Competency Based High School (Adults 18 and over)
Are you 18 years or older and interested in earning your high school diploma? Be sure to attend one of our registration dates. See upcoming events for dates and times.
As part of the registration process, students will be asked to take a short reading assessment. Please come prepared to take the assessment.
Registration fees are due at the time of registration. Please be on time and bring a copy of your high school transcript.
For further information call 303-982-7462.
The Competency-Based (CB) program is has been serving Jeffco adult students for more than three decades. McLain’s adult program is one of only a handful of high schools in the state designed for people 18 years or older who want to earn their high school diploma. The CB program provides an opportunity for adult students to complete a high school education regardless of age, ability, or background.
CB students may register for structured classes as well as independent study sessions (referred to as Learning Labs or just Labs) for study in academic areas. CB labs and classes offer a wide range of curricula, designed with the adult learner in mind and meeting the graduation requirements of Jefferson County Public Schools.
There are many reasons adult students succeed in the CB program. In addition to great teachers, an encouraging environment, and our belief that continuous learning is key to success in life, the following program factors are vital to earning your diploma quickly:
Our program requires your attendance. Experience shows that in adult education, as in any lea
rning program, students move forward only when they make a commitment to attend every day and participate in learning acitivities. These students succeed because they believe a high-school education is an important key to creating the life they want, and they are willing to do what it takes to earn the credit that leads to a diploma. Students who are not present and engaged every day are much more likely to drift away from this opportunity and to continue a path of non-achievement.
rning program, students move forward only when they make a commitment to attend every day and participate in learning acitivities. These students succeed because they believe a high-school education is an important key to creating the life they want, and they are willing to do what it takes to earn the credit that leads to a diploma. Students who are not present and engaged every day are much more likely to drift away from this opportunity and to continue a path of non-achievement.Our program is Competency Based, meaning that we assess each student’s mastery of language arts and math skills when they enter the program. This allows CB staff to provide an education that best meets each student’s needs. Upon completing the appropriate 22 required credits, CB students earn a high school diploma from Jefferson County Public Schools. A McLain diploma is equivalent to any other Jeffco high school diploma.
Our program offers credit for working. The majority of CB students have jobs; many work full-time or have more than one job. Through our Experiential Learning class, students can earn up to .5 credit each semester (two times each year) by 1) providing documentation of the hours they worked, 2) asking a supervisor to complete a brief evaluation, and 3) writing about their experience.
Admissions Information
Students may enroll in the CB program at the beginning of each quarter for either the day or night program, or for nighttime labs only, on the 2nd or 4th Wednesday of each month.
For enrollment in McLain CB, students must
- Be 18 years of age or older within two weeks of the registration date
- Attend one of the orientation sessions scheduled before the start of each academic quarter
- Attend two testing sessions the week following orientation for an assessment of your skills in reading, writing, and math
For information about upcoming orientation sessions, please call 303-982-7462 or email mclainadulths [at] jeffco [dot] k12 [dot] co [dot] us.
Orientation
The orientation session includes
- A presentation of the education program at McLain High School, including program schedules and attendance policies
- Choosing times of attendance
- A brief reading exercise
- Payment of tuition and fees, or an opportunity to arrange a payment plan
Tuition and fees total cost
Age 18 – 20: $75 fee to start, $10 fee each quarter following
Age 21 or more who are Jeffco residents: $150 tuition and fee to start, $85 each quarter following
Age 21 or more outside Jeffco: $200 tuition and fee to start, $135 each quarter following
Age 21 or more who are Jeffco residents: $150 tuition and fee to start, $85 each quarter following
Age 21 or more outside Jeffco: $200 tuition and fee to start, $135 each quarter following
A parking pass is required for daytime attendance. This cost is $31.25 quarterly.
Financial Aid
Students over 21 years of age who need assistance to pay CB tuition may apply for “Alternate Funding Eligibility.” This grant requires documented financial need and a record of good attendance. Applications are available at orientation and in the counseling office.
Special Education
Students under 21 who have active Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) may receive special education services. If you have an active IEP from a non-Jeffco school, please bring it to the orientation session.
Volunteer Tutoring Program
Some students find they need additional help with their lab and class work. Volunteer tutors offer their time to assist these students. Students wanting to work with a tutor for at least 2 hours weekly should check with a teacher in the class for which they need help. Requests will then be referred to the volunteer coordinator.
Students requesting a tutor will be expected to maintain a prompt and consistent schedule. The volunteer coordinator will arrange meeting times, depending on the schedule of the volunteer and the student.
Volunteer tutors and students should contact the program coordinator, Ann Mezo, at 303-982-7462.
We support the mission of the <a href="http://www.coloradocouncil.org/" title="The Colorado Council on High School and College Relations" target="_blank">Colorado Council on High School and College Relations</a>.
