Lowell Adult Education Center
Lowell Public School System
Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for classes?

Greater Lowell residents who are at least 16 years old and  have formally withdrawn from school.

What towns are included in the Greater Lowell Area?

Lowell, Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, and Westford.

Where are classes held?

Daytime classes are held at our main location: 408 Merrimack Street Lowell, MA (Downtown – across from the Pollard Memorial Library). Evening classes are held at Lowell High School on Father Morrissette Blvd in downtown Lowell.

NOTE: We also offer classes at several different satellite locations.

What days and times are classes held?

Morning Classes:

  • ABE & GED students meet  Monday through Friday from 9:00  am to 12:00 noon
  • ESOL students meet Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 10:30 am or 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
  • LADP students meet by appointment

Evening Classes:

  • ABE, GED, and ESOL classes meet Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  • LADP students meet by appointment

When do you register for classes?

The Lowell Adult Education Center has  registration throughout the school year. It is highly recommended that you register as early in the year as possible.  Classes begin in  September and go through June, following the Lowell Public School calendar. Registration for morning classes is held Monday through Thursday  at 9:00 am at our main location at 408 Merrimack Street. Registration for evening classes  is held Monday through Thursday at 6:00 pm at Lowell High School on Father Morrissette Blvd.

What is the cost for adult education classes?

There is no cost for classes. The Lowell Public School System and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education,  Adult and Community Learning Services work together to provide funding to the Lowell Adult Education Center for free instruction.

Do you receive grades in the classes?

Although no formal grades are given, students are kept aware of their progress through  feedback provided by teachers.

Do you provide daycare?

No. However, several other local organizations help adults with child care services. We encourage adults to work closely with these agencies. We also operate two family literacy programs – call or drop by for more information.

What is the GED?

The Tests of General Educational Development (GED Tests) are developed by the American Council on Education to enable a person who has not graduated from high school to complete the requirements for a diploma.

What is required to pass the GED test?

The GED consists of five (5) tests which include: Language Arts, Reading; Language Arts, Writing; Mathematics; Science and Social Studies. To pass the GED, you must average 450 on each of the 5 tests, with a total score of 2,250 points. The scores range from 200 – 800.

When are the testing dates?

The Lowell Adult Education Center conducts GED testing one (1) weekend a month. Tests are given on Friday evening and on Saturday morning. Call 937-8989 for additional testing information and specific testing dates.  Click here for current testing schedule.

Are there deadlines to sign up?

Yes, the first time you take any of the tests, you must sign up at least  seven (7) days before the test. Thereafter, you may sign up three (3) days before any and all exams.

What is the cost?

When you first sign-up  for the tests, the cost is  $65.00 payable by money order.  This amount includes  a state registration fee of $5.00 and $12.00 for each test.  All charges are regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.