Adult Education is designed for individuals who have not yet earned a high school diploma. Classes are held two to three days per week at our main campus in Glen Ellyn, with both morning and evening options available to accommodate your schedule. Our mission is to offer free, high-quality instruction and support services to help adults learn English and civics, strengthen reading, writing, and math skills, and prepare for high school equivalency exams.
Students who successfully complete our programs acquire the skills necessary to improve employment opportunities, advance to further education or training and are more involved in their communities.
Contact us for more information at (630) 942-3697 or email hse@cod.edu.
Upcoming Courses
Click each subject below to learn about upcoming courses.
Free English Language Acquisition (ELA) 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.
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.
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.
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.
Register Today
All students must take the TABE placement test and attend a short orientation/intake session prior to registration. Placement testing, orientation and registration take approximately 2 ½ hours. Children are not allowed in the testing room so plan ahead.
Testing and registration is offered at the following locations. Call specific location for hours of availability.
- Glen Ellyn Campus, (630) 942-2400
- Addison COD Center, (630) 942-4650
- Carol Stream COD Center, (630) 942-4900
- Naperville COD Center, (630) 942-4750
- Westmont COD Center, (630) 942-4850
All interested ELA students must take a CASAS placement test and orientation prior to registration. Placement testing, orientation, and registration take approximately 2 1/2 hours. Children are also not allowed in the testing room so plan ahead.
Call (630) 942-3697 for registration days and times.
Volunteer Tutor Opportunities
The People Educating People (PEP) program helps support adults enrolled in English Language Acquisition (ELA) and High School Equivalency (HSE) programs. Tutors assist in English, reading, writing and math classes. Service learning is available to COD students.
Contact Information
Adult Education and ELA Office
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1110
(630) 942-3697
If you are attempting to register for a class, leave a message and Adult Education
staff will return your call as soon as possible. You can also reach us by email at
ela@cod.edu or hse@cod.edu at any time.