For the adult who was unable to complete public school, a series of basic courses are offered countywide. These courses are free of charge. Courses are individualized to address the student’s academic needs and culminate with high school equivalency diploma requirements.
MCC offers combined Adult Basic Education (ABE) and High School Equivalency (HSE) classes. These classes are designed for adults with or without high school diplomas to improve reading, writing and math skills and to prepare them for the HSE exam, if they do not have a high school diploma. Before enrolling in a class, an individual must attend a two-day College and Career Readiness Orientation and Registration Session. Minors (16-17 years of age) may enroll in the program but must obtain a Minor Release Form, to be completed by a parent or legal guardian and the Board of Education, before registering. Classes are offered both day and evening in various locations throughout the county and on the College campus. There is no cost for the ABE/HSE classes, but there are testing fees applicable to the state-approved HSE examinations (HiSET). MCC will assist interested organizations and groups of individuals in establishing new ABE/HSE classes. High School Equivalency (HSE) tests are designed to measure the important knowledge and skills usually learned during high school, experience, reading, and informal training. Successfully passing the five subtests of the HiSET allows the student to receive a high school equivalency certificate issued by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges. The HiSET subtests are designed to measure a person’s knowledge and skill in the following:
- Correct and effective English in written expression (an essay on an assigned topic is required)
- Effective reading, understanding, and interpretation of Social Studies
- Effective reading, understanding, and interpretation of Natural Science
- Effective reading, understanding, and interpretation of Literature
- Ability to solve problems in Mathematics
North Carolina has approved the use of the HiSET, which may be administered either through a computer or with traditional paper and pencil; More information can be found at https://hiset.org/.
MCC also offers the Adult High School Diploma through an agreement with the Montgomery County Public School System. Students are provided academic courses to complete graduation requirements. Before enrolling, prospective students must have been out of school for at least six months, attend an orientation session, and obtain an official transcript from the last high school attended. Minors (16-17 years of age) must first obtain a Minor Release Form at MCC. A parent or legal guardian and the Board of Education must complete this release form. Online classes are offered with virtual and in-person tutorial sessions available upon request. This flexibility enables students to work at their own pace and at times most convenient for them. Before enrolling in a class, an individual must attend a two-day College and Career Readiness Orientation and Registration Session.
The Developmental Education Alignment courses are designed to ensure student success in academic course work. These courses are scheduled for students who need college preparatory course work according to placement scores and GPA who need to complete course requirements for entry into a specific curriculum. An orientation to these courses is provided.
English as a Second Language (ESL) provides non-English speaking students the opportunity to learn the English language. Classes are centered around the objectives of developing language competency and cultural orientation. Any non-English speaking adult or any adult who wants to improve his/her English is eligible to enroll. Classes are offered in the evenings throughout the county and 100% online to meet your daily schedules. There is no cost for the ESL classes. Montgomery Community College will assist any businesses interested in offering ESL classes for their employees.
Para más información acerca de las clases de Inglés, favor de referirse al horario de clases en el folleto que recibe por correo dos veces por año.
Montgomery Community College offers a variety of testing to assess students’ individual needs. Below you will find a breakdown of the tests offered and a brief description.
The HiSET® exam helps adult learners achieve their college and career goals to expand opportunities and change lives. HiSET preparation classes (high school equivalency) are available to prepare for the HiSET exam. The HiSET exam gives out-of-school youth and adults the best opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge and earn a state-issued high school equivalency (HSE) credential. When you feel you are ready, you can schedule a test through the HiSET homepage.
The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is designed to assess a students’ preparedness for entering the health science fields. Questions are designed to test the basic academic skills you will need to perform in class in the areas of: Reading, Math, Science and English and Language Usage.
The TEAS is only offered to those applying to special entrance programs at MCC. It is typically scheduled as needed between November – March. If you have received an invitation to sign up for the TEAS, please contact the Business Office at 910-898-9633 to be placed on a waiting list.
Montgomery Community College uses a student’s high school GPA as the primary factor for English and Math course placement. Current, returning, and new students will be placed by unweighted high school GPA. Only students who meet the following criteria are allowed the option to take a placement test:
- Graduated high school more than 10 years ago.
- Completed GED or High School Equivalency more than 10 years ago.
- Graduated high school outside of the United States or a high school GPA is not available.
- Students enrolling in a special entrance program that requires placement eligibility into a specific English or Math college-level course.
Students who do not meet any of the listed criteria will be placed either in the initial required English and Math courses for their chosen academic program, the gateway English and Math courses with co-requisite support courses, or an English and Math pre-requisite transition course through CCR. This placement is determined based on the student’s cumulative unweighted high school GPA.
MCC Student Lounge is available in Blair Building next to room 105 and provides access to student entertainment, food vending services and information boards.