High School Completion Opportunities

Location

2670 Milwaukee Street

Website

https://operationfreshstart.org/program/legacy/

Overview

OFS Legacy offers a unique hands-on route to an MMSD High School Diploma. Small groups offer support in academics, college and career preparation. Students participate in construction crews building or renovating homes learning vital construction skills or conservation crews to maintain natural areas around Dane County, including building and maintaining trails, removing invasive species and planting native plants. Participating students receive a paid internship.

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages 16-24

• Must at least be in their 4th year of high school

• Due to limitations of federal grants, OFS Legacy participants must be lawful permanent residents with a right to work in the United States, and must present 3 forms of ID before enrollment: a government issued ID (usually a state ID or DL), original Social Security Card, and a birth certificate.

Enrollment Timeframe

Rolling enrollment depending on available seats

Application Process

MMSD staff member completes a referral. Student is invited to complete an application and are required to complete three interviews.

Completion

MMSD High School Diploma

Location

Held virtually through Zoom

Overview

Night School is available to students enrolled in Madison Metropolitan School District high school. The Night School option available to high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, if referred by a school counselor who need credit recovery. Classes begin at each academic quarter and operate Monday through Thursday evenings.

Eligibility Criteria

MMSD 10th, 11th and 12th grade students or students in their 5th or 6th years of high school needing to recover credit.

Enrollment Timeframe

Rolling enrollment each quarter.

Application Process:

School Counselors will complete a referral. Students are invited to attend an orientation before starting classes.

Completion

MMSD High School Diploma upon completion of district graduation requirements.

Location

2125 Commercial Ave.

Website

https://madisoncollege.edu/ged-hsed-information

Overview

MMSD permits eligible students to participate in HSED (High School Equivalency Diploma) preparation programs at Madison College. The HSED is a state-issued education alternative to a traditional high school diploma, which consists of passing the GED test (available in Spanish and English), has earned 0.5 credits in health, has passed an approved course or has passed a test in health; has earned 3.0 credits in social studies, has passed an approved course in citizenship or has passed an approved test in Civics; has attained employability skills; and has completed instruction in career awareness. This Madison College program offers personalized supports to help students complete their HSED.

Eligibility Criteria

• Government-issued ID (does not have to be from the US)

• Students must be in their 4th year of high school (their grad cohort should not have graduated)

• Two or more years behind in credit attainment

• Minimum 9th grade reading level

• Must turn 18 or be within three weeks of their class graduating before last test can be taken (state rule)

Enrollment Timeframe

Referrals are accepted at any time. Students may be put on a waitlist depending on available seats.

Application Process

MMSD staff member completes a referral. Students may go on a waitlist until a seat opens. Once up on the waitlist, a student has two weeks to respond and set up a Reading Assessment (TABE Test).

Completion

High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED)

Location

835 W. Badger Rd

Website

http://omegaschool.org/

Overview

Omega School began as an alternative for young people who were not succeeding in a traditional high school setting. Today we serve students of all ages who want to complete their high school education. It is our hope that the homey environment, the low student-to-teacher ratio, the individualized instruction, and the committed professional staff provide a place where students can learn and complete their GED/HSED. We are here to help our students succeed. Supports available in Spanish also.

Eligibility Criteria

• Government issued ID (does not have to be from US)

• Students must be in their 4th year of high school (their grad cohort should not have graduated)

• Two or more years behind in credit attainment

• Minimum 9th grade reading level

• Student must turn 18 before taking the the last test

Enrollment Timeframe

Referrals are accepted at any time. Students may be put on a waitlist depending on available seats.

Application Process

MMSD staff member completes a referral. Students may go on a waitlist until a seat opens. Once up on the waitlist, a student has two weeks to respond and set up a Reading Assessment (TABE Test).

Completion

High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED)

Location

Physical Location (to be determined)

Overview

The GEDOII program is a high school completion option. Through the program, students are able to use earned credits, credit recovery and GED testing to satisfy WI DPI graduation requirement to earn a high school diploma from their home school. Offering a smaller learning environment and class cohort, two co-teachers in the learning space, and opportunities for whole group learning, the GEDO2 program can provide an individualized learning experience. While in the program, students meet during a morning or afternoon class session each day for four days a week. With a focus on post-secondary thriving, as well as secondary completion, our program dedicates one day per week toward experiential, work-based, and/or service learning. Likewise, staff use intentional lessons to discuss and hone work-related, or soft, skill such as communication, decision-making and being social-emotionally grounded. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Senior currently enrolled in MMSD  

• At least one year of credits behind their 9th grade class

• Shown at or above a 9th grade reading level (as reflected in ACT Aspire or ACT scores)

• Have an ability to participate in service learning or attain employment

• Has completed 1.5 credits of Physical Education 
• Government-issued ID or in process of attaining

Enrollment Timeframe

The referral window opens 4-6 weeks prior to each semester. 

Application Process

MMSD staff member will complete a referral after discussing with student/family. Dependent upon availability, the student may be added to a waitlist, or be asked to attend an information session. Following an interview with the student and family, the student may be invited to the program. The student and guardian will formally agree by signing a program contract. 

Completion

High School Diploma

Location

Truax Campus 1701 Wright Street (Madison College, 3rd Floor)

Website

https://madisoncollege.edu/gateway-to-college

Overview

Gateway to College serves students between the ages of 16 and 21 who have left high school, or are struggling to finish school. This program allows students to earn their high school diploma while receiving credits toward a post-secondary credential. To learn more about applying, visit the Gatewayto College page at Madison Area Technical College.

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages 16-23 (must be at least a Junior)

• Behind in credits but at least 50% complete for grade level

• May have dropped out of high school or stopped attending

• May need a different environment and additional support to complete high school

Enrollment Timeframe

Referrals should be completed 4-6 weeks prior to the start of each semester

Application Process

MMSD staff member completes a referral. Students are invited to attend an orientation and must complete an application (including essays) and an interview after attending the orientation.

Completion

MMSD High School Diploma and Madison College Credits