Classes & Career Offerings

Adults, 17 years and older can improve their skills in reading, writing, math and computer. Face-to-face classes are available with a teacher, as well as computer-based programs for use both in and away from school. These classes can help you get prepared for college and employment.

These classes are intended for adults who are not enrolled in another Kindergarten-12 Grade program. 

For more information, please call (507) 328-4440.

Bridges to Careers offers a variety of options to help individuals to transition into employment or college courses at RCTC. 

What are the benefits? 

• Applying for RCTC and for Financial Aid 
• Receiving academic support at both Hawthorne and RCTC 
• Career planning and job placement 
• Additional support as you balance the demands of life, work, and school 

In order to qualify for these programs, your academic skills have not yet reached college level or you may be experiencing other life barriers. You must also be eligible to work in the United States.

Take a look at online offerings for Bridges to Careers!

Hawthorne Education Center provides citizenship preparation classes to lawful permanent residents.  These classes prepare students to take the citizenship test and interview.

If you have any questions or want to register for class, please call (507) 328-4440.

To become a U.S. citizen you must:

• be at least eighteen years old.
• have been a permanent resident for at least five years or three years if married to a U.S. citizen.
• speak, read and write English.

Hawthorne Education Center is a Sponsoring site for the Northstar Digital Literacy program. Through learning, assessments and proctored tests, students can gain a certificate in Computer Literacy.

There are ten modules but students can take any combination of the ten modules. We recommend students take the core modules of basic computer skills, internet use, Windows 10, using email, and Microsoft Word 2016. Other modules available are: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Social Media, Apple OS X operating system, and Information Literacy.

There is no cost involved in taking the Northstar Assessments and proctored tests.

The students take assessments, and proctored tests, through Hawthorne's own Northstar portal and learn using the LearnerWeb platform.  This means that we are able to monitor student progress, view student results and assist students with areas of difficulty as well as compile student certificates.

Distance Learning at Hawthorne gives students the opportunity to mix classroom study with working from home, especially when schedules are busy and time is tight. Distance Learning allows students to work at their own pace on individualized programs.  

The Distance Learning platforms at Hawthorne are:

• Plato Edmentum
• IXL
• Northstar Digital Literacy
• LearnerWeb
• Mobymax
• ReadTheory

To participate in Distance Learning, learners should have access to a computer, a reliable internet connection, and the necessary software to make Distance Learning a successful option. Perspective students must make an appointment to sign up for Distance Learning offerings. New students to Hawthorne should plan for a one hour appointment; current Hawthorne students can plan for a 15 minute appointment. 

Seven levels of English language training are available for adults (17 years and older) who are non-native English speakers. Classes are offered mornings and afternoons, Monday through Thursday. Courses are free for permanent U.S. residents; fees are required for persons visiting the United States temporarily. 

The English Program operates on a ten-week quarterly schedule twelve months per year, but new students are welcome to enter classes at any time. Beginning and intermediate courses provide instruction and practice in reading, writing, speaking, listening and grammar. Advanced courses provide instruction and practice in college preparatory language skills and in conversation and pronunciation. Most courses range in size from 10 to 20 learners, and all courses are taught entirely in English. Emphasis is given to small group activities so that learners have ample opportunity to practice the language that they are learning. With approximately thirty countries represented in its student population, the Adult Literacy Program also provides opportunity for students to learn from each other about the rest of the world. 

Many English language learners supplement their classroom instruction by working independently in Hawthorne’s computer labs, where they improve reading skills, develop vocabulary, and practice pronunciation. Learners are also encouraged to take a reading class along with an English class.

To make a placement test appointment please call (507) 328-4440.

Rochester Family Literacy combines adult literacy, parent education, and early childhood education into one program to provide a comprehensive family literacy program for families with children birth to seven years of age.

Eligible families:

• Have a child, age birth to seven years of age.
• Qualify for free and reduced lunch
• Have English as a second language; wish to complete the GED or High School Diploma, or College and Job Training
• Live in the Rochester Public School District

To enroll please call (507) 328-4440 or email.

Hawthorne Education Center is an authorized GED (General Education Development) Pearson Testing Center.  Our program can help you prepare.

Am I eligible?

You must be 19 years of age to test at Hawthorne Education Center. If you are under 19 you must obtain a waiver from the State of Minnesota. Call the GED Coordinator with questions at (507) 328-4425.

Test takers must have a valid, current Government Issued picture ID to verify identity and eligibility for testing. This can be a passport, driver's license or permit, ID card, or green card.

How do I sign up?

Students must register and schedule their test times on the GED website. Walk-Ins are not allowed as students must be registered on the GED website. 

Students must pay for their test(s) at the time of scheduling, using a debit or credit card. Test(s) must be cancelled 24 hours in advance to avoid losing funds.

The MN State Adult Diploma Program is a standards based, competency diploma program.

Diploma competency areas include: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Digital Literacy and Career Development and Employability Skills.

Am I eligible?

Students wishing to take part in this Diploma program

• MUST be 19 years old or over
• MUST take and pass a reading test
• MUST have a level of math competency at low intermediate ABE level

How can I begin?

Call the office to schedule an appointment for intake and assessments. Students need to bring a copy of school transcripts for any courses completed outside the Rochester School District and transcripts for any GED tests taken previously. Transcripts can also be faxed to (507) 328-4441.

What books do I need? 

Depending on the areas of study required to complete your MN Adult Diploma, the diploma teacher you meet with will tell you what books you may need. Books are available for use at school at no charge, though books used outside of school may require a deposit.