How to Upgrade Your High School Courses in Calgary as an Adult
Thinking about going back to school but missing a high school course or the grades you need? Whether you’re planning a career change, applying to college or returning to education after several years, upgrading your high school courses can help you take the next step.
And the good news? You may not need to complete your entire high school diploma. With academic upgrading, you can focus on the specific courses you need to meet your education and career goals. Here’s how to upgrade your high school courses in Calgary, what to consider and how to get started.
Not sure which high school courses you need?
We can help you review your education goals, explore upgrading options, and plan your next step.
What Is Academic Upgrading?
Academic upgrading allows adult learners to complete high school-level courses, improve previous grades or meet admission requirements for college, university, and career training programs.
You might consider academic upgrading if you:
- Are missing english, math, or science prerequisites for a college program.
- Need to improve a previous high school grade.
- Have been out of school for several years and want to continue your education.
- Are exploring a new career that requires additional qualifications.
You don’t always need a full high school diploma to move forward. Depending on your goals, completing a few specific courses may be enough to meet the admission requirements for your intended program.
At Columbia College Calgary, adult learners can complete selected Alberta high school courses through flexible online learning options, with academic advising available to help plan their next steps.
How to Upgrade Your High School Courses in Calgary
Not sure where to begin? These five steps can help you get started.
1. Identify Your Education or Career Goals
Start with where you want to go. Are you interested in practical nursing, dental assisting, education, business, or another career path? Different programs have different admission requirements. Knowing what you want to study can help you identify the courses you actually need, saving time and unnecessary coursework.
Tip: If you already have a college program in mind, review its admission requirements before choosing your upgrading courses.
2. Review Your Previous High School Courses
You may already have some of the qualifications you need.
If possible, gather your previous high school transcripts and compare your completed courses and grades with the requirements of your intended program. If you’ve been out of school for several years, or completed your education outside Alberta, an academic advisor can help you understand your options. At Columbia College, course placement may be determined through previous transcripts or an academic entrance assessment, depending on your circumstances.
3. Choose the High School Courses You Need
Once you know your admission requirements, you can focus on completing the necessary courses. Common subjects available through academic upgrading include:
- English Language Arts: Often required for college and university admission.
- Mathematics: May be needed for business, healthcare, science and technical programs.
- Biology and Chemistry: Common prerequisites for certain healthcare and science programs.
- Science and Social Studies: May be required for specific programs or education pathways.
The exact course level matters, too. For example, English Language Arts 30-1 and 30-2 are different courses, and institutions may have specific requirements. Before registering, confirm which courses and grades your intended program accepts.
4. Find an Academic Upgrading Program That Fits Your Life
Returning to school as an adult can mean balancing education with work, family and other responsibilities. Fortunately, online academic upgrading can offer more flexibility than a traditional classroom schedule.
When comparing programs, consider:
- Learning format: Do you prefer live classes or more independent learning?
- Instructor support: Will you have access to teachers when you need help?
- Schedule: Can you manage the course workload alongside your other commitments?
- Course availability: Does the program offer the subjects and levels you need?
- Cost and funding: Are there self-pay or government-funded options available?
The best option is one that supports both your learning needs and your long-term goals.
5. Plan Your Next Step
Before enrolling, think about when you want to begin your next college or university program. Find out how long your upgrading courses will take and whether you’ll complete them before your intended application deadline.
An academic advisor can help you develop a realistic course plan so you know what to work toward and when.
Online Academic Upgrading at Columbia College Calgary
Columbia College offers online academic upgrading in Alberta, helping adult learners complete high school prerequisites and prepare for post-secondary education. Students can access selected Alberta high school courses, including English Language Arts, mathematics, biology, chemistry, science, and social studies.
For Grades 10–12, successfully completed courses and credits appear on official Alberta Education transcripts.
Flexible Learning Options
Columbia College offers three academic upgrading formats. Course availability, registration dates, fees, and instructor support vary by format.
Asynchronous
No fixed class times, structured timeline for assignment completion- ‣ Recorded live classes
- ‣ Daily learning required with 24-hour deadlines for assignments and tests
- ‣ Daily lessons and activities open for 24 hours
- ‣ Teacher support by message or by attending a live class at no extra cost
- ‣ Scheduled feedback and assignments, tests, and exams
- ‣ Flexible within each day
- ‣ In-person or remote proctoring (if outside Calgary)
- ‣ Up to 3 courses per semester
- ‣ 16-week duration
- ‣ Register 3–4 weeks in advance
Synchronous
LIVE online classes. Recommended for most students- ‣ Live online classes with a teacher
- ‣ Monday–Friday, between 8:30AM – 3:20PM
- ‣ Daily lessons and activities
- ‣ Immediate support and feedback from your teacher
- ‣ Scheduled assignments, tests, and exams
- ‣ Fixed schedule that follow the class calendar
- ‣ 45–90 minutes of live instruction per course daily
- ‣ In-person or remote proctoring (if outside Calgary)
- ‣ Up to 3 courses per semester
- ‣ 16-week duration
- ‣ Register 3–4 weeks in advance
Self-Paced
Best for students repeating a recently completed course- ‣ Recorded lessons and interactive software. No live classes
- ‣ Fully flexible, independent learning
- ‣ Teacher support available on request (extra tutoring fees apply)
- ‣ Assignments, tests, and supervised exams determine the final grade
- ‣ Self-directed. Recommended only for students with strong independent learning skills.
- ‣ Maximum 2 courses recommended
- ‣ 9–12 hours/week per course
- ‣ Up to 4 months (extensions available for a fee)
- ‣ Register 1–2 weeks in advance
- NOTE: The following courses are not currently available: English 10-1, Social 10/20, Science 20/30, Biology 20, Physics 20/30, Math 31
Government funding may be available for eligible students.
Columbia College offers both self-pay and grant-funded academic upgrading options. Funding is limited, subject to eligibility requirements, and available through the full-time live online learning format. Self-pay options are also available for students who do not qualify for funding.
Not sure which option applies to you? The academic upgrading team can help you explore your eligibility and current tuition costs. Connect with us now to explore your options.
Ready to take the next step?
Missing a high school course doesn’t have to put your education or career goals on hold.
Whether you need to improve a grade, complete a prerequisite or prepare for college, academic upgrading can help you move forward. At Columbia College you can explore flexible online courses and receive guidance to help you choose the right pathway.
