Adult Basic Education

ABE, GED, and High School Plus (HS+)

Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes help you build the reading, writing, and math skills you need to take the next step toward college or a better job. Start where you are and grow with supportive instruction.

GED® Test Preparation classes give you the tools, practice, and confidence to pass all four GED® tests and reach your goals.

High School Plus (HS+) helps students age 16 and older earn a Washington State high school diploma. Use your past high school credits, work and life experience, and job training—along with our classes—to finish your diploma and move forward with confidence. 

Student Testimonials image - "What our student say about ABE/GED/HS+" Quote 1: "...I chose to join this program because I was seeking the ability to learn the fundamentals of becoming a good student and gain the skills needed for college level courses." Quote 2: "...the High School Plus program offered ways of completing my diploma that weren't typical classes and helped get me where I wanted to be quickly!" Quote 3: "...I would highly recommend this program to everybody...because Bellevue Community College ABE and High School Plus Program was designed to develop successful students." Quote 4: "...the teachers and the staff are so friendly, welcoming, and helpful. I am so happy I chose Bellevue over other choices I had."
Blue icon "Start Now - it's as easy as 1-2-3"
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Step 1: Set up an account and complete a Bellevue College application

Please complete a Bellevue College application if you are a new student at Bellevue College.

*If you have been away for 2 or more years, you must submit a new application and select the new program and degree.

*Returning ABE/GED/HS+ and ELA students (these are students who have taken ABE/GED/HS+/ELA classes AT BC in the last 2 years), please skip to Step 2.

Click here for the Bellevue College application

How to Complete the Application

When you fill out the application, choose the following options:

  • College: Bellevue College
  • I will be enrolling as a: First Year
  • Program: Transitional Studies
  • Term: Spring 2026 (this is actually correct – your Orientation class is in Spring Quarter even though you will be signing up for Summer Quarter classes during Orientation)
  • Degree or Certificate – Choose one option based on your program:
    • Reading/Writing/Math Skills — for the ABE program
    • High School Diploma — for the High School Plus (HS+) program
    • High School Equivalency/GED — for the GED Test Preparation program

After you make your selections, click Apply, then continue to complete the application.

What Happens After You Apply?

You will receive a confirmation email with your application number.
This is not your ctcLink Student ID.

3–5 days later, you will receive another email with your ctcLink Student ID number.

Help is available in room R130 with the application when needed.

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Step 2: Submit an ABE/GED/HS+ Intake Form

After you receive a ctcLink ID number submit an ABE/GED/HS+ Intake Form.

ABE/GED/HS+ Intake Form

You must have a ctcLink Student ID and an email address you check regularly.

Our programs fill up quickly, so please complete your forms as soon as possible. Do not wait until the last minute.

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Step 3: Check your email often

After we receive your Intake Form, we will email you with your next steps. You should receive this email within 7 days.

Please read the email carefully and complete any required steps as soon as possible.

  • If you need to register for an Orientation, the registration instructions will be included in the email.
  • You must register right away, or your spot may be given to another student.

You may receive additional emails with more steps to complete, depending on the program you are signing up for.

  • Please follow these instructions right away.
  • In some cases, we cannot register you for classes if we do not receive the information or documents we requested.

The ABE program offers day and evening courses.  The English and math courses begin at elementary levels and provide rigorous academic instruction for GED® preparation, college preparation, and employment. Sustained progress is required for continued enrollment.

ABE math classes help students learn math operations and use math in real situations. In the five different levels, they develop skills to:

  • Add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers.
  • Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals, fractions, and percents.
  • Solve basic and intermediate algebra and geometry problems.
  • Read and analyze data, charts, and graphs

ABE English classes help students improve their reading and writing skills. In the four different levels, they develop skills to:

  • Read articles, papers, short novels, maps, graphs, charts, and other types of writing.
  • Write evidence-based, persuasive short and extended responses and essays
  • Improve grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.

More information coming soon!

GED® Test Preparation classes at Bellevue College are designed for students with well-developed reading skills to:

  • Review and prepare for the four GED® tests.
  • Identify readiness to take the GED® tests based on in-class practice tests.
  • Develop test-taking strategies and study skills.

Important Links

Before you are allowed to register for classes in any of our programs (ABE, HS+, GED), we must have the one of the following forms completed and on file:

Age 16-18 Permission to Attend – School District Release
Age 16-18 Permission to Attend – Homeschool Release

Tuition is $25 per quarter for the Adult Basic Education (ABE) and High School Plus program, no matter how many classes you take with us.

Paying your tuition:

  • Pay online with a card through the self-service portal on Ctclink. Instructions are online for making a payment.
  • Pay by phone 425-564-2309 with a card, Monday through Friday from 8:30a.m. to 4:00p.m.
  • Pay in person at Bellevue College in the U building first floor (at counters in the lobby).
  • Tuition Waiver – help with tuition and parking is available if you have financial need. Apply for a tuition waiver here.

WORKFORCE EDUCATION

If your income is currently limited or you are currently receiving Basic Food Assistance (SNAP/EBT) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) from DSHS, or you are receiving unemployment insurance benefits (UI), the Bellevue College WorkForce Education office may be able to help you pay for tuition, textbooks, childcare or transportation costs.  To qualify, you can Apply Online, or visit them for more information. They are located in the U Building, 2nd floor, in U 212.

  • Adults who are at least 16 years old.
  • Students under 19 must be formally released from high school before registering for classes, unless you already have a high school diploma. See the drop-down menu above titled “Students age 16-18 – IMPORTANT INFORMATION” for more information.
  • T and U Visa holders are eligible for our programs.
  • Washington State residents are eligible for our programs.
  • Student with these Visa types, please pay attention to the following:
    • T visa or U visa holders ARE eligible for our programs
    • F-1 or M-1 visa holders are not allowed to participate in publicly (state or federal) funded adult education. Please see our International Education office for assistance.
    • J-1 visa holders (nannies, au pairs. student exchange) on are required to participate in college-level academic classes, not BEdA classes. Homeland Security may have additional procedural rules regarding non-citizens.
    • B-1 or B-2 visa holders are not allowed to participate in any study or education programs according to the U.S. Department of State.

Please visit the High School + web page for information specific to the HS+ program.

Contact Us

Email us at abe@bellevuecollege.edu

Website manager Ted Mansfield

Last Updated June 1, 2026