requirement and graduation assessments. Previous high school credit may be accepted towards the diploma. Also, learners enrolled in this program may have the opportunity to participate in coursework leading to an industry recognized credential or post-secondary education while working towards the high school diploma.

If I successfully complete the program, will I earn a diploma?

Yes! Learners who successfully complete this program will be awarded a Maryland High School Diploma.

Adult High School Program Contacts
Laura Ostrowski, Maryland Department of Labor
Kellise Williamson, Maryland State Department of Education

Notes:
A Task Force to Study the Adult High School Concept was created by House Bill 1406 by the 2016 Maryland General Assembly. The Task Force concluded its charge in 2017 with a final report to the Governor and General Assembly. The South Baltimore Adult High School, the first adult high school in Maryland under House Bill 1406, was authorized in 2018.

The pilot program, established by House Bill 1381 (pdf), became effective July 1, 2017.

Authority: The Adult High School Program is under the joint authority of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland Department of Labor.