Basic Skills Programs

In Basic Skills programs, students have opportunities to build skills in reading, language, and math or to complete high school through either Adult High School or a GED Diploma program.

Basic Skills Classes are FREE!

There are five program areas in the Basic Skills Department:

1. Adult Basic Education (ABE)

The goal of this program is to provide opportunities to improve reading, math, and language skills for entry into Adult High School, GED credentialing, College curriculum programs, or simply to improve skills for personal satisfaction.

Enrollment is open to individuals age 18 and older. Under special circumstances, underage students ages 16 - 17 may enroll in certain programs as indicated in each program information section. Placement testing is required for entry.


2. Adult High School (AHS)

In the Adult High School program, a student can earn a high school diploma by completing required and elective high school courses. To earn a high school diploma, a student must complete a total of 28 specific course units. Students are awarded credit for previous course work based on an evaluation of an offcial transcript from high school.
The program is located on the College’s Smithfield campus and offers morning classes.

This program is conducted in affiliation with the Johnston County Public Schools, is FREE and open to students age 18 and older. Underage students that are 16 - 17 years old may enroll under special circumstances.

For further information regarding transcripts and eligibility, call Dr. Angela Kearney at (919) 464-2378, Pamela Earp at (919) 209-2065 or email pjearp@johnstoncc.edu


3. GED Diploma

The GED Preparation program allows individuals to earn GED credentials through completion of the five official GE credentialing tests including:


• Language Arts – Reading
• Language Arts – Writing
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies

Following placement testing, a student takes the GED Credentialing Practice Tests to determine readiness for the actual GED tests. Students are eligible to take the GED credentialing exam once minimum scores have been met in each of the Practice Test areas.
The GED program is open to adults age 18 and older. For persons age 16 and 17, please refer to the Adult High School program.

Introducing GEP prep online!!!
You must have reliable internet access to enroll.
For further information, call Jessica Rieger at (919) 209-2065 or email at jurieger@john-stoncc.edu


4. Compensatory Education (CED)

This community college program is designed to compensate adults with intellectual disabilities who have not had an education or who have received an inadequate one. The goal of the program is to help individuals become as independent and self-directed as possible by learning academic skills necessary to transition into occupational training courses, employment, and/or a one-year curriculum certificate program.

Compensatory Education classes are held at the main campus in Smithfield and the Cleeland Center. The program is FREE and available to adults age 18 and older. For more information on eligibility and enrolling, call Karen Ramsay at (919) 209-2542 or via email at klramsay@johnstoncc.edu


5. English as a Second Language (ESL)
   Inglés como una idioma segunda

This course provides instruction in English for individuals who do not speak English as a first language. Learning English is important for self-improvement, better job opportunities, and preparation for citizenship. The program is FREE and open to individuals age 18 and older.Underage students ages 16 - 17 may enroll under special circumstances.

Los estudiantes en la programa de ESL apren-den como leer, escribir y hablar ingles. Hay tres niveles de ESL: Principiante, intermedio y avan-zado. Si quiere matricular en nuestra programa, tiene que venire para un examén, llama Grace Bryman (919) 209-2230.

Class locations include:

• JCC/Smithfield Campus
• JCC/Cleveland Center
• Clayton High School
• Kenly Adult Learning Center
• Unity House of Selma
• Johnston County Industries
• Benson Center
• Various other business locations, churches, and community buildings upon request.

Would you like to start a class in your community?

Would your church or business like to sponsor a new Basic Skills class at your site or in your community? New classes may be established in locations with a minimum of 15 students. Call Pamela Earp for details at (919) 209-2065 or at pjearp@johnstoncc.edu

Your First Step...Placement and Assessment

Placement testing is required for entry into all Basic Skills classes. For individuals age 18 or older, contact Assessment and Placement Coordinator, Lannetta Lockhart at (919) 209-2054 or email lrlockhart@johnstoncc.edu

Information for Underage Students (Ages 16 and 17)

Perspective Students under the age of 18 must meet specific eligibility requirements for entry PRIOR to taking the placement test. Please contact Pamela Earp at (919) 209-2065 or email pjearp@johnstoncc.edu for underage student information.