Earn Your High School Diploma
You can earn your high school diploma entirely online with Career Online High School and Excel High School, two exciting scholarship-based programs available through the Pratt Library.
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.


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 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 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 Graduation | Fall 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.


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