Grades 7-9 (Self-Pay)

Helps adult learners improve their English, mathematics, and computer skills for entry into the workforce.  It is ideal for mid-skilled learners who are looking to improve their employment status and return to work. Students at this level may also use the courses to prepare for entry into some training programs or entry into high school classes.

Grades 10-12 (Grant-funded or Self-Pay)

Helps adult learners enter college or university programs.  It is ideal for individuals who are interested in improving their high school marks in order to meet the entry requirements for post-secondary programs.

It is strongly recommended that online learners have:

• Daily access to a reliable computer (Windows Pc recommended) for the full duration of the class.
• Reliable internet service with high-speed internet. A cable connection is recommended 
• A comfortable chair
• A workspace away from distractions
• A working microphone and video camera
• Earphones or earbuds (optional)
• Childcare in place

Grades 1-9

• English, Writer’s Workshop, and Mathematics.
• Learn and practice professional behaviours and the 9 essential skills regularly used in the North American workplace
• Learn how to target your resume and conduct a successful job search
• Receive individualized job search coaching and support from an Employment Specialist
• Apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations while attending 5 weeks of work experience

Grades 10-12

• In consultation with the Principal of Academic Upgrading, develop an educational plan and select courses that meet the entry requirements of the College or University program of interest.
• Course Selection:
  • Biology 20 and 30
  • Chemistry 20 and 30
  • Career and Technology Studies (CTS) (Individualized Program Plan required)
  • English Language Arts 10-1, 10-2, 20-1, 20-2, 30-1, and 30-2
  • Mathematics 10-C, 10-3, 20-1, 20-2, 20-3, 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3
  • Psychology 20
  • Science 10, 20, and 30
  • Social Studies 10-1, 10-2, 20-1, 20-2, 30-1, and 30-2

Grades 1-6

Mature Admission Only

• Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 3-5
• Achieve Grades 1-6 scores on the Columbia College assessment in reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics

Grades 7-9

Mature Admission Only

• Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5-7
• Achieve Grades 7-9 scores on the Columbia College assessment in reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics

Grades 10-12

Standard Admission

• A recent Canadian high school transcript (within the last 2 years.  Some conditions may apply.)

OR

Mature Admission

• Achieve Grades 10-12 scores on the Columbia College assessment in reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics

Tutoring is available for students who have fallen below the minimal pass rate. 

Academic Upgrading falls under Continuing Education, and we award Certificates of Course Completion to learners who complete their courses at Columbia College.

Grades 1 – 9

Certificate of Course Completion.

Grades 10 – 12

Certificate of Course Completion.

Our grade 10-12 programs are designed to help students upgrade or complete specific high school courses in order to meet the entry requirements for a post-secondary program. Courses and credits will appear on official Alberta Education Transcripts.

Please note that Columbia College does not offer all the courses required to obtain an Alberta High School Diploma, we offer only select credit courses at the 10-, 20-, and 30-levels that could be used towards a high school diploma. For more information on high school graduation requirements, credentials, and credits, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/graduation-requirements-credentials-and-credits.aspx

This program is funded by Alberta Human Services. Students may be eligible to receive financial assistance to attend part-time or full-time studies.

To qualify for grant funding, applicants must:

• be an Alberta resident and currently residing full-time in the province (or address in city of Lloydminster)
• be unemployed or marginally employed
• be committed to seeking employment
• meet citizenship requirements (e.g., Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Convention Refugee) and be legally entitled to work and train in Canada

We offer courses for learners in Grades 1-12, with the following entry requirements:

• Grades 1-6: Mature Admission only (Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5-7, Columbia College assessment).
• Grades 7-9: Alberta residents who are unemployed or marginally employed, with a commitment to seeking employment.
• Grades 10-12: Ideal for individuals wanting to upgrade their high school marks to meet post-secondary entry requirements.

We offer select high school credit courses at the 10-, 20-, and 30-levels, including:

• Biology: 20, 30
• Chemistry: 20, 30
• English Language Arts: 10-1, 10-2,
  20-1, 20-2, 30-1, 30-2
• Science: 10, 20, 30
• Psychology: 20
• Mathematics: 10-C, 10-3, 20-1, 20-2,
  20-3, 30-1, 30-2
• Social Studies: 10-1, 10-2, 20-1, 20-2,
  30-1, 30-2

We provide select credit courses that can count toward your diploma, and many of the courses that individuals may need to qualify for post-secondary admission. We encourage students to speak with an advisor about the quickest way to reach your goals. columbia.ca/contact-us

Our Academic Upgrading team will help you select the right courses based on your post-secondary or employment goals. We create a Personalized Planning approach to ensure you meet the necessary requirements.

Yes, for Grades 10-12, courses and credits will appear on your official Alberta Education Transcripts, which you can use for post-secondary applications or employment.

Yes, we offer online English as an Additional Language (EAL) courses for students needing to improve their English skills before enrolling in Academic Upgrading.

Yes, our instructors offer live online classes with interactive support. You will also receive personalized guidance throughout the course to ensure you meet your goals.