The San Lorenzo Adult School is now registering students for free fall classes to learn English as a second language (ESL) and complete high school -- and also for affordable classes in fabric crafts and certification in computer networking.
School staff are ready to help interested students 18 and older register for daytime and evening classes. Day classes will start Aug. 21, and evening classes will start Sept. 16, continuing until May.
The school is located at 820 Bockman Road in San Lorenzo, just west of Hesperian Avenue and north of Kennedy Park. Students are not required to reside in the San Lorenzo Unified School District. They must have an email address.
Students registering for ESL and high school completion will be asked to schedule and complete a pretest for placement in courses that match their readiness level. More information about the adult school is available online at adu.slzusd.org or by calling 510-317-4200 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The school plans additional in-person registration dates in January, and online registration is continually available at https://slzadultschool.asapconnected.com/?org=4157.
Classes are offered throughout the fall, winter and spring, and students can begin at any point. The school’s largest programs are ESL and Adult Basic Education (ABE). In both of them, students can advance to different levels or classes based on periodic skills testing. Classes are taught in-person, but they include online learning opportunities.
How quickly individual students progress may depend on their family and work demands, prior studies or even their mastery of grammar in their native language.
The adult school is a center for both learning and community, with an emphasis on recognizing and honoring students’ diversity and life experiences. It provides a community of learners who are supporting each other through whatever they’re experiencing at that time.
The following types of free and low-cost classes are offered at the adult school:
FREE
English as a second language: Students learn to speak, read and write English for reasons that range from job and career advancement to everyday communication, including helping and advocating for their children. Elective classes are offered in citizenship, financial literacy, computer use and English conversation. Class options: 9 a.m.-12:40 p.m. Monday/Thursday, 9 a.m.-12:40 p.m. Tuesday/Friday and 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday.
Adult Basic Education (ABE): These classes are taught in English. They cover basic skills in reading, math, science, history and also prepare students for high school equivalency testing (GED/HiSet). Classes are also appropriate for advanced ESL students. Class options: 9 a.m.-12:40 p.m. Monday/Thursday, 9 a.m.-12:40 p.m. Tuesday/Friday and on an evening schedule to be determined.
High school diploma: English speakers (including advanced ESL students) can finish the credits they need to receive a high school diploma, building on any credits they have previously earned. This program is intended for students who are within 60 credits of graduation. Class options: 9 a.m.-12:40 p.m. Monday/Thursday, 9 a.m.-12:40 p.m. Tuesday/Friday and 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday.
LOW-COST
Community education: The adult school offers free classes in knitting and crocheting, basic quilting and sewing. These courses are for beginning to advanced students, and the cost is $130 for a 10-week term. Course availability will depend on sufficient enrollment.
Cisco computer networking certification (starts spring 2026): The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Series, a mainly online program, is designed to help students prepare for a career in computer networking. Being offered in spring 2026 the second course in the series, shich covers architectures, models, protocols and networking elements, functions needed to support large corporations an small entrepreneurs. After completing all three courses, you can take the CCNA certification. The spring course will be offered from 5:30-8:30 p.m., on a weekday to be determined. The course cost is $275.