Adult
Learning
Center
For over 30 years, the Adult Learning Center (ALC) has provided high-quality, learner-centered instruction to help Baltimore residents increase their academic skills, employability, and overall quality of life.
Improving adult basic skills is a key component of ensuring that adult learners are productive members of the community.
The Adult Learning Center provides classes in Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English Language Acquisition (ELA/ESL/ESOL) to Baltimore residents, all at no cost to the learner. Each year we empower over 500 adults to reach their educational, career, and personal goals.
This program is supported by grant funding from Maryland Literacy Works and the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation.
Achievement Night 2021
Watch our 31st Annual Achievement Night with a Keynote Speech given by British Robinson, CEO of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.
We are now registering students for Fall classes which begin on September 6.
Prepare for the GED exam or learn ENGLISH. We have classes IN-PERSON at our beautiful Hoen building location, VIRTUAL from the comfort of your own home and HYBRID (one day in-person and one day virtually). We have AM classes (9-12) and PM classes (6-9). There is an option for nearly everyone's schedule. Classes are FREE with one $15 materials fee per semester.
DROP IN REGISTRATION THURSDAYS AT 9:00 AM.
To make an appointment or find out more about our program please call the following:
For GED classes call: 410-261-3517,
For ENGLISH classes call: 410-261-0023
TEXT: 443-261-4885
For GED call: (410) 261-3517
For English language classes call: (410) 261-0023
Don't want to start yet? Get on the list for Summer or Fall! Call the numbers above.
Programs
Adult Basic Education (ABE) Adult Basic Education instruction for learners seeking to improve their reading, writing, and math skills or to prepare for the GED exam. Instruction is offered at the following levels:
- Literacy
- Pre-GED
- GED
- GED courses also offered in Spanish
English Language Acquisition (ELA/ESOL/ESL) English language instruction for speakers of other languages. Instruction focuses on vocabulary development, pronunciation, grammar, and fluency at the following levels:
- Low Beginning
- High Beginning
- Low Intermediate
- High Intermediate
- Advanced/Civics
- Conversation for Advanced Speakers
TOEFL Instruction for students preparing to take the TOEFL exam, which makes them eligible to study at colleges and universities in the United States. This course is taught virtually. It is a 48 hour course, six hours a week for eight weeks. This is a paid course, at a rate of $450 per student.
Schedule and Registration
2022/2023 School Year
Fall Classes: September 6, 2022 – December 15, 2023
Winter/Spring Classes: January 17, 2023 – June 8, 2023
Drop-in Registration Most Thursdays at 9:00 am. Appointments are available every week.
Call 410-261-3517
Text 443-261-4885
or email sdefrancisci@strongcitybaltimore.org for registration appointments.
FAQs About Registration
You must make an appointment to register for classes. Contact the ALC Office at 410-261-3524 to make an appointment. Registration is a four-hour process. There is a $15 book fee due at registration. Here are the steps for registering for a GED class:
- Call and set up a registration appointment
- Based on your pre-test, you sign up for a class that fits your skills, needs, and availability
- You keep improving until you’re ready to take your GED exam
Everyone is welcome to register regardless of legal status. F-1 and J-1 Visa holders are not eligible to join the program. If you have a social security number or permanent resident card, please bring it with you, but it is not required.
Registration for all classes takes place at the Hoen Lithograph Building at 2101 E. Biddle Street in Suite 1100.
Classes typically start the week after registration. See class schedule above.
Call 410-261-3524 for more information.
You must be 18 years or older to join the program. If you are 18 or 19 years old, you must bring official paperwork from your high school indicating that you are officially withdrawn. Learners must bring $15 to registration to pay for their book fee.
Service providers may refer interested individuals to Adult Learning Center registration events. Please note that our policy requires clients of referring agencies to contact the Adult Learning Center directly. You can reach the program staff at 410-261-3524 for more information.
Supplemental Services
The Adult Learning Center offers various supplemental services to support learners’ educational progression.
One-on-One Tutoring
Volunteer tutors work with learners on a one-on-one basis to reinforce classroom instruction. To be eligible for a tutor, learners must be attending classes and receive recommendation by their teacher.
Learner Advocate
Volunteer advocates work with learners on a one-on-one or small group basis on non-academic life goals, for instance citizenship preparation and driving permit studying. To be eligible for an advocate, learners must be attending classes and receive recommendation by their teacher.
Volunteer
As one of the largest adult education programs in Baltimore, we rely heavily on the dedication and commitment of community volunteers to help carry out our mission. Every year, ALC volunteers contribute over 2500 hours volunteering as tutors, classroom assistants, and more to support our learners. For more information on how to become an ALC volunteer, please contact Mandy Chesney at MChesney@strongcitybaltimore.org or complete the form.
If you are interested in our paid teaching positions (for either Adult Basic Education or English Language), please visit the Employment section of our website.