Adult Basic Education

Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes are for adults who are proficient in English, but want to improve their basic reading, writing, and math skills. Reading and writing are integrated in one class called Communications. Math covers addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percent, and introduction to algebra and geometry. We offer levels 2 - 6, but we cluster some classes together in the same classroom. For more details on the pathway check out the ABE Pathway Map.

Tuition for each quarter is $25 for the initial orientation. You are not charged extra for the classes you are placed into for that quarter. If you complete the orientation but do not enroll in classes, or stop out, or if subsequent classes in the same quarter are cancelled due to low-enrollment, we cannot refund the $25. Each quarter thereafter, we charge only $25 for the quarter. This does not include the fee for to take GED® practice or official tests

For students who need to learn English or for whom English is a second (or third) language, our ESL program is a better fit.

Students must be 16 years old or older to take ABE classes at Seattle Central. If you are under 19 years old and haven't graduated from high school, you will have to get a release form from the school district. You should also consider taking GED® classes at Learning Center Seattle, because it is specifically geared to students your age, has counseling and wrap-around support available, and can guide you into free college classes when you finish with your GED®.

Math   
Mornings: 9-10:20 a.m. Monday–Friday   
Evenings: 6–8:20 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays

Communications   
Mornings: 10:30–12:20 p.m. Monday–Friday   
Evenings: 6–8:20 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays

We also have some electives: a computer lab class and a Special Topics class covering science and social studies.

Welcome New Students

All new students must attend an orientation. Morning and evening orientations for new students will be held before the upcoming quarter. The orientation includes program information, assessments, goal setting and registering for core classes. Tuition ($25) is for orientation; the classes you are placed in at the end of orientation are included in this tuition. Orientation must be completed before you can enroll in class.

Get Started

Apply Now

  • Complete the Seattle Central College Basic Studies Application above (you can complete it online or come to our office to complete in person)
  • Reply to email from Basic and Transitional Studies to register for an orientation
  • Attend orientation
  • Pay the $25 tuition
  • Start classes

*Please note that space is limited for our classes. Apply as early as possible for the following quarter.

Contact

Dino Kladouris - Student Specialist for ABE/GED/HS+    
Email: dino.kladouris@seattlecolleges.edu    
Phone: 206.934.5405.   
Book an appointment with Dino at dinokladouris.youcanbook.me.