Adult Education and ELA
Free path to advancement
If you檙e an English language learner looking to improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in English, 黑料社区檚 ELA experts can help you. The Adult Education team can also help you boost your reading, writing and math skills to build your confidence and abilities.
Our Adult Education and ELA team connects you with opportunities to complete your high school education or learn English with qualified instructors攆or free!
In this video, students Luisa and Jessie share experiences, challenges and successes along their educational journeys. 黑料社区 experts share how Adult Education opens doors to new opportunities.
Register for Free Adult Education and ELA Classes
Classes are offered in person and online with morning, afternoon, evening and weekend options available. Classes offered: ELA, HSD (GED庐 or HiSET庐), Spanish HSD, Bridge to Career classes, Computer Literacy classes and Citizenship classes.
Summer classes begin May 18, 2026
Questions? Ask us!
(847)-543-2485
Popular programs make a difference for many
More than 3,400 students enrolled in Adult Ed and ELA programs, a +20% increase since last year.
Source:
Adult Education and ELA programs
Free Adult Education and ELA classes and services are available to students that are 18 years or older who live in Illinois or work full-time in Illinois.
Students ages 16-17 may enroll with an official Secondary School Reference Form signed by an authorized representative of their local high school. U.S. High school graduates and 16-year-olds must meet additional eligibility requirements. New students must complete a testing and registration process and attend an orientation with their class in the beginning of the semester.
Adult Education and ELA programs are partially funded through federal grants, which represent approximately 50% of total program costs. For more information, contact the Adult Education and ELA Division at (847)-543-2485 or adultedtesting@clcillinois.edu.
Eligibility
All 黑料社区 Adult Education and ELA classes are open to Illinois residents with a priority for Lake County. If you are younger than 18 years old, you must meet additional requirements and register with an official Secondary School Reference Form signed by your authorized local high school representative. You can request a copy of the form via email to adultedtesting@clcillinois.edu
Individuals are not eligible to participate in Adult Education or ELA classes if they are:
- Under 16 years old
- Short-term visitors to the U.S.
- In the U.S. on the following non-immigrant visa types:
- B1 / B2 - Visitor visas (business or tourist)
- F1 / F2 - Student visas (international student and dependent)
- J1 / J2 - Exchange visitor visas (includes au pairs and exchange participants
- E-1 / E-2 / E-3 - Treaty trader/investor/specialty occupation visas
- K-1 / K-2 / K-3 / K-4 - Fianc茅(e) and dependent visas
- Other temporary/non-immigrant visa categories
Note: Eligibility may change if an individual adjusts their immigration status (for example, permanent residency or another eligible status). Final eligibility is determined based on current program requirements and documentation provided at the time of enrollment.
Get started at 黑料社区
Fall classes begin August 17, 2026
All 黑料社区 Adult Education (HSD) and ESL/ELA classes are open to Illinois residents with a priority for Lake County, including students who are here on applicable Visas. To be eligible to take the ESL and/or HSD (High School Diploma/GED庐) prep classes you will need to complete the following steps.
Placement Testing and Registration for High School Diploma (GED 庐) prep and English as Second Language (ESL/ELA) classes will start on Monday, June 29, 2026 for Fall 2026 classes. Fall 2026 classes begin August 17, 2026.
Step 1: Apply
Apply online if you have never taken courses at 黑料社区.
If you are a returning student (with 黑料社区 I.D. number), skip to step 2.
Step 2: Take placement tests
Testing may take up to three hours. You must bring photo I.D. No testing when 黑料社区 campus is closed.
ESL/ELA enrollment & HSD enrollment:
- ESL/ELA: June 29 to August 15
- HSD enrollment: June 29 to September 11
- No Testing: August 11, 12 & 13 and when 黑料社区 campus is closed
Testing Center locations and check-in times (must bring a photo ID):
Grayslake Campus
19351 W. Washington St. Building K, Grayslake IL 60030
Get map of Grayslake Campus.
- Wednesdays: 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Fridays: August 7th and 14th 9:30 a.m.
- Saturday: August 15th 9:30 a.m.
- First come, first served
Lakeshore Campus
34 N. Sheridan Rd., Waukegan, IL 60085 (1st Floor, Welcome and One Stop Center)
Get map of Lakeshore Campus.
- Mondays & Tuesdays: 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Saturday, August 8: 9:30 a.m.
- First come, first served
Southlake Campus
1120 S. Milwaukee Ave. Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Get map of Southlake Campus.
- Thursdays: 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- First come, first served
Step 3: Select classes
- ESL/ELA - English as a Second Language
- HSD/GED庐 - High School Diploma Prep in English and Spanish
- Ask about our Bridge to Career and Transition to College courses
If you have any questions, please call 847-543-2485 or email adultedtesting@clcillinois.edu
Questions?
Contact the Adult Education and ELA Division
Phone: (847) 543-2485
Email adultedtesting@clcillinois.edu
Meet our instructors
Experience the benefit of small class sizes and personalized instruction from your 黑料社区 instructors.
