Adult Basic Education (ABE)

Prerequisite: an Advanced level of English

The Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program is an adult literacy program that provides instruction in basic reading, writing, and math. In order to take this class, students must take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) and score from 0 to 79 (eighth grade level). The ABE Program serves learners with no literacy skills or limited literacy skills below 9th grade level. This includes English-speakers, ESL transition students, and concurrent high school students. ABE classes focus on the basic academic skills of reading, writing, critical thinking and problem solving and offers small-group, whole-group, and individual instruction. Once students score an 80 on the TABE, they may move on to either High School Diploma or GED classes.

The morning ABE class is designed around the principles of Evidence Based Reading Instruction. This class runs in 6 week blocks using “managed enrollment.” The requirements to enter the class are the same as above; however, there are strict guidelines to remain in the class since it only meets for 25 days. Students must attend an orientation and commit to attending the entire first week. No exceptions will be made. After that, students may miss a total of 15 hours. At the end of each 6 week block, students will take the TABE test again. If students score an 80 or above, they will move on to GED or High School Diploma class. If students score below 80 they continue for another 6 weeks. Research shows that this type of model is highly beneficial for students trying to improve their reading achievement. If you want to improve your reading, this is the class for you.
Visit our office or call (562)-602-8080 for questions or more information.

California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)

The CAHSEE is currently suspended. For more information, contact our office at 562-602-8080.

High School Diploma

PAS awards a high school diploma to those who have met all requirements as set by the Board of Education. Courses are designed to promote individual success through self-paced and small group instruction. Only concurrent students must attend an orientation prior to enrollment. You must bring an official copy of your most recent high school transcript to the office in order to enroll.

CREDITS: Each successfully completed class counts for 5 credits or units of study.
You may be granted credits from courses previously taken at another accredited secondary or foreign school equivalent to high school level.

Independent Study

If you are over 18 and need a high school diploma, but are unable to attend classes on a regular basis, you may be eligible for Independent Study. You must be able and willing to work independently a minimum of 15 hours per week and meet with a teacher once per week. Space is limited. Visit our office or call (562)602-8080 for further information.

Concurrently Enrolled High School Students

Our concurrent high school is an intervention program offered to students from Paramount High School and Buena Vista High School. Students are eligible to attend concurrently if they are at least second semester freshman and need to make up credit that they have taken and failed. Priority is given to seniors and students who attend PUSD schools. Only ELD students can take classes they haven’t taken and failed. HSD Concurrent class sessions are 25 days, this is the time allowed for students to complete 5 credits. Students are only allowed to be absent a total of 10 hours during the 25 day session. Students must meet with a counselor at their High School, and have a concurrent contract, copy of transcript and a current class schedule. Orientations are about 1 week before classes begin and all students have to be accompanied by their parent. Class sessions are from 3:30p.m.-6:00p.m. and from 6:30p.m.-9:00p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

HSE Preparation

HSE Preparation is the class for you if you are choosing to take one of the 3 High School Equivalency Exams.

GED®

HiSET®

TASC®

Instruction takes place in class or via Distance Learning.

To take these exams, you must be registered online (see below).

For more information about the GED® click here.

For more information about the HiSET® click here.

For more information about the TASC® click here.

For more information about HSE Distance Learning click here.