12535 W. Smokey Dr.
Surprise, AZ 85378
Phone: 480-377-4250
Rio Salado College (RSC) Surprise offers adult education classes to help you develop your academic skills to obtain a high school equivalency diploma or increase your English language abilities. These classes are offered both day and evening to fit your schedule. RSC has specialized support services to help you achieve your goals.
Come explore how our adult education classes build a solid foundation for college and/or your entry into the workforce. Adult Education Information
Important Dates and Closures: College-Wide Closures
Contact
480-377-4255
Available Technology
- Adobe Creative Suite *
- Microsoft Office Professional *
- Microsoft Visio *
- Microsoft Visual Studio *
- Microsoft Windows *
- MyMathLab Plugins
- Other Software/Applications required for Rio Salado courses.
- Personal computers @ Site: 23
* Please call the Computer Lab for specific information on what software is available.
Lead instructor: Debra Zurcher
RSC offers many services to meet the needs of our students and the community.
Counseling
Counselors can help you set personal, educational and career goals by providing quality, accessible services that meet the needs of Rio Salado's diverse student population. Counseling services at Rio Salado College are an integral part of the total educational process.
Counseling and Career Services
Library
All Rio Salado students can access library services at any time via the Rio Salado Online Library.
Tutoring
Free tutoring is available to all enrolled Rio Salado students. Tutors help you understand course content, improve study skills and develop the confidence needed to succeed in your class. Tutoring hours vary at RSC Surprise. Please call 480-377-4250 for more information.
Rio Salado College offers a variety of classes to meet the needs of our students and the community.
Non-Credit Classes at RSC Surprise
- Adults Achieving a College Education (AACE)
- Adult Education
- Adult Secondary Education/HSE
- English Language Acquisition for Adults
Online Classes
Refer to Rio Salado's online class schedule for a complete list of Adults Achieving a College Education (AACE) classes offered by Rio Salado College.
Rio Salado students are from all walks of life, and each has a personal story to tell. Here are a few of the stories from students at RSC Surprise. Each story is inspirational like the students themselves, each demonstrating how education opens doors to a better future.
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Adonise Willis "I put a lot on the back burner when I became a wife and gave birth to two beautiful babies, all within two years. I had many responsibilities, so there was no way that I would have considered furthering my education. I didn’t think that getting a GED® was the right step for me at the time. "I moved to Arizona and began taking classes at Rio Salado College. At first, I didn’t think that I would make it through. I was working and taking care of my one-year old son and six-month old daughter. But within two months I obtained my GED®! Now that I have a diploma, there are multiple job opportunities coming my way and I couldn’t be happier." |
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Leticia Espinoza "I was born in Mexico. In 1998, I completed my GED® and an 11-month printing shop training. However, due to the death of my husband, I had to postpone my desire to continue my education since my priority was my eight children. In 2004, I registered for English as a Second Language classes at Rio Salado College while simultaneously working a full-time job at a daycare. My employer even helped me to acquire a certificate in Early Child Development. In 2004, I began English classes at Estrella Mountain Community College. I was not able to continue due to personal problems. "It wasn’t until 2014 that I was able to continue classes at Rio Salado. This opportunity has helped me a lot. My fluency in the English language has significantly improved, and now I can navigate each day better, both personally and professionally." |
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Marie Johnson "I am a student in the Adults Achieving a College Education (AACE) program. I came to Rio Salado in May of 2014 hoping to earn my high school equivalency (HSE). Going to back to school was not an easy decision for me as I was not the best student in high school. I was afraid to fail again. But the teachers and advisors at Rio made the transition painless and rather exciting! "When I first started attending HSE classes, I thought I was just there to earn a diploma and continue on with my dreams of becoming a chef. But along the way, I was given an opportunity to apply for the AACE [Adults Achieving a College Education] program, and I had to take the chance. Not only have I obtained my HSE within months of taking classes, but I now am earning college credits to put toward my degree! I am very proud to have been a part of the HSE classes and graduation, and am sincerely thankful to all my teachers and peers who have helped me along the way." |
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Nipaporn York "I am from originally from Thailand. For the first three months, I did not understand any English. I did not have confidence in myself to speak, read or write in this language. I started taking English classes at Rio Salado College’s RSC Surprise. After only one semester, my language skills improved significantly, to the point that I felt confident enough to apply for and finally get a job. "Since I started the English Language Acquisition for Adults program, I feel more confident. I am so proud of the progress I have made that I am planning to continue with my education. I want to thank my teachers for all their kind support." |
RISE Learning for Life, co-located at RSC Surprise, 12535 W. Smokey Drive in Surprise, Arizona, provides non-credit classes to meet community needs. RISE is a locally-based student group serving the Northwest Valley offering individuals a unique opportunity to design, administer, and enjoy intellectually stimulating classes. Members of RISE also learn outside of class through free lecture series, travel programs, social events, and informal sessions with a network of compatible friends. It’s a wonderful way to expand your horizons and meet new, interesting people.
For more information, call 480-377-4250
RISE website: www.RiseLearning.org