Adult Education

Effective July 1, 2023

Cheshire has entered into a partnership with Wallingford Adult Education to provide our residents with enhanced opportunities to take classes that will assist with earning a GED, learning English, becoming a U.S. citizen, and more.
 
Please click the link below for additional information:
 
https://www.wallingfordadulted.org/
 
 

Cheshire Adult Education offers a variety of enrichment courses including college and test preparation, computer technology, cooking, creative arts, fitness, financial planning, wellness, real estate, and many other subjects. This semester, most classes will be offered in-person at Cheshire High School with a few classes being offered online for those who prefer to learn from home. Registration for spring classes is now open! Early Bird Discounts apply to all classes when you register before February 3, 2023.

 

download Winter/Spring 2023 brochure register for classes

Adult Education Staff

The mission of the Cheshire Public Schools’ Adult Education program is to serve the needs of Cheshire’s adult learners through its State mandated program utilizing best teaching practices, and also by providing enrichment and interest-based learning opportunities.

Adult Education Office Number:
(203) 250-2450

  • Alexandria Hall  
    Beginning ESL Teacher
  • Michele Foertsch
    Intermediate ESL/Multi-level ESL Teacher
  • Gail Bendel
    GED Teacher
  • Kas Hoag
    U.S. Citizenship Teacher

Mandated Course Descriptions

All of our evening classes are held at Cheshire High School from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. We also offer multilevel ESL classes on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:30 to 2:30 pm in the Board of Education/Humiston Building at 29 Main Street in Cheshire.

STUDENTS CAN REGISTER FOR FREE MANDATED CLASSES ON MONDAY, TUESDAY, AND THURSDAY EVENINGS BETWEEN  6:30 AND 8:30 PM AT CHESHIRE HIGH SCHOOL!

U.S. Citizenship

For immigrants preparing for the U.S. Citizenship test, there will be a brief overview of American History, the Constitution, and the three branches of federal and state government. Help with the citizenship application is included in the course, along with discussions about the rights, responsibilities, and privileges of citizenship. Classes are held in-person on Mondays from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Cheshire High School.

Adult Basic Education

If you have difficulty with reading, basic math, or writing, or if you want to upgrade your skills to prepare for the GED® , then ABE is for you! An individualized learning plan will be developed with you, building on your strengths while focusing on those areas in which you need help. You will receive a great deal of individual attention. Please call 203-250-2450 for more information. 

English as a Second Language: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Classes are designed to help immigrants learn to speak, read, and write in English. Emphasis is on functional English in all facets of daily life. Classes are held in-person on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Cheshire High School. Multilevel classes are held in-person on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:30 to 2:30 pm at Cheshire Adult Education, 29 Main Street in Cheshire.

GED® (General Education Development)

Students will prepare for the GED® test. Language Arts, Writing, Reading, Mathematics (including the use of the calculator), Social Studies and Science are the areas under study. The GED® continues to provide a basis for conferring a high school equivalency diploma on adults who have not graduated from a traditional high school. The class prepares students with the necessary skills to be productive twenty-first century citizens. Classes are held in-person on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Cheshire High School. 

National External Diploma Program (NEDP)

Earn a high school diploma independently through the successful completion of a series of assignments in a computer-based format. With this option, students earn their high school diploma through the successful demonstration of life skill competencies, as well as, an individualized competency. You will meet with an assessor periodically to help you reach your goals. NEDP is recommended for those 21 years of age who have acquired some of the life skill experiences needed for successful completion of the program and is offered in conjunction with Wallingford Adult Education and Meriden Adult Education. Please contact Cheshire Adult Education at (203) 250-2450 for more information on dates, times, and locations.

 

Important Information for All Adult Education Students

Nondiscrimination
Cheshire Adult 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. Inquiries regarding Cheshire Adult Education Nondiscrimination Policies should be directed to Ryan Murphy, Director of Adult Education, at (203) 250-2452.

General Accessibility and Accommodation
All activities offered by Cheshire Adult Education are held in accessible locations. Accommodations for individuals with a disability are available upon request. Please contact Ryan Murphy, Adult Education Director, at (203) 250-2452.

General Educational Development (GED®) Test Accommodations
Accommodations for the GED® test are available for qualified individuals with a disability. For more information, contact Ryan Murphy, Director of Adult Education, at (203) 250-2452. You may also contact Sabrina Mancini at the Connecticut State Department of Education at (860) 807-2111.

No Charge for Materials for Mandated Courses
Cheshire Adult Education is in compliance with Connecticut General Statutes Sec.10-73a and does not charge fees for registration, textbooks, or materials for any adult enrolled in the U.S. Citizenship, ESL, or high school completion programs.

Cancellations
Mandated Adult Education classes are automatically canceled if Cheshire Public Schools are closed for the day or dismissed early. Please see the brochure calendar for dates when there are no classes. Emergency closings are recorded on our regular phone line after 4:00 pm at (203) 250-2450 and notices are posted on area television stations.

A non-smoking policy is in effect on all Cheshire Public School properties including all buildings, grounds, athletic fields, and parking lots.

Evacuation Procedures
In the event of a call for emergency evacuation, students and staff should leave the building through the nearest exit immediately. Staff and students should follow the direction of emergency first responders.

Internet Use Policy
Cheshire Public Schools has an Acceptable Internet Use Policy that applies to all schools including the Adult Education Program. Copies of the entire policy will be provided to students upon request, and is available on the Cheshire Public Schools website at www.cheshire.k12.ct.us. All students should sign an Internet Access Use Policy Form.

Attendance
We want you to meet your goals and the best way to do that is through regular attendance and study. If you are going to be absent, please contact your teacher or the Adult Education Office at (203)250-2450.