The Capistrano Unified Adult and Community Education program provides a wide array of traditional Adult School courses and an extensive menu of recreation, hobby, sports and visual and performing arts courses for residents living within CUSD boundaries.

The Capistrano Adult School enrolls approximately 10,000 students each year, ages 18 to 90. Classes are available during morning, afternoon and evening hours.

Many students attend daily English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classes in order to become contributing community members. Vocational education students take classes in state-of-the-art computer labs to prepare for new occupations or to bring their skills up to latest technology standards.

The Adult School offers students the opportunity to obtain their high school diploma or prepare for the GED Exam. Each June, a high school graduation takes place to celebrate and highlight the accomplishments of students.

The family literacy program CAFÉ (Capistrano Family English) is held at district elementary schools by the Adult School. The purpose of CAFÉ is to help families learn English together and teach parents methods for tutoring their children. Babysitting and other benefits make it possible for parents to participate in this innovative program. CAFÉ brings awareness and confidence to families as they attend school together.

Many older adults enroll in computer classes to upgrade their skills. These computer classes are often run in collaboration with senior centers in the area. Older adult classes are also offered on the topics of family relationships, physical and mental fitness, and historical perspectives.

Parenting classes have always been popular at the Adult School. Mommy and Me classes are offered every day at the main campus and at other sites. Other parenting classes offer assistance to parents with pre-school and school-age children.

The Community Education part of the Adult and Community Ed program offers an extensive menu of fee-based courses to over 11,000 students each year. Both adults and children enjoy classes offered days and evenings. These classes include painting and ceramics, performing arts, foreign language, creative writing, photography and CBEST test preparation. Summer and after school courses for children include sports, science day camps, foreign language camps, arts and crafts camps, cooking camps and literature camps. There is a comprehensive aquatics and water polo program at each district swimming facility, as well as tennis instruction at CUSD campuses.

Program highlights at CUSD Adult and Community Education:

— English as a Second Language (ESL)

— Vocational education (computer classes)

— High school diploma and GED classes

— Family literacy classes (CAFÉ)

— Classes for older adults

— Home economics

— Adult basic education

— Parent education

— Fine Arts

— CBEST prep classes

— Foreign language classes

— Aquatics and Water Polo programs

— SAT Prep Classes

— Tutoring

— After School Activities