San Mateo Adult and Career Education prepares adults from diverse backgrounds and educational needs for success in college, career, and community engagement. Our programs provide equitable opportunities to access and acquire academic, workforce, life,
Fully accredited by the schools commission of the Western Association of
• Students will set and meet academic, career and/or (individual) goals at any age.
• Students will gain knowledge and apply critical thinking skills to achieve their goals.
• Students will engage with, integrate and utilize technology.
The Equity and Anti-Bias Committee is searching for ways to support our school’s attempt to raise staff, teacher and student awareness regarding how race and other factors affect our behavior, thinking, curriculum and the environment at our school community. We are committed to open discussion, formulating a clear policy, providing resources and meaningful training to help all staff.
We are confident that the formulation and efforts of this committee will be an opportunity to communicate with one another and understand our own struggles and experiences surrounding bias. We are in this together. And together, we will all put our best efforts towards a common goal- to ensure that we treat others and that we are treated with the dignity and respect we each deserve.
Angela Taylor, Director
Greetings and Welcome to our 2025 Fall Semester! At San Mateo Adult & Career Education (SMACE), we are committed to and pride ourselves on “preparing individuals from diverse backgrounds and educational needs for success in college, career and community engagement." Begin or continue your journey with us! Whether you want to learn English, study for the GED, become a phlebotomist, or go to college, the opportunities are endless. Sign up for classes and take that first step toward achieving your educational and career goals. Join SMACE and become part of our exciting school community! We are here and waiting to meet you!
Sincerely, Angela Taylor | Director
Through hands-on learning and extensive resources, San Mateo Adult & Career Education will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to advance your career in a high demand industry.
CAREER & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
HEALTHCARE EDUCATION
Our Career & Professional Development courses offer the knowledge required to advance in your career or gain the skills needed to give you an advantage when entering the workforce.
Enroll in the Professional Communications program and get the essential skills you need to thrive in any workplace environment. Students who successfully complete the program and pass the final exam will receive a certification in Professional Communications by Southwest Airlines, helping them to enter the workforce with an advantage.
Communications M, W 9/8 - 12/10 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Person, Room 42
Instructor: Lura Milner
Instructor: Carlos Lazalde Parra
Instructor: CERTs - Jim Yoke
Instructor: Patricia Brown ESL City Government Academy Th 9/4 - 11/20 8:30AM - 12:30PM
Our healthcare programs offer certifications and hands-on training in high-demand health and medical careers.
If you to get started in a career in healthcare but lack experience, check out our FREE Healthcare Administrative Assistant class! It’s a short course designed to introduce students to the principles of introduction to healthcare basics and is an excellent way to explore the medical field.
“This center is the best, where you can learn and obtain a career in several types
T, Th 9/9 - 10/30 9:00AM - 12:00PM Healthcare Administrative Assistant FREE
In Person, Room 42
Instructor: Patel/Milner
Hybrid: Online & In-Person Labs
Instructor: Heidi Carmen Clinical Medical Assistant Training Program
Dates: 9/3 - 12/13 (6 In-Person Lab Days)
M, W 6:00PM - 9:30PM Online Sa 9:00AM - 4:30PM Lab
Instructor: Garcia/Tolentino Dispensing Optician Training
Hybrid: Online & In Person
Online
Instructor: CalRegional EKG Technician Training (Morning)
M, W Dates TBD* 8:30AM - 12:30PM
*Please visit the website for additional dates.
Online
Instructor: CalRegional EKG Technician Training (Evening)
M, W Dates TBD* 5:30PM - 9:30PM
*Please visit the website for additional dates.
Instructor: Heidi Carmen Home Health Aide T, Th Summer 2026 6:00PM - 9:00PM
In Person, Room 42
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist
Instructor: Reed/Miles T, Th 10/7 - 3/12 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Instructor: CalRegional Phlebotomy Technician Program
SMACE in Rm 41; Labs will be held offsite at a Cal Regional lab site
9/15 - 10/27 5:30PM - 9:30PM
6/25 - 7/11* 5:30PM - 9:30PM 11/17 - 1/15
9/6 - 12/13 8:00AM - 5:00PM
The healthcare industry has a high demand for Pharmacy Technicians. Our comprehensive course will prepare you to enter the pharmacy field and take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s PTCB exam. You’ll receive hands-on training both in the classroom and during an externship, and once you successfully complete the program, you qualify for a clinical externship at a local pharmacy! Scholarships and payment plans available.
8/23 - 1/27 Online
*Location is at GCC Lab
Pharmacy Technician Training Program
Instructor: Career Training Solution
6:00PM - 9:30PM 9:00AM - 12:30PM
M, Th 7/21 - 12/11 6:00PM - 9:30PM
We offer essential computer classes to help students thrive in any workplace environment.
Instructor:
Instructor: Dimon
8/19 - 12/11 12:30PM - 3:30PM
8/22 - 12/12 8:30AM - 12:30PM
Instructor: Dimon M, W, Th 8/20 - 12/11 5:30PM - 9:00PM Microsoft Office Specialist: Word & PowerPoint 2019
Hybrid: Online, In Person at SMART Center, Mercury
Instructor: Dimon Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel
Th 8/18 - 12/11 5:30PM - 9:00PM Th 8/21 - 12/11 5:30PM - 9:00PM
Both Intro to Accounting and Quickbooks Comprehensive are offered at no cost, and a free, one-year trial of QuickBooks Online is available for students.
Typing tests and certificates for employment and personal purposes are available for a fee of $20. For appointments or questions, please contact SMAS_CTEinfo@smuhsd.org. Walk-in hours are Wednesday or Thursday, 12:30 - 2:30pm. SMART Center, Mercury
Hybrid: Online, In Person at Mercury in Smart Center Instructor: TBD
5:30PM - 8:30PM
Hybrid: Online, In Person at Mercury in Smart Center
Instructor: TBD
5:30PM - 8:30PM
Community Classes are meant to encourage skill development and socialization. Courses are open to adults of all ages.
Learning another language offers numerous benefits, such as improving memory, enhancing brain function, and reducing cognitive decline. Consider enrolling in one of our classes Spanish or Italian classes and start learning today!
Immerse yourself in the Spanish language from the comfort of your home, or work on your conversational Italian in the Level 1 or Level 2 class we offer.
• Spanish Level 1
• Spanish Level 2
• Conversational Italian Level 1 (offered in person & online)
• Conversational Italian Level 2 (offered in person & online)
• West Bay Community Band*
*This class is also part of our Programs for Active Adults.
“Want to learn Italian and actually enjoy it? Conversational Italian with Tiziana Balestra is the class for you! Tiziana is an exceptional teacher who expertly blends grammar, practical conversation, real-world scenarios, and cultural insights, making learning Italian interesting, exciting, and fun.”
- Gabriel C.
Instructor: Mary Weng Spanish Level 1 W 9/3 - 11/5 4:00PM - 5:30PM
Online
Fee: $170
Online
Instructor: Mary Weng Spanish Level 2
Fee: $170
F 9/5 - 11/7 12:30PM - 2:00PM
Conversational Italian Level 1In Person
Foster City Community Center
Instructor: Tiziana Balestra
Conversational Italian Level 1Online M 8/11 - 12/1 6:30PM - 8:30PM
Online
Instructor: Tiziana Balestra
Fee: $190 No class 9/1,11/24
Conversational Italian Level 2In Person Th 8/14 - 11/20 9:00AM - 11:00AM Fee: $190 No class 9/1,11/24
Foster City Community Center
Instructor: Tiziana Balestra
Online
Instructor: Tiziana Balestra
M 8/11 - 12/1 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Fee: $190 No class 9/1,11/24
West Bay Community Band*
Location TBD
Instructor: Washburn
Fee: $140
M 8/11 - 12/8 7:00PM - 9:00PM No class 9/1
Fee: $190 No class 9/1,11/24 *This
Conversational Italian Level 2Online Th 8/14 - 11/20 6:30PM - 8:30PM
These are classes for adults age 50+ and designed to encourage the pursuit of knowledge through lifelong learning. Whether it’s developing a passion for painting, learning how to draw, improving your fitness, or writing a memoir, these classes have wonderful benefits for adults.
• Small Group Drawing and Painting, Level 1
• Small Group Drawing and Painting, Level 2
• Watercolor Painting (7 weeks)
• Watercolor Painting (8 weeks)
• Fundamentals of Fine Art
• West Bay Community Band*
*This class is also part of our Community Classes.
• Fall Prevention 1
• Fall Prevention 2
• Move, Stretch, & Strengthen
• Pilates & Yoga Fusion
• Small Group Yoga
• Online Yoga: A Gentle Effective Practice
• Yoga for Health - In Person (San Bruno & Foster City)
• Small Group Tai Chi: For Beginners
• Small Group Tai Chi: Advanced
• Small Group Tai Chi for Better Balance
These classes can help you meet people who share your interests and offer an inexpensive way to try something new! Consider getting a guest pass to one of our Health & Fitness classes or enrolling in an art class to learn how to draw. There’s something for everyone!
• Current Events • Writing: Memoirs and Stories
Scan the QR code or click to view more class details and enroll today. Try something new! CLICK
Enhance your art skills in drawing and painting! Class sizes are kept small so each student receives personal instruction.
Intermediate to experienced adults will benefit from demonstrations on technique and composition. Personalized instruction or consultation available upon request.
Curious about what materials you need for these classes? Email Program Coordinator Jeri McGovern at jmcgovern@smuhsd.org for a materials list.
SMACE, Rm. 23
Instructor: Matt Crane Small Group Drawing and Painting Level 1 Th 9/18 - 10/23 1:30PM - 3:30PM
Fee: $110
Small Group Drawing and Painting Level 2 Th 11/6 - 12/18 1:30PM - 3:30PM
SMACE, Rm. 23
Instructor: Matt Crane
Fee: $110 No class 11/27
Instructor: Matt Crane Watercolor Painting (7 weeks) Th 10/30-12/18 9:30AM - 12:00PM
San Mateo Senior Center
Fee: $125 No class 11/27
Instructor: Matt Crane Watercolor Painting (8 weeks) Th 9/4 - 10/23 9:30AM - 12:00PM
San Mateo Senior Center
Fee: $142
If you’ve been itching to play again, come join the West Bay Community Band! Our band has over 40 fun-loving musicians who enjoy playing music of all styles and appreciate being part of an ensemble. For more information, contact Erinn Washburn at erinnwashburnschool@gmail.com.
Instructor: Washburn West Bay Community Band* M 8/11 - 12/8 7:00PM - 9:00PM No class 9/1
Location TBD
Fee: $140
Fundamentals of Fine Art T 9/9 - 12/9 12:30PM - 2:30PM W 9/10 - 12/3 12:30PM - 2:30PM
SMACE, Rm. 23
Instructor: Julie Paladino
Fee: $150 No class 11/11, 11/25, 11/26
Learn the fundamentals of art: drawing, color, shape, form, value, perspective and texture, in a variety of mediums: graphite, watercolor, color pencils, water soluble colored pencils, pastels, portraiture, and more! The class is non-judgmental. All skill levels are welcome.
*This class is also part of our Community Classes.
These classes provide opportunities to optimize physical and mental fitness, helping to improve your functional balance and overall agility.
TRY OUT A HEALTH & FITNESS CLASS WITH A GUEST PASS
A Guest Pass is a great way to sample a class before enrolling in it! Guest Passes can be used for most Health and Fitness classes and can be purchased for $12 from the instructor or online.
Millbrae Rec Center, Senior Gym
Instructor: Jeri McGovern Fall Prevention 1
Fee: $60
T 9/16 - 10/14 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Scan the QR code or click to purchase a Guest Pass for yourself or a friend! Purchase A Pass
Millbrae Rec Center, Senior Gym
Instructor: Jeri McGovern Fall Prevention 2
Fee: $60 No class 11/11
T 10/21 - 11/25 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Instructor: Jeri McGovern Move, Stretch & Strengthen
Millbrae Rec Center, Senior Gym
Fee: $75 No class 9/26
M 9/8 - 12/15 9:30AM - 10:30AM W 9/3 - 12/17 9:30AM - 10:30AM
San Bruno Senior Center
Instructor: Juliet Martine Pilates & Yoga Fusion
Fee: $75
M 8/11 - 12/15 2:30PM - 3:30PM No class 9/1, 11/24
Fee: $60
San Bruno Senior Center
Instructor: Daniela Scott Yoga for HealthIn Person, San Bruno Fee: $75
8/14 - 12/11 10:30AM - 11:30AM Yoga for HealthIn Person, Foster City
11/27
Foster City Community Center, Port Rm.
Instructor: Juliet Martine
Instructor: Daniela Scott Th 8/14 - 12/11 10:30AM - 11:30AM Martine T 8/12 - 12/9 10:30AM - 11:30AM Scott No class 11/11, 11/25, 11/27
Fee: $75
M 9/22 - 10/20 4:00PM - 5:00PM
M 10/27 -12/1 4:00PM - 5:00PM
M 8/11 - 9/15 4:00PM - 5:00PM No class 9/1, 11/24
Instructor: Juliet Martine Online Yoga: A Gentle Effective Practice No class 9/1, 11/24 M 8/11 - 12/15 10:15AM - 11:15AM
Online
Fee: $75
“As a 79-year-old, I was seeking both physical activity and social connection, and the Tai Chi For Beginners class provided just that. The confidence I’ve gained from improved balance has greatly enhanced my daily life. I look forward to each session and the opportunity to make new friends.”
- Peggy L.
Improve your balance, flexibility, and agility with a small group Tai Chi class. Learn and practice movements designed to enhance stability, increase joint mobility, and improve coordination.
Small Group Tai Chi: For Beginners
Millbrae Rec Center, Senior Gym
Instructor: Debbie Au
Writing: Memoirs and Stories
Online
Instructor: Judi Leff
Fee: $165
9/5 - 12/12 10:00AM - 12:00PM
9/5 - 12/12 1:00PM - 3:00PM
W 9/3 - 12/17 2:00PM - 3:00PM
Fee: $75 No class 9/24
Small Group Tai Chi: Advanced
Foster City Community Center, Starboard Rm
Instructor: Debbie Au
“Taking Judi Leff's Memoirs and Stories writing class was an incredibly enriching experience. Judi excels at cultivating a supportive and inspiring environment. Her guidance and insightful feedback taught me how to overcome writing blocks and discover my authentic voice.
Th 8/14 - 10/9 9:00AM - 10:00AM
Th 10/16 - 12/11 9:00AM - 10:00AM
Fee: $100 No class 9/25, 11/27
Small Group Tai Chi: For Better Balance
Foster City VIBE Center
Instructor: Debbie Au
Connect with other adults who enjoy engaging in thought-provoking, lively conversations about the world in which we live. New topics weekly, drawn from local, national, and global events. Keep your mind sharp through engagement!
Current Events
Online
Instructor: Judi Leff
Th 8/14 - 9/11 10:15AM - 11:15AM
Th 9/18 - 10/23 10:15AM - 11:15AM
Th 11/13 - 12/18 10:15AM - 11:15AM
Fee: $75 No class 9/25, 11/27
T 8/22 - 12/12 1:30PM - 3:00PM
Fee: $90 No class 11/25
Having a High School Diploma or GED opens up a world of opportunities that may otherwise be unavailable to people who haven’t finished high school or a high school equivalent.
Let us help you take that first step toward earning your diploma or GED!
With a high school diploma or GED, you can:
Increase job opportunities
Help you prepare for better career opportunities
Prepare you for community college
“SMACE provides a sense of community and belonging. Through class lessons and school activities, students develop skills and abilities to be productive and successful.”
-Katherine G.
Qualify you for financial aid to further your education
We offer quality teacher-led instruction and independent study options across programs, the majority of which are open entry. Get ready to start your future today!
The Adult Learning Center at San Mateo Adult & Career Education provides the opportunity for adult students to earn credits toward a high school diploma. Instruction is individualized, so each student works on the specific courses he or she needs. Courses are textbook and computer-based. Teachers are always available to work one-on-one with students. Goal setting, skill building, and career and life planning are incorporated into the classes.
To enroll in the High School Diploma Program, you must first attend a mandatory orientation session. Please bring an official copy of your most recent high school transcript to the orientation or email your transcripts to Carlota Zuniga czuniga@smuhsd.org. (Contact the registrar at your most recently attended high school to request an official transcript.)
HSD/GED orientation sessions are in the mornings or evenings at San Mateo Adult & Career Education, offered in English and Spanish. Students should plan to attend the session that corresponds to the time they are planning to attend classes. Check SanMateoAdultEd.org for dates and times.
For more information, please call or email Carlota Zuniga at (650) 558-2116 or czuniga@smuhsd.org.
Our High School Diploma and GED Programs are FREE!
We recommend our GED program to students who need more than 30 credits. They will complete classwork and GED practice tests to prepare for the official GED exams. We’re also excited to offer GED in Spanish classes!
6:00PM-9:00PM
WE CAN HELP YOU PASS THE TEST!
Our preparation classes will get you ready to take your GED. They cover the 4 subjects on the test, which are broken into separate exams: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science & Social Studies. You’ll take one test at a time and we can help you schedule each one.
(In Person)
6:30PM-9:00PM
San Mateo Adult & Career Education (SMACE) is an official GED TEST SITE. Visit www.ged.com to register for the official GED test(s). TAKE YOUR GED TEST AT SMACE SAN MATEO OFFICIAL GED TEST DATES: Tuesdays 5:30PM-8:45PM
San Mateo Adult and Career Education's FREE ESL classes teach English vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading, writing, and tech -
In-person registration takes two days and you must attend both days. You’ll need a Gmail account to register.
• 50 Students will be selected by lottery to register. The lottery starts at 8:45AM and 5:45PM. Don’t be late! (No need to arrive more than 15 minutes early.)
Thanks so much for teaching me my first words in English! Really very much appreciated! Thanks to all the efforts made by the wonderful teachers! Don't have enough words to thank the wonderful staff! This is where I met who's now my wife 33 years ago! Love you guys!!
-Esteban R.
Visit our website to view registration dates.
If you attended an ESL class between 2017 and Fall 2024 and want to return, please email your name, date of birth and your preference for a morning or evening class to SMAS_ESLinfo@smuhsd.org and we will contact you with information about registration. Scan the QR code or
to watch videos and learn how to get started.
Originally from Russia, Marina worked as a child psychologist for 17 years before immigrating to California in 2011. She began her journey at SMACE as a Beginning ESL student and quickly became an active leader in the school community. From 2014 to 2016, she advocated for adult education, helped organize school events, served as a Student Council officer, and joined the first Student Ambassador team. Notably, in 2014–2015, Marina represented adult learners as a student representative in the AB86 WorkGroup during the formation of California’s 70 adult education consortia.
In 2016, Marina was hired as an English Learner Specialist at SMACE, where she supported immigrant students through registration and placement in ESL classes. She also began coordinating the Student Ambassador Program and supporting Student Council advisors, deepening her commitment to student engagement.
Marina has become a voice for student leadership at both the state and national levels. She has presented at major confer-
ences such as CCAE, COABE, MAACCE, and AAACE, focusing on student voice, leadership, and integration. Her work has been featured in three editions of the COABE Journal (2020, 2023, 2024), and she’s collaborated with CALPRO in webinars on democratic literacy and student leadership.
In June 2024, Marina became the SMACE Student Success Coordinator, a role that allows her to focus even more deeply on student leadership and engagement. She helps students integrate into their new community while supporting them in achieving their educational, personal, and professional goals.
With a deep-rooted passion for mental health, Marina believes that empowering immigrant students to take active roles in their school communities can help combat loneliness, isolation, and homesickness. As she says, “By helping others, you also help yourself.”
789 East Poplar Ave. San Mateo, CA 94401 (next to San Mateo High School)
San Mateo Adult & Career Education
789 E Poplar Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
Central Park Recreation Center
50 E 5th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
Belle Air Elementary School
450 3rd Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066
Foster City Community Center
1000 E Hillsdale Blvd, Foster City, CA 94404
Foster City Recreation Center
650 Shell Blvd, Foster City, CA 94404
Mills High School
400 Murchison Dr. Millbrae, CA 94030
Millbrae Recreation Center
477 Lincoln Circle, Millbrae, CA 94030
San Bruno Senior Center
1555 Crystal Springs Rd, San Bruno, CA 94066
San Mateo Senior Center
2645 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA 94403
535-3766
Scan or click the QR code to visit the San Mateo Union High School District website
The Navigator NewsBlast is your compass to navigate through the sea of opportunities and resources available at SMACE. Your journey towards personal and professional development starts here with the Navigator NewsBlast!
Experience democracy in action by joining our Student Council, where your voice matters. As a member of the Student Council, you'll collaborate with peers to address student concerns, plan engaging events, and enact positive change within our school community. Elevate your leadership potential and leave a lasting legacy as a representative of your fellow students.
