frequently asked questions

Yes. DCI is a tuition-free public school.

Yes. At DCI, you’ll complete high school courses on your own schedule.

 Many students find that a flexible online learning approach best fits their needs and learning styles. Virtual learning at DCI offers curriculum tailored to each student’s needs and learning levels and support from a certified teacher at a local center.

Yes. High school students can complete their graduation requirements in a flexible online learning environment with the help of DCI and graduate with their high school diploma.

In addition to the application, DCI requires verification of the original birth certificate, proof of residency, and immunization records. Additional documentation may be required based upon district enrollment, which would include transcripts, driver’s license of parent/guardian, and additional proof of residency.

DCI is dedicated to the success of its students, which includes doing everything we can to make the learning experience simple and easy. Students enrolled in DCI will receive a free internet connected computer provided by DCI.

Yes. DCI provides suspended or expelled students with a flexible online learning pathway to graduating high school.  Some exclusions apply.

DCI serves students in 9th to 12th grade between ages 15 to 21 years old.

Any non-high school graduate between the ages of 15 and 21 years of age. A student must have completed the 8th grade and live in the state of Michigan

To begin the enrollment process, GO HERE.  You will need the followingto enroll:

• Birth Certificate
• Proof of Guardianship if the student is under 18 and the guardian is not listed on the birth certificate
• Photo ID (if under 18 parent or guardian photoID)
• Proof of Michigan Residency (mail, utility bill, voter registration, rent/lease/mortgage, or property tax bill)
• Transcripts from the last school attendedwill be helpful in assigning your class schedule.

Other acceptable documents may include:

• A passport
• Court Records
• Government records (Military, Immigration)

No but it is helpful to have it at the beginning of enrollment so that we can assign the proper classes. We can help you acquire your transcripts from your previous school(s).

Yes.  We can help you in acquiring your immunization records.

You can call 248-368-0413 to speak with one of our enrollment team members.

All computers have built in internet capability and are shipped after enrollment is approved; all required documents must be received and processed by our enrollment deptartament.  Computers are sent to the address indicated on your enrollment document.

No.  This is a diploma-based program.  The Michigan Dept. of Education and Avondale School District have approved DCI as a high school completion program whereby our students receive a high school diploma.

No.  This is a high school completion program with the goal of obtaining your high school diploma through Avondale School District.  The only exception is simultaneous enrollment in an MDE approved vocational program.

DCI is a year around high school completion program.  Therefore, our students are given access to their courses during summer months should they choose study at that time.

You can begin your work as soon as you are assigned a Mentor and receive your equipment.

We understand that each student comes to DCI with their own unique needs such as raising a child, working a fulltime job, health issues and the like.  We suggest working in your classes 30 hours a week, but you can work at your own pace.  You should complete 2 assignments in each of your assigned courses and interact with your Mentor 2 times per week. 

Diploma & Careers Institute (DCI) is authorized by Avondale School District.   The Avondale Board of Education requires students to have earned 20 or more credits to graduate.

The 20 credits include18 credits required as part of the Michigan Department of Education’s (MDE) Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) and two(2.0) DCI required elective credits as follows:

English Language Arts (4 credits),Math (4 credits), Science (3 credits), Social Studies (3 credits), Physical Education/Health (1 credit), World Language (2 credits), Visual Performing Arts (1 credit), 2 DCI requirements (2 credits; The Successful You and one CTE Course (Career and Technical Education))

Yes, through Avondale School District, DCI is accredited by COGNIA.  Cognia is the global leader serving more than 36,000 public and private schools across the United States and over 85 countries worldwide.

You will receive a high school diploma from Avondale School District upon completion of graduation requirements.  You will participate in a formal graduation ceremony complete with diploma, cap, and gown.  You will be ready for college, career, or the military.

Yes.  All graduates are eligible for $1,000.00 scholarship that can be applied to a college, university, trade school, or certification program.

When you Graduate from the Diploma & Careers Institute (DCI), your High Shool Diploma will state: “Avondale School District, Diploma & Careers Institute”

Each student is assigned a mentor who will closely monitor the student’s progress and interact with the student on a weekly basis.  The mentor will work in partnership with the student to identify any area that may require additional academic support and make necessary tutoring arrangements.  Certified teachers are regularly available to work one on one with students on their course requirements.

Once your enrollment documents have been processed, we will evaluate your transcripts and upload your classes.  Your mentor will be reaching out to you with their name, phone number, and your online class login and password.

We will ship your computer to the address listed on your enrollment form.

If you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, please feel free to contact us.