Colusa County Free Library's Career Online High School (COHS) offers adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and career certificate online.

The Library's program provides free enrollments to qualified adult learners who are looking to advance their careers, prepare for workforce entry or continue their education. Career Online High School through the Colusa County Free Library is open to all eligible County residents. It is funded by the Friends of Colusa County Free Library and the California State Library.

Applicants who successfully complete an online self-assessment and prerequisite course, followed by an in-person interview, will be considered for enrollment.

Once enrolled, COHS pairs each student with an online academic coach, who provides the student with an individual career path, offers ongoing guidance, evaluates performance and connects the student with the resources needed to master the courses. Students will be given up to 18 months to complete the program.

If you are interested in the program, please contact the Literacy Coordinator at 530/458-0373.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is COHS?

Career Online High School (COHS) is an accredited online high school diploma and career certification program available through the Colusa County Free Library. This program offers free enrollment to a limited number of students each fiscal year as new funding is secured.

How will people be selected for the program?

Enrollment is limited and the demand is high. Adults must successfully pass an online self-assessment and prerequisite course, as well as an in-person interview to be selected for the program.

Will COHS receive their General Education Diploma (GED)?

No. This is not a GED program. Successful graduates will earn a high school diploma and a career certification through an accredited online high school.

What is the difference between a GED and high school diploma?

While both the GED and the high school diploma are important, there are several differences between them. Among the most significant is the fact that some colleges, institutions and organizations require a high school diploma and may not accept the GED. In addition to providing a high school diploma, COHS gives students the benefit of earning a career certificate and completing additional job preparation documents and training.

What type of career certification will be offered?

• Childcare and Education
• Certified Protection Officer (Security Officer)
• Office Management
• Certified Transportation Services (Trucker/Commercial Driver)
• Homeland Security
• General Career Preparation
• Retail Customer Service Skills
• Food Service and Customer Service Skills

Is all coursework web-based?

Yes. However, applicants must visit a branch of the Colusa County Free Library for the in-person interview.

If students are interested, the Colusa County Free Library will periodically hold group meetings at various library locations throughout the county. At these meetings, participants will have the opportunity to meet fellow students and receive assistance with library resources.

Is all coursework in English?

Yes. At this time, all coursework is available in English only.

How long will it take for students to complete the program?

Students will be given up to 18 months to complete the program, which will consist of 18 credits. Students accepted into the program may transfer up to 14 credits from their former high school. Depending on how many credits the student is able to transfer, the program can be completed in as few as five months.

What is the history of COHS?

COHS began in 2010 and was fully accredited as of February 2011. It is part of the first accredited online school district, Smart Horizons Career Online Education (SHCOE). Colusa County Free Library began offering the program in 2018.

Is COHS accredited?

Career Online High School is accredited as an online school district by the AdvancED Accreditation Commission, the national commission that confers the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) accreditation seal. This means that the district and all of its schools are accredited, and that Smart Horizons Career Online Education is recognized across the nation as a quality school system, delivering a SACS accredited online high school diploma.

Students and community members can learn more about the District Accreditation Process at www.advanc-ed.org.

Are COHS staffs credentialed? When are they available to assist students?

Yes, all COHS instructors are state-certified. Most of the academic coaches and academic support instructors are located in Florida. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. However, coaches have evening hours twice a week and the hours likely will be expanded. Library staff is not exclusively assigned to students enrolled through Colusa County Free Library at this time, but we are happy to assist when possible. The COHS will reach out to all students at least once every two weeks – and more often for students in need.

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