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Interested in attending SCALE?
- Fill out an interest form online.
- Call 617-625-6600 x6900 to speak to one of our advisors.
- Come in during office hours to complete an application for ELL classes.
Class Catalog
The SCALE program is pleased to announce the start of two FREE contextualized ESOL workforce programs in October 2024. These programs are funded by a JCRT grant from the City of Somerville and will be offered free of charge to Somerville residents.
ESOL/Early Childhood Education
This class will provide entry-level training and job experience to ESOL adult learners interested in becoming early childhood educators. Learners will be introduced to Early Childhood-focused vocabulary, reading, writing, listening and speaking materials to increase their ESOL skills and knowledge of Early Childhood terminology and processes. The program offers an internship component, a Child Growth & Development college class and assistance with the process of obtaining certification as an assistant teacher in an Early Childhood setting. Participants will receive the necessary training, support and wraparound services to attain employment in a quickly growing field.
ESOL/Certified Nursing Assistant
This course will prepare ESOL adult learners for an entry-level career in healthcare with a 125-hour training program for Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). Students will fulfill classroom hours on site and gain clinical experience in a local nursing facility with Registered Nurse instructors. The skills taught in this state-licensed certificate program will prepare learners to sit for the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Certification Exam. The Adult Certified Nursing Assisting Program is designed to prepare interested adult learners for career advancement in entry level positions, and continuing education options by introducing them to a broad range of career opportunities. Students will study health care systems, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, human growth and development, legal and ethical issues as well as communication and interpersonal skills. Students will be certified in CPR, First Aid, OSHA and basic nursing skills.
Additional Class Offerings
Para Educator Training Program
Our Para Training program prepares adult learners for the ETS ParaPro Assessment exam, so they can enter the field of education as a Teacher’s Assistant. Students in the program increase their understanding of how paraprofessional educators assist with classroom instruction and build a foundation in educational principles like classroom management. They develop strategies to support students of different learning abilities in reading, writing and math. As part of this program, students will develop a career roadmap for becoming a teacher’s assistant, and pass the ParaPro Praxis assessment that will enhance their professional outlook
Bridge Classes
This class is designed for adult learners who have completed our highest ELL level and/or High School Equivalency program and would like to continue to improve their Reading and Writing skills to succeed in postsecondary education, training or workforce. Adult learners who attend our Bridge class will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their postsecondary, training or workforce journey. The class content will include language, reading and writing skills, study habits, time management, college awareness and career development Classes will be offered in the morning and evening.
Financial Literacy Classes
Our Financial Literacy classes provide learners with practical knowledge, skills and resources they need to build a strong foundation for healthy financial habits. Adult learners learn how to budget, set financial goals, learn about saving, spending and borrowing, credit cards, credit and its importance. These are skills that adult learners need to manage their resources effectively in order to make good financial decisions.
Digital Literacy Classes
Our digital literacy classes are designed to teach adults the technology skills needed to be able to find, evaluate, organize, create and communicate information.
Standard SCALE Classes + Programs
ABE – Adult Basic Education classes
Adult Basic Education classes at SCALE focus on improving students' skills in reading, writing, social studies, science, and math so that students will be prepared to pass the HiSET exam (the high school equivalency test) and to enter college. Digital literacy is integrated into classes. Students receive educational and career advising services to assist them in planning for entry into postsecondary, training and/or workforce.
Spanish High School Equivalency Classes
In this class, you will receive reading, writing and math instruction to prepare for the High School Equivalency Exams in Spanish.
ELL – English Language Learning classes
ADP – Adult Diploma Program & HiSET – Equivalency Diploma
SCALE Office Hours
Monday–Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
School Closure Information
If classes are canceled due to snow or other factors, staff will receive a telephone call from the school district (in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole). Snow emergency information can also be found on this website, by calling 311 (617-666-3311 from outside of Somerville), on Somerville EdTV Channel 15 (Astound & Comcast Standard Definition), and Channel 614 (Astound High Definition), or on the City of Somerville website at www.somervillema.gov.
Staff Directory
- Director of Continuing Education: Joselyn Marte
- ABE (Adult Basic Education)/ASE (Adult Secondary Education) Program Administrator: TBD
- ELL (English Language learning) Program Administrator: Franklin Vargas
- You can also reach us by filling out the Interest Form.
Contact Information
617-625-6600 x6900
167 Holland St.
Somerville MA 02145
Get directions to SCALE by public transportation or car.
Order TRANSCRIPTS
Click for information about ADP and HiSET transcripts.
SCALE's Mission
SCALE will empower adults, 16 and older, by providing data-informed literacy instruction, a challenging learning environment, guided supports, and high expectations for student engagement. SCALE will expand students’ skills, knowledge, and habits of mind to ensure academic and career success.
Since 1974, SCALE has provided classes and support services to more than 1,200 adult learners annually who need basic reading, writing, and math skills, English instruction for non-native speakers, or a high-school credential. SCALE's fully accessible facilities include a computer lab and an on-site HiSET Exam Center. Our morning and evening classes are free. Fees are charged for the ADP (Adult Diploma Program) for individuals who reside outside of the city of Somerville.