Admission Requirements

Student Information
Ridge Career Center Home Page

ADULT STUDENTS

All applicants must complete a registration form which is obtained from the Ridge Career Center Guidance Department. Most of the training programs at Ridge have minimum admission or state licensure requirements. Applicants should be a least 16 years of age and have the basic skills necessary for potential success in the training program they have chosen. If applicants do not possess the basic skills needed, remediation is available to assist students in improving basic skills when necessary. A student's sincere desire to learn, along with ability, will determine the extent of success.

Ridge Career Center is open to all persons 16 years of age or older who are interested in vocational/technical education as preparation for employment and have the ability to benefit from the program selected. Minimum state standards must be met before completing with a vocational/technical Certificate of Completion. Admission testing is accomplished by completing the Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE). All students taking the TABE must have a valid photo ID and adults have a $15 testing fee.  Qualified students applying for admission are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. (See Intake Schedule)

Admission Procedures for Adult Students 

Take assessment test which is required by the State of Florida.  Complete a registration form which can be obtained at the Guidance Office.  Interview with a counselor after testing.  Register for program and pay fees. (The counselor will provide you with admission dates and current fees -- cost of program)

Some programs may require additional information and a formal interview for admission.  For more information about adult programs, please contact Alice Moore the adult guidance counselor or call the Center at 863-419-3060, Ext. 4103 or E-mail at Alice.Moore@polk-fl.net.

Financial Assistance (Please see Financial Assistance Page)

For more information about financial assistance, please contact Jean Baker the Financial Aid Coordinator or call the Center at 863-419-3060, Ext. 4106 or E-mail at Jean.Baker@polk-fl.net.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

High school students in grades 11 and 12 who have successfully earned a majority of credits at their home high schools can finish their academic requirements toward graduation requirements at Ridge while being enrolled in a vocational program. Students spend the entire day at Ridge and can earn elective and academic credits each year. They may take (according to their requirements) English III and IV, Algebra I, Consumer Math, Environmental Science, American Economics Experience, American Government, American History, Personal Fitness and Life Management and Family Dynamics. Tuition and books are free; however, some programs require laboratory fees, kits or uniform costs, or state testing fees. High school students should remember that the focus of a technical center is to provide job skills to those individuals ready to seek employment.  Students must be willing to accept responsibility and function in a "job like" atmosphere. High school students may participate in any activity provided at their home high school.

Take assessment test if needed. Students taking the assessment test must have a valid photo ID.  Complete a registration form which can be obtained at the Guidance Office or your high school guidance department.  Return the registration form with your parent's signature to Ridge Career Center Guidance Office.  Interview with the High School Guidance Counselor. Ridge Career Center students must transfer from their home high school and report to Ridge Career Center with all the necessary papers.  If all admission requirements are met and space is available, a counselor will register you for the program.

    In order to prevent many students from dropping out of school at the later middle school and/or early senior high stages of their educational program, students who are behind on credits can be designated as 11th or 12th graders for the purpose of allowing them to attend the technical centers under the Polk District High School Diploma option. This grade designation should take place before a student sits for the High School Competency Test (HSCT). Grade designation is not based on number of high school credits. If a student returns to a regular high school, grade in school will be based on number of credits. Middle school principals may refer middle school students directly to the technical center for assessment and possible placement in the Polk District High School Diploma Program if students are 16 years old. 

Parents and students who choose this option are to agree in writing to the following:

	A regular standard diploma will not be attainable for these students.
	A Polk District High School Diploma may be attainable for these students.
	The primary function of such grade designation is to provide the student with technical job skills.

    Students who meet the following vocational and academic criteria, as well as successfully pass the General Educational Development (GED) and HSCT tests and complete the vocational program in which they are enrolled, will be awarded a Polk District High School Diploma.

    Students must meet the following criteria to enter the Polk District High School Diploma program:

	be 16 years of age and exhibit at-risk student characteristics
	demonstrate probability for success on the GED test as documented by a GED practice test

    Students enrolling from out-of-county or state many enroll directly into the Polk District High School Diploma Program. They do not have to enter through a high school or middle school. They must meet all entrance criteria like any other student new to Polk County. Direct enrollment into the technical centers applies only to the Polk District High School Diploma Program and not to students finishing their high school credits toward graduation.

Any other questions, please contact the Student Services Department at 863-419-3060.