Marion Learning Center Hours (fall & spring semesters) Monday & Wednesday 1:00 - 6:30pm Tuesday 11:00am - 4:00pm For more information or to ask about summer hours, please contact the Marion Learning Center at 319-398-1055.

Kirkwood Adult High School Diploma
"credit-based"

• To obtain a Kirkwood Adult High School Diploma, a student must earn a minimum total of 60 credits. A minimum of four classes (1.5 credits each) must be completed at a learning center.
• Credit earned through scheduled and/or independent study courses.
• Previous high school credit accepted.
• Government class required to graduate.
• No cost to adults 21 years or older, if original class has graduated.

Computers are available to provide students academic reinforcement, enriched learning opportunities and vocational experience. Students are also encouraged to take interest and career assessment inventories, tour program facilities on the main campus and explore other career and academic resources as part of their alternative high school experience.

General Educational Development (GED) Diploma
"examination-based"

• To obtain a GED Diploma, a student must pass each of the five tests with a minimum total score of 2250 points, with at least 410 points on each test and an average standard score of 450 is needed over all five tests. The five tests are in the subject areas of Writing Skills, Social Studies, Science, Interpreting Literature and the Arts, and Mathematics.
• Upon completion of requirements, a State of Iowa High School Equivalency Diploma is awarded.
• Preparation classes and pre-testing available.
• Must be 18 years old to receive diploma.
• Cost is $100.00.

High School Distance Learning Program

Kirkwood Community College has offered high school distance learning courses to students in Iowa for over 25 years, and now we are pleased to offer courses to students in other regions of the country.

• Completing a course through the Distance Learning program is a flexible, convenient way to earn high school credit, especially if you:

• are no longer in school, but could graduate by transferring credit to your former  high school.
• are currently enrolled in school, but need to earn transfer credit in order to graduate.

Adult Literacy

The Adult Literacy program provides instruction to enable adults to increase self-sufficiency, improve employability, prepare for continued learning and better meet their responsibilities. Instruction is designed for adults whose competence in reading, writing and computation is below the 9th grade level. Basic academics and life skill are presented in the context of situations encountered by adults in everyday life and work. Instruction is provided at no charge to the student.

Kirkwood's Adult Literacy program recruits volunteers, trains them in literacy teaching techniques and matches them with adults wanting instruction in reading skills development. Computer assisted instruction and materials that emphasize life skills competencies are also available. There is no charge for this service.

Through this program, Kirkwood offers free, structured English classes to adults with limited English proficiency and to students who wish to refine their language skills and learn more about American culture and life skills competencies. Volunteer tutors are also available to foreign-born students.

Post Secondary Enrollment Act

High school students that meet the requirements and guidelines of their high school may register for Kirkwood Community College classes and earn high school and college credit at the same time for the same class. Registration forms are available at the Kirkwood Marion Center and from high school guidance counselors