PALS (Program of Adult Literacy Services) Resource Guide: START HERE

Learn English

START HERE!
Which appointment would you like to make today?

Enrollment is now open!
Classes begin May 1!  

NOTE: All potential students should be at least 19 years old.

The first step is to find the right FREE class for you! Placement take about three hours, and several things happen at your appointment:

1. You will fill out paperwork with your contact information.
2. You will take a placement test to see what class is best for you. Don’t worry! This is only to see what class you need, so there is no failing!
3. You will meet with a specialist to go over your choices and officially register for your FREE classes.

Please make prior arrangements for childcare, as children are not permitted in the Academic Testing Center.

PALS offers two programs for earning a Maryland high school diploma! 

Adult Education & High School Diplomas
NOTE: All potential students should be at least 19 years old.

GED study classes: PALS offers FREE classes to help students prepare for taking the four parts of the GED test, although classes are not required in the state of Maryland. The computer-based GED test has four subject areas: mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies. Each subject tests your skills and knowledge in that area. Questions are a combination of multiple-choice, “drag and drop,” fill in the blank, short answer, and extended response. The tests are scheduled through www.ged.com and Hagerstown Community College is an official testing site. There is a cost to take each part of the GED test, but our classes are free.

The National External Diploma Program (NEDP) is an online, self-paced program that allows you to use the skills you have gained from life and work experience. You will demonstrate your reading, writing, and math skills at the high school level through a variety of topics called competencies. Students must be self-motivated and learn independently, as there is no instructional component with a teacher. Student work is reviewed through weekly one-to-one appointments with trained assessment staff. This program is often good for non-native English speakers as well as students who do not thrive in a classroom/testing atmosphere. There is a minimum score needed to qualify for this program, but there are no big tests after that. The NEDP is free with PALS of HCC.

If you have children, this may be the location for you! 
Our classes at the Washington County Family Center are open to parents age 19 and older who have children under the age of 16. Children ages 0-3 may be eligible for free childcare during class. Families learn together, and our PALS team offers classes for those who need a high school diploma and those who want to learn English.

For more information and to schedule an intake appointment, please email Lynda or call 240-500-2210. 

Contact PALS

Regular Hours

Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday Closed

Main Office

Location: LRC-348
Phone: 240-500-2313
Email: pals@hagerstowncc.edu
Website: Visit our Website
Facebook: Follow the PALS page!