Rutherford Adult High School

About Adult High School...

Rutherford County Schools provides an opportunity for adult learners (18 years and older) to complete their graduation requirements through the Adult High School online program.  Students attempting to enroll in the Rutherford County School District who are already 18 years of age, exceed the number of credits that can be completed in a traditional school year, and/or have exhausted four years and a summer to graduate (from the year they entered 9th grade) may also be referred to the Adult High School program.  Coursework is completed independently through computer-based instruction. Basic technology skills and self-motivation are very important for success.  

*Note: The Adult High School and Hi-SET/GED Test Preparation programs are separate departments.  For information on taking the Hi-SET (High School Equivalency Test), please contact Nicole Tramel at [email protected] or (931)237-6443.  The Rutherford County HiSET/GED program is located at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Smyrna:  663 Ken Pilkerton Dr, Smyrna TN 37167

 Mission Statement

The Rutherford County Adult High School was established during the 1994-1995 school year. Its mission over the past 25+ years is to provide students, who are 18 years of age and older, with the opportunity to complete the requirements for a high school diploma. This program provides a flexible and supportive setting to empower adult learners to obtain academic success and plan for career/life goals.

Why Adult High School?

During the latter part of 1987, the State of Tennessee recognized that a significant part of its adult population had dropped out of school and were lacking only a few credits to graduate. As an alternative to the traditional GED Program, the state began to provide adults with another opportunity to obtain their high school diploma. Completing the requirements for a high school diploma versus the diploma equivalency is still often preferred by many prospective employers, military enlistment and college admission.

Requirements for Enrollment...

• Students must be withdrawn from their previous high school.

• Students must be at least 18 years of age at the time of enrollment.

• Student's must obtain their transcript from the last school attended.

• Students must be residents of Rutherford County. Photo ID is required.

• The amount of courses needed to complete graduation requirements will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  On average, students should prepare to work online approximately 20+ hours per week to see success in their courses.

• Students must provide their own electronic device to complete assignments.

• Students receive instruction through an online credit recovery program and must feel comfortable with the use of technology and be self-motivated to complete assignments.

• If an 18-year-old has a discipline issue that results in placement at Daniel-McKee or Smyrna West Alternative Schools, the student cannot choose to enroll with the Adult High School in lieu of the alternative placement.  In the case of an expulsion, the 18-year-old must submit an appeal to the Director of Schools to complete coursework through AHS.