The question of whether it is possible to study as an adult is often accompanied by doubts and uncertainty. However, in Edmonton and the province of Alberta in general, the education system is designed with the understanding that each person's life path is unique, and returning to school as an adult is not only possible but actively encouraged. Evening schools in Edmonton represent a comprehensive system of educational institutions specifically designed for those who want to complete their secondary education, improve their grades for college or university admission, or simply improve their basic skills. For newcomers to Canada, especially Ukrainians who plan to integrate into Edmonton society and move toward better employment opportunities, evening school is often a critical step in their educational and professional trajectory.
Definition of an adult student and conditions for enrollment
First and foremost, it is important to understand how the Alberta education system defines an adult student and what requirements individuals must meet in order to access educational services. In Alberta, an adult student is officially defined as a person who has reached 20 years of age by September 1 of the current school year. However, a related category called mature students includes individuals who have reached 19 years of age by September 1 of the current school year or who hold a previously obtained high school diploma from Alberta or an equivalent diploma from another jurisdiction recognized by the Minister of Education.
It is important to understand that these definitions have practical implications for how adult students can navigate the education system. Adult students in the Alberta education system, unlike younger students, have more flexibility in how they can earn credits and obtain a diploma. For example, adult students can enroll in any high school courses they wish, regardless of whether they have completed the necessary prerequisite courses. This means that if an adult student wants to take an advanced course in mathematics or science but has not taken the prerequisite courses, they can still do so. This provides tremendous flexibility for adults who may not have a clear record of all the courses they have taken in the past or who may have gaps in their educational history.
Major educational institutions offering evening courses for adults
Edmonton has several major institutions that specialize in evening education for adults. Each has its own structure, schedule, and features that may suit different student needs.
Metro Continuing Education
Metro Continuing Education is one of the largest and most widespread institutions offering adult programs in Edmonton. It is a division of the Edmonton Public Schools Board (EPSB), which means it is part of the province's official education system. Metro offers evening and weekend high school courses specifically designed for those who cannot attend classes during the regular school day due to work, family, or other commitments.
Metro Continuing Education is located at 7835 76 Avenue NW in Edmonton. The institution is located in a complex that is easily accessible by public transportation. The Metro office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closing at 4:00 p.m. in July and August). Adults taking their first steps are encouraged to contact Metro at 780-428-1111 or visit metrocontinuingeducation.ca for detailed information on schedules and availability.
Metro offers both 5-credit courses and 3-credit courses covering a wide range of subjects, including English, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences. The cost for adult students for a 5-credit course is $1,024 CAD, plus a program fee of $75 CAD (non-refundable). In addition, if a student is required to write a provincial exam to obtain a diploma, the exam fee is an additional $50 CAD.
More importantly for many adult students, especially newcomers, Metro offers a flexible schedule. Evening classes are held after traditional working hours, allowing people who work during the day to continue their careers while pursuing their education. Some courses are also available online, providing even more flexibility for those with limited mobility or who live far from the main campus.
NorQuest College
NorQuest College is a leading public college in Edmonton, serving over 17,500 students each year. The college offers Academic Upgrading, a program designed specifically for adults who wish to complete their high school education or improve their grades for admission to post-secondary education. Unlike Metro, NorQuest functions as an accredited high school, which means that the courses students take at NorQuest are often more flexible in their requirements compared to a traditional school.
The Academic Upgrading program at NorQuest is designed for adult students and offers both part-time and full-time options. The college recognizes that many adult students have work and family commitments and therefore offers schedules that take these realities into account. Courses at NorQuest can be taken either in a classroom or online, providing maximum flexibility for students.
One of NorQuest's unique features is its High School Equivalency Diploma program. To be eligible for this diploma at NorQuest, a student must complete a total of four courses at the high school level with a grade of 50% or higher. At least two of these four courses must be completed directly at NorQuest. This means that adult students can transfer credits from other educational institutions, which often speeds up the process of obtaining a diploma.
It is important to note that NorQuest has a positive attitude toward adult students. The college understands that adults have unique needs and often bring with them a wealth of work and life experience. NorQuest staff are specially trained to work with adult students, and they create an atmosphere in which adults feel comfortable and supported.
Concordia University of Edmonton
Concordia University of Edmonton also offers opportunities for adult students who want to earn a high school diploma. Concordia focuses on higher education, but also offers programs for adults who have less traditional educational backgrounds.
Requirements for graduating high school as an adult student
Adult students in Alberta have specific requirements for obtaining an Alberta High School Diploma. While these requirements may sometimes seem challenging, they are actually designed to be more flexible than traditional school requirements.
Core compulsory courses
To obtain a regular Alberta high school diploma, an adult student must complete certain compulsory courses.
English is a critical requirement, and the student must complete a Grade 30 (or higher) course, choosing between English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2. The first course is more challenging, while the second course is designed for students who wish to fully express their communication skills but may be focused on the practical application of the language. Each of these courses is worth 5 credits.
Social Studies is another required area. Students must complete Social Studies at the 30 level (or higher), which is also worth 5 credits. This course covers Canadian society, history, and government.
Mathematics is the third core area. Students can choose between Math 20-1, Math 20-2, or Math 20-3, depending on their plans and comfort level. Each of these courses is worth 5 credits. It is important to note that adult students do not need prerequisite courses for these math courses — they can enroll directly in any course they choose.
Natural Sciences is the fourth required course. Students must complete Science at the 20 level (or a more specialized course such as Biology 20, Chemistry 20, or Physics 20), which is also worth 5 credits. Again, there are no prerequisites.
In addition, adult students must complete Physical Education 10 (3 credits) and Career and Life Management (3 credits). These courses are designed to develop time management, career planning, and physical health skills.
Elective Credits
In addition to these core courses, adult students must earn an additional 10 credits in any combination of courses, which may include both specialized disciplines (e.g., graphics, programming) and additional courses at the 20 or 30 level. Finally, students must complete 10 credits in any Level 30 course (excluding the core English and social sciences courses already required).
The total number of credits required for the diploma is 100 credits, although the distribution of these credits gives students considerable flexibility in choosing their educational path.
Alternative Credentials and Exams
High School Equivalency Diploma
For some adult students, obtaining a full high school diploma is not the goal—they may simply want to demonstrate a certain level of educational achievement. For this, the High School Equivalency Diploma is an option. To obtain this diploma, a student must demonstrate that they have completed a minimum of 60 credits through classroom instruction. After that, students can earn additional credits through a variety of mechanisms, including age (on a scale of 5 to 15 credits depending on whether you are over 21 or over 30), extensive travel, or even intensive reading.
Canadian Adult Education Exam (CAEC)
Recently, Alberta introduced a new Canadian Adult Education Certificate (CAEC), which replaces the older GED exam. This exam was developed by Canadians for Canadians and legitimizes the educational achievements of adults who did not complete traditional high school. The CAEC covers five subjects:
- Reading
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
To be eligible to take the CAEC, a person must be 19 years of age or older and have not completed high school.
The cost of taking the CAEC is CAD 70 per subject, which means that a student taking all five subjects will pay CAD 350. The exams are held at official testing centers and administered by a coordinator.
Schedule and Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of evening schools in Edmonton is their flexibility. For working adults, having a flexible schedule is critical. Metro Continuing Education offers evening classes, which are typically held after 5:00 or 6:00 p.m., allowing students to finish their full workday before heading to class. Some classes are also held on weekends, providing additional flexibility for those with unpredictable work schedules.
In addition, online courses have become increasingly popular, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many educational institutions, including Metro and NorQuest, offer asynchronous online courses, which means that students can complete their work at their own pace. This is particularly useful for people with unpredictable work schedules, parents with limited flexibility in their time, or newcomers who may be less confident in their ability to follow a live English class.
A typical schedule for an adult student enrolled in a 5-credit part-time course involves approximately 8 hours of study per week. This can be divided into two evening sessions of 4 hours each, or the student can complete the work in an asynchronous format when they have time. For full-time students who want to accelerate the completion of their program, more intensive schedules are available with more hours per week.
Cost and Financial Aid
The cost of attending evening school for adults in Edmonton varies depending on the program and institution. As mentioned, Metro Continuing Education charges $1,024 for a 5-credit course for adult students, plus a $75 program fee and potentially $50 for an exam.
NorQuest College has a slightly different pricing structure. Specific prices for Academic Upgrading courses may vary, but the college often offers lower rates than Metro for certain programs, especially for full-time students. For part-time adult students, the cost is typically around CAD 150-300 per credit, although this varies.
Financial Aid and Grants
For those facing financial barriers, there are assistance programs available. Alberta offers the Foundational Learning Assistance Program, which can cover tuition costs for some students who meet income criteria. However, it is important to note that funding is limited and is generally only available to students who are enrolled full-time. Students who are enrolled part-time (e.g., evening classes only) are typically not eligible for this funding.
In addition, federal grants may be available to adult students who are returning to school after a break. For example, if you have been “out of school” for more than 10 years, you may be eligible for a special federal grant. It is important to research this by visiting albertasupports.ca or calling your local financial aid office.
Reasons for adults to return to school
Understanding the reasons why adults choose to return to school can help you determine if this is the right path for you. For many people, especially newcomers to Canada, the reasons are very practical and important for their future.
Career prospects and higher income
One of the most important motivations for adults to return to school is to increase their earning potential. Studies consistently show that people with a high school diploma have higher lifetime earnings than those without one. Furthermore, many jobs in Canada—from management, administration, and construction services to technical positions—require at least a high school diploma as a basic qualification.
For newcomers to Canada, this means that completing a diploma can often be seen as the first step toward getting a job that pays better and offers more opportunities for advancement.
Admission to post-secondary education
Many adults return to school not because they want a diploma, but because they plan to continue their education at a college or university. Post-secondary institutions often have specific courses that are required for admission, such as English, mathematics, or science at a certain level. For adults who did not complete high school or who have grades lower than required, repeating these courses in night school is a way to improve their qualifications for admission.
Professional certification and trades
Some professions, such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or other trades, require a certain level of educational achievement before entering training. For these individuals, night school allows them to meet these basic requirements while they can remain employed.
Personal growth and confidence
For many adults, returning to school is not only an economic necessity, but also an act of personal growth. Returning to school, especially as an adult when one often has more responsibilities, demonstrates a strong sense of purpose and readiness to take on challenges. Many adult students report that even if they are unsure of their academic abilities at the beginning, they experience a significant increase in confidence after completing the program.
Complexities and challenges for adult students
While Edmonton's evening schools offer tremendous flexibility, it is important to understand the challenges adult students may face.
Time management and stress
Adult students who work full-time tend to be under significant stress. They must balance work, family, household responsibilities, and school. For some students, this proves very difficult, and they may fall behind or even drop out of their courses.
Academic skills
Some adult students have been out of school for many years and may feel that their academic skills are rusty. Reading, writing, and solving math problems are skills that require practice. The good news is that most educational institutions recognize this and offer support resources such as tutoring, writing clinics, and academic advising.
Language barrier for newcomers
For newcomers from Ukraine or other non-English-speaking countries, the language barrier can be a significant challenge. While some programs, such as English as an Additional Language (EAL) or English Language Institute (ELI) at Metro, are specifically designed to support English language learners, evening college courses are often taught at a pace that assumes a comfortable command of English. These students may find it helpful to start with basic EAL courses before moving on to full academic courses.
Support and Resources
While the challenges are real, Alberta's education system is designed to be as supportive as possible to adult students.
Counseling and Academic Support
Most educational institutions in Edmonton provide academic advising to help adult students select appropriate courses, understand completion requirements, and develop a realistic study plan. These advisors often have experience working with adult students and understand the unique flexibilities required for this demographic.
Library Services and Resources
The Edmonton Public Library offers free resources for adults who are preparing for exams or studying specific subjects. The EPL also offers access to LinkedIn Learning, which covers job skills and professional development.
Study Groups and Peer Support
Many adult students find great value in study groups, where they can work together on material and help each other. Adult students often form strong bonds with classmates who understand their challenges and can offer empathy and practical support.
Conclusions and Next Steps
The answer to the question “Can adults attend Edmonton evening schools?” is a resounding YES. The Alberta education system actively supports adult students through a range of programs designed with the understanding that adults often have unique needs and circumstances that differ from younger students.
For newcomers to Canada and Ukrainians considering returning to school, Edmonton's evening programs offer a practical and realistic path to achieving educational goals. Whether you are looking to complete your high school diploma, improve your grades for college admission, or simply improve your basic skills, the Edmonton education system has options that may be right for you.
The first step is to contact one of the major educational institutions — Metro Continuing Education (780-428-1111), NorQuest College, or your local Alberta Supports office — to learn about your options and develop a plan that works for your specific circumstances. Remember: going back to school as an adult isn't just about getting a diploma; it's about redesigning your future and showing your loved ones, especially your children, the value of education and perseverance. It's never too late to start!