Transitional Studies

What is ABE?
Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes prepare students for college level classes, and can also be part of the coursework for students earning their GED or High School diploma. 

Who Is Eligible?

• Students who intend to enroll in a college level program and test into ABE classes.
• Adult students earning their GED or High School diploma
• ESL students who want to advance to a higher English skill level

How Much Does the Program Cost?

There is a $25 registration fee per quarter (each quarter is approximately eleven weeks long). Tuition waivers are available for students with financial need. 

When Are Classes Held?

Classes are held completely online, in-person at the Lakewood Campus, or in-person at our various off-site Locations. Online and on-campus classes are held Monday through Thursday mornings beginning at 9am, or evenings beginning at 6:30pm. Students may switch between day and evening classes when work or personal schedule changes happen. 

How Do I Get Started?

Please call 253-589-5702, email TransitionalStudies@cptc.edu to get started. 

What is ESL?

English as a Second Language (ESL) (also known as English Language Acquisition or ELA) are classes for adults who do not speak English as their first language. The program focuses on the four language competencies: reading, writing, speaking and listening. 

Who Is Eligible?

Resident immigrants or refugees who are 19 or older are eligible. Those on student or tourist visas are not eligible. If you are on a student visa, please visit our International Education page for more information.

How Much Does the Program Cost?

There is a $25 registration fee per quarter (each quarter is approximately eleven weeks long). Tuition waivers are available for students with financial need. 

When Are Classes Held?

Classes are held completely online, in-person at the Lakewood Campus, or in-person at our various off-site Locations. Online and on-campus classes are held Monday through Thursday mornings beginning at 9am, or evenings beginning at 5:30pm. Off-site classes are also available at various locations around the Tacoma and Puyallup area, plus a NEW LOCATION coming Winter 2025 in Tillicum; contact us for more information. Students may switch between day and evening classes when work or personal schedule changes happen. 

How Do I Get Started?

Please call 253-589-5702, email TransitionalStudies@cptc.edu to get started.

What is GED & High School +?

For adult students who have not earned a high school diploma, there are two options to gain this educational credential.

• Option 1 - GED: Our GED classes will assist you to prepare for and take 4 of the required tests (Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies). 
  • If you are 16, 17 or 18 years old, you must submit a Request for Approval to Test form OR a Notarized Statement/Letter for Home School Students to our office before admissions to the college. Email TransitionalStudies@cptc.edu for more information. 
  • IMPORTANT INFO: Clover Park Technical College does not keep records of GED transcripts or certificates. GED records can be found by logging into the student's GED.com account. Call 1-877-EXAM-GED (1-877-392-6433) for further assistance.
• Option 2 - High School +: You may also decide to earn your high school diploma. The High School + option evaluates your high school transcript, along with your professional and personal experiences (i.e. being a parent; speaking another language) to earn additional high school credits. From there, you may take some ABE classes and/or GED tests for credit, and also work one-on-one with an instructor to finish the diploma. 
  • If you are 16, 17 or 18 years old, you must submit a Request for Approval to Test form OR a Notarized Statement/Letter for Home School Students to our office before admissions to the college. Email TransitionalStudies@cptc.edu for more information. 

How Do I Get Started?

GED/HS+ Completion Information Sessions happen every Monday (except during Holidays) at 10:30am and 5pm. Please contact Felicia Dennis to start discussing which option is best for you!

Felicia.Dennis@cptc.edu
253-589-5524
219-232-8297 (text only)

Who Is Eligible?

Adult students who have not earned a GED or High School diploma.

For international students/immigrants/refugees: if you earned a high school diploma in another country, please attend the GED/HS+ Completion Information Session to discuss options with us before registering for GED classes. 

How Much Does the Program Cost?

There is a $25 registration fee per quarter (each quarter is approximately eleven weeks long). Tuition waivers are available for students with financial need. 

When Are Classes Held?

Classes are held completely online, in-person at the Lakewood Campus, or in-person at our various off-site Locations. Online and on-campus classes are held Monday through Thursday mornings beginning at 9am, or evenings beginning at 5pm. Off-site classes are also available at various locations around the Tacoma area. Contact us for more information. Students may switch between day and evening classes when work or personal schedule changes happen. 

What is I-BEST?

I-BEST is a certificate program that combines Adult Basic Education (ABE) and technical-skills training using a team approach. You don't need a High School Equivalency Exam (such as GED) or high school diploma to complete these certificate programs. Certificate program completion may vary between one to three quarters and can lead to employment, or students can transfer the credits to a degree. Students must be enrolled in one of the certificate programs listed below before enrolling in the ABE Support Course. 

CPTC I-BEST Certificate Programs

Automotive Technician

Our Automotive Technician program immerses students in hands-on learning that includes the newest technology so they are prepared for a career after graduation. The 85,000 square-foot automotive facility features state-of-the-industry paint rooms, computer labs, classrooms and glassed-in shop areas.

The CPTC Automotive programs have won numerous national awards. If you have a passion for cars, as well as using knowledge and hands-on skills to make them work better than ever before, this might be the program for you. 

C-TAPP Construction Trades Academy Pre-Apprenticeship Program

This apprenticeship readiness program prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the construction industry.

Students will earn a lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting certification (RRP), Forklift Operator Certification, OSHA 10 Construction Safety card, American Heart Association First Aid and CPR certification card, Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP), AED (defibrillator use).

Nursing Assistant — Certified (also known as CNA)

Students learn the basics of nursing, leading to employment as a Nursing Assistant – Certified (NA-C) or earn priority registration into Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) when all other requisites are - pre-met.

Practical Nursing (LPN) 

The Practical Nursing Program prepares students entry into the nursing profession. A practical nurse registered will work under the direction of a licensed nurse, licensed physician, or dentist. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX PN exam. This is a pathway program to Registered Nurse programs.

Pharmacy Technician

Our Pharmacy Technician program offers hands-on training in the classroom and laboratory. Our Pharmacy Technician program can prepare you for a rewarding career assisting pharmacists in hospitals, clinics, long-term care and community pharmacies.

Employers look for graduates who have trained in the technician duties and responsibilities under the guidelines of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, which govern the curriculum and standards of our program.

How Do I Get Started?

Visit the Welcome Center to ask for information about the Certificate Programs and contact Felicia Dennis, if you have questions about the ABE Support class.
Email: Felicia.Dennis@cptc.edu
Phone: Call 253-589-5524 or Text 219-232-8297

Instructors

Jawahir Ali       
ESL Instructor       
Email J. Ali

Nizar Ali       
ESL Instructor       
Email N. Ali

Jason Anderson       
ESL Instructor       
Email J. Anderson

Patricia Baker Sherman       
High School+ Instructor (Online Only)      
Email C. Caro

Christine Caro       
GED Prep & High School+ Instructor (Online Only)      
Email C. Caro

Luis Choc       
ESL Instructor       
Email L. Choc 

Sondra Clark       
ESL Instructor       
Email S. Clark 

Karen Davis       
ESL Instructor       
Email K. Davis

Elizabeth Flanagan       
ABE Instructor (Online Only)       
Email E. Flanagan

Diane Follett       
ESL Instructor       
Email D. Follett

Felice Gallego       
ESL Instructor       
Email F. Gallego  

Jen Gonthier       
High School+ Instructor (Bilingual; Online Only)       
Email J. Gonthier 

DeWayne Grimes       
ABE Math Instructor       
Email D. Grimes

Jazmin Gutierrez       
ESL/High School + Instructor (Bilingual)       
Email J. Gutierrez

Marjut Karlsson       
ESL  Instructor       
Email M. Karlsson

Ronald Lethcoe       
ESL Instructor       
Email R. Lethcoe 

Sandy Mondragon       
ESL & High School+ Instructor (Bilingual; Online Only)       
Email S. Mondragon

Pam Munizza       
ABE & GED Prep (Math, English, Science) Instructor (Online Only)       
Email P. Munizza

Tara Nwoke       
ESL & I-Best Instructor        
Email T. Nwoke 

Alexander Ollivant       
ESL & I-Best Support Instructor        
Email A. Ollivant

Chris Pearson       
ESL Instructor (Online Only)       
Email C. Pearson

Beth Salave'a       
High School+ Instructor       
Email E. Salave'a

Rocky Sandoval        
ABE & ESL Instructor       
Email R. Sandoval

Cassidy Wilkins       
ESL Instructor       
Email C. Wilkins

Sue Williams       
ABE English & GED Instructor       
Email S. Williams

Jenny Zhang       
ESL Instructor       
Email J. Zhang

Staff 

Karina Calzada       
Instructional Program Assistant       
Email K. Calzada

Felicia Dennis       
Navigator       
Email F. Dennis

Eun Ha Lee       
CASAS Assessment Proctor       
Email E. Lee

Koffi Monde       
ESL Assessment Support        
Email K. Monde

Larysa Nazarenko       
ESL Assessment Support        
Email L. Nazarenko

Jenna Pollock       
Dean for Pre-College Pathways       
Email J. Pollock

Samanda Roman       
Assessment & Data Specialist       
Email S. Roman

Jessica Vazquez       
Entry Services Coordinatort       
Email J. Vazquez

Riabelle Vivas       
Pre-College Pathways Faculty Advisor       
Email R. Vivas

1. Disability Resources
Depending on your learning style and/or physical needs, you may decide to request additional accommodations to help you succeed best. These may include, but are not limited to additional time for tests, ergonomic furniture, or note-taking software.
To get started, please visit the Disability Resources web page.
You may be asked to complete this online 

2. Workforce Development
If you are considering enrolling in a college program, Workforce Development may be able to provide you with funding besides what is available from FAFSA. They also offer financial counseling; WorkSource services; and short-term training courses through Continuing Education. Please visit their Canvas page to learn more.