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 Classes
  
• 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 $45. 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 $15-$50 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.

An eighteen 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 $500 scholarship to attend Tidewater Community College funded through 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 certificate that calendar year. Students wishing to attend the Adult Learning Center for basic skills classes may choose to attend these classes at Larkspur Middle School or the Adult Learning Center.

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: 757.648.6050
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

GED® and the GED Testing Service® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education® and may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the American Council on Education.