General Education Development
The General Education Development (GED) program provides the means by which Georgia residents may obtain a high school equivalency diploma. Persons who have not graduated from high school in the United States or Canada, have not previously earned a GED® score sufficient to qualify for a high school equivalency credential, and who are eighteen years or older are eligible to take the GED® exam. Individuals sixteen or seventeen years old must complete the process for underage students, which requires the provision of documentation in the form of a withdrawal letter from the school last attended.
The GED high school equivalency diploma is issued to persons who successfully pass a series of four tests in the areas of social studies, science, reasoning through language arts, and mathematical reasoning. Classes to prepare individuals for the examination are provided free of charge and are offered day and evening, Monday through Thursday, at locations throughout DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton, and Morgan counties.
The GED® exam is administered numerous times each week at the Paul M. Starnes Center and Newton County Campus. Valid official photo identification and proof of Social Security number are required and must be presented on the day of the exam. For additional information concerning the GED program, contact the Adult Education Office, (404) 297-9522, extension 4000. For additional information about GED® testing, contact the Testing Center at (404) 297- 9522, extension 2516 (Starnes Center) or (404) 297-9522, extension 3100 (Newton Campus).
English as a Second Language
English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction is available for all levels of English proficiency, from pre-literate to advanced. Every component of language acquisition, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing is incorporated into daily instruction. In addition, classes with an emphasis on civics education and U.S. citizenship preparation are also available. Computer labs equipped with ESL software are open beyond classroom hours to reinforce instruction.
Classes are provided free of charge and are offered during the day and evening, at locations throughout DeKalb County. Evening classes are available in Rockdale County. For additional information, contact the Adult Education Office, (404) 297-9522, extension 4000.