What is the Diamond Program?​​​

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Diamond is CHEC’s high school program for students in grades 10–12 who are ready to begin dual enrollment while remaining part of a supportive homeschool community.

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Students combine college coursework with CHEC classes, academic guidance, career exploration, leadership development, and real-world learning experiences. The program helps students develop the independence expected of college students while still receiving structure, encouragement, and accountability.

Depending on their academic history and goals, students may complete individual college courses, earn significant college credit, or pursue an associate degree while completing their high school diploma. Each family considers the student’s graduation requirements, completed credits, academic readiness, intended major or career interests, and ability to manage a college-level workload when developing a plan.

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Diamond is more than a collection of classes. It is a guided transition into college, career, and adulthood.

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One Day Pod Program - Tuesday or Thursday

 

Students attend CHEC on Tuesday or Thursday from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. and it serves as their Pod day. 

Pods provide additional time for dual-enrollment coursework, academic accountability, mentoring, relationship-building, career and life preparation, and hands-on learning experiences.​

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What Happens in a Diamond Pod?

Diamond Pods are small, consistent groups of approximately 12 students who meet on Tuesday or Thursday. Each pod is led by a facilitator who helps students manage their responsibilities, strengthen their habits, and develop greater independence. A typical pod day may include:

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Connection and Weekly Planning

Students check in with their pod, review the week ahead, set priorities, and identify academic or personal goals. This consistent time together helps students build meaningful relationships and creates a supportive community in which they are known and encouraged.

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Dual-Enrollment Progress Checks and Work Time

Students review their college courses, completed assignments, grades, upcoming deadlines, and overall progress. Through open and accurate communication, facilitators can help students recognize concerns, consider solutions, and determine appropriate next steps.

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Pods also include dedicated time for students to work independently on their online college courses. Support may include:

• Navigating college learning platforms

• Organizing assignments and deadlines

• Creating manageable weekly work plans

• Communicating professionally with professors

• Developing effective study and time-management habits

• Asking for help before falling behind

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Facilitators provide guidance during Dual Enrollment Lab and pod time, while parents remain connected to their student’s progress and provide continued support at home. Through this partnership, students gradually learn to understand course expectations, manage deadlines, communicate with professors, and complete their work consistently.

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College, Career, and Life Preparation

Students participate in guided lessons and discussions related to leadership, communication, character, college readiness, career exploration, financial literacy, workplace expectations, and other skills needed for life beyond high school.

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Individual Interests and Practical Experience

Depending on their schedules and goals, students may participate in electives, student assistant positions, internships, independent projects, or other interest-based opportunities. These experiences allow students to practice responsibility, initiative, collaboration, and professional communication in authentic settings.

 

Field Learning and Community Experiences

Pod learning extends beyond the classroom through college and career visits, professional tours, service opportunities, workshops, community partnerships, and other experiences that connect academic learning to the wider world.

Through consistent guidance, shared responsibility, and meaningful experiences, students learn to take greater ownership of their education while contributing to a strong and supportive community.

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CHEC High School Experiences

CHEC High School Experiences extend learning beyond the classroom through field trips, overnight class trips, fellowship opportunities, special events, and other memorable high school experiences. Students build independence, strengthen friendships, explore the real world, and stay connected to the CHEC community throughout their high school years.

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Dual-Enrollment Guidance and Support

Because every student’s pathway is different, CHEC partners with families by providing guidance, course checklists, planning tools, and information about dual-enrollment opportunities.

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Families use these resources to create an academic plan that reflects their student’s high school requirements, college goals, intended major, and plans after graduation. CHEC is here to help families understand their options and feel more confident navigating the process.

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Course and Pathway Guidance

CHEC provides information about courses that may satisfy high school graduation requirements or contribute toward a college degree. Diamond Pod students may also spend time exploring options and discussing possible courses with their facilitator and peers.

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Families take the lead in researching college programs, majors, prerequisites, transfer policies, and degree requirements before making final course selections. CHEC provides tools and guidance to support these decisions, while families confirm current requirements directly with the college or university.

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Families seeking individualized support may schedule a separate academic consultation for a more detailed review of their student’s records, requirements, and educational goals.

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A Partnership for Student Success

Students are most successful when CHEC, parents, and students work together. Students practice taking greater ownership of their college coursework, parents remain connected to their progress and provide support at home, and CHEC offers guidance, encouragement, and accountability along the way.

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Parents can also attend a virtual parent office hour for general questions about dual-enrollment procedures, resources, and next steps.

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Uniform Expectations

Diamond students are expected to arrive dressed appropriately for each program day and experience.

While at CHEC, Diamond students wear the designated professional uniform from Flynn O’Hara, helping them practice presenting themselves appropriately in academic, professional, and community settings. For specific uniform guidelines, please see our handbook.

Attire for field experiences, service projects, or special events may vary. Any changes will be communicated in advance.​​

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Program Information

The Diamond Program continues to grow and develop in response to student needs, new opportunities, and program experience. Course offerings, schedules, activities, and other program details are subject to change as the program evolves. This page provides a general overview.