High School Diploma and Equivalency
High School Diploma Program
You can earn your high school diploma for free at Ventura Adult and Career Education (VACE). We're accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), which means your diploma is nationally accepted.
Classes are available days and evenings, and you work through them with support from credentialed instructors. Hybrid options are also available for students who can't attend every day. You can enroll any time during the school year, and new students can start each week.
To earn your diploma, you'll need to complete 160 credits across subjects like English, math, social science, and more.
Returning students are always welcome. Life happens, and sometimes finishing takes more than one try. If you started before and need to pick back up, we're happy to have you back.
High School Equivalency (HSE) Exam Preparation
A high school equivalency certificate is an officially recognized alternative to a high school diploma. There are two exams you can take: the GED® or the HiSET®. VACE can help you prepare for either one. VACE instructors can help you figure out which exam is the better fit for you.
VACE is also a HiSET® testing site, so you can prepare and test in the same location.
Classes are free and blend technology with traditional instruction to match how you learn best. Morning and evening classes are available, and most students start within a week of enrolling. Hybrid options are also available.
[Note: The prep classes are free, but there are fees to take the GED® or HiSET® exams themselves.]
Returning students are welcome. If you started preparing before and life got in the way, come back anytime.
Test Prep & Career Readiness
If you need to strengthen your academic skills for a specific goal — whether that's passing a test, getting a job, or moving ahead in your career — these free classes can help.
This program is a good fit if you're preparing for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), community college placement tests, professional or career exams, or CTE certification assessments. Classes cover reading, math, writing, and computer skills for test-taking. If you have a specific test or goal not listed here, contact VACE to see if we can help.
There are no academic requirements to enroll. Classes are open to anyone 18 or older who is not currently attending a K-12 school. In-person and hybrid options are available, with weekly start dates.
Ventura County Library READ Adult Literacy Program
VACE hosts the Ventura County Library's READ Adult Literacy program, which offers free one-on-one and small group tutoring for adults who want to practice basic reading, writing, and English skills. The program is learner-driven and volunteer-supported, and partners with adults over 18 to build confidence, work toward employment or continuing education, and reach personal learning goals. If you're interested, ask about it when you visit.
How to Register
For both the High School Diploma and High School Equivalency programs, registration works the same way:
Call or visit the VACE High School office to complete an enrollment form and schedule an orientation. Orientations are offered mornings, afternoons, and evenings, and most students start class within a week.
If you're pursuing the high school diploma, bring an official transcript from the last school where you earned credits.
For Test Prep & Career Readiness, just visit the office to register — no transcript needed.
VACE High School Office
5280 Valentine Road, Second Floor, Room 227
Monday–Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
805.289.1749, ext. 1230