Q: Where is your school located?

A: The ALP is located inside English High School, 144 McBride Street, at the corner of Williams and Washington Streets in Jamaica Plain (near the Forest Hill MBTA station).

Q: What classes do you offer?

A: We offer four types of classes:

1) GED preparation (known as ABE) 2) High School Diploma classes (known as EDP) 3) English language classes (known as ESOL) 4) Citizenship classes.

Our GED and ESOL classes are broken up into different levels, so that you can work at a pace that works best for you. When you improve enough in one class, you can move up to the next level.

Q: How do I get into your program's GED, high school diploma, English language or Citizenship classes?

A: To get into classes you need to come to our office and fill out an application. Visit us during our daily office hours, Monday through Thursday from 10AM to 6PM. Simply tell us what classes you are interested in, and we will give you an application. You must fill out this application yourself, in person. When you have completed the application, you will then be asked to take a reading test (for GED classes) or to answer questions in an interview (for ESOL classes). This will help us figure out which class level will be best for you.

Q: How long will it take for me to get into classes once I finish the application process?

A: Once you are finished with the application process you are NOT guaranteed to start with us immediately. If we have room for you, chances are you will start right away. But if the class level you qualify for is full, we will place you on our waiting list. As soon as we have an opening, and it is your turn, we will call you and invite you to join us.

Q: How much do classes cost?

A:Classes are free. But if you are accepted into the program, you can buy a membership to Jamaica Plain Community Centers for the reduced fee of $10. This membership will allow you to use the facilities, such as pools and gyms, at a number of our area community centers. You are not required to buy a membership to take classes with us.

Q: How many nights a week are your classes?

A: You are required to attend classes three nights a week, and you are encouraged to attend tutoring one night a week. GED classes are held Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30PM; Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:45PM.; and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:45PM. GED tutoring is held Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30PM. ESOL classes are held Monday evenings from 6:00 to 8:45PM; Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30PM; and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:45PM. ESOL tutoring is held Thursday evenings.

Q: What are your classes like?

A: At the Adult Learning Program, we encourage you to participate actively in your own education. We make students the center of our teaching. Classes are lively, full of discussion, and based on your own specific needs.

Q: What is tutoring like?

A: You are encouraged to attend tutoring one night a week. You will meet in small groups, and sometimes one-on-one, with volunteers. In tutoring you are able to work on whatever you want.

Q: What rules do you have at your program?

A: The ALP student handbook includes a set of rules and expectations of students, such as respect, attendance, etc.

Q: Is attendance important?

A: Attendance is very important. We require that you come to class three nights a week, and we encourage you to attend tutoring on one additional night. If you cannot maintain good attendance, we feel we are not able to serve you. If you miss too many classes, we may ask you to move to our waiting list until you are able to commit to our program. This allows us to serve people who can come to class who are waiting to get into classes.

Q: Will I receive grades for my work?

A: We do not grade your work. We offer you feedback, and help you develop your abilities, but there are no grades. In High School Diploma classes you do have to meet a specific set of requirements in order to complete each task and earn the diploma.

Q: Does your program offer anything other than classes?

A: In addition to classes, our program offers counseling, job training, educational advice, computer classes, and a number of workshops designed to provide you with important and useful information. We also offer a career fair every year, which allows you to meet employers who have job openings.

Q: Will I be able to learn computer skills at your program?

A: Our students have the opportunity to use our large, high-quality computer lab. Our computers are connected to the Internet, and we offer a number of classes to help you develop computer skills. You will also be able to use computers as part of your regular classroom work.

Q: What is the difference between GED and High School Diploma classes?

A: In GED classes, we prepare you to take the state's GED exam. You work out a plan of study with us, attend classes, and when you feel you are ready to take the GED exam, we help you sign up for it. We work with you until you feel you are prepared. In High School Diploma classes, you must complete a series of tasks over a set period of time. When you successfully complete all of your work, you receive the Diploma.

Q: How long will it take me to get my GED?

A: How long it takes you to get your GED depends on you. We do not award you with a GED diploma. We simply help you prepare for the exam. When you feel you are ready to take the exam, you sign up for it and take it on your own. Some students get their GED after only a couple of months of classes with us. Some students take longer.

Q: Where can I take the GED exam?

A: Consult the GED schedule for a list of dates, test sites and the fees for taking the tests.