Since you want a regular diploma and not a GED, you will have to attend adult high school.
Adult high school is not free, but if you explain your situation to one of the counselors listed at
http://www.fcps.edu/adulths/ahs/ahsenroll.html, you may be able to work something out.
Before posting again, read this:
Fairfax County Adult High School Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.fcps.edu/adulths/ahs/ahsfaq.html
Who is eligible to attend the adult high school?
Residents of Fairfax County who are 18 years of age and older (no age limit) and who do not have a high school diploma.
How much does it cost?
Fees vary, but will be no more than $25 per course. (Correspondence courses have higher fees.)
When are classes held?
For both day and evening, classes are held Monday through Thursday. Day classes meet from 8:45 - 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 - 3:15 p.m. Evening classes meet from 4-6:30 p.m. and 7-9:30 p.m. It is much like a college schedule. There are no classes on Fridays. Students may enroll in one to four classes at any given time.
How are adult high school classes the same as regular high school classes? How are they different?
They both follow Virginia and Fairfax County curricular requirements and result in a credit toward graduation upon successful completion of a class. Successful completion may also require passing end-of-course SOL tests. Classes at the adult high school are different in that successful completion of a class is based on demonstration of course mastery, not on the amount of time a learner attends a class. Classes are specifically designed to meet the various needs of adults.
Are there other ways in addition to attending traditional classes to get some of the credits I need for graduation?
Yes. Learners can get dual enrollment credit by attending NOVA. The FCAHS has established a partnership with NOVA which gives students the opportunity to take the one-credit Skill Development Class (SDV) here on campus and transfer the credit to NOVA. Correspondence courses, which are done independently, are also available.
Are the requirements for the adult high school diploma different from those for a regular high school diploma?
Requirements are the same, except that adult students do not have to complete physical education classes.
How many credits do I need for graduation?
It depends upon the year you entered the ninth grade. The number of required credits could be anywhere from 16 to 20 credits for a standard diploma.
How long does each class take? Does it take nine months to finish a class like in regular high school?
There is no set time limit to finish a class because a learner finishes when he/she has met the standards for the class. It usually takes about seven months to complete a class, but it may take more or less time, depending on learner attendance and rate of progress.
I have finished a class, when I can start a new class?
You can start a new class the first week of each month. You do not have to wait until the next enrollment period.
How long will it take to graduate?
It all depends on how many credits you need. When the counselor reviews your transcript, she will work out a graduation plan with you. The fewer credits you need, the sooner you will graduate.
If I have a high school diploma from my country, can I enroll in the adult high school and get a US diploma?
No, the adult high school is only for students who do not already have a high school diploma. If you already have a diploma from your country, you do not need another diploma. You need to move on to NOVA or other post-secondary option.
What if I am just beginning to learn English and do not have a high school diploma from my country? Where do I start?
You would start at one of the Transitional ESOL High Schools to earn beginning English, math, science, and social studies credits. Then, when your English progresses to a higher level, you would move on to the adult high school and continue working toward your high school diploma.