Adult Education
If you are looking to get ahead in your career, but need to sharpen your skills, pass the GED exam, or take English Language classes (ESL), our Adult Education program can help you. Click the links below for information about Adult Education at Cowley College.
Do you have dreams that seem impossible? Do you feel stuck and need help to move up? If you can’t move up because you don’t have a high school degree, or lack some basic skills, the Adult Education program at Cowley College can help you. Your journey through Cowley College could lead to a vocational certificate, associate degree, or even a four-year degree. Cowley will help you realize your dream!
Adult Education helps you:
- Improve your reading skills
- Learn to write an essay
- Study math
- Enhance your job skills
- Write a resume
- Learn computer skills
- Prepare for the GED
The Adult Education program is funded by state and federal grants. However, there is a $25 student fee. The only other cost involved are the testing fees.
Supplied at No Charge:
- Instructors
- Books
- Pencils
- Pens
- Paper
- Calculators
You just have to attend the class and work, work, work. It will be worth the effort.
Adults over the age of 18 who do not have a high school diploma or score below 245 on diagnostic testing are eligible for adult education services.
Just call or come by to pre-enroll.
*If you are 16 or 17, you must complete the following in order:
- Obtain a compulsory school attendance disclaimer from the high school in the public school district you live in.
- Complete an "underage conference" prior to enrollment. This can be scheduled with the Adult Education office; your parent or guardian must attend. Generally this conference lasts approximately 15 minutes.
*Since this is an Adult Education Program, minors will automatically be placed on a waiting list to enter the program classes. As space is available in each session, minors will then be placed into classes based on their standing on the wait list. We encourage minors to complete high school if at all possible.
Students may elect to do one of the following:
- Register for Adult Education classes which help you prepare to take the GED examination.
- Register to take the GED final exam.
To register for and take the GED final exam you will need to:
- Establish an account at www.GED.com
- Provide a valid KS Driver's License, Military Photo ID or Passport
- Complete the registration process and secure your test date through www.GED.com
Based on your scores of the GED exam, the State of Kansas Board of Regents can issue you a Kansas State High School Diploma.
The four areas tested over are:
- Language Arts
- Social Studies
- Science
- Math
The minimum passing score is 145 on each test and a total of 600 for a combined score.
English as a second language classes are designed for students whose first language is not English. During this class, the focus will be on conversation, introductory reading, and introductory writing. These classes are offered in the evening.
Class Times: Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30—8:30pm
Location: Adult Education center on the Arkansas City campus at 131 South 3rd Street.
Fall classes start September 6, 2022.
Spring classes start January 17, 2023.
High School Diploma + College Certificate Program
Cowley College offers a high school diploma achievable through a small-scale testing process instead of a large GED test. Plus, you can earn a technical certificate leading to employment at the same time you are earning your high school diploma.
Why enroll in the Program? Because it's FREE!
What is the High School Diploma + College Certificate Program?
- Completely Free
- One semester certificate program aligned with labor needs
- Provides industry-recognized credentials and access to immediate jobs
What Programs Do We Offer?
- Carpentry / Construction Trades – Certificate A
- Electromechanical Maintenance – Certificate A
- EMT Certification
- Healthcare – CNA, CMA, HHA, RA
- Welding – Certificate A
There's always a chance to start. Contact us today to set up an orientation date.
Class Days & Times
Evening GED/ABE class: 6-9pm
Arkansas City Campus |
||
Morning GED/ABE class |
Monday–Thursday |
9:00am–Noon |
Afternoon GED/ABE class |
Tuesday and Thursday |
1:00–4:00pm |
Evening GED/ABE class |
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday |
4:30–7:30pm |
Evening ESL class |
Tuesday and Thursday |
5:30–8:30pm |
Allied Health Campus in Winfield |
||
Evening GED/ABE class |
Tuesday and Thursday |
6:00–9:00pm |
Dates when sign up is open
Do you still need to get your high school diploma? If so, the Adult Education program at Cowley College can help. We have classes that will accommodate your schedule. Our classes are offered at both the Arkansas City campus and the Sumner campus in Wellington. We also offer ESL classes on the Arkansas City campus.
GED/ABE Sign Up Dates
Session # |
Sign Up Window |
Class Dates |
1 |
August 1 – 12 |
August 15 – October 6 |
2 |
September 26 – October 7 |
October 10 – December 15 |
3 |
January 3 – 13 |
January 17 – March 9 |
4 |
March 1 – 14 |
March 20 – May 18 |
5 |
May 15 – 26 |
May 30 – July 13 |
ESL Sign Up Dates
Session # |
Sign Up Window |
Class Dates |
1 |
August 1 – September 2 |
September 6 – December 15 |
2 |
January 3 – 13 |
January 17 – May 18 |

131 South 3rd Street
Arkansas City, KS

Allied Heath Center
1406 East 8th Ave
Winfield, KS 67156