Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements and Procedures For Adult Students

  1. Take Tests of Adult Basic Education assessment (TABE).
  2. Complete WATERS application in Student Services Department.
  3. Interview with the appropriate counselor.
  4. Register for program, apply for financial assistance and/or pay fees (counselor will provide you with admission dates and current costs).
  5. Some programs may require additional steps and/or a formal interview with an additional staff member for admission.

Admission Procedures for High School Students: Standard Diploma Seeking

Entry Requirements:

  1. Must be at least 16 years of age.
  2. Must be a student at the 9th grade level who only needs limited academic credits to graduate
  3. Have a good attendance record.
  4. Have a good discipline record.
  5. Must take the TABE assessment.
  6. Need a parking permit if driving to campus.
  7. Be responsible for consumable costs as specified by individual programs.
  8. Complete WATERS application in Student Services Department.
  9. Consult with RCC's high school guidance counselor. All related paperwork necessary for transferring from the home high school will be explained.
  10. Ridge Career Center students must then transfer from their home high school and report to RCC with all required paperwork.
  11. If all admission requirements are met and space is available, a counselor will register the student for the program.

Polk District Diploma Seeking

Entry requirements:

  1. Students are required to take the TABE assessment and an interest and aptitude assessment prior to enrolling.
  2. Students must transfer from their last high school and be 16 years of age or older.
  3. Students must meet at least one of the alternative education criteria established by Florida Statutes:
    1. Retained or administrative promotion, one or more times prior to referral
    2. Failure to achieve minimum (or master 80% of basic skills) on state assessment testing
    3. Disinterest in school documented by two or more sources
    4. Excessive absences

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

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

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