Adult Education

The West Hartford Adult Education program provides
opportunities for adults to improve their English (ESOL), improve basic skills (ABE), earn a high school diploma, or attain citizenship (CIT). Our mandated adult education programs are free to adults 17 and older who live or work in West Hartford and are no longer enrolled in a public school.

We serve adults who live in West Hartford, work in West Hartford, or have children enrolled in West Hartford Public Schools.

REGISTER EARLY for best choice of SPRING 2022 CLASSES! Spring 2022 classes will meet in-person! You must register before you can take a class.

To make a registration appointment call 860-561-6900, text 860-986-2864, or complete a Testing Reservation Form. Registration appointments are available starting November 8, 2021! Register now!

Testing Reservation Form

If you want to be in an adult education class, please submit the Testing Reservation Form provided here. Once we have your reservation, we will contact you to schedule the test needed to start any program. When you come to take the test, please bring your photo ID and proof of address as you will also register at that time. We will help you find the class that will be best for you.

English Testing Reservation Form

Spanish Testing Reservation Form

Mandarin Testing Reservation Form

Portuguese Testing Reservation Form

In accordance with CT General Statute Sec. 10-73a (C), the West Hartford Board of Education does not charge residents a fee for any classes, textbooks, or materials used in the mandated academic programs for adults.

All classes are held in handicapped accessible locations. Accommodations for individuals with a disability are available upon request. To discuss accommodations, please contact Andy Tyskiewicz at 860-561-6900.

We offer a variety of free beginning, intermediate, and advanced, ESOL classes that help speakers of other languages improve their ability to speak, listen, read, and write in English. Day and evening classes meet for two hours twice a week at several locations in West Hartford. Some classes offer free childcare for children ages 4 to 10.

Getting Started

Most, but not all, mandated adult education classes begin in September or January. Most programs offer day and evening classes that meet twice a week, typically for two hour sessions. In Spring 2022, most classes will begin the week of January 17 and continue through May 20. If you have questions about classes, please call us at 860-561-6900.

Before you start any adult education program, you need to take a test and register. Tests help us find the right class for you. Most test sessions take about an hour. To take a Spring 2022 class, please start by calling 860-561-6900, texting 860-986-2864, or submitting a Testing Reservation Form through this website. We will contact you to arrange a time for the test. Please bring your photo ID and proof of address to the testing session. We will help you find the class or program that best meets your needs.

Schedules and Cancellations

West Hartford Adult Education classes typically follow the West Hartford Public Schools schedule and meet when West Hartford schools are in session. Spring 2022 classes will begin January 18.

In the event of bad weather, in-person adult education classes and registration may be cancelled or delayed. Please watch the news or check the West Hartford Public Schools website.

If West Hartford Public Schools are closed, then the West Hartford Adult Education in-person day and evening classes are canceled.
If West Hartford Public Schools have a delayed opening (i.e. 2 hour delay) West Hartford Adult Education in-person classes will begin at 9:00 a.m. or at their scheduled time after 9:00.
If West Hartford Public Schools have an early dismissal, West Hartford Public Schools in-person evening classes will be canceled.
If the format or schedule for your class changes, you will be notified via text and/or email.

West Hartford Continuing Education Sites

West Hartford Town Hall, Room 419
50 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06107

Charter Oak International Academy
425 Oakwood Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06110

Smith STEM School
64 St. James Street
West Hartford, CT 06119

Elmwood Community Center
1106 New Britain Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06110

St. John’s Episcopal Church
679 Farmington Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06107

First Baptist Church
90 North Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06107

www.facebook.com/westhartfordadulteducation.org

Programs

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

NEW CLASS for SUPER ADVANCED ESOL Students!

We are excited to offer a new, more advanced English class for ESOL students whose English has improved enough that they no longer qualify for ESOL or have “tested out” of ESOL in the past. Please call 860-561-6900 to learn more about this class.

If you want an ESOL class, please call 860-561-6900, text 860-986-2864, or complete a Testing Reservation Form. We will contact you to schedule a time for testing and registration. Then we will help you find the class that best meets your needs. If you have questions about classes, please call us at 860-561-6900.

ESOL classes at St. John’s Church are open to any adult who lives in this region.

Family Literacy*

This ESOL family literacy program meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at the Family Resource Center at Charter Oak International Academy. While parents take an ESOL class designed especially for them, their preschool children enjoy an educational program that helps prepare them for school. The program is open to all WHPS and West Hartford parents with preschool children. If you have questions, call us! Interested parents should call 860-561-6900, text 860-986-2864, or complete a Testing Reservation Form to arrange registration. Flyer

*Federally funded through a grant from the Connecticut State Department of Education.

Citizenship (CIT)

High School Diploma Programs

West Hartford Adult Education supports adults seeking a high school diploma in several ways including adult basic education classes, access to the GED diploma program, and access to the NEDP program, which is often a good option for more mature, working adults. Interested candidates should call 860-561-6900, text 860-986-2864, or complete a Testing Reservation Form to schedule a time for testing and registration. If you have questions about these programs, please call us at 860-561-6900.

Adults who have been out of school for a while often need to review and improve math, reading, or writing skills before entering a high school diploma program. Our free Adult Basic Education (ABE) program can help with this. The faculty will evaluate your skills and help you develop a personal learning plan aligned with your needs and goals.

As you develop your skills, our faculty will help you choose the best path to your high school diploma. We offer two high school diploma programs: the General Educational Development (GED) program and the National External Diploma Program (NEDP). We also collaborate with Newington Adult Education to provide access to the Credit Diploma Program (CDP) through Newington Adult Education. If you have questions about these programs, please call West Hartford Adult Education at 860-561-6900 to discuss the options.

Adult Basic Education (ABE)

ABE classes will meet in-person twice a week and may include additional on-line learning opportunities. ABE classes teach basic skills and support students as they progress toward a high school diploma. Morning classes at varying levels meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

NEW CLASS for Adults Seeking a High School Diploma!

The High School Refresher Class, a new class in Spring 2022, will meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 8:30 at Charter Oak International Academy (COIA). The class is designed to support adults who have decided that they are ready to earn their diploma and need to fill in some gaps to confidently move forward. The class provides individualized opportunities to refresh and review high school math or reading skills that have gone missing. Childcare for ages 4 -10 is available for this evening class. Flyer

If you are interested in building your basic skills and moving toward a high school diploma, please call 860-561-6900 or submit a Testing Reservation Form. We will contact you to schedule a time for testing and registration. If you have questions about these programs, please call us at 860-561-6900.

General Educational Development (GED) program

The GED program prepares adult learners to pass the four-part computer-based GED exam to earn the State of Connecticut diploma. The program focuses on developing the needed science, social studies, math, language arts, and basic computer skills. Instructors review the official website, ged.com, where students can access related exam information and exam registration procedures. Students can elect to begin the GED registration process online at ged.com and complete the process with the West Hartford GED Registrar. Details regarding eligibility to take the GED tests are available at https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/Adult-Ed/GED/Getting-a-GED-in-Connecticut/Eligibility Please call 860-561-6900, text 860-986-2864, or complete a Testing Reservation Form if you are interested in pursuing the GED. We will contact you to schedule an initial appointment and any needed testing and registration. If you have questions about the program, please call West Hartford Adult Education at 860-561-6900.

Individuals with a documented disability who require accommodations to take the GED test should contact our program facilitator, Andy Tyskiewicz at 860-561-6900 or Andrew_Tyskiewicz@whps.org or Sabrina Mancini at the Connecticut State Department of Education at 860-807-2102.

Credit Diploma Program (CDP)

National External Diploma Program (NEDP)

The NEDP is an individualized, web-based program that allows adults who have learned through life experience to demonstrate their acquired skills and earn a West Hartford High School diploma. The NEDP is ideal for self-directed adults who need flexible scheduling and meet the program entry requirements. Some participants complete the program in 6 to 12 months. Your skill level and the amount of time you can devote to the program determine the length of time needed to finish. Qualified candidates may begin the West Hartford NEDP program at any time.

This program allows you to complete assignments at home, to set your own pace, and to work with knowledgeable and helpful professional educators. The program offers opportunities to meet with your NEDP assessor in-person or remotely. Through a series of take-home projects and proctored In-Office Checks (done in-person or remotely), the NEDP measures academic and life skills, including reading, writing, mathematics, oral communication, and critical thinking. The NEDP program requires that you demonstrate your knowledge and skills in financial literacy, civic literacy, geography, health literacy, history, science, and workplace issues in practical ways. For example, you might read and analyze a short story or film, analyze a household budget and identify ways to save money, develop a presentation about your community, write letters to address a civic or consumer issue, or analyze how a science issue affects our lives.

Pending receipt of new federal funding, the NEDP program in West Hartford is also open to residents of Avon, Bloomfield, Burlington, Canton, Farmington, Harwinton, Newington, Windsor and Simsbury at no charge.

Please call 860-561-6900 or submit a Testing Reservation Form if you are interested in pursuing the NEDP. We will contact you to schedule an initial appointment and any needed testing and registration. If you have questions about the program, please call West Hartford Adult Education at 860-561-6900.

Work Readiness*

Ready, Set, Go to Work* is a program for ESOL adults who are seeking a first job, a better job, or career training. Adults with Intermediate or Advanced English will improve their English while they learn about the local job market, find the best job opportunities, explore career options, and learn about free and low-cost training programs. The program is designed to help you get a job you love!

The program will meet online and in-person. If you want to join this program, please submit a Testing Reservation Form or call 860-561-6900. We will contact you to schedule a time for testing and registration. If you have questions about this program, please call us at 860-561-6900.

*Federally funded through a grant from the Connecticut State Department of Education.

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Affirmative Action Policy Statement

West Hartford Adult and Continuing Education is committed to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all qualified persons and does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability (including, but not limited to intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability or learning disability), genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws, nor does it unlawfully discriminate in employment and licensing against qualified persons with prior criminal conviction. Inquiries regarding the department’s nondiscrimination policies may be directed to Richard Ledwith, Human Resources Director and Coordinator of ADA and Title 9, at or rick_ledwith@whps.org (860) 561-6691 or Melissa Caballero, Director of Special Education and 504 Coordinator at (860) 561-6606 or melissa_caballero@whps.org.