Vermont Adult Learning helps adult learners, ages 16 and older, acquire reading, writing, math, and computer skills to earn high school diplomas/GEDs. We teach English Language Learners skills to advance educationally and at work. We engage in workforce development. Our services are offered at no cost and are available in person and online. Text VAL to 833-900-0907 or contact a Learning Center nearest to you to learn more!
Interested in remote learning? Check out VAL’s Online Learning Center (OLC) course catalog.
Note for in-person learning: We no longer require masks in our learning centers. Anyone at high risk or wishing to continue wearing a mask for other reasons is welcome to do so. We will continue to have masks available in our centers for those who need them.
Those who choose to wear a mask do so because it is a decision they have made for their health and safety. Vermont Adult Learning expects that decision to be respected. If you have concerns about your safety, please let us know so we can discuss options to address them.
Dog Days of Summer Become an OLC Happening (10/8/2025) - The “Dog Days of Summer” became an Online Learning Center phenomenon for a High Intermediate English Language Learning class recently. ELL Instructor (and Dog Lover) Leigh Smith began a “Dog Days” unit to draw on and build reading, writing, speaking and listening skills comparatively early in the season – back in May, starting with a focus on dogs at war by reading and discussing the chapter “A Soldier’s Best Friend” from an Usborne Level 3 reader Animals at War. Her class then moved into a full-length reading of Jon Katz’s book A Good Dog, about the life and work of… 
Staff Profile: Ellie (9/29/2025) - We’re excited to introduce you to Ellie, a new addition to our Windham County team and just one of the people driving our work forward. Learn more in our latest staff Q&A below! Name: Ellie Hayden Role at VAL: ABE English Language Arts Instructor Where were you born? Massachusetts What is your educational background? I went to Skidmore College for undergrad and University of Wisconsin - Madison for my MA in English Literature. Interesting past job? I was a tour guide at the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, MA! Ask me anything about her. What is a unique hobby or interest you have? I… 
Comcast Grant Celebrated at Windham Open House (9/22/2025) - Last week, VAL's Brattleboro team proudly welcomed community members, local businesses, and prospective students to an open house at our new Windham County Learning Center, located at 113 Technology Drive. The event showcased the transformative impact of adult education and celebrated a $20,000 grant from Comcast supporting the Center’s new Digital Learning Lab, which expands digital literacy and technology access. During the open house, guests toured the facility and experienced the wide range of resources available to adult learners in Windham County, including the Center’s new Digital Learning Lab, made possible through Comcast’s generous support. The lab provides enhanced Internet… 
St. Albans Students Enjoy a Day of Learning at Lake Carmi (9/16/2025) - On August 7th, students from Vermont Adult Learning in St. Albans took their education outdoors with a hands-on investigation at Lake Carmi, focusing on water quality and the challenges posed by cyanobacteria. “Lake Carmi provided a living laboratory for students,” said Kristy Hancox, teacher. “By testing water quality and discussing molecular processes, students connected abstract scientific concepts to issues that affect their own community.” While visiting, students were also able to enjoy local wildlife, walking trails, lake-side snacks, and a visit to the nature center, where they spoke to park interpreters - park staff solely dedicated to helping visitors learn more about the natural and cultural history of the park… 
A Day at Plymouth State Park for ELL Students (9/4/2025) - The following was shared after a visit to Plymouth State Park from VAL English Language instructor, Jessie MacLean. This visit was made possible thanks to support from Vermont Parks Forever: August 2, 2025. On this beautiful, warm, and sunny afternoon, 3 o'clock to be exact, 3 Venezuelan families, a total of 12 people, met me at Plymouth State Park in Plymouth Vermont for a get together. The minute I found out from my Regional director, Karen Harker, that VAL had free state park passes to distribute to staff, I immediately started planning a get together for some of my ELL… © Vermont Adult Learning