High School Diploma Options
Getting Your High School Diploma in Northwest Iowa can seem complicated and overwhelming. We are here to help. Everyone’s situation is unique so the best thing to do is to contact us to figure out the best path. Call 712-631-5657 text 712-344-2178 or email adultliteracy@nwicc.edu.
Our Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) department offers free classes in:
- High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) Preparation (formerly known as the GED)
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes
NCC’s FREE HSED Preparation Classes
HSED stands for High School Equivalency Diploma.
Students in Iowa study for and take the HiSET test, developed by PSI, to earn Iowa’s HSED.
The GED is not available in Iowa. The High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) is the only highschool diploma test in the state. NCC’s Adult Education and Literacy program is the onlyprovider of the HiSET in Northwest Iowa.
You must be 16 years and 9 months to take the HiSET. You cannot be currently enrolled in a high school.
It depends. If your in-take assessment shows you are ready for the HiSET, you will only need to complete a minimum number of hours. It is more typical for students to spend several months on each of the five subjects.
The state of Iowa requires all students receive instruction before taking the HiSET. We offer classes year round on campus 9am-noon and online for students who are unable to attend in person. Students can only join a class at the beginning of one of our five nine-week terms.
No. We can help any adult in Northwest Iowa get a high school diploma regardless of immigration status.
All High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) classes are free. The test is $10.75/section, and there are scholarships available.
We offer ESL support for HSED students. Classes are taught in English.
The HiSET exam is available in both English and Spanish.
Official copies of Diplomas and Transcripts may be obtained from Diploma Sender. The new ordering service makes getting a copy of your documents as easy as:
1. Visit Diploma Sender online, diplomasender.com
2. Complete the online order form using a credit, debit, cashier’s check or money order for the $15 payment
3. Check the appropriate delivery method for receipt of your document, email, FedEx, or regular mail
The Iowa Department of Education no longer processes duplicate diploma or transcript requests. ALL Iowa HSED requests are processed through Diploma Sender. NO state agency or community college program can assist in HSED requests.
Diploma Sender is a safe website that can be accessed from public computers with internet connections, often available at local public libraries. If you cannot access the internet to order online or have additional issues related to your order, contact Diploma Sender toll free at 1–855–313–5799. Additional charges may apply
Attend an Orientation.
HSED ORIENTATIONS
High School Equivalency Diploma orientations are held five times a year on NCC’s campus at 9am and 5pm. The next orientation date is:
Thursday, November 16 at 9 am AND 5 pm @ NCC in Building B 204
To sign up for an orientation, call Amy at 712-631-5657, text 712-344-2178, or email the adult literacy office at adultliteracy@nwicc.edu
NCC’s FREE ESL CLASSES
Are you or someone you know interested in improving your English speaking, writing or reading skills? Or would you like to earn your High School Equivalent Diploma formerly known as a “GED”? NCC offers free classes for English language learners and preparation for the High School Equivalency Diploma Students.
NCC’s CLASE PARA ESTUDIANTES APRENDICES DEL IDIOMA INGLES COMO “ESL”
¿Usted o alguien a quien usted conoce está interesado en mejorar sus habilidades de hablar, escribir o leer en Inglés? O ¿Le gustaría obtener su Diploma Equivalente a la Preparatoria conocido anteriormente como “GED”? NCC ofrece clases gratis para estudiantes aprendices del idioma Inglés y preparación del Diploma Equivalente.
ESL Orientations
English as a Second Language orientations are held on NCC’s campus and in surrounding communities.
| DATE | TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| October 30, 2023 | 6:00PM | Sheldon — NCC Classroom B204, Bldg B. |
| November 2, 2023 | 5:30PM | Sioux Center Public Library — Computer Lab |
| November 3, 2023 | 9:30AM | Sioux Center Public Library — Computer Lab |
| November 7, 2023 | 6:00PM | Hartley — HMS High School |
Las orientaciones de inglés como segundo idioma se llevan a cabo en el campus de NCC y en las comunidades circundantes.
Glenda Barrios, Bilingual Pathways Navigator & Academic Specialist
- Phone: 712-324-5061 ext.124 | Cell:712-344-9075
- Email: gbarrios@nwicc.edu
Northwest Iowa Community College cooperates with high school partners to provide alternative education to area students.
About the Program
Alternative Education provides students who leave or might leave traditional high school because of academic or personal problems with the opportunity to earn a high school diploma.
Students are typically between 16 and 19 years old, come from all types of family backgrounds, and have a wide range of abilities.
The alternative high school curriculum offers courses in language arts, social studies, math and science. Students may also take courses in parenting, personal finance, and other life skills.
Assignments are completed on an individual basis with students setting their own pace and seeking help from instructors as needed.
Locations
The Northwest Iowa Alternative High School has sites in two locations: Sheldon and Marcus. Which site a student attends is chosen by the Alternative High School, the enrolling school, and the student.
Get Started
If you think this is the best path for you, please:
- Contact your high school guidance counselor
- Email the NCC Alternative High School
