Welcome to Transitional Studies!
Transitional Studies is home to various classes that assist pre-college students with improving English language skills, preparing for college level classes, earning a GED or high school diploma, and I-BEST Programs. As a Transitional Studies student, you have an entire team of people dedicated to your success. Thank you for choosing Clover Park Technical College to help you reach your goals!
FALL QUARTER ENROLLMENT IS CLOSED. Proceed to Winter 2025 enrollment information below.
GED/HS+ Information Sessions during November are postponed and will resume on Monday, December 2.
WINTER QUARTER REGISTRATION STARTS DECEMBER 9, 2024
New Students: Winter 2025 Registration for ABE, ESL, GED/HS+ Completion will begin in early December and classes begin January 6, 2025. Please complete the New Student Intake Form and follow what are your next steps. More information can be found in the "New or Former Student Registration Process" tab below. Contact us at 253.589.5702 or email us at TransitionalStudies@cptc.edu for more information.
- Students returning from Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Summer 2024 quarter or prior quarters, will be asked to complete the New Student Intake Form as a "Former Student" and check in with a Staff member for further assistance.
Current students: your teachers will assist you with registration in the classroom. Please check in with your teacher.
Please complete the New/Former Student Intake form, if you are:
- New Student - Never enrolled at Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) or any other Colleges/Technical Colleges in Washington State.
- Former Student - Previously enrolled at Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) or other Colleges/Technical Colleges in Washington State.
After completing the intake form, book your appointment based on what classes you would like to take:
ABE Brush-up Course Student: Student interested in prepping for the Pre-College Math & English level courses (equivalent to ENG 094 & MAT 094).
- Schedule your CASAS Evaluation
- CASAS Assessments are scheduled on Monday (AM/PM), Tuesday (AM/PM), Friday (AM). On the day of your evaluation, bring your ID and come to building 10, room. 122.
- After your assessment, you will be advised on what level of Math &/or English classes to start.
- IMPORTANT: An EMPLID (aka Student ID number) is required for testing. If you do not have an EMPLID on the day of testing, you will be asked to submit New/Former Student Intake form and rescheduled for another time.
ESL Student: Student interested in elevating their English language comprehension.
- Schedule your CASAS Evaluation
- CASAS Assessments are scheduled on Monday (AM/PM), Tuesday (AM/PM), Friday (AM). On the day of your evaluation, bring your ID and come to Building 10, room. 122.
- After your assessment, you will be advised on what level of ESL to start.
- IMPORTANT: An EMPLID (aka Student ID number) is required for testing. If you do not have an EMPLID on the day of testing, you will be asked to submit New/Former Student Intake form and rescheduled for another time.
GED/HS Completion Student: Student seeking to obtain their General Education Diploma (GED) or their High School diploma.
- Attend our GED/HS+ Information Session (Resuming Dec. 2, 2024)
- Information Sessions happen in-person on Mondays (except for Holidays) at 10:30am and 5pm in Building 10, Classroom 118.
- Bring any supporting documents such as, Transcripts or GED Test Scores to the Information Session to start your credit summary.
- Contact Felicia Dennis at 253.589.5524 for further questions.
Current Students are asked to register through ctcLink for the next quarter classes. If you are needing to make changes to your current schedule, please fill out the Schedule Change form below.
Changes to schedule are as follows:
- Add Class: Add a class to your schedule
- Drop Class: Drop a class from your schedule
- Swap Class: Change a class time or class modality (ex. from Morning to Evening & vice versa OR from Hybrid to Online & vice versa).
Please complete this form if your teacher or staff member has requested you complete LACES.
ABE, ESL, GED/HS+ are only $25 per quarter and not FAFSA/Pell Grant eligible.
If you are an individual who receives assistance such as: L&I, Food Stamps (EBT), TANF, Unemployment, SSI, are retired, working limited hours, or other reasons why you are unable to pay, do not worry. Please complete this form to waive/eliminate the fee for your Transitional Studies class.
If you prefer to pay, there are three ways for you to make your payment:
- Online after logging into ctcLink using a credit card or other electronic funds transfer method. Instructions can be found on the link below: https://ctclinkreferencecenter.ctclink.us/m/79750/l/1179237-9-2-student-self-service-make-a-payment
- By Phone by calling our Cashiering office at 253-589-5505
- In-Person during business hours at Cashiering, Building 17, Room 140 - CPTC - 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW. Lakewood WA 98499. Cashiering is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 7:30 am to 4 pm. Wednesday, 7:30 to 6 pm. Friday 7:30 am to 12 pm.
Students who have received a DSHS referral letter and are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Basic Food Benefits (SNAP), please fill out the online intake below.
After filling out the online form, please schedule an LEP Intake appointment via Bookings.
Release forms are necessary for various reasons like authorizing release of information regarding individual progress in our program, or authorizing students between 16-18 to enroll in our classes to expand their English comprehension or obtain their GED or HS Diploma. Select the form that you need and follow the steps below.
- Family Education Right and Privacy Act (FERPA) Release of Information form
- Valid ID is required for Online and Paper form.
- Paper copies are available at our Main office (Bldg. 10, Rm. 102) and turned in at Enrollment Services in Bldg. 17.
- Request for Approval to Test
- Students between 16 and 18 years of age must have the request approved by the School District previously attended or the School District currently living before admission to the college.
- Digital copies can be found here. (Request for Approval to Test)
- Paper copies are available at our Main office (Bldg. 10, Rm. 102)
- Approved requests must be turned in to our Main office (Bldg. 10, Rm. 102) or email TransitionalStudies@cptc.edu a digital copy (Picture/Scan) of this form.
Classes offered in Transitional Studies:
Transitional Studies is also known as Adult Basic Education or Adult Basic Skills. You may have heard of us through the community, friends, or family. You also may have been referred to "ABE" if you placed into our classes when admitting to the college. Our programs include:
- Adult Basic Education (ABE): Prepare for college-level classes
- English as a Second Language or English Language Acquisition (ESL/ELA)
- GED and High School +: Adults can earn their high school diploma or equivalent
- I-BEST: Earn an associate's degree with extra support classes/instructors
<< Please use the tabs to the left to learn more about each program.
How Do I Get Started?
Please call 253-589-5702, email TransitionalStudies@cptc.edu to get started and for more information.
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
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
Michael Martin
ESL Instructor
Email M. Martin
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 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
James Shumate
ABE & ESL Instructor
Email J. Shumate
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. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
This page can help you understand your rights as a student, including the right to privacy regarding your records/grades. If you want Transitional Studies or CPTC to speak to anyone outside the college about you, you will be asked to complete this Release Form.
2. 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
Document
3. 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.
Contact Us
Building 10, Room 102
Campus Maps Here
Fall quarter Office Hours (September 30, 2024-December 13, 2024 (CLOSED: Weekends & Holidays)
Monday: 8:00am - 7:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 7:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 7:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Make an Appointment Here: Bookings
Karina Calzada,
(Habla Español)
Instructional Program Assistant
Email K. Calzada
253-589-5705
253-293-5311 (text only)
Felicia Dennis
High School+ Navigator
Email F. Dennis
253-589-5524
219-232-8297 (text only)
Eun Ha Lee
(한국말을 할 수 있습니다)
LEP Navigator & CASAS Assessment Proctor
Email E. Lee
253-589-5761
253-353-2498 (text only)
Koffi Monde
(Je parle français)
ESL Assessment Support Staff
Email K. Monde
253-589-5706
360-818-4604 (text only)
Larysa Nazarenko
(Я розмовляю українською/русский)
ESL Assessment Support Staff
Email L. Nazarenko
253-589-5707
318-459-8444 (text only)
Jessica Vazquez
(Habla Español)
Entry Services Coordinator
Riabelle Vivas
Faculty Advisor
Email R. Vivas
253-589-4517
503-451-5004 (text only)
