Columbus OH
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GED & High School Graduation

Columbus City Schools (CCS) Adult & Community Education (ACE)

Offers free GED prep and ESL classes for adults, and basic skills literacy classes for adults, as well as vocational training programs (STNA, LPN, HVACR) at different sites throughout Franklin County.
2323 Lexington Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
Main Campus: (614) 365-6000
Aspire (GED & ESL): (380) 997-7633
ESL classes: (614) 365-8802
School of Practical Nursing: (380) 997-7617
Nurse Aide/STNA: (380) 997-7615
ESL Language Assistance Contact Listccsoh.us/domain/213
ccsoh.us/Page/334

Columbus City Schools (CCS) Project Connect Program

Provides a variety of services to ensure that identified children and youth experiencing homelessness have access to a free and appropriate public education. Services include help with school enrollment, transportation coordination, school supplies, and more. Go online for full program and eligibility details.
(614) 365-5140
ccsoh.us/Page/10778

Columbus City Schools (CCS) Virtual Credit Advancement Program (VCAP)

Columbus City Schools offers online courses through the Virtual Credit Advancement Program (VCAP) for students of Columbus City Schools who have not yet graduated but wish to complete their high school diploma requirements. Students can take courses online and at home while accessing wraparound support services through the CCS Grad Completion Lab.
546 Jack Gibbs Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 365-5485
ccsoh.us/Page/1252

Columbus Literacy Council (CLC)

Offers free adult education programs including literacy classes (including financial, workplace and technology literacy), citizenship classes, ESL, and GED test preparation. They also provide career coaching and entrepreneurship skill building, life and wellness coaching, supportive services for life transitions or re-entry to the community, and supportive services for immigrants and New Americans. Youth programs include tutoring and homework help, summer camps for children ages 7-13 years old, internships, and AMP career and mentorship program for youth and young adults ages 14-24 in Franklin County. Call for program details.

  • Downtown Columbus: 92 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
  • Whitehall: 1394 Courtright Road, Columbus, Ohio 43227
  • Reynoldsburg: 5825 Chantry Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43232
  • Cincinnati: 6644 Coffey Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45230

(614) 282-7661
clcworks.org

Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML)

CML is an award-winning library and amazing resource in the community. With 23 locations throughout Franklin County, they provide a lot more than just books, including lots of free online resources, specialized programs, and community events.

  • School Help: K-12 students can get after-school homework help, K-3 students can get extra reading practice with Reading Buddies in person or online, HelpNow offers 24/7 online homework help and test prep, and some locations host After School Snacktimes.
  • Kindergarten Readiness: Find Storytimes, Play to Learn, and Kindergarten readiness classes for ages 0-5. They also have Skill Builder videos with activities you can do together at home.
  • Teen Programs: YouMedia Discord for ages 13-17 to work on music, podcasts, videos, and more with skilled mentors; homework and test prep help, and monthly Teen Spotlight videos.
  • Adult Education: They offer ESOL and GED referrals; free technology business, and coding classes; history and genealogy experts, Digital Navigator staff can help you access hardware and software, and Excel Adult High School allows adults to get their high-school degree in an online, self-paced program.
  • Adaptive Services: Request accommodations, adaptive audio and visual equipment, and large print reading materials.
  • Business & Nonprofit Resource Center: Visit Main Library for access to co-working space, specialized professional help, access to community partners, tools, and resources.

(614) 645-2275
Locations: columbuslibrary.org/library-locations
columbuslibrary.org

Dominican Learning Center

Professional and educational learning center for adults ages 18+. Students are not charged for tutorial services, but those who are financially able are asked to purchase basic texts and materials. Courses include English as a Second Language (ESL), GED high school equivalency in English or Spanish, Adult Basic Education for those looking to improve reading, writing, and math skills, and Citizenship Test Preparation.
672 South Third Street, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 444-7330
domlearningcenter.org

Finish Your Diploma

This website provides a free database to search for adult education classes by zip code. Use the website to find free programs near you, GED and High School Equivalency prep materials and practice tests, literacy resources, and English language learning resources.
(877) 389-6874
finishyourdiploma.org

Freedom a la Cart

Café and catering kitchen providing empowering survivors of sex trafficking in Central Ohio. Anyone can go online to view their Café Menu, place a Catering order, or purchase a gift card. Their programs include a 2 -year comprehensive workforce development program, CATCH Court Support for victims involved in the justice system, and affordable housing. The Butterfly Program is a peer-to-peer program for women healing from trauma and substance use disorder to work towards a GED or high school diploma, participate in counseling, receive assistance with paperwork, get record expungement, and other supports. They also offer community events, speaking engagements, and volunteer opportunities.
123 East Spring Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 92-3252
freedomalacart.org

Godman Guild

Offers free adult education classes (GED preparation, ESOL, job training, computer skills), community engagement programs, and youth programming (after school homework help, mentoring, summer programs, and TEEN career exploration program).
195 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 294-5476
godmanguild.org

Heartland High School

Private school providing a recovery-centered education and safe, supportive environment for students in recovery from substance use disorders. Heartland High School provides education for students in grades 9-12 and under the age of 22. Graduates are awarded a state-recognized diploma. Visit the website for enrollment information.
Broad Street Presbyterian Church
760 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 947-1115
heartlandhighschool.org

Khan Academy

Find free, high-quality, educational videos on K-12+ topics by subject or by grade. Topics include math, science, computing, arts and humanities, economics and finance, music, philosophy, and more. The Life Skills section includes internet safety, social media literacy, personal finance, college admissions, and social-emotional learning. They also provide free test prep tools for AP tests, SAT, MCAT, and LSAT. Khan Academy Kids is a free educational app for kids ages 2-8 with fun games, videos, printables, and more. The Khan Academy website can be translated into many different languages. Teachers can sign up for additional resources.

Ohio Department of Education (ODEW) Graduation Requirements

Outlines information on required courses and state test scores required for students to graduate with a diploma from an Ohio high school.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 644-6338
Detailed Contact Information: education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-s-Graduation-Requirements/Contacts-and-Resources
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-Graduation-Requirements

Ohio Department of Education (ODEW) Ohio Options Adult Diploma Program

The Ohio Department of Education & Workforce offers several programs for completing a high school diploma. The Competency-Based Diploma Pilot Program is free to ages 18-21 until June 2025, The 22+ Adult HSD Program and Adult Diploma Programs are for adults. High School Equivalence provides academic and workforce development for ages 16+. The High School Continuation Program allows participating districts to issue high school diplomas to individuals 16+ who have met program requirements.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 644-6338
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Testing/Ohio-Options-for-Adult-Diploma= 

Ohio Department of Education (ODEW) Ohio School Options

Outlines the school options available for students in Ohio including community/charter schools, private schools, career-technical education, STEM schools, College Credit Plus (formerly known as PSEO and Dual Enrollment), home schooling, scholarships, high school equivalence/GED, and adult diploma programs.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 644-6338
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-Education-Options

OhioMeansJobs Columbus-Franklin County

Free employment services for all ages, working and unemployed. The website has articles with tips for job searching, free online training modules for math and reading, GED prep, and computer skills; and resources for veterans, senior citizens, and previously incarcerated people. Job Centers offer help finding a job, free access to computer lab, technology training, help for employers, and more. Services and availability vary by location, use the website to find a Job Center near you.
Columbus-Franklin County Job Center: 1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 559-5052
Ohio Means Jobs Columbus-Franklin County: omjcfc.org
Ohio Means Jobs State Website: ohiomeansjobs.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/omj/home

Reeb Avenue Center

Provides a variety of programs designed to strengthen families on the South Side of Columbus. Services include GED classes, adult education and workforce development, early education child care, youth and family services, in collaboration with community partners (Boys & Girls Club, House of Hope, Southeast Healthcare Services, Godman Guild, St. Stephen’s Community Center, Alvis, Community Development for All People).
280 Reeb Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207
(614) 468-9280
reebavenuecenter.org

Career & Technical Schools in Central Ohio

Columbus City Schools Career-Technical Education: Serves high school juniors and seniors with pathways for arts, communication, construction, health sciences, transportation, human services, law / public safety and more. The Adult & Community Education office offers programs for health occupations, skilled trades, computer applications, high school equivalency, and free ESL/ESOL classes.

    • Columbus Downtown High School: 364 South Fourth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
      (380) 997-4213
    • Fort Hayes Career Center: 546 Jack Gibbs Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43215
      (380) 997-6126
    • Adult & Community Education: 2323 Lexington Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
      (614) 365-6000
      ccsoh.us/Page/11802
  • Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools: Offers tuition-free programs for high school juniors and seniors in Franklin, Fairfield, and Pickaway counties with programs like automotive, cosmetology, graphic design, pre-nursing and more. Programs for adults include GED, ESOL, STNA, welding, HVAC, and help finding a job. They offer a free summer camp for students grades 6-8 to explore career options. The Employability Prep program for students ages 16-21 with learning differences offers hands-on job experience and soft skills training.
    • Eastland: 4465 South Hamilton Road, Groveport, Ohio 43125
      (614) 836-5725
    • Fairfield: 3985 Coonpath Road Northwest, Carroll, Ohio 43112
      (740) 756-9243
    • Adult Workforce Development: 4300 Amalgamated Place, Groveport, Ohio 43125
      (614) 836-4541
    • District Office: 4300 Amalgamated Place, Groveport, Ohio 43125
      (614) 836-4530
      eastlandfairfield.com
  • Delaware Area Career Center (DACC): Offers career readiness for school-aged kids, summer camps, and unique electives for high school students such as welding, computer programming, cosmetology and more. They offer a GED program and classes for adults, such as Microsoft 365, ESOL, and firefighting. They also offer Disabilities Support for individuals under 22 years old.
    4565 Columbus Pike, Delaware, Ohio 43015
    (740) 548-0708
    delawareareacc.org
  • South-Western City Schools Career Tech: Junior and senior students can take classes toward graduation that include academic knowledge and technical skills. They also offer GED, ESL and other adult education programs.
    4750 Big Run South Road, Grove City, Ohio 43123
    (614) 801-3400
    swcsdcareertech.com
  • Tolles Career & Technical Center: Serves Dublin, Fairbanks, Jonathan Alder, Hilliard, London, Madison-Plains, and Jefferson school districts. Offers free adult and continuing education opportunities for ESL, GED, STNA and EMT and more professional training programs.
    7877 U.S. Highway 42 South, Plain City, Ohio 43064
    (614) 873-4666
    tollestech.com
  • Ohio Department of High Education List of Ohio Career Technical Centers: highered.ohio.gov/students/adult-learners/career-technical-education-ohio-technical-centers

St. John Learning Center

Columbus, faith-based non-profit offering free adult education, GED classes, job search support, homebuyer and small business workshops, and mental health awareness.
640 South Ohio Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 547-2171
stjohnlearning.wordpress.com

The Bridge

Faith-based organization serving refugees in Columbus. They offer English classes from basic conversation skills up to Grade 5. They also have one-on-one tutoring for students in elementary, middle school, and high school. Classes are held at various locations in Columbus. Go online or call for details.
(614) 272-2949
thebridge.io


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