Adult Education

Rutherford County's Adult Education Programs

Workforce Essentials is the premier high school equivalency preparation program in Middle Tennessee. Morning and evening classes are completely free of charge to students. Online classes are also an option. The high school equivalency program, often still referred to as the General Education Diploma (GED), is designed to help you quickly pass the required exams, earn your diploma equivalency, and move ahead toward your goals. Teachers and staff are well trained to walk you through your journey and help you learn the skills needed to take this step forward in your life.

In addition to the high school equivalency program, Work Force Essentials offers Adult English Literacy and Civics classes for non-native English speakers. These classes are also free of charge, and will equip students with the ability to speak, read, and write in English, while at the same time teaching students about U.S. Government.

What can I anticipate on the HiSET Tests? The high school equivalency tests include elements that allow individuals to demonstrate their high school-level proficiency in core courses. Students must pass tests in Math, Reading, Writing/Language, Science and Social Studies through the many pathways that are offered. Students may take the tests on the computer or with paper/pencil.

How can I enroll in HiSET classes? Attending an in-person orientation is mandatory and is the first step in signing up for classes. Orientation is held every Monday at 1:00pm (excluding holidays) at the address listed below. Please be prepared to stay approximately two hours for staff to gauge more information about your academic history that will assist with placement. Pre-registration is not required for orientation; simply arrive and check-in. Please contact the Work Force Essentials Team if you have additional questions.

Location: TN College of Applied Technology-Smyrna Campus, 663 Ken Pilkerton Dr, Smyrna, TN

Phone: 931-237-6443

Emails of Contacts: Nicole Tramel - [email protected] OR Carolyn Stanley - [email protected]

Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday, 8am-6pm, Closed Fridays

Applicants 17 years of age must schedule an appointment with Carolyn Stanley to inquire about enrollment and must be accompanied with a parent/guardian.

What if I only lack a few credits to earn my high school diploma? Rutherford County Schools offers the Adult High School program for individuals 18 years of age and older who withdrew from high school and lack only a few credits to graduate. On average, AHS students are lacking five or less credits to obtain their diploma, however we will review documents of all inquiries and consider enrollment on a case-by-case basis. For questions about Adult High School, which is a separate program from Work Force Essentials, please call 615-893-5815 ext. 22826, or for more information click HERE

Work Force Essentials is funded under an agreement with the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development.

Students who have earned their High School Equivalency (via the HiSET or GED exam) through Tennessee's Adult Education can request a copy of their test scores (transcript), diploma, or verification letter online at https://production.diplomasender.com/#/Home or call 855-313-5799.