Below are frequently asked questions about Transfer Schools, YABCs, GED programs, and Learning to Work. Please click on a question, below, to view the answer. General Questions
§ Why should I even bother looking at other schools and programs? I don’t like my high school, am too far behind to graduate anytime soon, and have lots of responsibilities outside of school. I’m thinking of dropping out. Do I really need a diploma anyway?
§ I don’t know where to start. How do I choose a school or program that is right for me?
§ What is the difference between a high school diploma and a GED? Which can I earn at a Transfer School, YABC, or GED program?
§ How are Transfer Schools, YABCs, and GED programs different from my old school?
§ How can I find a Transfer School, YABC, or GED program near me?
§ Where can I find a list of Transfer Schools, YABCs, and GED programs?
Eligibility
§ I am interested in attending a Transfer School, YABC, or GED program. Which programs am I eligible for?
§ Is there a minimum and/or maximum age for these schools and programs?
§ Is it possible to be too far behind to enroll in a Transfer School, YABC, or GED program?
§ Can I attend a Transfer School if I am on track to graduate on time (in four years) from my current high school but am looking for a school with a different environment, or if I just want to graduate early?
§ If I have an IEP (Individualized Educational Program), am I eligible to enroll in a Transfer School, YABC, or GED program?
Enrollment
§ How do I enroll in a Transfer School?
§ How do I enroll in a YABC?
§ How do I enroll in a full-time or part-time GED program?
§ I’m having trouble finding somebody knowledgeable about Transfer Schools, YABCs, and GED programs. How can I find someone to help me make choices and understand the process to enroll?
§ What is the timeline for enrollment in Transfer Schools, YABCs, and GED programs? Is there an enrollment deadline?
OMPG Programs
§ I need to work full-time. Do I still have time to get my diploma?
§ I am a single parent, but I still want to get my diploma. Which programs would best fit my needs?
§ I’ve fallen behind in credit accumulation at my school. Is it possible for me to stay at my current school while taking extra courses at a YABC at night in order to graduate on time?
§ What kinds of internships are available to me through the Learning to Work program?
§ I work at a business or non-profit organization. I am interested in supervising an intern through the Learning to Work program. Where should I go for more information?
Who Should I Contact?
§ How can I speak to someone in person for more information about Transfer Schools, YABCs, and GED programs?
§ I’ve already stopped attending school and don’t have a school counselor to talk to. Who should I contact for counseling about which program is right for me and how to enroll?
§ Where can I find contact information for a specific Transfer School, YABC, or GED program?
General Questions
Why should I even bother looking at other schools and programs? I don’t like my high school, am too far behind to graduate anytime soon, and have lots of responsibilities outside of school. I’m thinking of dropping out. Do I really need a diploma anyway?
Getting a diploma will make a huge difference in your life. High school graduates earn, on average, thousands of dollars more per year than non-graduates. Those who have graduated high school also tend to be healthier and live longer, and are more likely to be able to lead successful, independent lives. Also, earning a diploma is easier than you think. Even if you’re far behind, our programs are specially designed to help you accumulate credits quickly and graduate in a reasonable amount of time. Our schools and programs offer personalized attention from both teachers and advisors, which will help you succeed even if you struggled in your old school. Many of our programs can even accommodate you if you have responsibilities that make attending school full-time or during the day difficult: check out our evening and part-time programs. As long as you’re 21 or under, you can still get your diploma or GED credential, opening up new possibilities for both you and your family in the future.
I don’t know where to start. How do I choose a school or program that is right for me?
First, decide whether you want to earn your high school diploma or prepare for the GED (General Educational Development) exam. Then, review our web pages to find programs for which you are eligible. Your age and the number of credits you’ve already earned will help determine which programs are available to you. When choosing between programs, you should think about whether you want to go to class during the evening or during the day and whether you would like to participate in a paid internship.
What is the difference between a high school diploma and a GED? Which can I earn at a Transfer School, YABC, or GED program?
A high school diploma requires that students pass a certain number of courses in specific subjects and pass all required Regents exams.
No specific classes are required to earn a GED (General Educational Development) credential, but students must pass a GED exam that tests high school-level knowledge in five subjects. Many colleges and employers accept a GED certification instead of a high school diploma, but many prefer a high school diploma because it is a more valuable credential.
There are schools and programs that will help you earn whichever certification is right for you. If you complete your studies at a YABC or a Transfer School, you will earn a high school diploma. A full-time or part-time GED program will prepare you to pass the GED exam.
How are Transfer Schools, YABCs, and GED programs different from my old school?
Transfer Schools, YABCs, and GED programs are different in several ways. First, all of these schools and programs are small. You will be in small classes where you will receive personalized attention from your teachers and counselors. Many of these schools and programs include the Learning to Work program, which will place you in a paid internship and help you explore future career and educational opportunities. YABC programs hold classes Monday-Thursday evenings and require students to take only the courses they need to graduate. Full-time and part-time GED programs during the evening and during the day are also available. Even if you struggled in your former high school, Transfer Schools, YABCs, and GED programs provide the support you need to get back on track and graduate. You’ll still need to work hard, but these schools and programs offer extra support to help you balance your personal and academic responsibilities.
How can I find a Transfer School, YABC, or GED program near me?
Check out our list of Transfer Schools, YABCs, or GED programs (including GED programs with Learning to Work) and use this map to find a location near you.
Where can I find a list of Transfer Schools, YABCs, and GED programs?
I am interested in attending a Transfer School, YABC, or GED program. Which programs am I eligible for?
Choosing the right school or program depends on your age, the number of credits you’ve already earned, and how many years of high school you have already attended. If you are interested in a Transfer School, contact the specific Transfer School for more information about each school’s individual eligibility requirements and how to enroll. If you are interested in a YABC, you should be at least 17.5 years old, have earned at least 17 high school credits, and be in the fifth year of high school. You can contact a YABC for more information on eligibility.
If you are interested in a GED program, you should contact a District 79 Referral Center or a GED location with Learning to Work.
Keep in mind that the Department of Education serves students through the end of the school year in which they turn 21. The school year begins on July 1, so if you turn 21 on July 2 you may attend school through the following June, but if you turn 21 on June 15 you may attend school only for two more weeks. When choosing a school or program, you should consider how many semesters you have left in the DOE system to make sure that you have enough time to complete required credits and Regents exams.
Finally, even if you are over the age of 21, you shouldn’t give up on your education. You can still attend free GED classes if you are too old to attend DOE schools. Visit the Office of Adult and Continuing Education for more information on Adult Education options.
Is there a minimum and/or maximum age for these schools and programs?
Transfer Schools accept students between the ages of 14 and 21, but each school has its own specific requirements. Contact the school of your choice for more information. YABCs serve students between the ages of 17.5 and 21. GED programs serve students over the age of 18.
Is it possible to be too far behind to enroll in a Transfer School, YABC, or GED program?
Schools and programs have different requirements, but a variety of programs exist to meet the needs of students at different ages and levels of credit accumulation. Each Transfer School has its own eligibility requirements: some accept students with no credits, while others set a minimum credit requirement. Contact individual schools directly to find out more. To attend a YABC, you must have accumulated at least 17 credits. There are no minimum credit requirements to attend a GED program, but you must be at least 18 years old.
Can I attend a Transfer School if I am on track to graduate on time (in four years) from my current high school but am looking for a school with a different environment, or if I just want to graduate early?
Transfer Schools are designed for older students who are behind in earning credits. If you are on track to graduate in four years from your current school and are not behind in earning credits, a Transfer School is probably not the right school for you.
If I have an IEP (Individualized Educational Program), am I eligible to enroll in a Transfer School, YABC, or GED program?
If the school or program you want to attend offers the services you are entitled to receive, you can apply to that site. Before you contact a Transfer School or YABC for more information, check in with your school counselor at the school you currently attend. Staff members at a Transfer School or YABC will not be able to answer your questions about the services you are entitled to receive because they do not have full access to your IEP and transcript. Your current school counselor will follow up to determine whether your IEP needs can be met at the Transfer School or YABC in which you are interested. To learn more, contact your school counselor or the Committee on Special Education (CSE).
How do I enroll in a Transfer School?
First, talk to your school counselor to start the process. For more information, or if you cannot contact a school counselor, contact the District 79 Referral Center nearest you. You also need to contact the specific Transfer Schools you are interested in to learn more about their eligibility requirements and enrollment procedures.
How do I enroll in a YABC?
To enroll in a YABC, first talk to your school counselor, who will help you and your parent/guardian determine if you meet eligibility requirements and whether a YABC is a good choice for you. If you decide to enroll, your school counselor will complete the required admission forms, which you must bring to the YABC in which you plan to enroll. You and your school counselor should reach out to a YABC Assistant Principal to make sure you’ve completed all necessary steps and to make sure a seat is available at that YABC. For more information, or if you cannot contact a school counselor to obtain the necessary forms, you can also contact a District 79 Referral Center nearest you.
How do I enroll in a full-time or part-time GED program?
Contact the nearest District 79 Referral Center to enroll in a GED program. You may also select a Learning to Work GED location near you and enroll directly with that program site.
I’m having trouble finding somebody knowledgeable about Transfer Schools, YABCs, and GED programs. How can I find someone to help me make choices and understand the process to enroll?
You should first try to talk to your school counselor. If you need more advice, or if you have stopped attending school and don’t have a school counselor, contact the District 79 Referral Center nearest you and speak to a counselor there. You should also reach out directly to schools and programs to speak with someone there to determine if a program is right for you.
What is the timeline for enrollment in Transfer Schools, YABCs, and GED programs? Is there an enrollment deadline?
All Transfer Schools, YABCs, and GED programs admit students on a rolling basis, so you may apply at any time during the school year. However, space is limited, so we suggest that you apply as early as you can. If you are interested in enrolling in a school or program, contact your school counselor or directly contact a Transfer School Principal, YABC Assistant Principal, or GED administrator. You may also contact your local District 79 Referral Center to begin the process.
I need to work full-time. Do I still have time to get my diploma?
Yes. Even if you have adult responsibilities and need to work full time, you can attend a YABC on Monday-Thursday evenings and receive a diploma from your home high school as long as you meet eligibility requirements. Many YABCs include the Learning to Work program, which provides you with a paid internship during the day that will help you to prepare for your career after graduation. Part-time GED programs can also accommodate a working schedule and prepare you for your GED credential either during the evening or during the day. Part-time evening GED programs also include the Learning to Work program that offers paid internships. Your school counselor will be able to assist you in determining which program is a good fit for you.
I am a single parent, but I still want to get my diploma. Which programs would best fit my needs?
Getting a diploma or GED will open up new possibilities for both you and your child. If you are a single parent and can only attend school part-time, there are several programs that can accommodate your schedule. You can attend a YABC on Monday-Thursday evenings and receive a diploma from your home high school as long as you meet eligibility requirements. Many YABCs include the Learning to Work program, which provides you with a paid internship during the day that will help you to prepare for your career after graduation. Part-time GED programs can also accommodate your schedule and prepare you for your GED credential either during the evening or during the day. Part-time evening GED programs also include the Learning to Work program that offers paid internships. Your school counselor will be able to assist you in determining which program is a good fit for you.
As a student enrolled in a NYC Department of Education school or program, you are eligible to enroll your child in the LYFE program, which provides free or very inexpensive care for your child. You do not need to be enrolled in a high school with a LYFE center location to take advantage of these services: you may drop your child off at a LYFE center while you attend classes in a different location.
I’ve fallen behind in credit accumulation at my school. Is it possible for me to stay at my current school while taking extra courses at a YABC at night in order to graduate on time?
No. Only students who are enrolled fully in a YABC may attend YABC classes.
What kinds of internships are available to me through the Learning to Work program?
Learning to Work sites provide students with a wide variety of paid internship opportunities in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Students work in fields like art, technology, education, and business. When you enroll in a school or program with Learning to Work, you will work with a Youth Counselor to develop the internship that is right for you.
I work at a business or non-profit organization. I am interested in supervising an intern through the Learning to Work program. Where should I go for more information?
If you would like to host a student intern, contact a site with Learning to Work. This map will show you which Learning to Work sites are near you. You should connect directly with a Transfer School Principal, YABC Assistant Principal, or GED administrator to find out how to become a Learning to Work internship site.
How can I speak to someone in person for more information about Transfer Schools, YABCs, and GED programs?
First, contact your school counselor. For more information, or if you cannot contact a school counselor, contact the District 79 Referral Center nearest you. You can use this map to find a location near you and connect directly with a Transfer School Principal, YABC Assistant Principal, or GED administrator to find our more specific information.
I’ve already stopped attending school and don’t have a school counselor to talk to. Who should I contact for counseling about which program is right for me and how to enroll?
If you stopped attending school less than a year ago, you should first consult this chart [link], which explains which schools and programs you are eligible to attend based on your age, the number of credits you’ve already earned, and how many years of high school you have already attended. If you cannot contact a school counselor and you need advice about eligibility or enrollment, contact the District 79 Referral Center nearest you. You can also use this map to find a location near you and connect directly with a Transfer School Principal, YABC Assistant Principal, or GED administrator to find our more specific information.
If you stopped attending school over a year ago, contact your nearest borough enrollment office.
Where can I find contact information for a specific Transfer School, YABC, or GED program?
You can also use this map to find a location near you and connect directly with a Transfer School Principal, YABC Assistant Principal, or GED administrator to find our more specific information. Still have questions? Email OPSR@schools.nyc.gov or call 212-374-6025.