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Announcement The Pennsylvania Avenue Branch is operating on a reduced schedule with limited services 10 am–4 pm until further notice due to a facilities maintenance issue.

Location Closure The Brooklyn, Forest Park, Govans, Hamilton, Herring Run, Reisterstown Road, and Washington Village branches are closed for facility improvements. Learn more here.

This self-paced, flexible format is designed for adults 18 years of age and older to continue their academic career by earning their accredited high school diploma (not GED) in 6 - 24 months. Students who meet the enrollment criteria will receive a scholarship to cover the cost of the program. If selected for the program, students can expect to dedicate 8-10 hours per week to their coursework.

a graduate receiving his diploma from Career Online High School at Pratt Library
Career Online High School and Gale Excel Adult High School logos

About the Program

Through these programs, each student will get support from academic success coaches, classes led by certified instructors, as well as career guidance and resources. Courses cover topics like English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, and other elective topics. Some courses for college credit may be available, but are not guaranteed. Adults can transfer previously earned high school credits and credits earned from the GED.

In addition to an accredited high school diploma, successful graduates will also earn a certificate in one of ten high-demand career fields, such as Child Care and Education, Security Professional, Food and Hospitality, Office Management, Introduction to Manufacturing, and Retail Customer Service.

Who Is Eligible?

Baltimore City residents 18 years of age and older who have successfully completed grade 8 are eligible. Program applicants must have or be willing to apply for a Pratt Library card.

Choosing a Program

The Library offers two programs for adults seeking their high school diplomas: Excel Adult High School and Career Online High School (COHS). After application, students can select the program that is the best fit for their needs.

Excel Adult High School

This program is a good fit for adults who:

  • Are self-motivated
  • Are career-driven
  • Are tech savvy
  • Discontinued traditional high school in the 11th or 12th grades

Career Online High School

This program is a good fit for adults who:

  • Are seeking curated support
  • Are job-oriented
  • May need technical resources
  • Discontinued traditional high school in the 9th or 10th grades

How to Apply

Applications are currently closed and will reopen November 1, 2025. Please refer to the application schedule below for deadline information.

Application Schedule

 

 Fall 2025Spring 2026Summer 2026

Registration Opens

November 1st

March 1st

July 1st

Registration Closed

December 30th

April 30th

August 30th

Orientation

January 5th

May 4th

September 7th

Graduation

If you've completed the online high school program, congratulations! We look forward to celebrating with you.

We offer two graduation ceremonies per year. Registration information will be sent to eligible students via email prior to each ceremony.

If you have questions about graduation, please contact highschool@prattlibrary.org.

 

 Spring GraduationFall Graduation

Apply to Graduate

February 15th

June 15th

Last day to Apply

April 1st

August 1st

Graduation

May 17th

September 6th

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Our online high school diploma programs are made possible with the generous support of the David and Barbara B. Hirschhorn Foundation.

The David and Barbara B. Hirschhorn Foundation
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