Choose the program that’s right for you
Your local California Adult School offers a variety of programs to help students reach their educational, training, career and personal goals. Most adult schools offer at least several of the core programs below.
 Adult Basic Skills
Classes for adults who want to improve basic math, reading, spelling, and writing skills. Entering students will be tested to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Then an individualized study program will be developed to meet each student’s needs.
Job TrainingMany California Adult Schools can not only train you for a new job, but also help you find one. The schools offer a wealth of career, technical education, job training programs and classes, many of which include apprenticeships, internships and job placement. A partial list of employment categories includes technology and computers, health and medicine, office administration, automotive repair, building trades, heating and air-conditioning, cosmetology, and many more. Some schools call these programs Career and Technical Education; others call it vocational training.
English as a Second Language (ESL)Most California Adult Schools offer classes for adults who grew up speaking a language other than English. There is a range of classes to meet a variety of needs—from students who have had little exposure to English to those who have a good background in English and just need to improve their skills. A test will determine which class is best for each student. .
U.S. CitizenshipThese classes prepare student for U.S. citizenship. In addition, many adult schools can guide immigrants through the citizenship process at the same time they are learning English. Sometimes, ESL and adult school classes that lead to citizenship go hand in hand.
High School Diploma The California Adult School high school diploma program is designed for adults who did not finish high school. The program meets the same graduation requirements found in regular high schools. However, students work at their own pace with no pressure, often in small classes. Independent study programs, with periodic individual teacher-student conferences, allow some students to complete graduation requirements without classroom work.
GED (General Educational Development)Special adult school classes help adults prepare to successfully complete the GED test. These classes are often a fast track for adults who want to obtain the certificate that is equivalent to a high school diploma as quickly as possible.
Parent Education ClassesCalifornia Adult Schools offer Parent Education programs that cover all areas of parenting. Classes for expectant parents include prenatal exercise and Lamaze, newborn care, and what to expect during the birthing process. Parent/child preschool classes are also popular. There are homework clubs, plus classes and seminars for parents on how to deal with childhood and teen age problems. Family literacy programs bring both parents and children into the adult school classroom.
Classes for Older AdultsClasses within the senior program are designed to enrich the lives of older adults both in and out of nursing facilities. They run the gamut of interests of older adults in the community: computer classes, dancing, and writing a family history, to name a few. Adult schools sometimes take the classroom to the student. For example, at nursing facilities all over the state, adult schools conduct classes in gentle exercise, crafts, and music for the frail elderly.
Classes for Disabled AdultsMany California Adult Schools address the special education needs of their communities. Some schools focus on adults with developmental disabilities, while others may specialize in adults with mobility problems. A wide variety of classes is available to disabled adults of all ages at many schools.
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