Community First High School

Program Overview

Community First High School provides educational instruction to individuals 16 years of age and older toward obtaining a HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) Diploma. We are a faith-based, non-profit community school approved by the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education as a non-public school. In addition to instruction, students are also provided wrap-around services to help them to continue to attend school, as well as teach them daily life skills to overcome other hindering issues. These services include counseling, job readiness skills, digital literacy classes, financial literacy classes, and health and nutrition workshops.

Upon entry, students are administered a TABE Pretest to determine their academic levels to provide each student with individualized instruction to be successful. After students receive 40 hours of instruction, each student is administrated a TABE Posttest to determine his/her progress. When a student demonstrates he/she is ready to take the HiSET exam, the HiSET exam fee is paid for each student. It is the goal of Community First High School to increase the number of individuals who obtain a HiSET Diploma.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

Today, in the year 2022, my life is a half-done puzzle. I’ve overcome many trials in my life, and each one has become a lesson. From dealing with significant health issues on the verge of losing my life. I was also kicked out of school in 2016 and have been chasing redemption since. Now my mind is free and open to restoring what I once lost in my past.

My trials have led me to Community First High School with the blessing of a second chance. Acquiring my HiSET Diploma will put my future on level ground. This program is the missing piece to the puzzle of my life. Helping me to become more disciplined and to align with my goals. By the end of this journey, I will be the true example of a complete man.

Living day by day, more and more, education shows its face. Specific jobs and great opportunities all scream the name of education. Finishing these academic steps show employers you have the trait to complete what you start. High school to college is the resume builder to propel anyone to a better future. Making sacrifices and giving our all for a better life will be one of our best choices.
After completing the program, I plan to enlist in the United States Navy. Using all the skills and knowledge I have obtained to become a significant sailor for my country. While I float the seas of this world, my journals will continue to grow. Every word will be added to poetry that will be spread to the masses. Giving people the same satisfaction, I felt taking control of my life before self-destruction.

Devante Austin
Age 27
2022-2023 Student
Community First High School

My name is Brandi Nevel and I am an 18-year-old graduate of Community First High School. Prior to enrolling as a student I stopped attending school altogether and focused on working and fell way behind my graduating class. I found out about Community First High School through a coworker and couldn't get there fast enough to enroll and begin my journey.
After filling out the proper paperwork I was able to get right to it and my class welcomed me with open arms. Ms. Miller, my teacher, made sure that everybody had a mutual understanding of each lesson before moving forward and didn't mind giving a little one-on-one time when needed. The 2 hour class period was equally divided to give us time for each subject that we would see on the exam. In less than 6 months, I was able to get on track to obtain my HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) Diploma. I was given a practice test which I easily was able to pass due to the knowledge I gained from studying what we did in class and in no time I was able to take my HiSET exams.
Not only did the school help me with my HiSET Diploma. Mrs. Peters was also able to help me gain information about programs at Bossier Parish Community College that I could possibly enroll in to further my education. Without Community First High School I may have given up on education completely but thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Peters and the teachers I can say I have earned my Hiset Diploma.

Brandi Nevel
Age 18
Spring 2022 Graduate
Community First High School

My name is Gloria Chancellor and here is my story. When I was fifteen years old, here is what I was dealing with before I started attending Community First High School. My story is one of anxiety and depression. I would skip days of school because of anxiety and then have depression about it later. Every year, I found myself in the counselor’s office, and about as often I was switching medication. Nothing seemed to work. I was too groggy to want to do anything, off medication, or on medication but nothing seemed to help. It was a hard time in my life and eventually, I was homeschooled. I was in and out of school for a few years until I finally became homeschooled once more. During this time I was finally diagnosed. After that, my mom found Community First High School and got me to enroll.
I like Community First High School because it gives one an environment to grow and learn. This school provides a classroom in which you can interact with the teacher instead of being lectured without any visuals or notes to learn from. The school is friendly and open and welcomes anyone who is willing and ready to work for their HiSet diploma. The teachers are always eager to help someone that may not fully understand the subject being presented. Every person is encouraging and helpful to guide you on your way to earning your HiSet diploma. I am no longer dealing with anxiety and depression about going to school. Before, my mom used to have to wake me and drag me out of bed for me to go to school. I can remember feeling my anxiety level rise the moment my mom would turn on the street where my previous school was located. Now, I am excited about going to school and telling my mom that I am ready to go because I don’t want to be late for class. I am glad to say that now, at sixteen years old; I will soon be graduating from Community First High School.

Gloria Chancellor
Age 16
Fall 2020 Graduate
Community First High School