Paola Adult Education Center

Program Overview

The staff of the Paola Adult Education Center believes in second chances and offers numerous programs to assist individuals on their personal journeys. We offer instruction in English As a Second Language, GED skills, GED and AO-K Pathways, Workforce Readiness Skills, Life Skills, Financial Literacy Skills, Cellphone and Computer Technology Skills, Microsoft Office Skills and Certification Exams, Transition classes for college, and Book Clubs. Classes vary in times and are are offered Monday through Friday.

The Paola Adult Education Center strives to provide educational opportunities to area residents, not only in Miami County, but to residents in the surrounding counties as well. The center offers a positive atmosphere for learning with core foundations for staff and students of respect, responsibility, integrity, and work ethic. The classroom environment emphasizes diversity, accountability, persistence, and courage.

Classes Available
GED Classes - Preparation instruction for the GED test. Finish high school now, and earn a Kansas State High School Diploma. Evening classes offered in Paola, LaCygne and Garnett. Day classes offered in Paola. For more information on requirements, fees, and testing; please go to the GED Testing tab under Adult Education or call our center at 913-294-8018.

GED and Healthcare Pathway Combination - This is a new opportunity! If you do not have your GED yet and you want to work on the Healthcare Pathway, call Karen Ulanski-Swank for details.

ESL - English as a second language.

Accelerating Opportunities for Kansas (A O-K) - This program allows students to pursue career training while completing their GED. Participants will receive a scholarship that pays for their GED testing fees and tuition in their A O-K approved career pathway. Contact Karen Ulanski-Swank for more information.

Microsoft Certification Classes - This class is designed for the more advanced computer user. This class allows the student to become a certified Microsoft Office Specialist. Certification offered for Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and Power-Point. The student has the choice to do just one, a few, or all of the programs offered.

Beginning Computer Classes - The beginner class is specifically designed for first time computer users or those with limited computer experience.

Book Club - This is for those who enjoy reading and would like to interact with others in small group discussions.

Transition Classes - College Readiness.

Life Management - Individualized to meet individual needs and goals. Education and preparation for workplace readiness skills and life skills.

Enrollment Requirements
Must be at least 16 years of age.
If an individual is 16 or 17 years of age, the compulsory attendance disclaimer forms must be provided to the adult education program.
Enrollment Process and Fees
Call or come by to sign up for the class(es) that work best for you.
Complete the Student Information Sheet and pay $40. material fee.
Material fees must be paid prior to beginning the class via cash or money order.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

Stories - from FY 23

This year has been a pretty neat year for some of our students. Five students who have Autism entered our program or have continued and are making their own way in this world. Each of these students have very unique personalities and routines. Three of them have earned their Kansas State High School diploma. The other two are well on their way of finishing this as well. One student has a job, one student will soon be hired as a custodian for our school district and the other two are just trying to figure their own journeys out and what the future holds for them. The last one said, “a job….naw…no job for me yet" with a smile.

Why do I mention these kids? It's pretty simple. Autism has been on the rise for a number of years and these kids were given up on by others. Through our programs, we helped them find success and a way into the working world. It is neat to see their smiles and know how proud they are of themselves.

Another story - One of our GED students passed her last test this week and earned her Kansas State High School Diploma. However, it did not come easy for her. She has a disability that has not been documented and she struggled for several reasons. It is believed that she has oppositional defiance disorder and this has certainly been a challenge for her. She was not a morning person so we had to switch her to evening class. We had to find an avenue for her to succeed. She found a job about four months ago and is doing well. We are all very proud of her accomplishments.