Classes for Adult Basic Education, GED® (high school equivalency certification) and COMPASS (computer-adaptive college placement test)
If you plan to prepare on your own without prep classes, see Student Assessment Services for complete information on COMPASS or GED® testing.
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
ABE Level 3 and 4 classes are for adults who are already proficient in the English language, and want to improve their basic skills in math, reading and writing skills.
- ABE Reading and writing are integrated to give students the foundation for effective communication.
- Reading instruction emphasizes comprehension, vocabulary development, and critical thinking, graphic, and study skills.
- Writing skills include the review and application of language and grammar rules, correct usage and spelling, and paragraph development.
- Math instruction includes skill development in whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, algebra, and geometry with an emphasis on solving word problems and analyzing data in graphs, charts, and tables.
GED® (high school equivalency certification)
Level 5 GED® classes will help to prepare you for the exams. The classes provide students with a general review of the five content areas:
- Reading
- Writing
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
Reading and writing are integrated to give students the foundation for effective communication.
- Reading instruction emphasizes critical reading, thinking, and graphic skills.
- Writing skills include the review and application of language mechanics, usage, and sentence structure as well as organizational skills in order to write effective paragraphs and 5-paragraph essays.
- Math instruction includes skill development in whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, algebra, and geometry with an emphasis on solving word problems and analyzing data in graphs, charts, and tables.
- GED® testing
COMPASS Preparation
These Level 6 classes will help prepare you to take the COMPASS or ESL-COMPASS (college entrance) exam. It is designed for the high school graduate who needs to brush up on reading, writing and math skills.
ABE/GED Registration/Enrollment Procedures:
All new ABE, GED® or COMPASS prep students or former students who have not attended our classes for several quarters are required to attend a three-hour orientation prior to being enrolled in classes.
The orientation sessions are only offered before the start of each quarter. The total tuition fee for each quarter is $25.00. If you are interested in taking any non-credit ABE, GED® or COMPASS preparation classes or for more information, please contact the Basic & Transitional Studies office at 206-934-5363 based on the following schedule.
| I am interested in attending |
To sign up for orientation, come to our office |
Testing Sessions (actual test dates provided at sign-up) |
Fall Quarter |
Second Tuesday after Labor Day |
September |
Winter Quarter |
Tuesday last week of fall quarter classes |
December |
Spring Quarter |
Tuesday, last week of winter quarter classes |
March |
Summer Quarter |
Tuesday, last week of spring quarter classes |
June |
Classes are offered morning (9 am – 12 pm, Monday through Friday) and evening (6 pm – 9 pm, Monday through Thursday) at the West Seattle campus. A morning class may be available at the NewHolly campus (206-934-6642).