can you go to cosmetology school while in high school?

When you know you’re destined to work in the beauty industry, traditional high school courses can seem boring and pointless. However, new changes now require incoming cosmetology school students to have their high school diploma or GED in order to receive Financial Aid.

So, if you want to go to cosmetology school, but you dropped out of high school as a teenager, you have no choice but to obtain your GED. The good news is once you pass the exam, you’ll be able to apply for Financial Aid and begin cosmetology school!

Vocational High Schools

Some vocational high schools also offer cosmetology courses, or partner with local technical schools for these courses. This allows the students to study beauty topics while also earning their high school diploma. These practical classes give students an introduction to cosmetology, and the chance to begin their cosmetology education before they have graduated high school.

High school vocational and trade programs have existed for decades, and allow students to learn practical skills and get hands-on practice in the trade. These programs also sometimes allow students to complete internships in the field for extra experience. When these programs are focused on cosmetology, students can learn more about hair design, skincare and nail treatments. Students who complete these programs must still continue their education at a post-secondary beauty college and test for a cosmetology license in the usual manner. Sometimes the hours gained can be counted toward the hours required for certification, though.

Duel Enrollment Programs

In duel enrollment programs, students usually enroll at a local beauty school for a few lecture-style during their junior or senior year of high school. Typically, they can get up to three hours a day toward certification. This lays the groundwork for their education.

If the student began working during senior year, the hands-on training typically does not begin until after high school graduation. If a student begins duel enrollment during his or her junior year, however, there is a chance hands-on clinic training could begin during the following year. This means students can be both enrolled in high school and actively working in the school’s salon. Depending on the state’s hour requirements, there is a chance this student could test for certification not long after high school graduation.

These duel enrollment programs are not offered in all states. There may be reasons the programs are not offered in your area. In some states, there are state-wide Board of Cosmetology age requirements in effect for those attending beauty school. These may or may not apply to high school students seeking duel enrollment in both high school and cosmetology school programs.

What is a GED?
GED stands for General Equivalency Development or General Educational Diploma. The tests determine whether a person has the level of knowledge of a high-school graduate. It consists of five subject tests – Writing, Reading, Social Studies, Science, and Math.

How do I register for my GED?
You’ll need to contact your local testing center to figure out the testing dates and fees. For students in California, here’s a list of GED testing centers by city name. Testing centers usually offer the test several times each month and will charge about $150 on average to take the test.

How do I prepare to take my GED?
There are tons of GED preparation materials available in stores and online. Your testing center may also have a free website or program available to help you prepare, so ask them about it when you call to register.

What do I need to take my GED?
You’ll need to show a valid ID the day of the test. Acceptable IDs include a driver’s license, a military ID, a U.S. or foreign passport, or an ID card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles

How is the GED scored?
GED scores for each of the five tests are reported as “standard scores” which range from 200 to 800. To pass the test in California, you must receive a standard score of at least 410 on each of the tests and receive an average standard score of 450 or higher overall.

How do I know if I passed the GED?
Test results are posted to on a secure Internet site that only the testing centers have access to. People who pass will receive a California High School Equivalency Certificate and an Official Report of Test Results in the mail about six to eight weeks after their testing date.

Do I have to have a high school diploma or GED?

The most over arching answer is yes, but ultimately it depends on the school in which you plan to enroll in, the cosmetology specialty you are interested in, and the state’s requirements. In a few states such as California, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana and New Jersey, you can find schools that do accept students who have only completed 10th grade. Although vary uncommon, in Oklahoma, Connecticut and Michigan you can find cosmetology schools that will also accept students who have completed 8th or 9th grade.

Have no fear though if you haven’t received your GED or high school diploma. Many schools also have entrance exams set up for those missing the educational requirements. These tests will prove to the school that you have the knowledge to be successful in its cosmetology programs. Because these entrance exams aren’t at the state level, you need to check with each beauty school you are considering to see if this is an option they have available.
Meet these requirements? Let’s find you a program!