Adult Education

Adult Education serves adults throughout St. Joseph County who are interested in earning their GED, improving basic academic skills, learning English, or preparing for new career opportunities. If you're unsure which program is right for you, our staff can help determine the best place to begin.

Individuals who are at least 18 years of age on or before July 1 of the current school year are eligible to apply. Exceptions for 16 and 17-year-olds may apply under specific state regulations with official high school release documentation.

Applicants must reside in either St. Joseph County, Michigan or neighboring counties in Michigan and Indiana. Eligibility is verified during enrollment based on residency, required pre-testing, and state funding rules.

Yes. Eligible Adult Education programs are provided free of charge. A valid photo ID is required to register.

Sturgis Public Schools offers several Adult Education opportunities, including:

• GED Preparation
• Adult Basic Education 
• English as a Second Language (ESL)

Each program is designed to meet students where they are and help them reach their educational goals.

Adult Basic Education helps students strengthen reading, writing, and math skills before moving into GED preparation or other educational pathways. If your placement assessment shows you would benefit from building foundational skills first, adult education provides the support you need to succeed.

Yes. Every new student completes a placement assessment before classes begin. The assessment helps our instructors understand your current skill level so we can place you in the program that best supports your success. It is not a pass-or-fail test.

Both a high school dipolma and a GED (General Education Development) demonstrate that you've achieved a high school-level education, but they are earned in different ways. A high school diploma is completed by meeting state and district graduation requirements, while a GED is earned by passing a series of subject-area exams. During the enrollment process, our staff will review your educational history and placement assessment to help determine which pathway is the best fit for your goals.

You're not alone. Many of our students return to school after several years, or even decades, away from the classroom. Our teachers create a welcoming, supportive learning environment where every student can build confidence and progress at their own pace.

Most Adult Education classes meet during the evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m., making it easier for adults to balance school with work and family responsibilities.

Classes are offered at three convenient locations throughout St. Joseph County:

• Sturgis – Sturgis Central Commons (Second Floor)
• Centreville – Centreville High School
• Three Rivers – River Crossings Strip Mall

Program availability may vary by location.

No. Personal devices are not required to participate in Adult Education classes. Students will have access to the resources they need during instruction.

Every student's journey is different. The amount of time depends on your current academic skills, attendance, and personal goals. After your placement assessment, our teachers will work with you to create a learning plan designed for your success.

Yes. Many of our students work full-time or part-time while attending classes. Evening scheduling allows adults to continue working while pursuing their educational goals.

Getting started is easy. Register for Adult Education, provide a valid photo ID, proof of residency (such as a piece of mail), social security number, complete your placement assessment, and meet with our staff to determine the program that's right for you. From there, you'll begin working toward your educational goals with the support of our instructors.