The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) is Alabama’s gateway to world-class, affordable education and technical training for the necessary skills to compete in a constantly evolving workforce. High school students and adult learners alike benefit from the various certificates, credentials and degree programs available through the ACCS.

One of the program’s most impactful initiatives within the ACCS’ Adult Education Division is its High School Diploma Option (HSDO) Program. This program offers former Alabama high school students the opportunity to receive their original diploma from the same high school they once attended–no matter how many years have passed. It provides Alabamians with a second chance to complete what they started, empowering them with new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

“The High School Diploma Option program offers a true second chance—providing an alternative to the GED and a pathway to an actual high school diploma,” says ACCS Vice Chancellor David Walters. “By allowing students who have withdrawn to earn the necessary credits from their last school attended, this program restores opportunities, unlocks potential, and opens doors to education, skills training, careers, and lifelong success. It’s more than just a diploma—it’s a bridge to a brighter future.” 

The High School Diploma Option (HSDO) is an alternative to the GED high school equivalency, designed for students who have completed all of the required credits for graduation but didn’t pass the Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE), or students who have left the traditional high school setting before graduation.

Why choose the High School Diploma Option instead of the GED? 

The key distinction between the High School Diploma Option (HSDO) and the General Educational Development (GED) credential lies in their foundational approach. The HSDO program enables students to complete the high school diploma they originally began, often providing a sense of personal fulfillment and connection to their educational journey. 

For many, earning their diploma from the high school they attended signifies the completion of a goal they once set, allowing them to proudly check “high school graduate” on applications—a milestone that holds significant personal and professional value.

Alison Davenport received her high school diploma through the HSDO in December of 2024 from Trenholm State Community College in Montgomery. While she would have graduated from Carver Senior High School in 1997, she always promised herself that if she was given the opportunity to receive her high school diploma, she would. 

“This achievement has brought me so much joy, and I’m proud to share it with my children—two of whom are already college graduates, with my third set to graduate in May.” Davenport said. “Now, I’m planning to move to Huntsville, Alabama, and join my children by enrolling at Alabama A&M University to pursue my college degree. The HSDO Program has given me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams. People once told me that having children would mean the end of my future, but they were wrong—it was just the beginning.” 

While attending Trenholm State, Davenport was honored with induction into the Adult Education National Honor Society, a testament to her dedication and perseverance. Now, Davenport beams with delight as she reflects on the journey to become a high school graduate. 

“It’s the most incredible feeling in the world,” she said, after receiving her high school diploma. “Knowing that when I attend Alumni Weekend and football games, I can proudly say that I am an official alumna of George Washington Carver Senior High School—it means everything to me.”

In 2024, over 300 students earned their high school diploma through the Alabama Adult Education Program, while over 1,000 earned their GED. The ACCS offers these life-changing programs across the state for residents who attended an Alabama public high school, but either did not pass the high school graduation exam, or who need additional credits for graduation.

To learn more about the program’s qualifications and how to get started, visit the High School Diploma Option program page through the Alabama Community College System website.