About Us
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Welcome to Adult Education!Top of Page
Adult education in California had its humble beginning in 1856 in the basement of St. Mary’s Cathedral on Grant Avenue in San Francisco, where the students consisted primarily of immigrants from Ireland, Italy, and China.
Since that time, adult education in California has expanded to over 1.2 million students who take classes through our public school system. Nearly 75 percent of adult education students enroll in the program areas of English as a second language, citizenship preparation, basic literacy, high school diploma, and vocational education. Other programs target parents, older adults, adults with disabilities, and inmates. Through these programs, California offers learners a wide range of knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively as citizens, workers, parents, and family and community members.
Education is a lifelong pursuit, and adult education plays an important role in helping Californians improve their quality of life.
-- Jack OÇonnell, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
