School is about to be back in session for those seeking to earn the equivalent of their high school diplomas.

Through Good Shepard Community Center’s GED program, those hoping to pass their general educational development tests have transportation, day care and a knowledgeable staff to help set them up for success on the tests.

Spaces for the program’s fall semester, which is scheduled to begin Sept. 6, are still available.

“Anybody who really wants (a GED) doesn’t have an excuse to not to try to get it,” Joycie Bright, the program’s director and social studies teacher, said. “Everything is absolutely free.”

No-cost transportation to the free classes is available, Bright said, and on-site daycare for a $25 registration free and a minimum $25 a month charge is also on option for parents looking to take the classes.

“We even help them pay for the tests when they’re ready to take them,” she said.

The program consists of math, science, social studies and language arts courses, which correspond with the four tests a participant must pass in order to receive their GED, she explained.

The classes are held Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and run through December when the Vicksburg Warren School District lets out for the winter.

Those registered for the program take tests at the beginning of the semester to gage where they are in the learning process, Bright said.

“Some of the students haven’t been in school for quite a while, so they may need remedial help. We need to know that information to know where to start, and what classes to put them in,” she said.

Not all that begin the class last the entire semester, she noted, but she said those who do have worked hard.

“Some seem to forget that this is school so you still have to study and do homework. Some just lack the focus and initiative to stay,” she said of the reason she considers eight to 10 people receiving their GED as a good semester. “On the flip side, some students work really hard, do well and then get a job. They’ll quit school to work, which is understandable.

“It’s a problem in all GED programs. The drop out rate is something we are all facing.”

Bright said the staff, consisting mostly of retired teachers like herself, serve as instructors, counselors and a variety of other job titles to help those in the program succeed.

“You name it, and we’ll try to meet all their needs,” she said.

Enrollment for the fall semester will last until Sept. 9, the end of the first week of classes. To apply, visit Good Shepard at 629 Cherry St. to fill out an application or call 601-636-7687 for more information.

“This is probably one of the most important decisions they’ve made,” Bright said. “We’re here to help, but they’ve got to be serious. That GED opens a lot of doors for them.”