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How to Get My High School Diploma: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you wondering, “How to get my high school diploma?” Whether you’re a student who’s fallen behind, a homeschooler ready to graduate, or an adult returning to school, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options.
A high school diploma is more than just a certificate—it’s proof of your dedication, knowledge, and readiness for the next stage in life. At Forest Trail Academy, we help students across the country earn their diplomas through flexible, accredited, online programs.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to get your diploma—from understanding what’s required to choosing the best learning path for your needs.
What Certificate Do You Get from High School?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s answer a commonly asked question:
What certificate do you get from high school?
When you successfully complete high school—whether through a traditional school or an accredited online program like Forest Trail Academy—you earn a high school diploma.
A diploma is an official document awarded by an educational institution confirming you have completed the required coursework for graduation. It’s your ticket to college, job opportunities, and vocational training programs.
So if you’re asking, “How do you get a diploma?”—you’re really asking how to complete your high school education and meet your state’s or school’s graduation requirements. Let’s explore how to do that next.
Step 1: Understand What a High School Diploma Requires
The first step in how to get your high school diploma is understanding what’s required.
In most U.S. states, high school students must complete a set number of credits in core subjects such as:
- English/Language Arts (usually 4 years)
- Mathematics (typically Algebra, Geometry, and beyond)
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, etc.)
- Social Studies (U.S. History, Government, Economics)
- Electives (Foreign Language, Art, Physical Education, etc.)
Some programs may also require community service hours, end-of-course exams, or standardized testing.
At Forest Trail Academy, we align our graduation requirements with national education standards, ensuring that every student earns a recognized and accredited diploma.
Step 2: Choose the Right Path to Graduation
Once you know what’s required, the next step is choosing how you’ll complete those requirements.
There are three main paths to earning your diploma:
Traditional High School
For teens currently enrolled in public or private high schools, this is the most common route. However, not all students thrive in traditional classrooms due to personal schedules, health issues, or learning preferences.
GED or Equivalent (Not a Diploma)
Some students consider the GED as an alternative, but it’s important to note:
- A GED is not a high school diploma—it’s a high school equivalency certificate. While it may satisfy basic education requirements, it’s not accepted in the same way by all colleges or employers.
Online High School (Flexible + Accredited)
An online high school like Forest Trail Academy offers an accredited, flexible solution for students of all ages—teens, homeschoolers, and adults.
With us, you can:
- Start anytime of the year
- Learn at your own pace
- Get credit for previous coursework
- Receive personalized academic support
This is the fastest and most flexible way to get your diploma, especially if traditional school isn’t the right fit for you.
Step 3: Enroll in an Accredited Program Like Forest Trail Academy
When you’re serious about earning your diploma, accreditation matters.
Forest Trail Academy is a nationally accredited online K–12 school. That means our diplomas are recognized by:
- Colleges and universities
- Employers and job training programs
- Military branches and government agencies
Our program offers the flexibility of an asynchronous, self-paced learning model, so you can study on your time—whether you’re in 9th grade or returning after several years away from school.
We offer:
- Full-time diploma programs
- Individual course enrollments
- Credit recovery options
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses
And yes, when you complete our program, you’ll receive an official high school diploma, just like you would in a traditional school.
Step 4: Transfer Any Previous Credits
If you’ve already taken some high school classes in another school—whether public, private, or homeschool—you may not have to start from scratch.
At Forest Trail Academy, we evaluate your transcripts to determine which credits can transfer. This can significantly speed up your graduation timeline.
This option is ideal for:
- Students who’ve moved between schools
- Homeschool students looking to graduate with a diploma
- Adults who previously dropped out and are returning
Step 5: Choose Courses That Match Your Goals
Another reason many students choose online education is that they can customize their learning journey.
At Forest Trail Academy, we offer a wide variety of courses in our online high school curriculum, including:
- Core subjects: English, Math, Science, History
- Electives: Psychology, Art, Health, Computer Science
- Career & technical courses
- Advanced Placement (AP) classes for college prep
We also provide both Christian homeschool curriculum and secular homeschool curriculum, so your values and learning style are always respected.
Whether you’re interested in entering the workforce, going to college, or enlisting in the military—our course counselors help you select classes that align with your goals.
Step 6: Stay on Track With a Personalized Plan
Earning a diploma requires commitment—but that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.
Forest Trail Academy offers:
- Academic advisors to track your progress
- Certified teachers to answer questions
- Counselors to support your goals
- Flexible deadlines to keep stress low
Whether you’re in your teens or a working adult, our support system helps ensure you stay motivated and on track to earn your diploma.
And if you’re wondering how to get a diploma? we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Step 7: Graduate and Celebrate!
After completing your required credits and any final assessments, you’ll receive your official Forest Trail Academy diploma.
This is the same type of certificate you get from high school—a diploma that reflects your dedication and achievement.
And yes, we celebrate our graduates! Many students choose to attend our virtual or in-person graduation ceremony, where they are recognized alongside peers who’ve taken the same journey.
FAQs About Getting Your Diploma Online
How do you get a diploma if you dropped out of school?
You can return to complete your education through an accredited online high school like Forest Trail Academy. We accept transfer credits and create personalized plans to help you graduate.
How fast can I earn my diploma?
This depends on how many credits you’ve already earned and how much time you can commit. Some students graduate in as little as 6–12 months.
Is a Forest Trail Academy diploma accepted by colleges?
Yes. We are nationally accredited, and our diplomas are recognized by colleges, universities, and employers nationwide.
Your Future Starts with Forest Trail Academy
If you’ve been asking, “How to get my high school diploma?”, the answer is simpler than you think—with the right support and a program designed around you, you can do it.
At Forest Trail Academy, we’ve helped thousands of students earn their diplomas and take the next step in life. Whether you’re a parent of a struggling teen, a homeschooler ready to graduate, or an adult returning to education—we’re here to help.
Got Questions About Our Online School?
Let us know if you have any questions about online schooling. We’re here to assist you.
Call us at 561-537-5501
Email us at support@foresttrailacademy.com
Or submit an inquiry to our admissions team here
Your diploma is just the beginning—and Forest Trail Academy is ready to walk the journey with you.
