FAQs 

We are located at 5625 Sutter Ave. Richmond, CA. 94801. We have three different locations: Alvarado Adult School | Serra Adult School We also have classes at Richmond High School

Yes, West Contra Costa is fully accredited by Western Association of School and Colleges.

West Contra Costa accepts all adult students ages 18 and older.

Unfortunately at this time, WCCAE does not offer childcare.

Yes. Counseling is available to help students determine their instructional needs for basic skills improvement, high school diploma completion, GED prep, job training, and self- improvement. Please contact Lillie Clausen, College & Career Specialist - LClausen2@wccusd.net

If you experience problems registering online, please phone the West Contra Costa Adult Education office at (510) 231-1453. Press 0 to speak with the front office.

High School Diploma, GED, ESL and Adult Basic Education are all FREE classes. Classes that require a fee are: Community classes, Career Technical Education class, Trade/Skills courses.

All requests for refunds must be in writing (email accepted). Class fees will NOT be refunded for any reason if written request is less than two (2) business days BEFORE the start of class. Refund requests incur a $25 service charge per class. If a class is cancelled by WCCAE for any reason, a full refund will be made automatically. No refunds are provided for books.

The costs of running classes are built into the fee structure. In most classes, 10 students are required to start a class at the stated fee. If fewer than 10 students enroll in the class, hours of instruction may be decreased or the fee may be increased for the class to continue. Note: Due to state budget cuts that have been imposed on California Adult Schools, there is no state funding for classes. The entire cost of instruction, use of facilities, clerical and administrative support is built into the fee structure. Fees have been set to provide maximum services at the lowest possible cost to students. Senior discounts do not apply.

All requests for refunds must be in writing (email accepted). Class fees will NOT be refunded for any reason if written request is less than two (2) business days BEFORE the start of class. Refund requests incur a $25 service charge per class. If a class is cancelled by WCCAE for any reason, a full refund will be made automatically. No refunds are provided for books.

Payments can be made through Credit/Debit Card, Check or Money Order (payable to WCCAE), or Cash (in person only).

Adult education classes are open to persons 18 years of age and older

Neither is better. One is a diploma from our own adult education high school that is earned by completing classes for credits and the other is a General Education Diploma that’s earned through a series of tests. If you’d like to know how many credits you would need to earn your high school diploma in our high school diploma program, you can submit a copy of your high school transcript(s) for a brief evaluation by our staff.

We still need to do an evaluation because we don’t know the subjects you’ve earned previous credits in. Additionally, adult education credit totals are different from other high schools in the district. The best thing for you is to submit your official transcript for an evaluation. Then we will know how many credits you will need to earn in our program.

Yes. Your transcripts are used to determine what additional classes you need to earn your diploma. You can order transcripts from Parchment.com. Cost ranges from t​hree to twenty dollars and it takes approximately 3 days for delivery. Parchment sends the transcripts to us electronically.

No. In fact, having a GED will improve your life. You will experience all the rights as a person with an High School Diploma, you can apply for college, financial aid and apply for a variety of different job opportunities.

It’s hard to predict because each student’s case is different. The practice test in our orientation provides a good indication of how you’ll do on the GED test. Choosing a path of study and participating in class does help. For those who can’t attend a regular class, we offer traditional distance learning classes, which are much like an independent study program. Our advisor can help you make the best decision when choosing between the two programs.

It’s hard to predict because each student’s case is different. The practice test in our orientation provides a good indication of how you’ll do on the GED test. Choosing a path of study and participating in class does help. For those who can’t attend a regular class, we offer traditional distance learning classes, which are much like an independent study program. Our advisor can help you make the best decision when choosing between the two programs.

Please get an official copy of your transcript from an accredited institution and submit it to WCC Adult Ed staff for review. If credits apply, we will include them in the evaluation.

Literacy, Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced ESL Online and In-person at Serra, and Richmond High - online students will receive a link to join the class after they register Morning and evening classes available

Instructor-facilitated, self-paced Textbook-based with computer support Group instruction and individual support

Dynamic and supportive learning environment College atmosphere Knowledgeable, experienced instructors Respect for students

Serra Adult Center 6028 Ralston Ave., Richmond 94805 Richmond High School 1250 23rd. St., Richmond 94804 Alvarado Adult School 5625 Sutter Ave, Richmond 94804 Online

Call: 510-231-1453, press “0” Online registration at wccadulteducation.com, go to the Learn English button In-person registration at Serra Adult Center, Richmond High and Alvarado

Kristen Pursley - ESL Lead Teacher Kpursley@wccusd.net Innocencia Dacumos - ESL Teacher Idacumos@wccusd.net Ken Ryan - ESL Teacher Kryan@wccusd.net Lourdes Ortega - ESL Teacher Lourdes.ortega@wccusd.net

Morning Classes In-Person Serra Adult Center, 6028 Ralston Ave., Richmond Monday-Thursday, 9:00-11:30 AM Level Teacher Literacy Gomez Beginning Low Knebelman Beginning High Wani /Hedges Intermediate Low Smulian/Lang Intermediate High/Advanced DeWall Morning Classes Online Monday-Thursday, 9:00-11:30 AM Level Teacher Beginning Low Mandel Beginning High Louie/Lang Intermediate Low TBD Intermediate High/Advanced Dacumos Afternoon Classes In Person Serra Adult Center, 6028 Ralston Ave., Richmond Monday-Thursday, 12:30-3:00 PM Level Teacher Beginning Low Cevallos Beginning High Williamson Afternoon Classes Online Monday-Thursday, 12:30-3:00 PM Level Teacher Intermediate Turetsky Evening Classes In Person Richmond High School, 1250 23rd Street, Richmond Monday-Wednesday 6:30-9:00 PM Level Teacher Literacy Adefuin Literacy Gabriel Literacy Tolentino Etc. Evening Online Classes Monday-Thursday, 6:30-8:30 PM Level Teacher Beginning Aguila Intermediate Louie/DeVance

West Contra Costa Adult Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender or handicap in any of its policies, procedures or practices. https://www.wccusd.net/Page/9608

West Contra Costa Adult Education is committed to maintaining the privacy of your personal information needed for registration and for student program records. We strictly adhere to the California Department of Education Privacy Policy, (Government Code §1105.5) in our on-site and on-line registration procedures and management of student records.

WCCUSD recognizes its responsibility to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations governing educational programs and activities. In accordance with state guidelines, WCCUSD has adopted Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP). The District prohibits any form of sexual harassment. UCP complaints can be filed by completing the Complaint Form (English) (Spanish). Copies of these policies are also available from our office.