Adult Education
Are you ready to improve your English Language skills (ELA/ELL/ESL), earn your high school equivalency (HSE/GED), English for Citizenship (ASE) or prepare for college and/or a successful career (ICAPS)? The College of DuPage offers a wide range of free Adult Education programs designed to support adults in our community at every stage of their learning journey.
English Language Classes (ELA/ELL/ESL)
Support your language development and success! Whether you're looking to improve reading, writing, listening, or speaking skills, our free English courses are designed to help you succeed.
Benefits of enrolling:
- Master reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills
- Enhance career prospects and employability
- Prepare for college and career success
- Learn from experienced educators dedicated to your success.
- Supportive Environment: Personalized assistance and resources to help you achieve your goals.
- Flexible Scheduling: Morning, evening, weekend, and online options available
- Pathways to Success: Transition from adult education to college programs, careers, or further training with confidence.
High School Equivalency (HSE/GED/ABE)
Take the first step toward your educational and career goals! Improve your earning potential by working toward your high school equivalency (HSE/GED). College of DuPage’s free program prepares you to pass the GED® exam.
This program prepares you to pass the exam in four key areas:
- Social studies
- Science
- Reasoning through Language Arts
- Math
Don’t let the past hold you back—get your GED® and keep moving forward!
English for Citizenship
Are you planning to become a U.S. citizen? Our specialized English courses are designed to help you succeed in your naturalization journey. These classes focus on building your language skills while providing important knowledge about U.S. history, government, and civics.
What you will learn:
- Improve your English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills
- Study U.S. history, government, and civics topics essential for the naturalization test
- Practice for the naturalization interview, including vocabulary and interview techniques
- Understand the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship
Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (ICAPS) Program
The Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (ICAPS) is a free program for qualified students, including high school graduates, designed to help you prepare for high-demand careers with great salaries. The program provides opportunities to earn college credits, gain valuable skills, and receive job placement assistance to kickstart your professional journey. With limited class sizes to ensure personalized attention, ICAPS offers a supportive pathway to a brighter future. Additionally, it includes programs for new advanced adult English Language Arts (ELA) learners, helping improve language skills while earning credentials. Inquire today to secure your spot and start exploring new career possibilities.
Why Choose College of DuPage Adult Education?
- Free, high-quality instruction and materials
- Supportive teachers and staff dedicated to your success
- Multiple locations and flexible schedules
- Opportunities to advance employment, education, and community involvement
Take the next step today! Enroll now and unlock your potential with College of DuPage Adult Education Programs.
Upcoming Courses
Click each subject below to learn about upcoming courses.
Free English Language classes can help develop your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills necessary for work, education and every day communication.
ELA classes are offered near you in over 30 locations throughout DuPage County. Books are free and classes are taught by experienced faculty and at convenient days and times. Placement testing is required before registering.
Testing and Registration
Placement testing is required before registration.
Walk-in testing is available at all COD Testing Centers-on and off campus. No appointment is needed.
- Glen Ellyn Campus: 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
- Addison Center: 301 S Swift Rd., Addison
- Carol Stream Center: 500 Kuhn Rd., Carol Stream
- Naperville Center: 1223 Rickert Dr., Naperville
- Westmont Center: 650 Pasquinelli Dr., Westmont
Hours of availability at each location
Scheduled testing is also available through the Adult Education Office (SRC 1111).
Children are not permitted during testing or classes.
Classes may fill up early-schedule your test now to secure your spot.
For assistance or more information, call (630) 942-3697 or email ela@cod.edu.
Are you or someone you know interested in becoming a United States citizen? Free citizenship classes are available to help adults prepare for the U.S. citizenship test.
These courses cover procedures and processes, including the application and interview. Placement testing is required before registering.
Register today
Placement testing is required before registration.
Walk-in testing is available at all COD Testing Centers-on and off campus. No appointment is needed- Please ask for the CASAS test
- Glen Ellyn Campus: 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
- Addison Center: 301 S Swift Rd., Addison
- Carol Stream Center: 500 Kuhn Rd., Carol Stream
- Naperville Center: 1223 Rickert Dr., Naperville
- Westmont Center: 650 Pasquinelli Dr., Westmont
Hours of availability at each location
Scheduled testing is also available through the Adult Education Office (SRC 1111).
Children are not permitted during testing or classes.
Classes may fill up early-schedule your test now to secure your spot.
For assistance or more information, call (630) 942-3697 or email ela@cod.edu.
Take the first step toward your educational goals and improve your earning potential by working toward your high school equivalency (GED). All courses are offered in English and Spanish.
Free GED classes can help prepare adults to successfully pass the GED®, HiSet exam or TASC test and earn a high school equivalency certificate.
- Prepare in five areas covered on the tests: social studies, science, interpreting literature and the arts, mathematics and writing.
- Online classes are available to qualified students.
- Separate classes are available to prepare students to pass the U.S. and Illinois Constitution tests.
Spanish GED®
Free GED preparation classes prepare Spanish speaking adults who lack a high school diploma to successfully pass the GED® tests and earn a high school equivalency. Registration is offered in class.
Call (630) 942-3697 for more information.
Register Today
All students must complete the TABE placement test before registration. The process takes approximately 2½ hours.
Please note: Children are not permitted in the testing room, so plan accordingly.
Walk-in testing is available at all COD Testing Centers-on and off campus. No appointment is needed.
- Glen Ellyn Campus: 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
- Addison Center: 301 S Swift Rd., Addison
- Carol Stream Center: 500 Kuhn Rd., Carol Stream
- Naperville Center: 1223 Rickert Dr., Naperville
- Westmont Center: 650 Pasquinelli Dr., Westmont
Hours of availability at each location
For assistance or more information, call (630) 942-3697 or email ela@cod.edu.
Prepare for high-demand jobs with competitive salaries with the Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (ICAPS) program. You can earn industry-recognized certification in just one year.
For more information, contact:
Ruta Jonusaitis
Workforce Development and Transitions Coordinator / ADA / ICAPS
Phone: (630) 942-3796
Email: jonusait@cod.edu
Christine Kelly
Student Success Coach
Phone: (630) 942-3193
Email: kellyc10@cod.edu
Volunteer Tutor Opportunities
This program is designed to provide valuable support to adults who are enrolled in English Language (ELA/ELL/ESL) and High School Equivalency (ABE/HSE/GED) programs. It offers opportunities for dedicated tutors to work closely with students, helping them improve their skills in essential areas such as English, reading, writing, and math. Through personalized guidance and encouragement, tutors play a vital role in helping adults build confidence and achieve their educational goals.
Contact Information
Contact
Location
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1111
Phone
(630) 942-3697
Sharpen Your Edge
Expand your skills, further your career and discover interests that enhance your life.
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