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Trinidad State College

AdultEducation

Build foundational skills, prepare for your GED, or learn English — at your own pace, at no cost. Classes are available at three locations across southern Colorado.

Contact Us to Enroll
Adult
Free — No tuition or fees required

Announcement

Fall Session Orientations – call or email to schedule

For new Adult Ed learners — no registration required

Questions? Visit our FAQs below or contact Mel Toering at 719.846.5640 or melissa.toering@trinidadstate.edu.

"I just got your letter and I'm crying! You are such an amazing person! Thank you for never giving up and always being there for me! I'm so incredibly thankful that I got the chance to meet you."

Trinidad State Student

Adult Education classes are free. No tuition, no application fees, and no prior education required. All you need to bring is the desire to learn.

Programs Offered

We meet you where you are and help you move forward.

Adult Basic Education (ABE) Adult Secondary Education (ASE) GED Preparation GED Testing English as a Second Language (ESL)

Where We Offer Classes

Classes run Monday through Thursday at all three locations!

Trinidad
Trinidad, CO
Programs Available
ABE GED Prep ESL ASE
Mon – Thu: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tue & Wed: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Trinidad Campus — Latuda Hall
GED Testing Available Flyer Download
Children welcome during specified times — contact us for details.
Valley
Alamosa, CO
Programs Available
ABE ASE GED Prep ESL
Mon – Thu: 9:00 AM – Noon
Mon – Thu: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Mon – Thu: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Room 203 — 1011 Main St, Alamosa
GED Testing Available Flyer Download
Walsenburg
Walsenburg, CO
Programs Available
ABE GED Prep ASE
Mon – Thu: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Huerfano County Community Center
928 Russell St, Walsenburg
GED Testing Available Flyer Download

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about GED prep and Adult Education.

Adult Education Services provides free educational opportunities for adults who want to improve reading, writing, math, or English language skills, build workplace skills, earn a GED, prepare for college, or improve employment opportunities.

  • Adult Basic Education (ABE)
  • Adult Secondary Education (ASE)
  • GED Preparation
  • English Language Acquisition (ELA/ESL)
  • College and Career Readiness partnerships
  • Academic Transition Support

There is no cost to learners. Programs are funded through Trinidad State College, the State of Colorado, federal funding, and community grants.

Note: Learners must adhere to Program Policies regarding attendance, cumulative hours, and pre/post-testing.

Adult learners seeking educational advancement, English language development, GED completion, or career and college readiness. Ages 16 and up are eligible with an official waiver.

To help adult learners improve educational outcomes, increase employment opportunities, achieve English literacy, and complete a GED when appropriate.

Adult Education Services follows strict agreements with local school districts and does not actively recruit currently enrolled high school students. However, depending on individual circumstances, we do work with high school-age learners who wish to participate in our program.

  • Trinidad: Latuda Hall, 600 Prospect Street, Trinidad, CO
  • Alamosa: TSC Valley Campus, 1011 Main Street, Alamosa, CO 81101
  • Walsenburg: Huerfano County Community Center, 928 Russell St, Walsenburg, CO 81089

The GED is Colorado's High School Equivalency Diploma. It is earned by passing four subtests: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies.

Completion times vary by individual. Most students require at least 100 hours of study, with some needing more or less depending on their current skill level and time invested.

Yes. Our staff will help determine which tests you have remaining and create a plan for your completion.

Yes.

Trinidad State College GED graduates receive a $500 scholarship to Trinidad State College and may qualify for additional financial aid opportunities.

The 2026–2027 school year begins July 6, 2026 at all three locations.

  • Existing learners are encouraged to attend on Monday, July 6 to re-enroll and set their new schedules.
  • New learners should select an orientation date from the options below.

Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and GED:

  • Walsenburg: July 6 at 10:00 AM
  • Trinidad: July 7 at 10:00 AM
  • Alamosa: July 7 at 1:00 PM

English Language Acquisition (ESL/ELA):

Individualized orientations are scheduled by appointment.

  • Trinidad & Walsenburg: call (719) 846-5640
  • Alamosa: call (719) 589-7137

Approximately 1.5 hours.

Enrollment, intake paperwork, assessments, goal setting, and the development of an individualized learning plan. This process typically takes an additional 3–5 hours.

  • A government-issued ID
  • Contact information and emergency contacts
  • Your work schedule
  • Accommodation documentation (if applicable)
  • Glasses, headphones, water, and snacks
Please note: Cell phones are not permitted during class time.

No. Each learner works directly with instructors to create an individualized schedule.

Learners should plan for at least 8 hours of participation each week.

Yes. Classes help learners improve their speaking, listening, reading, writing, workplace communication, and daily-life English skills. Call today to schedule an orientation!

Yes. All English Language Acquisition classes are completely free.

  • GED.com
  • Aztec Software (when available)
  • Khan Academy
  • Essential Education
  • Instructor-developed resources

Many learners successfully combine classroom instruction with distance learning options when appropriate.

Yes. Every learner develops an Individual Learning Plan with dedicated instructor guidance.

Yes. Staff assist learners with college transitions, workforce training, career pathways, and scholarship opportunities.

  • Improved literacy and educational gains
  • Increased wages and better employment opportunities
  • FAFSA access and college readiness
  • Greater community engagement

Colorado GED graduates can request official records through DiplomaSender.com using their GED ID and identification information.

DiplomaSender provides assistance locating records, and our Adult Education staff can help guide you through the process.

Contact Us

Have questions about this program? Reach out to a faculty or staff member.

Melissa Toering portrait
Melissa Toering
(719) 846-5640
Trinidad
Louisa Dick portrait
Louisa (Mariell) Dick
(719) 589-7137
Valley