Morning ESL classes and GED sessions on Monday, 2/2/26 are cancelled. We will reopen for Monday evening classes as usual.
Avram Kronsberg, Jr
GED® Program
More than 66,000 adults in the Charleston region do not have a high school diploma. Without it, they miss job opportunities and find themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty.
We provide a General Educational Development (GED)® preparation program to equip adults with the skills they need to obtain their GED®. Students progress through the program at their own pace, taking classes, working independently, or participating in small group learning with a volunteer learning coach.
Once students complete the GED® preparation program, they are tested in four areas: mathematical reasoning, language arts, science, and social studies. Students take the official test at one of several official GED® test centers in the tri-county area.
Class Days: Monday and Wednesday
Morning Session: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Evening Session: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Attendance Requirement: Participants must complete 6 hours of in-person instruction each week
Schedule Selection: Participants choose either the morning or evening session
Independent Study: 2 hours of independent study per week is strongly recommended
Small group instruction focused on skill-building and learner engagement
One-on-one tutoring for individualized support and targeted remediation
Personalized workbooks for all GED® subject areas, selected based on individual assessments
Online learning platform access to reinforce classroom instruction
Two-day program orientation to set expectations and prepare participants for success
College and Career Navigator coaching to support post-GED® education and employment goals
$250 program fee for one year of GED Preparation instruction
Scholarships are available for eligible participants
To be considered for enrollment in Trident Literacy Association’s GED® Preparation Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be at least 17 years of age
Complete a pre-screening and pre-interview process
Provide a current, non-expired state-issued photo ID
Sign the Program Commitment Form agreeing to attendance and participation expectations
Understand that enrollment is limited and admission is determined by a review committee as space becomes available
Submit a program application form
Attend a pre-interview with program staff
If approved, be placed on a waiting list
When space becomes available, attend program orientation
Pay tuition or complete scholarship paperwork
Complete assessment testing
Begin classes
Complete the GED® Preparation Application.
Participate in a pre-interview with our Career Pathway team.
TLA contacts you to confirm your eligibility, and you will be placed on the waiting list.
Once enrolled, you will attend orientation.
Take the TABE assessment.
Develop your customized education plan with our instructors and staff based on your TABE assessments and career goals.
Learn and practice in person with our instructor team at least 6 hours each week.
Complete two hours of independent study each week.
Take practice GED® tests as soon as you're ready.
Take GED® tests when ready.
Plan next steps for training or college with our College & Career Navigator.
CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
It depends on how many skills you still need to acquire and how much time you can spend learning and mastering the material. While not the norm, some learners are ready to pass the exams after a few hours of instruction. Most participants will meet their goals and pass the exam within a 3-9 month period. It can take years if you are not consistent with your studies or need to start at the most basic level. After enrolling, we will help you set realistic goals and a guided timeline to complete them. Some factors that determine how long it will take are out of your control, and we will provide support to help you overcome those barriers. You do control the most important determinant of your success. The time you dedicate and the energy level you bring to your studies will be the deciding factor of how long it takes to successfully pass all four sections of the GED® and obtain your high school credential.
Nationally recognized assessments to determine current literacy levels.
Custom learning plan to master the skills needed to pass all four sections of the GED® exam.
Instruction materials, including a practice book and online learning resources.
Calculator
Dedicated education manager, certified college and career navigator, private one-on-one instruction by appointment, small classes, and open tutoring sessions.
For most participants, the cost of the GED® Ready is included.
All students who obtain a score of 150 on the corresponding GED Ready exam qualify for Trident Literacy Association to cover the cost of all four sections of the corresponding GED® exam.