Career Online High School
Earn Your Diploma
San José Public Library’s Career Online High School (COHS) offers adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and a career certificate. You can advance in your career or take the next step in your education once you graduate. The Library supports you from enrollment to graduation so that you can achieve your goals.
The Library is offering a limited number of free scholarships to qualified adults. Learn more about the program, process and courses.
Applicant Requirements
- Be 19 or older
- Live in San José
- Have a San José Public Library card in good standing
- Be willing to spend at least 10 hours a week on coursework
- Be comfortable reading, writing, and speaking in English
- Be comfortable using technology
- Be comfortable learning independently
- Have completed at least the 8th grade
Quick Facts
- Requires completion of 36 semesters (see Graduation Requirements).
- You may transfer previous credits from accredited high school courses, shortening the completion time from 18 months to as little as 5 months for some students.
- Earn both your high school diploma and a career certificate in one of ten high-growth fields.
- Courses are taught in an online learning environment available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have questions about computer and internet access to complete coursework, please review our Frequently Asked Questions or email us at cohs@sjlibrary.org.
- Students are paired with an academic coach who provides the student with ongoing guidance and the resources needed to master the material. The coach is available via phone or email.
Get Started
STEP 1: Read the Frequently Asked Questions about Career Online High School.
STEP 2: Then take the online survey to see if Career Online High School is a good match for you.
STEP 3: The San José Public Library will contact all eligible applicants (within one week) to do a phone screening. Prospective students will then enroll in a one-semester prerequisite career course. Check your email for instructions.
After you enroll, you must complete the prerequisite course within 14 days and keep track of your hours.
STEP 4: Once you successfully complete the prerequisite course, the Library will contact you to schedule a personal interview, usually held at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library .
STEP 5: Attend a group orientation to learn strategies for success and to find out about other available resources.
STEP 6: Successfully complete probation period within 30 days in order to keep your scholarship.
After completing probation, all students must complete at least two semesters every month until they have completed all 36 semesters required for graduation.
Interviews and scholarships will be offered on a first-come, first-qualified basis. Enrollment is limited and demand is high. You may be placed on a wait list until additional scholarships become available.
For more information, contact cohs@sjlibrary.org.
Career Online High School is made possible with the support of the California State Library and the San José Public Library Foundation.
