| Adult Education
OFFICE OF ADULT EDUCATION
AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
1000 Brookhaven Drive
Aiken, SC 29803
Telephone: (803) 641-2476
Fax: (803) 641-2492
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
Aiken Adult Education
Our Mission
The mission of the Aiken Adult Education Program is to provide quality education opportunities in a safe environment that emphasizes high achievement and career preparation that will help all adult students reach their full educational potential and become more productive citizens.
GED PREP: The General Educational Development Test, administered by the State Department of Education, is designed to provide an alternative way to obtain a high school credential for people who have not completed the requirements for a high school diploma. The GED consists of five tests; the subject areas tested are Mathematics, Language Arts – Writing, Social Studies, Science and Language Arts – Reading.
The minimum age to take the GED is 17. Any candidate younger than 19, must include a “Verification of School Withdrawal Form” with the application. The cost to take the GED is $70 payable to the State Department of Education. The S.C. Department of Education issues a S.C. High School Equivalency Diploma to those who qualify and pass all tests with an average score of 450 (2250 total score) and a minimum score of 410 on each of the tests.
Adult Education offers an Official GED Practice Test (OPT) for the GED at the centers to help identify areas a student needs to improve before taking the State GED Tests.
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA:
To receive diploma credit for a course, a student must attend 60 hours or more, complete all course requirements, and pass required tests. The State Department of Education can award up to 6 credits for occupational training and experience.
The Adult Education Department offers several classes toward completion of the State Diploma. A student must be within a few credits of completion. Centers offering diploma completion also offer HSAP remediation.
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SELF-IMPROVEMENT: Adults who desire refresher or self-improvement classes, but do not wish to enroll in the Diploma or GED Programs, may enroll in the classes offered.
DAY LEARNING CENTERS
The following centers operate in the morning, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 – 12:00:
(1) Byrd Learning Center 803-663-4920
1 Willis Circle (off Ascauga Lake Road), Graniteville, SC 29829
Programs available:
- Literacy/Adult Basic Education
- Diploma Completion
- GED Prep
- HSAP Remediation
- ESL (English as a Second Language)
- Refresher Classes
(2) Wagener Center / Wagener–Salley High School Annex
272 Main St., South, Wagener, SC 29164
Programs available:
- Basic Education
- GED Prep
- Family Literacy/Parenting Center
(3) St. John’s United Methodist Church
104 Newberry Street, NW, Aiken, SC 29801
Program available:
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
(4) The Learning Center at the North Augusta Gardens Apartments Community
310 West Hugh Street, North Augusta, SC 29841
Program available:
ADDITIONAL DAY LOCATIONS
Aiken Vocational Rehabilitation Center
One Stop Transition Center on York Street
One Stop Transition Center on Richland Avenue
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“What are the GED Tests?”
The General Educational Development (GED) tests are a group of five multiple chose tests that are designed to measure the general knowledge and thinking skills that it takes to earn a high school diploma.
“Why should I take the GED Tests?”
Most employers and colleges require a diploma or its equivalent
for employment, promotion, or admission. If you do not own a
credential proving that you completed high school, then you could be missing out on special opportunities.
“Who can take the GED tests?”
Anyone who is at least 17 years of age, not enrolled in school, and does not already have a high school diploma from an accredited school, may take the GED tests.
“What if I am still in school?”
If you are in school, stay there. The GED examination is not supposed to offer the first opportunity to graduate. Talk to your guidance counselor about your options. Students enrolled in alternative school programs are not eligible to take the GED. Students enrolled in adult education programs, who are at least 17 years of age, may take the GED.
“Can I pass the GED Tests?”
Because the tests measure general knowledge and thinking skills, you may be learning at your job or by reading the newspaper each day. Also, the tests are scored for correct answers only. No one is expected to answer all questions correctly. Approximately 65% of those tested in South Carolina each year earn a passing score. But, if it has been a while since you were in school, then it is a good idea to call the Aiken County Adult Education office. The people there can give you a GED practice test and help you prepare for the actual examination. If you cannot attend classes, you may qualify for the GED online program available on South Carolina Educational Television.
“What will I get if I pass the GED tests?”
The South Carolina Department of Education issues a South Carolina High School Equivalency Diploma to those who successfully pass all five GED tests with an average score of 450, for a total score 2250 and a minimum score of 410 on each of the five tests.
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