West Area Adult School
Admissions
West Area Adult School provides adults alternative educational opportunities throughout the western region of Polk County (Lakeland, Kathleen, and Bartow). The main campus is located at 604 S. Central Avenue in Lakeland. Off-site classes are available at one of our 30+ convenient locations.
Students who need help with basic skills such as math or reading, can successfully complete the Adult Basic Education courses for entry into the GED® program. Services are also available for students seeking to learn English (for Speakers of Other Languages).
The GED®, or General Educational Development, is at the heart of the program. Established in 1942, the GED® is universally recognized as the equivalent of a traditional high school diploma. Polk County’s adult education program has awarded as many as 1,500 GED®s each year to graduating students. The GED® program is offered at a minimal charge to any qualifying adult (16 years or older).
Tuition & Fees
All courses are provided at a rate of only $30.00 per semester for Polk County residents.
Class Times
Day Classes: Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 2:30PM
Evening Classes: Tuesday / Thursday
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Over 30 Testing Locations
Alternative Education Pathways
Career Readiness Solutions
75 Years of Service
Established in 1942, the GED is universally recognized as the equivalent of a traditional high school diploma.
The mission of West Area Adult School is to provide relevant learning experiences that prepare adult students to be responsible, productive members of the workforce.
West Area Adult School’s students and teachers are very grateful for the many volunteer tutors who work one-on-one or in small groups with individuals needing extra help. Since 2003, West Area Adult School has earned 12 Golden School Awards, thanks to the many volunteers who unselfishly give of their time and talents, both on our main campus and our extension sites.
Volunteers pick the times, locations, and academic areas where they wish to make their contribution. Teachers provide the necessary teaching materials, so no preparation is required on the part of the tutor.
Anyone interested in lending a hand in either a basic academic class, or one of our English as a Second Language (ESOL) classes can contact the main office.
Pre-School Services
We proudly offer a free pre-school program on our main campus. Available during the day to our full-time adult students with children ages 3 to 5. With the help of grant funding and local community agencies, we are able to provide a wonderful family literacy program.
Authorized Testing Center
West Area Adult School is an Authorized Pearson VUE Test Center for the Adult, Career, and Technical Testing Center of Polk County. Pearson VUE is the leader in high-stakes computer-based certification and licensure exams for a range of industries including financial, government, healthcare, information technology, and numerous exams.
PERT | Postsecondary Education Readiness Test
TABE | Tests of Adult Basic Education
TERC | Testing and Education Reference Center
West Area Adult School offers these common Pearson VUE exams:
News.
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Schools closed through the end of the yearApril 21, 2020READ MORESchools are closed through the end of the school year. District offices are also closed. Limited staff will be present. Telephone calls will be managed from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. School...
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Help for Distance Learning Tech IssuesApril 8, 2020READ MOREPolk County Public Schools has established a help line to assist students and families with technical issues related to distance learning. The help line is available at 863-614-1600 on weekdays...
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ONLINE TESTING INFORMATIONMarch 30, 2020READ MOREOn-Line instruction will be available for all of our ABE/GED students, through the Edgenuity platform. On-line instruction will be available for all of our ESOL students, through the Burlington English...