GED Program

In the early spring of 2005, administrators at Branson School Online (BSO), the Branson, Colorado K-12 online public school, examined the statistics regarding how many students, when leaving BSO, stated that they were going to attend a GED program elsewhere. The results were surprising.  Many who left BSO to attend a GED program at a “center” did not successfully complete the program.  Branson School Online staff sought to create online GED solutions to support those for whom physically attending a GED preparation program proved impossible.

Thus, Branson School Online established a pilot online program for GED preparation, using software which, according to developers, is the first of its kind:  “Students take the official GED practice tests which are graded online. They then continue at their own pace, from their home computer, and with a four- month deadline. They study using online interactive practice lessons on the missing basics and when ready, retake the practice tests.”

Within the pilot program, online GED students worked with a highly qualified Branson School Online teacher. Students received practice tests to determine academic areas in need. Students were provided with focused instruction to provide remediation and when ready, received a paid voucher to take the GED test at an approved Colorado location.

Initial online GED students were transfers from within Branson’s existing program. Beginning with 6 students, the program mushroomed during the year to eventually include over 60 students, with dozens waiting to enter.

By the end of the school year, 34 students successfully completed their GED. Moreover, 22 are currently continuing their work through the summer, many of whom plan to take and pass the GED test before September.

Surprisingly, BSO staff received dozens of requests from parents, older brothers and sisters, as well as friends of pilot participants, all of whom desired to enter the program as well. We have added an additional full-time, highly qualified teacher. Additionally, we are structuring the program to offer opportunities to parents, siblings, and anyone who can meet the established GED testing requirements.

This past May, at a graduation ceremony in Denver, 34 students received a certificate and were recognized as “GED Completers.”  While each GED student has a unique story, a crowd favorite included two little girls yelling in front of the hundreds attending the ceremony, “Way to go, Mommy!”


GED Details
  • All Branson School Online GED students are checked out a computer to use during the program. Additionally, students also receive reimbursement funds to pay for Internet access and phone calls. 
  • All Branson School Online GED students are assigned to study with a highly qualified Branson School Online teacher. The teacher serves as a mentor and supports the student throughout the program. 
  • All Branson School Online GED students receive practice tests to determine academic areas in need. The GED Practice Test is a shortened form of the GED Tests designed to indicate whether or not a person is ready to take and pass the GED Tests. Administered under timed conditions, it is a good predictor of success for the English version of the GED Tests. 
  • Based on the results of the practice tests, all Branson School Online GED students are provided with focused instruction to provide remediation in areas of need. Courseware content parallels core curricula so that students who desire to work towards meeting Branson’s graduation requirements (either during or after the GED program completion) may earn necessary Carnegie credits towards achieving their high school diploma. 
  • When ready to test, all Branson School Online GED students receive a voucher to take the GED test at the nearest approved Colorado location. Students may receive credit for tests which they have completed. 
  • Branson School Online’s GED program is limited to 100 students. Eligible students may participate at no cost. Adults and students who do not meet Colorado’s funding requirements may be assessed a $325 tuition fee. 

For more information, contact
Branson School Online
101 Saddle Rock Drive
Post Office Box 128
Branson, CO 81027
(719) 946-5531
Or toll free: (888) 863-7850

The following forms will help you get started in our GED program:



Additional Information
  • The GED Tests measure the major academic skills and concepts associated with four years of regular high school instruction. They provide an opportunity for persons who have not graduated from high school to earn a high school equivalency diploma. 
  • The GED Tests measure competency in five subject areas: Language Arts-Writing, Social Studies, Science, Language Arts-Reading, and Mathematics. The GED Diploma is awarded when a candidate receives a score of at least 410 on each of the five tests with an average score of 450 (or 2250 total points) on all five tests. 
  • Only an estimated 60% of high school graduates would pass the GED Tests at the minimum scores of 410 on each test and an average of 450 (2250 total points) on all five tests, according to the 2001 Norming Study.