College Preparation offers the high school courses to begin post-secondary studies.
We understand the needs of adult learners. Juggling education, family life, and work is not always an easy thing to do. That’s why Portage College offers our courses online, full-time, or part-time so you can work on the specific courses you need on your time with both synchronous and asynchronous support. You might be eligible for a High School Equivalency Diploma as you complete your upgrading. Contact the Student Advisors listed below for more information.
Classes are offered in fall and winter terms beginning in August and January. Courses range from grades 10 to 12.
To find out if you qualify for Foundational Learning Assistance (formerly Alberta Works) or other sources of funding call a student advisor:
- Cold Lake Frog Lake, Kehewin & Lac La Biche – DawnAnn Ollenberger: 780-639-7110 or Emai
- St. Paul – Denise Gill – 780-623-5579 or Email
Career Potential
The majority of post-secondary institutions require that specific pre-requisite courses be completed before admission to their programs is granted. College Preparation qualifies students for programs in post-secondary institutions, offers courses for credits towards a high school diploma and increases job opportunities.
Credentials
Adult Education Certificate
Admission Requirements
Educational
- Completion or program placement test. Course placement is dependent on testing results.
- High school transcripts (if applicable)
Other Students interested in applying will need to contact Student Services regarding opportunities for placement testing. Students will need to submit an application to the program to start this process.
- Interview
- Training Plan
Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide. Please refer to the following link for minimum technical requirements for our Moodle site.
Transferability
Portage College has transfer agreements in place with other colleges and universities which allows you to gain access to post-secondary learning opportunities.
Program Start/End Dates
August 31 – December 18, 2026
January 4 – April 30, 2027
Application Deadlines:
August 15, 2026 – Fall term
December 12, 2026 – Winter term
Program Delivery
Online*
*Midterms and finals must be written onsite
Campus Support Locations – Computer Use.
Cold Lake Campus, Lac La Biche Campus, St. Paul Campus
Fall Term Fee payment deadline August 15, 2025
| Tuition | $1,678.00 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Book Rental Fee | $438.39 |
| Total | $2,696.87 |
Winter Term Fee payment deadline December 15, 2025
| Tuition | $1,678.00 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Book Rental Fee | $438.39 |
| Total | $2,370.37 |
Part-time Fees
Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $116. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $116.
Textbook Rentals
Rentals can be arranged through the Portage College Bookstore: By Phone: Toll free 1.866.623.5551 ext. 5647 or 780.623.5647 Visit Portage Bookstore for other supplies. Need help to fund your education? Check out our funding options.
Fee Explanations
Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.
Health & Dental Fees You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan. If you are beginning your studies in the winter semester then Health & Dental fees will apply. Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.
Athletics & Recreation Fees These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.
Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure. As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
College Preparation Course Listing
Biology 20 is a course which will deal with the biosphere, cellular matter and energy flows, matter and exchange in ecosystems, and matter and energy exchange by the human organism. Students investigate the impact of science and technology on society and, at the same time, become aware of the roles and limitations of biology, science in general and of technology in problem solving in a societal context. This course encourages the development of positive attitudes that support the responsible acquisition and application of knowledge related to science andtechnology. It incorporates Aboriginal perspectives to develop in all students an appreciation of the cultural diversity and achievements of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples. The three foundational components of science courses: attitudes, knowledge, science, technology, and society (STS) as well as skills will be reflected in the learning outcomes of this course.
Biology 30 is a course in which students obtain an understanding of systems of change in human organisms, reproduction and development, cells, chromosomes, and DNA, as well as change in populations and communities. The impact and limitations of science and technology on society is also an integral part of this course. This course encourages the development of positive attitudes that support the responsible acquisition and application of knowledge related to science and technology. It incorporates Aboriginal perspectives to develop in all students an appreciation of the cultural diversity and achievements of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples. The three foundational components of science courses: attitudes, knowledge, science, technology, and society (STS) as well as skills will be reflected in the learning outcomes of this course.
Chemistry 20 is a course which helps students to understand the chemistry principles behind the natural events they experience and the technology they use in their daily lives. Chemistry is the study of matter and its changes and each unit in Chemistry 20 uses a different context to investigate the nature of the matter and to examine its properties and changes. This course encourages the development of positive attitudes that support the responsible acquisition and application of knowledge related to science and technology. It incorporates Aboriginal perspectives to develop in all students an appreciation of the cultural diversity and achievements of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples. The three foundational components of science courses: attitudes, knowledge, science, technology and society (STS) as well as skills will be reflected in the learning outcomes of this course.
Chemistry 30 is a course which deals with organic chemistry, thermo chemical changes and electrochemical changes in acids and bases. In addition, Chemistry 30 explores the nature of science itself and develops the relationships. This course encourages the development of positive attitudes that support the responsible acquisition and application of knowledge related to science and technology. It incorporates Aboriginal perspectives to develop in all students an appreciation of the cultural diversity and achievements of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples. The three foundational components of science courses: attitudes, knowledge, science, technology, and society (STS) as well as skills will be reflected in the learning outcomes of this course.
Science 10 is an integrated academic course, which helps students better understand and apply the fundamental concepts and skills common to life science, physical science, and earth science. It is also designed to show the link between science and technology and our society. Science 10 is a prerequisite for all 20 level science courses.This course encourages the development of positive attitudes that support the responsible acquisition and application of knowledge related to science and technology. It incorporates Aboriginal perspectives to develop in all students an appreciation of the cultural diversity and achievements of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples. The three foundational components of science courses: attitudes, knowledge, science, technology, and society (STS) as well as skills will be reflected in the learning outcomes of this course.
Digital Presentation is a course in which students are introduced to Introductory Hypermedia (presentation) tools. Students develop skills with tools used for computerized presentations involving text, data, graphics, sound, and animation.
This introductory course is designed to allow the learner to develop an appreciation of the value of diversity within our culture. A unique combination of video and animation sets the path of exploration through a fictitious company. The interactive learning environment is designed for learner engagement and participation.
English 10-2 is designed to concentrate on the development of language arts’ strategies and skills to strengthen student use of language and understanding of text. The emphasis in this course is on verbal and non-verbal communication. It will focus on the examination of the five basic components of communication with an emphasis on developing reading speed/comprehension and writing accuracy/fluency. Students study short stories, essays, poems, novels and plays.
English Language Arts 20-1 is a course which is intended for students who demonstrate strength in their use of language and their understanding of print and non-print texts. Emphasis in this course is on literature studies. This course prepares students for English 30-1, which is intended for students who wish to enroll in degree programs at post-secondary institutions following graduation.
English Language Arts 20-2 is designed to concentrate on the development of language arts’ strategies and skills to strengthen student use of language and understanding of text. The emphasis in this course is on verbal and non-verbal communication skills. This course augments a learner’s competence in the five basic areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing with an emphasis on understanding and producing writing in common genres such as essays, summaries, and business letters. Students will edit and revise writing, study short stories, drama, poetry, non-fiction, novels, film and media. This course prepares students for the English Language Arts 30-2 course which is intended for students who wish to enroll in a diploma or certificate program at a post-secondary institution or who wish to enter the labour force following graduation.
English 30-1 is a five-credit course designed for students who wish to master the composition skills necessary for an analytical approach to literature (as emphasized in college/university programs). It examines the traditional literary genres and also explores visual media. This course challenges students to deal with abstract concepts with sophistication. Students analyze short stories, non-fiction, poetry, drama, the novel, film and media.
English 30-2 is a course which has a functional orientation emphasizing clear skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and representing. Students undertake communication activities as they study short stories, non-fiction, poetry, modern and Shakespearean plays, films, and novels. This course helps prepare students for further training in college diploma programs or for situations they may encounter in the world of work. Students will study the novel, short stories, poetry, and drama, and learn to represent ideas visually.
Job Preparation is a course in which students develop successful employment search skills and a personal employment search portfolio.
Students acquire knowledge about workplace requirements, rights and responsibilities and relate this knowledge to personal career/employment expectations.
Students enhance their occupational level keyboarding competence of all keystroke functions, using unedited, edited and straight copy material.
Keyboarding 1 is a course in which students develop accurate touch keystroking of text and data appropriate to personal use and the application of efficient workstation procedures.
Learning Strategies 15 is a course designed to assist students in developing understandings, literacies, skills, and values to be successful learners across all subject areas. This course directly involves students responding to their needs with respect to their courses of study. Students will explore, deepen, develop, and eventually apply a range of strategies for academic success. Progressively, students gain confidence, realize independence, and apply their strategies to other learning contexts.
Learning Strategies 25 is a course designed to further develop understandings, literacies, skills, and values taught in Learning Strategies 15. This course directly involves students to respond to their needs with respect to their courses of study. As students work to become independent and strategically learning students, they will analyze, strengthen and continue to apply their personal learning strategies toolkits with increasing confidence.
Math 10C is designed to provide students with mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills. It prepares students to solve problems, communicate and reason mathematically, become mathematically literate, and make informed decisions as contributors to society. The goal of Math 10C is to provide a starting point to develop the attitudes, knowledge, skills and understandings needed for specific post-secondary programs or entry into the workforce. It prepares students for either the Math-1 or the Math-2 course sequence beginning at the grade 11 level. The topics included are measurement and trigonometry, polynomial factoring and operations, linear relations and functions, and systems of linear relations.
Mathematics 10-3 is a course which provides students with the mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills identified for entry into most trades and for direct entry into the work force. Topics include algebra, geometry, measurement, trigonometry, and finance. Math 10-3 prepares students to take Math 20-3.
MATH20-2
Mathematics 20-3 is a course which is designed to provide students with the mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills identified for entry into most trades and for direct entry into the work force. Topics include measurement, geometry, numbers, algebra, and statistics.
Mathematics 30-2 is a course which emphasizes the needs of students to solve problems, communicate and reason mathematically, make connections between mathematics and its applications, become mathematically literate, appreciate, and value mathematics and make informed decisions as a contributor to society.
Mathematics 10 Preparation is a course which is designed to cover the basic algebra skills required for high school math courses. Topics include number systems, fractions, algebraic expressions, patterns and equations, problem solving, exponent laws, measurement, and geometry.
Mathematics 200 is a course which reviews math operations with whole numbers and operations with fractions and decimals. It is a course which makes connections among mathematical ideas, other concepts in mathematics, everyday experiences and other disciplines. Students will become mathematically literate, appreciate the value of mathematics, and make informed decisions as contributors to society. A variety of teaching assessment strategies help build upon the diverse knowledge, cultures, communication styles, skills, attitudes, experiences, and learning styles of students.
This course reviews fractions, decimals, and metric measurement. It covers ratio and proportion, percent, measurement (perimeter, area, and volume) and introduction to geometry, data analysis, integers and rational numbers, and one step equations. This course serves as entry into Math Prep 10 (MAT 1041) or Math 10-3.
Reading 15 is a course, which is designed to concentrate on the development of language arts strategies and skills to strengthen student use of language and understanding of text. In Reading 15 students will engage with a wide range of texts including but not limited to those that they need to be able to read in order to hone the competencies necessary to achieve success in their courses across the curriculum and in their lives beyond school. This course emphasizes the importance of scaffolding to promote increasingly independent literacy practices. Students will receive orientation to reading habits, writing processes, oral communication, and thinking skills. Students will develop confidence and motivation to succeed in active reading in school and daily life.
Social Studies 30-1 is a course in which students will examine the origins and complexities of ideologies and examine multiple perspectives regarding the principles of classical and modern liberalism. An analysis of various political and economic systems will allow students to assess the viability of the principles of liberalism. Developing understandings of the roles and responsibilities associated with citizenship will encourage students to respond to emergent global issues. This course incorporates Aboriginal perspectives to develop in all students anappreciation of the cultural diversity and achievements of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.
Social Studies 30-2 is a course in which students will examine the origins, values, and components of competing ideologies. They will explore multiple perspectives regarding relationship among individualism, liberalism, common good and collectivism. An examination of various political and economic systems will allow students to determine the viability of the values of liberalism. Developing understanding of the roles and responsibilities associated with citizenship will encourage students to respond to emergent global issues. It incorporates Aboriginal perspectives to develop in all students an appreciation of the cultural diversity and achievements of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.
Spreadsheets 1 is a course in which students have an opportunity to use basic functions and commands in spreadsheet software for general data manipulation and personal recordkeeping. Classroom instruction or independent study are the instructional strategies for this course.
Spreadsheets 2 is a course in which students have an opportunity to build advanced worksheets in spreadsheet software for data manipulation and personal record keeping.
Word Processing 1 is a course in which students develop skill in using basic commands and functions in word processing software, including document editing, and the formatting and printing of reports, correspondence, and tables suitable for personal use applications. Classroom instruction or independent study is the instructional strategies for this course.
Word Processing 2 is a course in which students develop skills that expand the student’s word processing software commands and functions to produce mailable reports, correspondence (including letters and memos) and tables from rough draft copy.
Word Processing 3 is a course which develops advanced skills in word processing software for documents used in the workplace, mailable word processing documents.
Students explore workplace safety principles and practices, and apply these principles and practices to a variety of contexts.
Students gain the attitudes, knowledge and skills related to workplace health and safety and examine relevant legislation required in the workplace.