20 Best G.E.D Programs In Columbia, SC (2022 Updated)

First coming to Benedict College I honestly didn't know what to expect on this journey. I was hesitant, nervous and felt like "this isn't what college's look like on TV." It also didn't help that I started second semester so as I was coming in, people already had their set of friends and I was trying to figure out where I fit in at. I then realized that I couldn't just stay to myself so I got involved with activities on campus such as BC Underground and community life becoming an RHA. As I opened up to my fellow peers, formed lifelong bonds with people, and learned how much love and support I had from my professors, I can say my experience at Benedict has been a good one. Now with graduation approaching, I'm taking all my knowledge and applying it towards my future and of course grad school. I'm proud to call this my Alma mater and be a Tiger!LaBria Grant

I had the worst experience as a parent to a child who use to go there. I was trying to get his transcript so he would be able to attend another college. The young lady at the transcript office was really polite but once I went to the financial aid office it turn to like I was dumb and didn't know the reason why I came there. I mean it don't take a scientist to realize you can't get a transcript if you owe a debt so that's why I was sent there. The guy at the front desk was rude and not professional at all, he said to much that wasn't call for and I really do advise parents to check this college out before letting your child enter there. Just remember where ever you work always be polite and represent your job or company with the up most dignity.patricia davis

As an Alumnus of Benedict College I would say Benedict is a dynamic institution and an even better choice! The reality is that its not the perfect school for everyone, but if you're looking to take advantage of a great opportunity and have some defining experiences BC is a great choice! It is not a school you should come to just because mom wants you out of the house. If that's your largest aspiration then you'll FAIL and you wont enjoy the experience very much. I've met some of the most accomplished and talented professors at this institution. Not to mention, the family felt environment nurtures you but prepares you for the world! I'm super proud of my HBCU. I cant wait to see what else is in store for BC!Benjamin

I went to midlands tech for many years. I struggled through the nursing program (and associates in arts and associated in science programs) for years as a single mother of a child with disabilities who was also exiting a decade long abusive relationship. I walked on a broken foot for four months through Clinicals in order to make it, had a foot surgery, totaled cars, and 20+ hours a week of therapies for my son with disabilities. And still I made it to my LPN semester only to end up in the hospital the last week before finals. I was told that I could not have a medical drop as I had received one for my foot surgery and was forced to take test 3,4, and the final in the week following my visit to the hospital. My grade dropped from a 90 to a 79.4 and I was told that I’d have to repeat everything all over again. The ombudsman and the VP went to Mrs. Bannister and begged her to allow an exception based off of the healthcare related nature of my situation and she refused. This place ruined my life and left me with no way to support my child and no nursing career after I already had a job waiting for me on the surgical trauma floor at Richland. After everything I lived through and survived. I am still traumatized. This place will ruin your life. DO NOT ATTEND THIS COLLEGE! Edit: In addition to my previous post this school is taking it a step further and denying me the right to participate in graduation after everything I have been through due to me being locked out of my MTC email (PS who only sends email info on a school email? nothing in the mail?) and was unable to receive the notification in time and they are now refusing my participation in graduation. I wish I could let anyone at that school know what they've done to me, my family, and my life. I HATE THIS SCHOOL and I've never hated anyone or anything!Danielle D Jacobs

I am in the Computer Technology program and am supposed to be completing my last semester, however we are at midterm and I am now finding out I have 1 more class to take . This is particularly infuriating because not only did my advisor tell me how many courses i needed to take to graduate, but Financial aid department told me that the aid for the semester was awarded based on how many credit hours i needed to graduate (I am taking the classes that I was told and showed I needed). Overall, in my 2 years as a student, my opinion has always been that's it is very much a subpar school-regarding the staff as well as education quality. My first semester (my education foundation) I had 2 that didn’t care and literally booted you out of the classroom before class was over as they had other things to do. The computer advisors are extremely ill prepared to help anyone. They continuously have no idea what each class will teach you, do not know which classes you should take for any career path, and are usually new personnel each semester. I, like many other students here, have a family outside of school and do not have the means to be a student and unemployed for another semester. Also, they don't have ANY tutors for the computer department! This makes things VERY difficult. The teachers do what they can in their office hours, and I can name 3 or 4 that are worth calling a teacher/professor and actually care about the subject and students. They claim to help you find a job after, and boast they have company’s asking them for their graduates… however this is not easily accessed, nor are there plentiful opportunities once graduated. The level of education and subjects taught seem not to be in line at all with what is desired by companies.srnclb

Horrible, Horrible, Horrible experiences! I have attended multiple semesters here and each one is more of a dumpster fire than the last. I have never had such difficulty with anything in my life or dealt with such rude, spiteful, or plan MEAN faculty members. I have been told countless times to quit my job and focus only on school, please tell me how being the sole provider for my family that would work? Followed by the staffs refusal to talk with me about options when I refuse to quit my job and have to look for odd times to attend classes. This school has been a GIGANTIC regret and I have only ever dealt with about two people that actually cared and WANTED to help like a decent educator would. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME, MONEY, ENERGY or LIFE here.Dani

I've been going to Paul Mitchell for over 5 years and always had great service UNTIL 10.21.22. I went in for a "curly perm" and explained my hair is hard to curl. I came out with barely a wave, I WAS IN SHOCK, and did not make a fuss. I woke up the next morning with straight hair!!!!!! I got dressed and went to Paul Mitchell to talk to the floor teacher. She was supposed to get back to me yesterday about HOW TO MAKE IT RIGHT, I have not heard back. I have been so upset, I am on a fixed income so a perm is a big purchase for me. I'm just hoping they will contact me and MAKE THIS RIGHT. I WANT A CURLY PERM!!!!!Barbara Groves

My 1st experience was good. The establishment is very and clean. The students and instructors are very friendly. This is a large establishment. The prices are Very reasonable, I would highly recommend trying. Teachable school/ salon. I saw several of the instructors but Ms. Starks was wonderful as a stylish/ teacher. When I 1st called to make an appointment the young lady made me feel at ease because I was skeptical, she was very informative.R Thomas

Completely professional. Very clean. Everyone is super friendly! It's what a salon is supposed to be like. Micaella did a fantastic job! Pricing is very reasonable. The only thing I would change is you can't put a tip on debit/ charge card when paying. Not many people carry cash anymore. Give them a try, you'll be so glad you did!Connie Dowdy Campbell

Never go here! If you want to better yourself and gain a degree go any where else! This is a horrible school! They will ruin your life!roni c

I had a photography and videography class there and I love that class so much I have learned a lot and made a new friend.Jaylen Anderson

This is really a good program. While reading most of the negative reviews maybe i can explain it somewhat. Some parents are the reason your child was or is in the program. The academy will not call you about everything your child does. The academy is equipped to handle issues that arise. Some how along the way your child lost their way. You may be part of the reason. You can be an advocate for your child without endorsing their negative behavior. Some parents complain when their child is held accountable effectively endorsing negative behavior. As long as the staff is not physically or mentally abusing your child you should be quiet and let the staff do their job. This program is not for just any child and staff as well. At no time should a challenge staff be disrespectful to theses young people charged to our care. The staff does take and absorb a lot of the attitude and disrespect that these young people display. If you are better at raising your child keep them home and do that. No need to fix something that is not broken. The academy does not have a magic wand to fix your child. Your child must want to be there and the academy is run with strict rules and consequences. If your child does not abide by the rules and the disciplinary policies and consequences have no impact then your child may be dismissed from the academy. The academy can not allow negative behavior to persist or it will infect the entire student population. If your child has graduated or dismissed from the program that is not always the worst thing. A seed had been planted, parents have to nurture it, it will grow. Society i.e. (social media) poor parenting causes most of issues/problems we see in these kids today. The academy is trying to cram 16 – 18 years into 22 weeks. Theses guys are good. If you properly prepare your kids and sell them on the program it will increase their chances of being successful in the program. I personally has helped thousands of kids. That tough love approach work PERIOD if you water it down IT WILL NOT WORK. When your child is attending the academy you can assured of a few things. You know where they are 24/7 (accounted for. They will not be in the streets doing drugs getting arrested or shot and killed. You can sleep at night. My thoughts you do not have to like.String

They are extremely unprofessional. My son is no angel but these ppl aren’t worth a damn neither (and maybe it was because of my son) but as a parent, I was never contacted about the “Bad behavior” issues my son was having. He had been there a month and 7 days before I heard from ANYONE!!!!! Nothing from his “case worker” who I was informed about the day I got the call of him being dismissed. They never called or sent any emails to informed me of NOTHING. They stripped me of my rights as his mother to informed me what was going on…maybe I could’ve encouraged him to do better. The stated to me tht they gave him multiple changes but to me, they gave up on him. They failed to contact me behind these issues and as a single parent…I did what was asked of me when supporting my son while he was there…I feel I didn’t get the same in return.Alexis Bennett

Don't send your child there. The place has changed. You no longer have certified teachers. They continue to lie to the parents about there children. This was once a well ran program. But it is now crupt. Many of the cadets leave with nothing. The parents aren't told the whole truth about the program. A lot of money is missing and the Director and her side kick should not be in control of a program as this. Neither have the knowledge or experience to be running this program. It has been going down hill since they took over. The staff are being ran away or quit because of the management. Again Do Not Send your child out to this program they will come back worse then what they were. Military values are gone and crupption is in.Bridgette Stephens

I am appalled at the administrative leader for the 8th-12 grade for SC Connections Academy. I have been trying to enroll my 14 yr old student since 12/2021. It is now 1/20/2022 not only have I spoken to at least 6 different staff members of enrollment waiting on hold for quite sometime for each—I was informed that due to his unexcused absences (15/10 allowed) he is ineligible despite explaining his unique and traumatic situation. This is now putting the student even further behind in school because of red tape. The loss of his terminally ill mother, a father who has passed, taking care of his 8yr old brother then having to move in with a whole new family in a whole new state all within a month wasn’t considered at all…only the fact that he had 5 extra unexcused absent from a public school then the allotted amount, made him ineligible to attend South Carolina Connections Academy. This is a HOME school charter school whose principal (Mrs. Alicia Hughes) and vice principal (Mrs. Carter) made the decision together that 5 extra days of unexcused absences was more important then the well being of the child, thus having directly put another road block in this child’s education, healing process and future. If this is how they consider the best interest of their students, maybe it’s not the right school or administrative leaders.Jade Cobren

My son is loving this new path to a great education. He is back to being an A student and reaching his full potential. As a family, we very much appreciate the freedom his schedule allows. We chose SCCA when Covid issues were presenting challenges to our local brick and mortar school as 6th grade e-learning was really not learning at all. However, this year both my son and our family chose it again because it offered us a quality education with such lifestyle flexibility. Recently, many local schools have been interrupted with health and weather issues and have resorted to e-learning again. I'm glad we have a constant quality option for his middle school education!Juanita Sanchez

So I’m trying to give this school the benefit of the doubt but seriously. The lack of communication is terrible when I try to reach out about why my child can’t log on, can’t do her work. I actually sent emails to her teacher letting her know I will be in boot camp for 2 weeks and I have someone designated to help her. When I didn’t hear back I called and no answer. So now two weeks later and guess what somehow my child and I are being punished for the teacher lack of communication. Locking a child out of their account does not help the situation. At this point I would just like to take her out this school and find one that caresVictoria Mack-Baccus

I attended ArcLabs in 2018 in Columbia, SC and still have mixed feelings about the school and my experience there. I feel like they had a lot going right (they had access to a lot of good equipment and processes and the teachers I had certainly knew how to weld and cut and pass tests); they also had a lot they were doing wrong. The instructors I had were mostly just young and arrogant, so they weren’t always the best at teaching the art of welding to people who DIDN’T already know how to do everything. There was also a lot of miscommunication, so I missed out on some very good benefits that could have really moved my career in a different direction (like trying for an AWS cert). I did speak to their corporate staff about it and they had me out to their location at a later date to try and make up for some of the letdowns, but at that point it felt like too little, too late. People who are learning to weld for the first time are already struggling with lack of confidence and frustration when things aren’t going right with the weld, so they don’t need some hotshot waltzing into their booth just to say or even show how well they can do it with no explanation. It’s very defeating. But I persevered and landed some pretty great jobs anyway, so I finally learned all I needed to learn. And Arclabs certainly allowed me a place to practice my welding and tell me when I was doing it wrong, so I eventually did learn something. Just a frustrating experience at the time. One thing I did take away from it was to know what it’s like to be on the receiving end of poor instruction, so I have a lot of patience and empathy for people I now instruct and guide through weld tests. It makes me a better teacher.April Brewer

When I was first interested in this field and went to talk to them up at ArcLabs, they painted a pretty good picture in my head. They promised immediate high paying positions right out of school, and that these positions could only be gained with their “welding certification”. So I worked really hard while I was there, I was a natural at it, and completed all processes, on all the supplied materials, in all positions. They really don’t teach you here, I had to guide myself, it’s more of like a practice/ prep school. Upon completion of the course and gained “certificate of completion”, then the trouble started. Finding a job, making anything I was close to making prior to taking this course, deemed impossible. All the places literally laughed when they heard my only experience was my certificate of completion. They all could careless, they wanted experience. So after awhile, if no luck finding a job. I fibbed my resume, knowing I would go pass any weld test and it wouldn’t be questioned. This school did nothing but put me in debt for the first time! I would never recommend going here, hell I wish I could get it taken on my credit since I did it all by myself since the “teachers” weren’t teaching.Bobby Livingston

Do not and I repeat do not give this school a dime of your money. They promise they can get help you get jobs and make good money upon graduation. They have a awful reputation in the welding business. When you apply for a job, that job will most likely red flag your application just because you went to arclabs. Corporate cares only about how deep their pockets can get and try to pinch every penny they can. They don’t have enough instructors as it is and they still added 40 more welding booths. They don’t teach fabrication.. (which is vital to know in the welding business.) They only give students a 10 minute break. (When I started it was 30 minutes) They also tried to make students weld in when the shop flooded from heavy rain. (2” of standing water in some places.) The instructors hate corporate just as much as the students do. I repeat DO NOT GIVE A DIME TO THIS PLACE.George Storm

This has been the worst experience ever. One star is to good. When I say we literally worked for two weeks trying to finalize all paperwork ahead of arrival and receive confirmation that everything was done. Only to arrive the following Monday and my daughter need $2000 more to start school. If you want my advice force your daughter to go elsewhere. The previous post about the view is correct but then that's not what your there for. From financial aid to finance there is absolutely know decent customer service not communication going on. You feel like a ping pong ball going back and forth. I will be pushing my daughter to complete elsewhere. Absolutely HORRIBLE.Corinne Whitmire

I feel like I truly missed out on the college experience going here. I never saw guys, there is no way to really access town without using the buses, and half the teachers write their own textbooks. The view out the dorm Windows tends to be a tree or a parking lot. Preference is given to sports people as usual, and the science department was so underfunded that half the equipment was outdated. Textbook costs were routinely over 700 a semester, for compsci. And I was downloading half my books for free!! Not to mention that tuition has only gone up drastically. You can get a better education for cheaper elsewhere. Like USC.Tabitha Johnson

Super excited to start in the fall! Edit: Have been here 3 years now, and I graduate in Dec 2019. Still in love with the school 🙂 It has exceeded my expectations. CC has amazing science programs, great professors, and truly caring staff. This is a place where you can get a rigorous education amongst people that want you to succeed and give you support and help along the way. I reccomend this school to those that want a good foundation in the liberal arts as well as a top notch education in their major. I love this place. I know you will, too!Preston “P. Siegler” Siegler

Love the ROTC system. I went here in the seventh grade to take the ACT test, and the staff were really nice and understanding. I enjoyed how clean it was.Damarea Ogbuewu

I went in to start the GED process and all the people that work there had amazing attitudes and seemed to love what they are doing!! 10 out of 10 would definitely recommend for adult education!McKinley Noles

They truly put their full hearts into teaching and helping you to succeed not just while there but in whichever future path you choose to take. Highly recommend.Alexis Day

My friend sent her daughter to Will Lou Gray and she also had a nice that attended and they treated my friend awful like she had committed a crime. My friend worked extremely hard to get her daughter into this school to help guide her down the right path. Due to aligations made by her daughter DSS had gotten involved but my friend paid entirely by herself with the help of some sponsors and my friends daughter ended up getting her GED while there, which is fantastic, however yet again my friend is the one with her daughter that made that happen. I saw the destress this school placed on my friend and she came from there crying on several occasions bc of the way she had been treated. They would not allow her to see her daughter or communicate with her daughter and it brought so much stress on her to not be able to check in on her after she was the reason she was funded to go to the school and she provided everything for this opportunity for her daughter. Had she know the leaps and bounds she was going to have to suffer she may have made another choice of somewhere else for her daughter to go to. Just please be careful when selecting a program for ur child!Maria Neal

Overall the school is nice. However for it to be an alternative education the staff there is pretty non tolerant of students behavior. My son was made to leave with no reasonable explanation or even proof that he violated any rules. It’s really a strange place.Leisha J

Great School I attended and also received my GED. Lot's of structure and discipline only because they really care about you and also to help you get what you came for. #Cadet Burno #3rd Platoonkentrell Burno

Greatest instructor! Easy to ask questions and makes sure you are really trained before you proceed to the State exam for both skills and written assessments. Janet Derrick is absolutely the BEST instructor, Batesburg Learning Center is very lucky to have someone as great at teaching and loves what she does. Thank you Janet Derrick !!! I have already sent people back to check out the CNA program. I would come back again for LPN if she was teaching fundamentals of Nursing or other that I could build my nursing career on!Nora Palmer

Parents, I do not recommend sending your teen here, especially if you depend on Richland One School Transportation. Schools buses are not offered, only public transportation which is the Comet. And if you live in the rural area, you are definitely out of luck because the Comet bus will only travel so far. You will not find out this information until "after " you have applied and done the application process and sit in on the info session. After finding out this info, that school bus transportation is not offered (I was misled by Richland 1 school staff that is was offered) I immediately withdrew my teens' name from their roster. Two mos. later I still receive calls, emails about if my teen is going to attend there middle college or not… after I repeatedly informed the staff that we were no longer interested due to the transportation issue. Why am I still receiving calls/contacts about this, as if I'm dropping the ball on the registration process?!?! This shows lack of common sense/intelligence and if the staff is portraying these traits, than I cannot vouch that this Middle College with give rising students and good start on higher learning during students finale years in high school.Valerie Gant

I am a 2014-2015 Yearlong Honor Roll and a 2015 Graduate from Richland One Middle College High School Bulldogs. Go Bulldogs!Duan Lane, III