High School Completion Correspondence Program

For more information, contact:

Amy Anderson
Adjunct ELL Professor, West Campus High School Correspondence Coordinator
aanderson@dmacc.edu​
515-480-4140

​​The High School Correspondence Program has grown out of a need for students to have access to credit courses outside of the traditional classroom schedule. These classes are taken either as a transfer credit to the student's home high school or credit toward the DMACC Adult High School Diploma.

Approximately 1200 students throughout the state of Iowa use correspondence courses each year. DMACC's comprehensive course selection offers students an opportunity to earn credit in both core and elective curriculum. Because all courses are independent study, students are able to maximize their opportunities to work on and earn high school credits.

Exams are typically proctored at the student's home school and are then sent to the DMACC Correspondence Program to be graded. Once scored, a current grade sheet is sent to the test proctor to allow teachers to monitor student progress. The High School Completion Center has faculty available to provide instructor support when needed.

Program Policies & Procedures

Enrollment forms should be emailed to the High School Correspondence Office.
 
The fee for each course is $100.00 plus the cost of books. Payments can be made by the participating high school or the student. Students wishing to make a payment can call Student Accounts at 515-964-6446. Fees are assessed upon the receipt of the enrollment form. No refunds will be given for dropped students or incomplete courses.
Students have four months from the day of enrollment to complete the course. The enrollment date will be approximately five days from the date that the enrollment form was emailed. Time extensions will be granted with an additional enrollment fee.

Tests can be completed on paper or online. As paper tests are completed, please scan and email as a PDF to the Correspondence Office as listed on the last page of this document. Paper tests must be dated and bear the student's full name. Online testing is done via Canvas. Student Canvas accounts are created as part of the enrollment process.
 
60% is the minimum acceptable score on any one test in a course. However, an average of 70% or above is necessary for a successful completion.
 
It is advisable to forward paper tests as they are completed to the Correspondence Office for grading. It is in the best interest of the student to wait until you receive confirmation of scores before taking more tests. This will help ensure a successful completion. Online tests are graded instantly.
 
Test proctors must be certified teachers. The proctor is responsible for the integrity of the testing process.

Re-tests will be sent only if a student fails to meet the minimum of 60% on individual tests or is below the 70% minimum for the course. Only one re-test is allowed for each exam. Scores will be averaged with the original score.
 

When a student successfully completes a course, the participating high school will receive a grade sheet and a completion letter confirming the completion.

After re-tests, if the student still fails to earn an overall average of 70%, a course failure will be processed. The student may re-enroll, but he or she will be required to start the course over. The participating high school will receive a copy of the grade sheet and a course failure letter.

If a student is dropped, either at your request or because the course is not completed within the allotted 4 months, we will maintain the test scores for 12 months from the original enrollment date. You may re-enroll a student during those 12 months, and we will include the existing scores.
 
After one year from the original enrollment date, the student will be required to start the course over. No existing test scores will be honored.

FAQs

Q. How does your program compare to most high schools?
A. The DMACC High School Completion Center is accredited through the Iowa Department of Education just like any other public or private school.

Q. What happens if I do poorly on my coursework?
A.While you must earn a 70% overall to pass each class, you will be given the opportunity to re-take tests, if necessary.

Q. Do I have to wait until the beginning of a semester to enroll in a course?
A. No. Because the program is all independent study, there is ongoing enrollment.

Q. How long do I have to complete a course?
A. You will have four months from the date of the initial enrollment to complete each class.

Q. I still have other questions. How can I get further information?
A. Call us 515-480-4140 or send us an email to Amy Anderson, aanderson@dmacc.edu​.