Spartanburg County Adult Education

Program Overview

Z.L. Madden is an Authorized Pearson Vue Testing Center. We administer the GED assessment multiple times per month. Please visit GED.com to create an account and view our testing schedule.

The David Houston Center (formerly Houston Elementary) is home to the main site and administrative offices of Spartanburg County Adult Education, a countywide collaborative program serving adult residents of Spartanburg County. Utilizing certified instructional staff, the program offers classes in basic education, Pre-GED/GED preparation, high school diploma completion, English as a Second Language (ESL), and preparation and assessments leading to a South Carolina Career Readiness Certificate (SCCRC). We also offer skills upgrade for those who already have a diploma, but wish to improve upon their academic skills to improve their chances of gaining, keeping, and advancing employment.

Transition services are offered to all students to assist with the college application process, completing financial aid applications, setting goals, creating individual career plans, building employability skills, resume writing, and job search referrals.

A wide array of adult education classes are offered during both the day and evening hours at multiple locations throughout the county. Classes are offered year- round including an abbreviated summer schedule. Hours of operation begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 8:00 p.m. Administrative office hours are 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily. Student registration is open enrollment allowing students to enroll at any time during the school year.

Please refer to our website for a complete list of our sites located around the county.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

"My name is Rosalind…56 years young, mother of two, grandmother of three, great grandmother of two and I am the owner...of...a business I established 34 years ago. With all of that being said, the struggle has been real! It's been said, 'You're never too old to learn'. I say you might not be too old to learn, but it takes a lot to learn it. Each and every one has a story to tell. My story: I would tell myself that as a successful business owner, I didn't have to get a GED. I had made it this far, what difference would it make? It would make a BIG difference! The economy took a hit and business got slow. It was then that I wished that I had my GED…I wanted to at least make more than minimum wage, but without a GED, that was more than likely not possible. I said to myself, 'I have to go to school.' My education had become a necessity and a desire for me; the more I learned the more I wanted to learn. Through all of the stress of passing my tests…I am living proof that all things are possible! If you believe in what you are doing, you can achieve it. I say to the younger generation, stay in school and never give up. To the older generation, there is always room for improvement because you are never too old to learn. Just know that you have to have the time and the patience...With that being said, no matter how you feel, remember to get up, dress up, show up, and never give up! Last, but not least, I would like to say thanks to my biggest supporters: my husband, my family, friends and clients, and the teachers at Middle Tyger Community Center and Z.L. Madden Learning Center. I love each and every one of you. Thanks to all of you for all of your words and encouragement, helping me, and teaching me what I need to know. You all helped to make my dream a reality."