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, and technology skills.
Fully accredited by the schools commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
• 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.
Greetings and Welcome to our 2026 Winter/Spring 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
Scan the QR code or click to get started. Start your future today!
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.
Start your future today!
Scan the QR code or click to learn more and see full class descriptions.
• Building Trades Math Prep Program
• CERT (Community Emergency Response Team Training)
• ESL City Government Academy
• Professional Communications
• Healthcare Administration Assistant
• Clinical Medical Assistant Training Program
• Dispensing Optician Course
• EKG Technician Training (Morning & Evening offered)
• Computer Lab
• Google Basics
• Microsoft Office Specialist: Word & PowerPoint 2019
• Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel
Invest in yourself!
Take a class to launch a new career or climb the ladder in your current one.
• Medical Billing & Coding Specialist
• Home Health Aid
• Pharmacy Technician Training
• Phlebotomy Technician Program
• Business Entrepreneurship
• Intro to Accounting
• Quickbooks Comprehensive
Trades
Prep Program
Hybrid: Tuesday Class In Person in Room 43, Thursday Class Online
Instructor: Carlos Lazalde Parra
Th 1/13 - 4/23 6:00PM - 8:30PM
*A $20 registration fee is required to cover the cost of the workbook.
Instructor: CERTs - Jim Yoke CERT (Community Emergency Response Team Training)
In Person, Venus/Saturn
Th Summer 2026 8:30AM - 12:30PM
Instructor: Patricia Brown ESL City Government Academy Th Spring 2027 8:30AM - 12:30PM
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.
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. In Person
Our healthcare programs offer certifications and hands-on training in high-demand health and medical careers.
Healthcare Administrative Assistant FREE
In Person, Room 42
Instructor: Patel/Milner T, Th 2/3 - 3/26 9:00AM - 12:00PM
*This class has a $29 enrollment fee.
Hybrid: Online & In-Person Labs
Clinical Medical Assistant Training Program 6:00PM - 9:30PM 9:00AM - 4:30PM
(13 In-Person Lab Days: 7 on Wed & 6 on Sat)
*Payment plans and scholarships available.
Hybrid: Online & In Person
Instructor: Garcia/Tolentino 6:00PM - 8:45PM Training
EKG Technician Training (Mornings & Evenings)
8:30AM - 12:30PM 5:30PM - 9:30PM
*Please visit the website for additional dates. Payment plans and scholarships available.
In Person, Room 42
Instructor: Heidi Carmen Home Health Aide
T, Th 1/13 - 2/26 6:00PM - 9:00PM
*This class has a $29 enrollment fee.
Online
Instructor: Reed/Miles
T, Th 4/14 - 9/3
6:00PM - 7:30PM
*Payment plans and scholarships available.
“I will never forget this, thank you Teacher Dianne—you encouraged me to achieve my goals, thank you for sharing your knowledge and training me for my future in the medical career, a thousand blessings for you all yours. I will remember you forever.”
- Ennee N.
Pharmacy Technician Training Program
Online
2/3 - 6/27
Instructor: Career Training Solution T 6:00PM - 9:30PM 9:00AM - 12:30PM Sa M, Th 3/9 - 7/30 6:00PM - 9:30PM
*Payment plans and scholarships available. 4/7 - 8/29
Instructor: CalRegional Phlebotomy Technician Program M-Th 2/2 - 3/16 5:30PM - 9:30PM Sa 2/7 - 5/09* 8:00AM - 5:00PM M-F 2/23 - 3/11 5:30PM - 9:30PM 4/6 - 5/19
SMACE in Rm 41; Labs will be held offsite at a Cal Regional lab site
*Location is at GCC Lab Our classes can help you build a strong foundation for certification programs. Enroll today!
Instructor: Dimon Computer Lab
SMART Center, Mercury
1/12 - 4/23 12:30PM - 3:30PM
W,
SMART Center, Mercury
Instructor: Dimon
3/10 - 4/23
1/16 - 3/6 8:30AM - 12:30PM 3/13- 4/24 Hybrid: Online, San Mateo Adult and Career Education
Instructor: Milner Business Entrepreneurship M, T Dates TBD 5:30PM - 8:30PM
Microsoft Office Specialist: Word & PowerPoint 2019
Hybrid: Online, In Person at SMART Center, Mercury
Instructor: Dimon M, W 1/12 - 4/22 5:30PM - 9:00PM
*This class has a $49 enrollment fee.
Instructor: Dimon Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel T, Th 1/13 - 4/23 5:30PM - 9:00PM
SMART Center, Mercury
*This class has a $99 enrollment fee.
Instructor: TBD Intro to Accounting M, W 1/12 - 4/22 5:30PM - 8:30PM
*This class has a $49 enrollment fee.
Instructor: TBD Quickbooks Comprehensive T, Th 1/13 - 4/23 5:30PM - 8:30PM
Hybrid: Online, In Person at Mercury in Smart Center
*This class has a $49 enrollment fee.
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.
Community Classes are meant to encourage skill development and socialization. Courses are open to adults of all ages.
• Drawing for Beginners, Level 1*
• Follow-Along Painting Workshop*
• West Bay Community Band*
*These classes are also part of our Community Classes.
• Spanish Level 1 - Online
• Spanish Level 2 - Online
• Conversational Italian Level 1Online
Want to learn more about these courses? Visit SanMateoAdultEd.org to read class descriptions and register.
• Conversational Italian Level 1In Person • Conversational Italian
LEARN HOW TO DRAW IN A SMALL CLASS SETTING!
Instructor: Matt Crane Drawing for Beginners, Level 1*
SMACE, Rm. Neptune
Fee: $120
Th 2/5 - 3/26 1:30PM - 3:30PM
SMACE, Rm. Neptune
Instructor: Matt Crane 4-Week Follow-Along Painting Workshop* Th 4/2 - 4/23 1:30PM - 3:30PM
Fee: $120
Add a splash of color to your week! Are you curious about painting but don't know where to start? Join our 4-week follow-along painting workshop for adults of all ages and skill levels. No artistic experience is needed! Just bring a relaxed attitude and enjoy the process. Email acheng@smuhsd.org for a materials list.
Instructor: Washburn West Bay Community Band*
In Person, San Mateo High School
Note: This is a new location for 2026. Fee: $150
1/5 - 4/20 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Instructor: Mary Weng Spanish Level 2 - Online
$170
2/6 - 4/10 12:30PM - 2:00PM
Instructor: Mary Weng Spanish Level 1 - Online W 2/4 - 4/8 4:00PM - 5:30PM Fee: $170 Foster City Community Center
Instructor: Tiziana Balestra Conversational Italian Level 1In Person
$210
$210
1/26 - 4/27 6:30PM - 8:30PM
City Community Center Instructor: Tiziana Balestra Conversational Italian Level 2In Person
1/29 - 4/30 9:00AM - 11:00AM Fee: $210
Italian Level 2 -
Instructor: Tiziana Balestra
1/29 - 4/30 6:30PM - 8:30PM Fee: $210
CLICK
Scan the QR code or click to view more class details and enroll today.
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.
• Drawing for Beginners, Level 1*
• Follow-Along Painting Workshop*
• Watercolor Guided Workshop (9 weeks)
• Watercolor Guided Workshop (6 weeks)
• Fundamentals of Fine Art
• Fall Prevenion 1
• Fall Prevenion 2
• Pilates & Yoga Fusion
• Small Group Yoga
• Online Yoga: A Gentle Effective Practice
• Writing: Memoirs & Stories
• Current Events
• West Bay Community Band*
*These classes are also part of our Community Classes.
• Yoga for Health - In Person, San Bruno
• Yoga for Health - In Person, Foster City
• Small Group Tai Chi: For Beginners
• Small Group Tai Chi: For Better Balance in Foster City
• Small Group Tai Chi: Advanced
Enhance your art skills in drawing and painting! Class sizes are kept small so each student receives personal instruction.
Through a supportive mix of instructor demonstrations and personalized student practice, learn the fundamentals of art! Register for a drawing or a watercolor painting class today!
*Classes marked with an asterisk are also part of our Community Classes.
Drawing for Beginners, Level 1*
SMACE, Rm. Neptune
Instructor: Matt Crane
Fee: $120
Th 1:30PM - 3:30PM
This course is designed for complete beginners or anyone looking to sharpen their observational drawing skills. You'll get hands-on experience with the essential tools and materials while practicing fundamental techniques through focused exercises. We'll cover key concepts like Elements: Line, Shape and Form; Light & Space: Value (Light and Shade); and Linear Perspective and Composition.
Through a supportive mix of instructor demonstrations and personalized student practice, you'll quickly learn practical skills in a small class setting, ensuring you receive one-on-one instruction. Ready to get started? Email: acheng@smuhsd.org for a materials list.
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.
SMACE, Rm. Neptune
Instructor: Matt Crane 4-Week Follow Along Painting Workshop*
Fee: $120
Th 4/2 - 4/23 1:30PM - 3:30PM
Watercolor Guided Workshop (9 weeks)
San Mateo Senior Center
Instructor: Matt Crane
Fee: $172 No class 11/27
Th 1/8 - 3/5 9:30AM - 12:00PM
Watercolor Guided Workshop (6 weeks)
San Mateo Senior Center
Instructor: Matt Crane
Fee: $125
Th 3/12 - 4/16 9:30AM - 12:00PM
Instructor: Washburn West Bay Community Band* M 1/5 - 4/20 6:00PM - 8:00PM
In Person, San Mateo High School
Fee: $150
Note: This is a new location for 2026.
SMACE, Rm. Neptune
Instructor: Julie Paladino Fundamentals of Fine Art T 1/6 - 4/14 12:30PM - 2:30PM W 1/7 - 4/15 12:30PM - 2:30PM
Fee: $150
These classes provide opportunities to optimize physical and mental fitness, helping to improve your functional balance and overall agility.
San Bruno Senior Center
Instructor: Juliet Martine Pilates & Yoga Fusion
Fee: $85
M 1/5 - 4/20 2:30PM - 3:30PM
No class 1/19, 2/16
Millbrae Rec Center, Senior Gym
Instructor: Jeri McGovern Fall Prevention 1
Fee: $65
T 1/13 - 2/10 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Millbrae Rec Center, Senior Gym
Instructor: Jeri McGovern Fall Prevention 2
Fee: $65
T 2/17 - 3/17 1:00PM - 2:00PM
“I am so glad I found this Fall Prevention Balance class last year. These classes and Jeri’s knowledge and experience helped me recover from a broken hip and stay active with fewer aches and pain. I can’t wait to sign up for the next session.”
- Joan Z.
In Person, San Bruno Senior Center
Instructor: Juliet Martine M 1/5 - 4/20 4:00PM - 5:00PM No class 1/19, 2/16
Fee: $85
San Bruno Senior Center
Instructor: Daniela Scott In Person, San Bruno
Online
Instructor: Juliet Martine Online Yoga: A Gentle Effective Practice No class 1/19, 2/16
Fee: $85 Th 1/8 - 4/16 10:30AM - 11:30AM Yoga for HealthIn Person, Foster City
Foster City Community Center, Port Rm.
Instructor: Juliet Martine
M 1/5 - 4/20 10:15AM - 11:15AM Fee: $85
Instructor: Daniela Scott Th 1/8 - 4/16 10:30AM - 11:30AM Martine T 1/6 - 4/14 10:30AM - 11:30AM Scott Fee: $85 (650)
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 W 1/7 - 4/15 2:00PM - 3:00PM
Millbrae Rec Center, Fitness Gym
Instructor: Debbie Au
Fee: $85
No class 1/19, 2/16
Small Group Tai Chi: For Better Balance in Foster City
In Person, Foster City VIBE Center
Instructor: Debbie Au
Fee: $70
Th 1/8 - 2/5 10:15AM - 11:15AM
Th 2/19 - 3/19 10:15AM - 11:15AM
Th 3/26 - 4/23 10:15AM - 11:15AM
Small Group Tai Chi: Advanced
Foster City Community Center, Starboard Rm
Instructor: Debbie Au
Fee: $108 Th 3/5 - 4/23 9:00AM - 10:00AM
Th 1/8 - 2/26 9:00AM - 10:00AM
As a believer in the axiom “If you rest, you rust,” I have taken advantage of several Adult School classes; most recently, Tai Chi for Balance. This class has provided me both exercise and a sense of community. Keep up the good work! - Thomas M.
This is a small intimate online class. Get all the tips, support, and encouragement you need to explore the art of writing.
Writing: Memoirs and Stories F 1/9 - 4/17 10:00AM - 12:00PM F 1/9 - 4/17 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Online
Instructor: Judi Leff
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. TRY OUT A HEALTH & FITNESS CLASS WITH A GUEST PASS
Fee: $180 Scan the QR code or click to purchase a Guest Pass for yourself or a friend! Purchase A Guest Pass Today!
Have questions about these classes? Email Program Coordinator Jeri McGovern at jmcgovern@smuhsd.org. QUESTIONS?
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
Instructor: Judi Leff
Fee: $90 No class 11/25
T 1/6 - 4/14 1:30PM - 3:00PM
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
Qualify you for financial aid to further your education
Scan the QR code or click to learn more and enroll today! CLICK
“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.
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.)
Still have questions? Scan the QR code or click to visit our website and see FAQ.
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.
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!
(In Person)
6:30PM-9:00PM
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.
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 technical skills.
• ESL All-Skills Classes
• ESL Listening/Speaking Classes
• ESL Computer Lab
• Reading Improvement
• Citizenship
• Writing
• Pronunciation
Curious Contact ESL Coordinator Lisa Sparks at SMAS_ESLinfo@smuhsd.org or (650) 558-2100.
For me it is an honor and a pride to have been a student of the ESL Program at SMACE. The staff and teachers always made an effort to make learning a tool of high value to those of us who came to this country.
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.)
Visit our website to view registration dates.
If you attended an ESL class between 2017 and Fall 2025 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.
Short Bio: I’m from Argentina. I was an ESL student, part of the ESL City Government Academy, Secretary of the Student Council, Student Ambassador, and Volunteer.
How has SMACE supported you: When I came to California from Buenos Aires (Argentina) with my husband because of his work, my English was very poor. English was always my weakness, but thanks to the San Mateo Adult School I was able to improve my English, gain self-confidence, and participate in many activities that SMACE offered. First, I was an ESL student, but then I became part of the ESL City Government Academy, secretary of the Student Council, student ambassador, and volunteer both in and out of school. Studying and volunteering at SMACE has helped me learn and get more involved in the San Mateo community, attend other courses in and out of school, enroll in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program at College San Mateo, and volunteer at other events. Thanks to SMACE, I was able to discover how important and gratifying it is to volunteer and help others. I was able to find a sense of belonging.
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
Experience democracy in action by joining our Student Council, where your voice matters. As a member of the Student Council, you'll collabo rate 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.
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!
