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We're here 9am-9pm ET Mon-Fri

Questions on enrolling? We're here 9am-9pm ET Mon-Fri

JMHS Blog

High School Education with No Age Limit

Written by Nicole Krempasky on Wednesday, 04 January 2023. Posted in Adult Learner, Helpful Tips

Blonde woman outside smiling at camera.

There are many reasons why you may not have finished high school, but that doesn’t mean any of them need to hold you back. At James Madison High School, your age doesn’t matter. You can start and finish a high school program as an adult learner. Keep reading to learn more.

Am I too old for high school?

One of the most important things to have today is a high school diploma. High school graduates typically earn more than their counterparts who don’t have one, and it’s a requirement if you’re looking to enter any form of higher education. Though national graduation rates have improved in recent years, life often throws curveballs at us which prevent some people from finishing their high school degree on a traditional timetable. However, that doesn’t mean you’ve missed your opportunity and can’t complete high school at all. At James Madison High School, your age doesn’t matter. You can start and finish a high school program as an adult learner.

While the idea of returning to high school as an adult may seem intimidating, you have a support system behind you through your teachers, Student Services, and the Student Community. Here, you’ll find many students and alumni with similar stories, experiences, and situations who are on a similar path to your own, lending you support and encouragement throughout your studies.

Why should I choose JMHS?

Completing your high school degree or equivalent (like a GED) is a personal and important decision, so you need to know you’re making the right choice for yourself and your family. As an adult learner, you may have a job, children, and other responsibilities that come first. Having to work around these responsibilities can make online school an attractive option, but some potential students are still uncertain it’s the right choice for them. Some of the benefits of James Madison include:

  • Self-paced coursework. JMHS is completely online and self-paced, so you can work your studies around your other responsibilities. With no set timetables, you don’t have to feel pressured to complete assignments and exams within a certain window of time, either. Self-paced learning also means that you can study at a rate that benefits you the most. You don’t have to worry about moving on to another unit or chapter until you feel certain you’re prepared.
  • Study from anywhere. Online school means you can focus on your studies anywhere you want, as long as you have an internet connection. If you have breaks during your work hours, are waiting to pick your children up from practice or lessons, or are traveling, your schoolwork is only ever a click away.
  • Open enrollment. The decision to return to school, especially after a long time out, isn’t an easy one to make for everyone. Whether it’s mapping out how to make it work or overcoming your fears and insecurities, James Madison is here whenever you’re ready. You don’t have to wait for the start of a new semester or worry about making up the work if you start in the middle of one. Your classes start when you're ready.
  • Accreditation. Education is always important, but you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of it and, in return, it’s giving you the best options possible. With national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), you can be confident that your education is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Depending on when you last attended high school, you might even be able receive credit from previously completed classes through our credit recovery option, or by transferring previously taken credits into JMHS, making your journey towards a diploma even more manageable.

Forge ahead with James Madison

No matter what your situation is, JMHS is here to help you succeed. We also offer monthly tuition payment plans to ensure that finances don’t have to hold you back from reaching your goals. So, if you’re ready to forge ahead and open new opportunities with a high school degree, enroll online today or call our Admissions Team at to learn about our high school program options.

About the Author

Nicole Krempasky

Nicole Krempasky

Nicole Krempasky earned a BA in Communications with a minor in Art History from Arcadia University. Just finishing her MA in International Journalism from Edinburgh Napier University, she is putting her writing and research skills to use as Penn Foster’s Marketing Coordinator. Nicole enjoys baking, traveling, and British TV.