Golden Oak Adult School offers a variety of classes to benefit Santa Clarita residents.

In a depressed economy, job losses are not uncommon, especially for those who have limited education or training.  With the increasing cost of schooling, and the extensive number of required classroom hours, many don’t know where to turn.

Aiding residents in the community for over sixty years, Golden Oak Adult School offers educational classes just for adults.

Among many other classes, Golden Oak provides students with the opportunity to earn their GED.  Proud of their graduates, the school boasts many success stories.

“We have one gentleman who passed the GED test with us and has gone on to College of the Canyons because he said we gave him the confidence to get back into the educational world and do more for himself,” explained Donna Nagler, administrative assistant at Golden Oak.  “He is now in a certificate program at COC and will become a respirational therapist.”

Another high school dropout completed his coursework, received his diploma, and continued his education to become an Emergency Medical Technician.

“It was a great experience,” boasted Mark Sterling, graduate of Golden Oak. “The people who work there are phenomenal.  They will bend over backwards for you.”

One of the largest programs the school offers is the English as a Second Language (ESL) program.  Golden Oak has helped numerous people who spoke little to no English learn to speak the language fluently.  Often times, these students go on to complete citizenship proceedings and even start their own business.    

Many of Golden Oak’s classes are specially tailored to students’ specific needs.  Take, for example computer classes for senior citizens, which function at a slower pace, are more repetitive, and run during the day. 

“It’s just so rewarding seeing what we can do for them to help them complete their goals. Then they go on and use those same skills and the confidence to do what’s next for them,” Nagler said.

While entrepreneurs can learn woodworking and photography skills to start their own business, parents can attend parenting courses and adults with disabilities can learn life skills which will enable them to live in a group setting or potentially on their own. 

“I think we are a unique experience because we are so hands on.  We are not a large adult school, so we get to know the students more and its just very rewarding working with our clientele” stated Nagler.

Determined to serve the community’s needs, the school desires to know what types of classes Santa Clarita residents would like to take. 

“We are here for them and we would like to know what else they need from us” Nagler said.

As the only adult school in the Santa Clarita Valley, Golden Oak is the only school allowed to give the GED test and service adults trying to complete their high school education.

Whether residents desire to obtain their GED, learn to speak English, or learn how to stain glass, Golden Oak provides the opportunity.