If you’re a high school student who’s feeling behind in your credits, or if you’ve failed a course in the past, academic credit recovery may be a good option for you. In this guide, we’ll explain what credit recovery is, how it works, and some of the benefits that come with it.
We’ll also answer some common questions that students have about the process. Whether you’re thinking about enrolling in credit recovery or just want to learn more about it, this guide is for you.
What Exactly Is Credit Recovery?
Academic credit recovery is a way for students to retake courses and earn credits toward their high school diploma. There are many possible motivating factors behind why a student might need to retake a course in order to earn credit.
For example, maybe you failed the class the first time around or didn’t pass with the grade that you needed. Maybe you missed significant time at school and didn’t get the chance to learn all of the material.
Whatever the reason, credit recovery can help you catch up and earn the credits you need to graduate.
How Credit Recovery Works in High School
Typically Offered as Part of Summer School
Most high schools offer credit recovery as part of their summer school options. This means that students who want to retake a course or make up for a failed class can do so by taking the course again during the summer months.
While summer school courses are generally shorter than regular classes, they still cover all of the essential material. In most summer school environments, students will have to complete the same assignments and tests as they would during the regular school year. The main difference is that credit recovery courses are typically offered at a faster pace, which can be beneficial for students who want to move through the material quickly.
Designed to Help Students Improve Scores from Previous Courses
In addition to being offered at a faster pace, credit recovery courses are also designed to help students improve their scores from previous courses. For example, if you scored lowly or failed a course in the past, you can retake it again to improve your grade-point average.
Online and Flexible Options for Credit Recovery
While most credit recovery courses are offered in-person, there are also many online and flexible options available. This can be beneficial for students who have a busy schedule or who live far from their school.
Some schools offer online credit recovery courses that students can take at their own pace. Others allow students to make up credits by attending evening or weekend classes.
May Be Necessary for a Career, Postsecondary Institution, or Scholarship
In some cases, students may need to retake a course in order to be eligible for a career, postsecondary institution, or scholarship. For example, if you’re planning on attending college, you may need to retake a class in order to meet the minimum GPA requirements.
Similarly, if you’re hoping to apply for a scholarship that requires a certain GPA, you may need to retake a specific course in order to meet the eligibility criteria.
Can Be Done on an Individual or Diploma Program Basis
Depending on your education goals, you may only need to take an individual course for credit recovery without enrolling in an entire diploma program. Most adult high schools will offer credit recovery opportunities as part of the curriculum.
What to Look for in a Credit Recovery Option
Fully Accredited Institution
When you’re looking for a credit recovery option, it’s important to make sure that the institution is fully accredited. This will ensure that the courses you take will be transferable to other schools and programs.
Individual Course Options
As we mentioned earlier, you may only need to retake an individual course rather than enrolling in an entire diploma program. Make sure that the credit recovery option you’re considering offers this option.
Attentive Teachers
The quality of the instructors in a credit recovery option can make a big difference in your success. Make sure that whichever option you’re considering has teachers who are attentive and willing to help you succeed.
Flexible Schedule
If you manage a busy schedule, look for a credit recovery option that offers flexible scheduling options. This could include online courses, evening classes, or weekend classes.
Recover Credits with Citizens High School
At Citizens High School, we provide adult high school students with the necessary support, resources, and learning features that they need to recover credits successfully. As a fully accredited institution, we offer a variety of individual and diploma-based courses that are available to transfer credit.
To learn more about how you can recover your credits for your own academic goals, view our online course catalog or contact us today for more information about enrolling.
