COHS is an online private high school diploma and career certification program available through the public library. This program offers free enrollment to a limited number of qualified adult students.
This program is a pilot project funded in select library locations by the Library of Virginia.
Residents who are at least 20-years-old and wish to earn their high school diploma. It is recommended that the applicant have attended the 9th grade. Minors should pursue their high school education through existing high school programs.
Program applicants must have a public library card in good standing or be willing to apply for a library card.
Program applicants who have already received a standard high school diploma, or a high school equivalency diploma, are not eligible for this program. Program applicants who have already received a certificate of completion are eligible.
No. This is not a GED® (General Educational Development) program. Graduates earn a private high school diploma and a career certificate through an accredited private high school.
While both the GED and the high school diploma are important, there are several differences between them: among the most significant is the fact that some colleges, institutions, and organizations require a high school diploma and may not accept the GED. In addition to a high school diploma, with COHS, you can also earn a career certificate and complete additional job preparation documents and training.
*Prepares students to obtain the industry credential
To prepare you with the tools you need to find a job, you will learn how to create important documents, such as your resume and a cover letter.
Yes. The courses are 100% online.
You can use a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or iPad for all coursework. You can access your courses using smartphones, but we recommend the previous devices for the best learning experience.
Yes. Currently, all coursework is available in English only.
No.
You have up to 18 months to complete the program. With transfer credit, many students graduate sooner. Also, the more time you can dedicate to your studies, the faster you will finish.
COHS was founded in early 2010 and accredited as the world’s first online private school district in February 2011.
Yes. The school is accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED), the national commission that confers the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) accreditation seal. This means that the Smart Horizons Career Online Education district and all of its schools are accredited and that SHCOE is recognized across the nation as a quality school system, delivering a SACS accredited online private high school diploma.
Students and community members can learn more about the district accreditation process at https://www.cognia.org/.
Because the high school diploma is Cognia/SACS/NCA/NWAC accredited, it should be accepted by many colleges and universities. However, admissions requirements are always up to an individual college. Also, if you are interested in pursuing post-secondary education within your state you should check with your state to understand the requirements. States may impose requirements for receiving state financial aid. For example, an online private high school diploma may not be recognized by some colleges and universities within your state to receive financial aid. We recommend you check with the institution for any specific restrictions—this is particularly important for residents of New York and New Jersey.
We are committed to the success of our graduates as they advance into the workplace or pursue postsecondary education and training. COHS alumni who have questions about their transcripts or meeting college admissions requirements can call 1-866-999-7853 or email enrollment@shcoe.org for support.
Yes, all COHS instructors and academic coaches are state certified. Staff have regular office hours from 9:00am–5:00pm CT as well as evening hours at least one day a week.
Yes, please visit your local public library to find additional resources for jobs and education. Find your local library https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/libraries.asp.
Complete the short online “Are You Ready?” survey. After you have successfully finished the survey, you will be contacted by the library within 5 business days to discuss the prerequisite course. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be contacted by the library within 5 days to schedule an interview and discuss your application into the program.