Alternative Education
Adult Learning Center
What is the Adult Learning
Center?
The Adult Learning Center provides comprehensive educational services
for students over the age of eighteen. Programs are designed to reach
the needs of the high school dropout, the displaced worker, and the non-English
speaking adult. In addition, the Adult Learning Center offers educational
opportunities for adults seeking to enhance their lives through personal
growth, job enrichment, and career advancement. Classes are offered in
Adult Basic Education/Pre-GED, General Educational Development (GED),
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and Community Education
(including Licensed Practical Nursing).
Who can attend the Adult Learning Center?
Classes are organized for adults 18 years of age and older who are not
currently enrolled in a public or private school leading to a diploma
or certificate. Under the Individual Student Alternative Education Plan
(ISAEP), and with special referrals, sixteen and seventeen year olds may
be admitted to the Basic Skills/Pre-GED or GED classes.
What courses and services are offered at the Adult Learning Center?
Classes are provided in three main categories at the Adult Learning Center:
- Adult Basic Education/Pre-GED and GED
- English for Speakers of Other Languages
- Community Education courses
Adult Basic Education/Pre-GED and GED
These classes are for adults who are performing below 10th grade ability
in reading, mathematics, and English. Potential students' ability in
these areas is assessed using the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE).
After assessment, students are eligible for placement in one of four
instructional levels. Students pay a materials fee, and any students
who do not live in Virginia Beach are charged tuition. Classes are available
during the day and evening and are open-entry and open-exit, allowing
students to proceed through the four instructional levels at their own
pace. GED classes are available for those individuals who, upon assessment
using the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE), are performing at or
above 10th grade ability in reading, mathematics, and English. The GED
course is a 60-hour tuition course covering the five subject areas measured
on the GED examination. Fees are charged for tuition and textbooks.
The GED examination cost is $35. Classes are offered both during the
day and evening. The GED examination is given twice a month at the Adult
Learning Center.
English for Speakers of Other Languages
This program is designed to help non-English speaking adults to read,
write, speak, and improve the understanding of English. An interview
is given to place students in one of four instructional levels. Students
are charged a $25-$35 textbook fee. All students must provide identification
in the form of a passport, resident alien card, or valid driver's license.
Students with a non-immigrant visa are charged tuition. All students
who do not live in Virginia Beach are charged tuition. Classes are available
during both the day and evening.
Community Education classes
Community Education classes, which carry a tuition fee, are offered
during both day and evening. Classes are offered in response to community
interest and input. Community Education classes are constantly updated
and new classes are developed each semester.
The Workforce Training Certificate Program offers classes that prepare
students with skills to begin a career, to advance in a current position,
or to promote professional growth. Courses are offered on a pay-as-you-go
basis.
A twenty-four month Licensed Practical Nursing Program is offered through
the Adult Learning Center and the School of Practical Nursing and is
housed at the Technical and Career Education Center.
What special opportunities are available at the Adult Learning Center?
Each year a student from the Adult Learning Center is awarded a $1500
scholarship to attend Tidewater Community College. Another scholarship
of $500 to attend Tidewater Community College is funded by the Thalia
Lion's Club. Counselors from the Educational Opportunity Center regularly
visit to inform students about services available. The center sponsors
an annual GED Recognition Ceremony for students who have attended the
GED preparatory class and earned a GED diploma that calendar year. Students
wishing to attend the Adult Learning Center for basic skills classes may
choose to attend these classes at Beach House, First Colonial High School,
Friendship Village, Kempsville High School, Oceana Family Housing Community
Center, or Newtown Elementary School.
Is transportation provided to the Adult Learning Center?
No transportation is provided, but the Adult Learning Center is conveniently
located on Virginia Beach Boulevard and easily accessible by public transportation.
Whom can I contact for additional information about the Adult Learning
Center?
Principal: Bonnie Mizenko
E-mail:
bonnie.mizenko@vbschools.com
4160 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23452
Telephone: 757.306.0991
Fax: 757.306.0999
www.adultlearning.vbschools.com
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday
Office Hours: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday