Prince William County Public Schools

English Language Learning

English Language Acquisition (ELA)

Classes are designed for students to acquire life skills that will help them function in their communities and at workplaces. Topics such as personal information, school, friends and family, health, time, work, shopping, community, daily living, and leisure are used for students to improve their speaking, listening, reading and writing of English language. Students may be placed in the following classes depending on an assessment, location of class, and student enrollment: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, and Multilevel.

English for Communication and Academic Skills

English for Communication and Academic Skills class is a 90-hour class designed for students to acquire life skills that will help them function in their communities and at workplaces. Students at advanced or post-advanced ESL levels enroll in this class to use the lessons to build on their language skills for higher English language proficiency or towards enrolling in high school completion (Bridging or GED) or in our workforce development classes (Customer Service and Sales, Microsoft Office Specialist, or Entrepreneurship and Small Business). A placement test is administered to determine the functioning level of students and proper level of instruction.

High School Completion

The Adult Education Program offers two means to earn a high school credential. Participants may choose the high school equivalency examination, the GED® program, which awards a high school equivalency certificate upon successful completion. Participants may also choose to enroll in the National External Diploma Program (NEDP) which is an untimed competency-based high completion program. Successful completion of the NEDP earns the participant a high school diploma.

Basic Skills Improvement and GED® Classes

Preparation classes are for individuals who have an interest in obtaining a high school level education. This will allow the individual to advance their career to the next stages and open the door to more opportunities.

GED® Math Boot Camp

Classes are for individuals 18 years of age or older who have passed the RLA, Social Studies, and Science sections of the official GED® Test and only have the math section remaining to earn their credential. This course will focus on basic math, algebra, geometry, graphs, and functions focusing on GED® math high impact standards, problem solving, and test taking strategies.

GED® Online, Self-Paced

The GED® Distance Education program is for students who desire the convenience of studying from a computer with internet access while an instructor provides individualized instruction. The flexibility of this program allows students to begin at any time, on their own time. Computer Access/Wi-Fi is needed to complete this program.

Applicants must take a placement test to ensure proper program entrance level. Interested individuals need to attend an information session on one of the dates and times listed below. This session will take approximately one hour. Email AdultEd@pwcs.edu with your desired information session date.

GED® Ready Practice Testing

The GED Ready® Test determines readiness to take the official GED® Test. Individuals may take select test sections or all four subjects if time permits. Practice test participants whose score indicates readiness to pass an official GED® Test subject may qualify for a free test subject voucher.

*Vouchers are valid for testing at the Prince William County Public Schools Adult Education test center only. Offerings are contingent on the availability of funding.

National External Diploma Program (NEDP)

Information sessions will be delivered using a PWCS approved video platform. Qualifying assessments are scheduled by appointment and may be held virtually or in-person at the Adult Learning Center, Independent Hill, Building 4, 14800 Joplin Rd., Manassas, VA 20112.

Applicants must score at the adult secondary level in qualifying assessments to enroll in the program. Interested individuals need to attend an information session on one of the dates and times listed below. This session and assessment will take approximately two hours. Registration information can be found on our website.

Completion time varies with each individual, averaging from six months to a year. Successful completion of this self-directed program earns the participant a standard high school diploma that is issued by the local school board through the Adult Education Department. This diploma is accepted by colleges, but some colleges may require that adults meet other admissions standards.

The National External Diploma Program is administered through the Virginia State Department of Education and CASAS.

Other Programs and Services

Bridging Classes

Classes are for individuals who want to explore their own career interests and skills needed to self-assess, plan, and prepare to enter a career field that is personally and financially fulfilling; or who want to set their own personal and educational goals. Topics may include resume writing, online job search and applications, interviewing techniques, American business culture, entrepreneurship, goal setting and access to higher education and training programs.

Community Engagement and Citizenship Preparation

Classes are designed to provide instruction in citizenship and naturalization preparation, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and civic participation, and for students to acquire life skills that will help them function in their communities and at workplaces. Students learn about the U.S. government, history, and geography, the naturalization process, the interview process, and passing the naturalization test. The class also helps students with their English literacy and language skills while studying the citizenship and other community engagement topics.

Integrated Education and Training (IET)

IET courses are for individuals who want to receive an industry recognized certificate upon successful completion of a specified career pathway and certification exam. Successful completion requires passing the related certification examination.

Customer Service and Sales

This course is a 90-hour class that prepares participants to gain customer service and sales skills and improve on their English language proficiency skills. Students will master customer service and sales skills such as customer life cycle, developing effective strategies to engage customers, assessing customer needs, and closing sales. They will gain crucial workplace skills that include problem-solving, working in teams, reading customer body language, and increasing customer satisfaction and retention. They will increase their language skills as they relate to business and customer relations. The class is co-taught by the content teacher and an English language teacher. Students can earn an industry-recognized certification in Customer Service after successfully passing the exam.

Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB)

Entrepreneurship and Small Business is a 120-hour class that could help participants meet their needs in starting, running, and managing a small business. In this class students will learn learn about how to be entrepreneur, how to recognize business opportunities, how to start a business, features of business operations, how to develop marketing and sales skills and how to manage finances in the small business world. The class is co-taught by  the content teacher and an English language teacher. Students can earn a certification in Entrepreneurship and Small Business if they pass the exam. The certificate is an industry-recognized one. 

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

This course prepares individuals to become certified as an MOS Specialist in Outlook, Word, and Excel. At the end of the course, individuals will take the MOS Certification exam.

Registration for GED® classes beginning February 1 and ELA (English Language Acquisition) classes beginning January 31 are now open. Don't delay; Register Today!

Classes will be held in-person or virtually using a computer or device. The teacher for virtual classes will meet with students via Zoom or Canvas platforms for the classes listed below. Students must be 18 years or older to participate.

Last day to enroll in Session 3 classes is January 12.

Payment is due at the time of assessment and placement.

GED® Class Offerings

A required placement test is given to students to determine the proper class level.

February 1 To March 27

GED: Specific Subject (Language Arts and Social Studies)

• Virtual classes meet Monday and Wednesday - 45 hours of instruction
• Cost per session: $85 plus book, if applicable
• Available Schedule: 6-9 p.m.

February 2 To March 28

GED: Specific Subject (Math and Science)

• Virtual classes meet Tuesday and Thursday - 45 hours of instruction
• Cost per session: $85 plus book, if applicable
• Available Schedule: 6-9 p.m.

February 1 To March 28

• Virtual and In-person classes meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday - 90 hours of instruction (Spanish GED classes are available also)
• Available Schedules: 9 a.m. to Noon or 6 to 9 p.m.
• Cost per session: $170 plus book, if applicable
• In-person locations: Gar-Field H.S., Unity Reed H.S.
• Available Schedule: 6-9 p.m.

February 1 To April 24

• Class meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday - 90 hours of instruction
• Cost per session: $170 plus book, if applicable
• Location: Adult Learning Center, 14800 Joplin Road, Building 4, Manassas, VA 20112
• Available Schedule: 9 a.m. to Noon

ELA (English Language Acquisition) Class Offerings

A required placement test is given to students to determine the proper class level.

January 31 To April 13

• Virtual and In-person classes meets Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday - 90 hours of instruction
• Cost per session: $170 plus book, if applicable
• In-person locations: Gar-Field H.S., Unity Reed H.S., Manassas Park H.S.
• Available Schedules: 9 a.m. - Noon or 6-9 p.m.

January 31 To April 13

• In-person classes meets Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday-90 hours of instruction
• Cost per session: $170 plus book, if applicable
• In-person locations: Grace Baptist Church, 14242 Spriggs Road, Woodbridge, VA 22193
• Available Schedules: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Spring 2023 Special Series Of Classes

January 31 To March 15

Community Engagement (Includes Citizenship and Civics)

• Virtual class meet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
• Cost per session: $115 plus book, if applicable
• Available Schedule: 6-9 p.m.

All classes follow the PWCS Holiday Calendar. If you have questions about the class schedule or need additional information about classes, call 703-791-7357 or email AdultEd@pwcs.edu. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Earn an adult high school diploma through this program. The National External Diploma Program (NEDP) is a competency-based high school diploma program for individuals 18 years of age and over. The program is designed for adults who have acquired their academic skills through life and work experiences and can demonstrate what they have learned.

Students will meet with an Advisor one-on-one basis and scheduling is flexible. Computer Access/Wi-Fi is needed to complete this program.

Registration

Attend a one hour Zoom Information Session, to find out more and to take the qualifying test for entry into this program. Information Sessions will be held at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the Mondays listed below.

Students may register by clicking on the date they would like attend below.

• December 12, 10 a.m.
• December 12, 7 p.m.

If you have any questions, please call us at 703-791-7357 or send an email to AdultEd@pwcs.edu

Class Tuition

• Fees are $800 for Prince William County residents. Out-of-county residents pay $1,000.
• Fees may be paid in specified installments.
• Payments may be made by credit/debit card (Visa or MasterCard) using the sent to you, cashier's check, or money order. No personal checks. Tuition costs and fees are non-refundable.

Completion

Completion time varies with each individual, averaging from six months to a year. A flexible schedule is available and will be determined by you and your Advisor. The NEDP awards a standard high school diploma that is issued by the local school board through the Office of Adult Education. This diploma is accepted by colleges, but some colleges may require that adults meet other admissions standards.

The National External Diploma Program is administered through the Virginia State Department of Education and CASAS.

Prepare for the GED test!

The GED^® Distance Education program is for students' who desire the convenience of studying from a computer with internet access while an instructor monitors the students progress and provides feedback. The flexibility of this program allows students to begin at any time, on their own time. Computer access/Wi-Fi is needed to complete this program.

Registration

Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Interested students must take a placement test to ensure proper program entrance level. Students need to attend a Zoom Information Session during one of the following dates and times. This session will take approximately one hour. 

• Tuesday, November 22 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, December 10 at 10 a.m.
• Tuesday, December 13 at 7 p.m.

To register for one of the Zoom Sessions, click on the date you would like to attend.

If you have any questions, please call us at 703-791-7357 or send an email to AdultEd@pwcs.edu.

Class Tuition

• Individuals pay $30 for 30 days of unlimited access, 24 hours a day
• Continuous Study at $30 for 30 days is available to enrolled students
Payments may be made by credit or debit card, (Visa or Mastercard) using the link sent to you, cashier's check, money order. Tuition costs and fees are non-refundable. Offerings are contingent on funding and sufficient enrollment.

The GED® Ready Test determines readiness to take the official GED® Test.

Virtual Dates

• To be announced

In-Person Dates

• To be announced

Location: Adult Learning Center, 14800 Joplin Rd., Manassas, VA 20112

Registration is limited to eight people for this in-person session.

Registration

To participate in taking the free GED® Ready you must register for one of the dates listed above. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, walk-ins will not be accepted.

To register for a time slot, complete this contact form and send an email to AdultEd@pwcs.edu (be sure to include your name, phone number, and email address).

Residents in Prince William County, may qualify for free GED® training through the Prince William County ELEVATE initiative. Learn more about the ELEVATE initiative.

After completing the ELEVATE application, please download it and email to ELEVATEjobseekers@vcwnorthern.com. You will receive confirmation of receipt and an encrypted email in response that will allow you to submit your required eligibility documents securely.

Residents in the City of Manassas, may qualify for free GED® training through the Manassas GRADUATE initiative. Learn more about the GRADUATE initiative.