In Philadelphia, “accelerated” schools are for students up to 21 years old who have not completed high school on a traditional path and want to earn a diploma.

Accelerated schools only take students who are considered “at risk” of not graduating. They offer classes designed especially for students who have dropped out or fallen far behind, and they provide extra help, tutoring and career- and other types of counseling.

Options in Philadelphia

There are 13 accelerated schools in the School District of Philadelphia. Students can earn credits toward their high school diploma or GED. All are public schools; there is no cost to attend. To learn more, visit the district’s Re-Engagement Center.

Philadelphia also offers a Gateway to College program in partnership with the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP). This program is open to students who have dropped out of school and wish to earn their high school diploma and college credit at the same time. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be between the ages of 16-21
• Must have no more than 21 high school academic credits
• Must have the ability to complete requirements for graduation before the age of 22
• Must demonstrate reading ability at an 8^th grade level or higher
• Must live in Philadelphia
• Must have dropped out of a School District of Philadelphia school at least 3 months prior to enrolling
• Must attend an orientation session at CCP and complete an application

YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School serves as another option for Philadelphia students who want to return to school and earn their diploma. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be at least 18 years old, but not older than 20 on the first day of enrollment
• Must be a resident of Philadelphia
• Must have formally dropped out of public high school (transfer students and post-graduates are not eligible)