Learning Lab Program

• Online or In-Person Learning: We have two office locations, one in Longmont and one in Boulder. We also support online remote learning which includes the same depth of support from your instructor, via text, email, phone calls, or video conferencing services.
• Individualized tutoring: We translate textbook or online software explanations to meet a wide variety of learning styles, abilities, individual needs, etc.
• Coaching: Ongoing, one-on-one support to get to know you as a unique individual and help you move towards your educational and life goals.
• Free HSED pretesting and testing: We cover all the costs related to you attaining your high school equivalency diploma, including online license fees to official pretests and official content area exams.
• Support with your goals post-graduation: Prior to you completing all content area exams for your HSED, your instructor will work with you to support your goals and get your ‘next steps’ in place.

Through working with the Learning Lab, you will:

• Discover your strengths and how they relate to test-taking and learning new things. 1 =
• Receive caring, dedicated and individualized support whenever and as often as needed.
• Receive wrap-around supports designed to help you reach your goals post-graduation.
• Be able to create your own schedule.
• Have flexibility within a program that supports you instead of the other way around.
• Grow confidence in your ability to achieve your goals.

• Complete an Interest Form to apply for the Learning Lab (note: there are eligibility requirements): https://cs.boco.solutions/InterestForm/

• Contact us with any questions:
  • gedinfo@bouldercounty.org
  • 720-776-0822 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• State Issued Driver’s License or Identification Card (not expired)
• Social Security card
• Affidavit of Immigration
• Additional documentation may be needed based on your unique situation

Is there a certain time of the year that the Learning Lab program starts?

No. We have what is called a ‘rolling enrollment’, meaning a person can enroll at any time during a calendar year.

How long does it take on average for a student to earn their HSED?

Everyone is unique and their pathway to attain their HSED is unique as well. For many individuals, the average time (if they are actively focused on their learning for a minimum of 6 hours per week) is approximately 6-8 months. Some individuals move more quickly, and some take a little more time. Our program is designed to meet you where you are and support you throughout your academic journey.

How much does your program cost?

Nothing to the participant. We absorb the cost of preparation and testing for each eligible student we enroll.

How does the program work?

Once we determine you are eligible, you’ll first meet with a Learning Lab instructor to get to know you, your goals, and your needs. We’ll have you take an academic assessment to get a sense of the type of unique study curriculum and supports you’ll need. Then you’ll get to work, either online or in our learning lab, with us helping you along the way. When ready and if needed, you’ll take pre-tests on the academic areas of the actual test. You can do these pre-tests on your own schedule, whether one at a time or all together. After you’ve passed the pre-tests, or when you feel ready, you’ll take the HSED test. We use two different testing platforms: GED and HiSET. Your instructor will work with you to determine which testing platform is best for you.

Where does the HSED test happen?

Testing will happen at a proctored testing site (which could be Front Range Community College, Workforce Boulder County, etc.) We will work with you to coordinate a testing date and site.

How many HSED tests are there?

HSED consists of 4 – 5 tests. This depends on the high school equivalency test platform you choose to take, which will either be the GED or HiSET test. Your instructor will work alongside you to help you determine your best testing platform. Tests can be completed one content area at a time, or you may choose to complete more than one content area exam on the same day. Your instructor will work with you to determine the path that works best for you and your schedule.

I had accommodations in school (a 504 or IEP). Are accommodations like extra time, breaks, private room, etc. available when I take the HSED test?

Absolutely. Both the tests we use (the GED and HiSET) provide accommodations for testers with a pre-determined need for them. If you think you would benefit from testing accommodations, please talk with your instructor to learn about the process of application for accommodations.

What happens if I can’t attend due to illness, stress, family emergency, etc.?

Because we offer rolling enrollment, we do not have scheduled group classwork, nor do we assign ‘homework’ or ‘special projects’ that have deadlines. If you experience an unexpected setback or crisis, the program provides you with a 90-day window to focus on reclaiming your sense of stability without working on academics.

Spanish is my primary language. Can I test and study in Spanish with your program?

Both HSED tests we use (the GED and HiSET) are available in English and Spanish. Unfortunately, all the Learning Lab study materials (both online and textbook) are currently only available to us in English. Calvary Church Open Door ESL program does offer both tutoring and testing in Spanish, if that’s preferable (they do have a cost for their program and they are in Longmont, CO). Visit https://literacycolorado.org/listing/calvary-church-open-door/.

I applied for the Learning Lab and found out I am not eligible at this time. What do I do now?

If you have spoken directly with the Learning Lab coordinator and it has been determined that we don’t have funding to support you at this time, you can still work on attaining your HSED! Boulder Valley Family Literacy provides classes in Boulder, Broomfield, and Lafayette that are free of charge (though you will have to pay for the pretests and exams themselves). https://www.bvsd.org/parents-students/academics/family-literacy

If you need reading supports, Boulder Reads is located at the Boulder Public Library and provides individual tutoring support for reading comprehension. https://boulderlibrary.org/boulderreads/

If you would like information about other resources, please email gedinfo@bouldercounty.com.