Earn your GED

We offer GED Preparation classes in English and Spanish to prepare for the GED tests

GED English and Spanish classes are offered Monday through Thursday from 6pm-8:30pm, online and in person. The GED Test consists of four subjects: Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science. Once you pass all tests you will receive a GED certificate of completion. Receiving a GED is equivalent to a high school diploma. You will be able to apply to jobs and schools with a GED as a high school diploma equivalency. To learn more about the GED Test visit GED.com. Please note that while our classes are free, students are responsible for the cost of each test (each test costs $41).

West Contra Costa Adult Education offers programs and orientations in English and Spanish. Read below for directions on how to register for an orientation.

GED English Program

Attend an orientation session - GED Orientation is offered alongside the High School Diploma orientation. We combine these orientations so that students are aware of all of their educational options. The orientation will review the GED Test and West Contra Costa Adult Education programs. After an overview of the programs students will take a reading and math assessment to determine which class to enroll students in. We strongly suggest that students start with the subject they are strongest in to improve motivation and build confidence.

After the orientation, you will meet with our school Counselor to discuss which program and class you would like to be enrolled in. Afterwards, you will begin attending classes. Once students have passed all GED Tests, West Contra Costa Adult Education allows GED graduates to participate in the annual Graduation Ceremony!

When you are ready to take the GED exam, our staff can help get you signed up. As a verified Pearson VUE testing center, you can take your exam at our testing site.

By Phone - call our front office at (510) 231-1453 ext. 0
In person at Alvarado location 5625 Sutter Ave, Richmond
Online here!

GED en Español:

Ofrecemos clases y exámenes de GED en español

Educación para Adultos de West Contra Costa se enorgullece de ofrecer orientación y clases de GED en español. En la orientación de GED en español, aprenderá sobre el examen de GED y nuestro programa. Registrará una cuenta de GED en GED.com y luego realizará un examen de práctica. Realizará los otros tres exámenes de práctica restantes la semana posterior a la orientación; deberá comunicarse con el consejero de GED para canjear sus cupones. Después de haber realizado todos los exámenes de práctica de GED, el consejero revisará sus calificaciones y le recomendará la clase en la que puede inscribirse. A partir de entonces, comenzará a asistir a clases.

Si está interesado en registrarse para la siguiente Orientación de GED favor de comunicarse al 510-591-1445 con Carolina Popocatl o envíe correo electrónico a
cpopocatl@wccusd.net

Program Schedule

Where is the adult school located?

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
Is West Contra Costa Adult School Accredited?

Yes, West Contra Costa is fully accredited by Western Association of School and Colleges.
How old do I have to be to take classes at WCCAE?

West Contra Costa accepts all adult students ages 18 and older.
Do you offer childcare?

Unfortunately at this time, WCCAE does not offer childcare.
Can you help me determining my academic/vocational needs?

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
What if I experience issues registering online?

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.
How much does it cost to take a class?

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.
Are there Refunds?

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.
What is your community interest fee schedule?

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.
What is your community interest refund policy?

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.
What payment methods do you accept?

Payments can be made through Credit/Debit Card, Check or Money Order (payable to WCCAE), or Cash (in person only).
How old do I have to be to enroll at WCCAE?

Adult education classes are open to persons 18 years of age and older
What’s better for me: GED or High School Diploma?

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.
I only needed three credits to graduate from my high school. I want to come there and get those credits so I can get my diploma. Can I do that?

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.
Do I need to get transcripts?

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 three to twenty dollars and it takes approximately 3 days for delivery. Parchment sends the transcripts to us electronically.
Will having a GED negatively affect me?

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.
Which one is faster for me: GED or High School Diploma?

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.
Which one is faster for me: GED or High School Diploma?

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.
I earned some credits in another program, will those count?"

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.
What types of ESL classes are offered?

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
What type of instruction is used?

Instructor-facilitated, self-paced Textbook-based with computer support Group instruction and individual support
What can I expect from taking this class?

Dynamic and supportive learning environment College atmosphere Knowledgeable, experienced instructors Respect for students
What locations offer ESL?

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
Where can I register?

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
ESL Instructors

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
ESL Schedule

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
Non-Discrimination Statement

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
Privacy Statement

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.
Uniform Complaint Procedures/Sexual Harassment Policies:

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.

for FREE with West Contra Costa Adult Ed!

Earn your GED

for FREE with
West Contra Costa Adult Ed!