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
Rio Salado College offers a variety of classes to meet the needs of our students and the community.
Non-Credit Classes Include:
- GED® Test Prep Classes
- English Language/ESL
- Adults Achieving a College Education (AACE)
Career Training:
Non-credit and credit Career Training is offered to co-enrolled Adult Education Students. For more information visit our Adult Education Career Training page.
Contact #: 480-377-4255
Lead instructor: Debra Zurcher
Description:
Located throughout the metropolitan-Phoenix area, Computer Labs are available to all Rio Salado College faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students. The Computer Labs provide access to computers, software, Internet, and qualified staff to assist with general technology and software questions.
Contact #: 480-377-4290
Email: surprise.testing@riosalado.edu
Description:
Rio Salado College testing centers are certified by the National College Testing Association (NCTA). We administer a variety of exams for students, military members and community organizations. We adhere to the professional testing standards and guidelines of the National College Testing Association (NCTA). For additional information please visit Rio Salado Colleges Testing Services
Contact #: 480-377-4250
RISE website: www.RiseLearning.org
Description:
RISE Learning for Life, co-located at RSC Surprise and 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.
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 please call the RSC Location for more information.
Counseling:
Counselors assist students to set personal, educational, and career goals. They provide high quality and accessible services to meet the needs of the diverse student population. Counseling Services at Rio Salado College are an integral part of the total educational process. These services are provided at no cost to students. Students can visit the Counseling & Career Services webpage or call (480) 517-8785.
Library:
All Rio Salado students can access library services at any time via the Rio Salado Online Library.
Disability Resources & Services:
Rio Salado College offers resources and services that promote accessible learning for students with documented disabilities. Services and accommodations are available at no cost to qualifying Rio Salado students. Visit Rio’s Disability Services webpage for more information.
Rio Salado College partners with organizations throughout the Phoenix area to discover creative, new ways to empower our local communities. RSC works with education and community partners to improve services for local residents and offer programs and services that provide pathways to post-secondary education.
Some of our Partners include:
- Arizona Department of Education, Adult Education Services
- Arizona@Work-City of Phoenix/Maricopa County
- Arizona Department of Economic Security, Vocational Rehabilitation
- Chicanos Por La Casa
- Opportunity for Youth
- Dress for Success
- YEAR-Up
- American Association of University Women (AAUW)
- Altrusa of the West Valley
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." |
