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 Schools and Colleges.
• Students will set and meet academic, career and/or individual goals.
• 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 2025 Summer 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
your
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.
Invest in yourself!
Take a class to launch a new career or climb the ladder in your current one.
• 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)
• Medical Billing & Coding Specialist
• Home Health Aid
• Pharmacy Technician Training Program 1 & 2
• Phlebotomy Technician Program
• AWS Cloud Foundations Training
• AWS Solutions Architect Training
• Basic Data Analytics Using Alteryx
• Introduction to AI
• Intro to Accounting
• Quickbooks Comprehensive
• Computer Lab
• Google Basics
• Microsoft Word & PowerPoint 2019
• Office 365 Cloud Essentials
• Microsoft Excel Certification Part 1 and Part 2 offered
“This center is the best. You can learn and obtain a career in several types of fields and apply your skills to several upstanding companies as I have.” - Hope M.
Our healthcare programs offer certifications and hands-on training in high-demand health and medical careers.
If you want a lucrative and rewarding career but have no prior experience, check out our FREE Introduction to Healthcare Basics class! It’s a short course designed to teach students the basics of healthcare careers and help them explore various job opportunities.
“The classes set solid goals for succeeding and I enjoyed every part of my class. With my NHA CCMA credentials, I was ready to take the Phlebotomy Technician Training Program of which Iʼm happy to say I am now dually credentialed and have a full-time job doing what I love.”
- Patricia U.
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist
Instructor: Reed/Miles
T, Th 4/15 - 9/4 6:00PM - 7:30PM
It’s one of the many training programs we offer! Held 100% online, the EKG Technician Program is designed to help students master the skills necessary to assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of various cardiovascular problems. Become certified as an EKG technician in just 3.5 weeks and be on your way to starting a career in healthcare!
Pharmacy Technician Training Program 1 & 2
Online
Instructor: Career Training Solution
6:00PM - 9:30PM 9:00AM - 12:30PM Sa
6:00PM - 9:30PM
*Please visit the website for additional dates.
SMACE in Rm 41; Labs will be held offsite at a Cal Regional lab site Instructor: CalRegional Phlebotomy Technician Program
Our courses are an excellent way to explore the medical field. Check out our free Healthcare Administration Assistant class, or enroll in the Clinical Medical Assistant Training Program to learn how to assist a physician in providing quality patient care.
Scan the QR code or click to get started. Are you ready to enroll?
Launch your cloud career with AWS Academy! Our curriculum prepares you for industry-recognized certifications and in-demand cloud jobs. Two cutting-edge courses will keep you at the forefront of AWS cloud innovation, giving you the skills employers are looking for in this rapidly expanding field. Get trained, get certified, get hired!
Alteryx
Francis Reyes
1:00PM - 9:00PM
This course introduces data basics, processes, and analytics, with a focus on
Basic finance knowledge and skills are important tools for almost any profession and business. These courses will help anyone who is interested in a career in accounting, bookkeeping, finance, or owning a business.
The last part of the Intro to Accounting course includes an introduction to Quickbooks, setting you up for the next step in your finance career.
QuickBooks Comprehensive meets all the objectives of the QuickBooks Certified User exam.
Instructor: Demetrius Booker Intro to Accounting M, W 5/11 - 7/9 12:30PM - 3:00PM
Hybrid: Online, In Person at Mercury in Smart Center
Hybrid: Online, In Person at Mercury in Smart Center
Instructor: Demetrius Booker
Th 5/12 - 7/9 12:30PM - 3:00PM
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.
Scan the QR code or click to view course times, days, and fees.
We offer essential computer classes to help students thrive in any workplace environment.
Our computer lab is set up for individuals who are seeking to build or enhance their basic computer skills, such as typing, Google Basics, using Microsoft Office, or doing homework. Teacher
San Mateo Adult School, EOF
Instructor: Dimon Computer Lab M, W, Th 5/11 - 7/9 12:30PM - 3:30PM
San Mateo Adult School, EOF
Instructor: Dimon Google
5/12 - 7/10 12:30PM - 3:30PM
For almost four years, Alice Cheng has worked for San Mateo Union High Schools, but recently, her career path circled back to where it all began at San Mateo Adult and Career Education (SMACE). Four months ago, she joined the adult school staff as an office assistant and hopes her journey will inspire others.
Back when she was enrolled at SMACE, Alice took the Microsoft Office class. She credits instructor, Jeanne Dimon, for her success in the class due to Dimon’s dedication and patience in teaching. Alice feels it was Dimon’s clear explanations, encouragement, and support that made learning both enjoyable and meaningful. The class not only created a positive and engaging classroom environment, but also helped her build confidence and skills that allowed her to transition into a new career.
Through Alice’s hard work and the guidance she found at SMACE, she was able to set out onto a new path that led to the job she has now. She feels sincerely grateful for her time at the adult school and gives a heartfelt thank you to SMACE for providing a wonderful environment for students and the community. Without that support, she feels she wouldn’t have had the opportunity to switch her career path four years ago and hopes her story proves that a passion for learning, no matter at what age, can lead to inspiring results.
Earning a Microsoft certification can set you apart in the job market and shows employers and hiring managers that you have the necessary skills to do the job.
Community Classes are meant to encourage skill development and socialization. Courses are open to adults of all ages.
NEVER STOP LEARNING!
Enroll in a Community Class and become a lifelong learner! You can learn Spanish or work on your Italian in a foreign language class, join the West Bay Community Band (no audition required!), or check out our Afternoon at the Opera class, taught by the knowledgeable mezzo-soprano Deborah Rosengaus!
• Spanish Level 1
• Spanish Level 2
• Conversational Italian Level 1 - Online
• Conversational Italian Level 1 - In Person
San Mateo Adult Career and Education offers Italian and Spanish classes for working adults to improve their foreign language skills for their personal benefit and/or career.
• Afternoon at the Opera: How Opera Grew Up*
• West Bay Community Band*
We currently offer two different community courses that celebrate the joy of music. Both courses are a great way to learn about and appreciate music.
*These classes are also part of our Programs for Active Adults.
Scan the QR code or click to learn more about our classes and get registered today! Ready to enroll?
“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. Thanks to SMACE, I was able to find a sense of belonging.”
- Claudia A.
Take the time to learn practical Spanish and Italian including vocabulary, grammar, and conversation.
Spanish Level 1
Online
Instructor: Mary Weng
W 5/7 - 7/9 4:00PM - 5:30PM
Spanish Level 2
Online
Instructor: Mary Weng
F 5/9 - 7/18 12:30PM - 2:00PM
No class 7/4
Conversational Italian Level 1
Instructor: Tiziana Balestra
Online
M Returns Fall 2025 6:30PM - 8:30PM
In Person, Foster City Community Center
M Returns Fall 2025 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Designed to teach students how to interpret music and understand the creative process behind musical productions.
Instructor: Washburn West Bay Community Band*
Mills High School
Fee: $140
M 5/5 - 7/7 7:00PM - 9:00PM
No class 5/26
Afternoon at the Opera: How Opera Grew Up*
Hybrid: Online or In Person at Millbrae Recreation Center
Instructor: Deborah Rosengaus
Fee: $125
T 5/6 - 6/3 2:30PM - 4:00PM
Learn how fashion, religion, and politics have helped opera evolve over its 400-year history.
These are classes for adults age 50+ and are designed to encourage the pursuit of knowledge through lifelong learning. Whether it’s developing a passion for painting, learning how to draw, improving your health, or researching your family history, these classes have wonderful benefits for adults.
There’s probably a class near you! Active Adult classes can be found at eight different locations in San Mateo, Millibrae, San Bruno, and Foster City.
• Small Group Drawing and Painting, Level 1
• Small Group Drawing and Painting, Level 2
• Fundamentals of Fine Art
• Watercolor Painting
• Afternoon at the Opera: How Opera Grew Up*
• West Bay Community Band*
*These classes are also part of our Community Classes.
• Fall Prevention 1
• Fall Prevention 2
• Move, Stretch, & Strengthen
• Pilates & Yoga Fusion
• Small Group Tai Chi for Better Balance
• Small Group Tai Chi 101: Beginner
• Small Group Tai Chi 103: Advanced
• Yoga for Health - Online
• Yoga for Health - In Person
• Current Events
• Memoirs and Stories Scan the QR code or click to view more class details and get Try something new!
All skills levels are welcome in our Fundamentals of Fine Art class! Learn about drawing, color, shape, form, value, perspective and texture while working with a variety of art mediums, such as graphite, watercolor, color pencils, water soluble colored pencils, pastels, portraiture, and scratch board. Enhance your art skills and personal style in a judgment-free zone!
Curious about what materials you need for these classes? Email Program Coordinator Jeri McGovern at jmcgovern@smuhsd.org for a material's list.
Enhance your art skills in drawing and painting! Class sizes are kept small so each student receives personal instruction.
Instructor: Matt Crane Small Group Drawing and Painting Level 1 Th 5/15 - 6/12 1:30PM - 3:30PM
San Mateo Adult School, Rm. 23
Fee: $110
Small Group Drawing and Painting Level 2 Th Returns Fall 2025 1:30PM - 3:30PM
San Mateo Adult School, Rm. 23
Instructor: Matt Crane
Fee: $110
San Mateo Adult School, Rm. 23
Fee: $150
Instructor: Julie Paladino Fundamentals of Fine Art W 5/7 - 7/16 1:30PM - 2:30PM T 5/6 - 7/15 12:30PM - 2:30PM
San Mateo Senior Center
Watercolor Painting Th 6/12 - 7/17 9:30AM - 12:00PM
Instructor: Matt Crane
Fee: $75
Take a class where you can join the West Bay Community Band or learn about the amazing women in the genre of opera.
Community Classes help you meet people who share your interests and offer an inexpensive way to try something new!
West Bay Community Band*
Mills High School
Instructor: Washburn
Fee: $140
M 5/5 - 7/7 7:00PM - 9:00PM No class 5/26
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 periods, performing, and appreciate being part of an ensemble.
For more information, contact Erinn Washburn at erinnwashburnschool@gmail.com.
Purchase a Guest Pass for Afternoon at the Opera: How Opera Grew Up and drop in on a lecture for only $26! EXPERIENCE THIS CLASS WITH A GUEST PASS!
Hybrid: Online or In Person at Millbrae Recreation Center
Instructor: Deborah Rosengaus
Fee: $125
Afternoon at the Opera: How Opera Grew Up (The History of Operra)* T 5/6 - 6/3 2:30PM - 4:00PM
Learn how opera has evolved from its conception during the 1600s in the courts of Italian nobility through its troubled teen years seeking popularity across Europe, all the way to its reinvention in the 21st century. Hear musical excerpts from the greatest composers and video clips of incredible productions from prestigious opera houses around the world.
These classes provide learning opportunities to optimize physical and mental fitness, helping to improve your functional balance and overall agility.
Did you know that taking a Health & Fitness class not only keeps your mind sharp and your body moving, but it can also increase your confidence, improve coordination?
Gain a feeling of well being and improve your overall health today by enrolling in one of our classes!
Instructor: Jeri McGovern Fall Prevention 1 T 5/6 - 6/3 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Millbrae Recreation Center
Fee: $60
Millbrae Recreation Center
Instructor: Jeri McGovern Fall Prevention 2 T 6/10 - 7/8 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Fee: $60
Millbrae Recreation Center
Instructor: Jeri McGovern Move, Stretch & Strengthen M 5/5 - 7/14 9:30AM - 10:30AM W Returns Fall 2025 9:30AM - 10:30AM
Fee: $75 No class 5/26
Instructor: Juliet Martine Pilates & Yoga Fusion M 5/5 - 7/14 2:30PM - 3:30PM No class 5/26
San Bruno Senior Center
Fee: $75
Are you ready to enroll?
Scan the QR code or click to learn more and get registered today!
Small Group Tai Chi: for Beginners
Millbrae Recreation Center, Gym
Instructor: Debbie Au
Fee: $75
W 5/7 - 7/16 2:00PM - 3:00PM
Small Group Tai Chi: Advanced
Foster City Community Center, Starboard Rm
Instructor: Debbie Au
Instructor: Juliet Martine Small Group Yoga M 5/5 - 6/9 4:00PM - 5:00PM No class 5/26 Fee: $60 M 6/16 - 7/14 4:00PM - 5:00PM
In Person, San Bruno Senior Center
Yoga for Health - In Person
San Bruno Senior Center
Fee: $75
Th 5/8 - 7/18 9:00AM - 10:00AM
Fee: $125 No class 6/19
Small Group Tai Chi for Better Balance
Foster City Community Center, Starboard Rm
Instructor: Debbie Au
No class 6/19
In Person, Foster City Community Center, Port Rm.
Instructor: Juliet Martine
Fee: $75
Th 5/8 - 6/5 10:15AM - 11:15AM
Fee: $75 No class 6/19 Th 6/12 - 7/17 10:15AM - 11:15AM
Online
Fee: $75
M 5/5 - 7/14 10:15AM - 11:15AM
Instructor: Juliet Martine Online Yoga: A Gentle Effective Practice No class 5/26
Instructor: Daniela Scott Th 5/8 - 7/17 10:30AM - 11:30AM Martine T 5/6 - 7/15 10:30AM - 11:30AM Scott
Instructor: Daniela Scott Th 5/8 - 7/17 10:15AM - 11:15AM Scott No class 6/19
“Becoming a staff member from a student, I have seen increase in the number of students, the different types of the teaching methods, deepening of cooperation with communities and expansion of career training.” -Bei X.
In this a small, intimate online class, get all the tips, support, and encouragement you need to explore the art of writing. Work on memoir, poetry, creative nonfiction, fiction, or personal essays in a reflective class that will sharpen your writing skills and tell your story. Whether you have never written a word, or are a long-time scribbler, your instructor and fellow writers will help you hone your writing and storytelling skills.
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!
Fee: $110
Fee: $85
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!
Scan the QR code or click to learn more and enroll 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.)
(In Person)
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!
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.
LET US HELP YOU PASS THE TEST! San Mateo Adult & Career Education (SMACE) is an official GED TEST SITE.
San Mateo Adult and Career Education's FREE ESL classes teach English vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading, writing, and technical skills.
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 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.
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.
Scan the QR code or click to watch videos and learn how to get started. Learn
Summer Semester begins on May 15
Moving to California in June 2024 from Vietnam marked a fresh start in Quynh Anh “Ana” Toczek’s life. Her family immigrated from Vietnam to Russia when she was a child in 1990, and during those difficult times, she learned the importance of helping others and finding joy in giving back.
By August 2024, she joined San Mateo Adult and Career Education (SMACE), embracing the challenge of ESL High Advanced (all skills) and Listening & Speaking, later expanding into Business Entrepreneurship. In January 2025, Ana took on the Accounting class, and by February, she was honored to be elected Evening Student Council President. Volunteering as a Student Ambassador and Gardener allows her to connect with others, grow as a leader, and truly be part of something bigger.
Ana believes that SMACE is more than a school—it’s a force that uplifts and empowers. Here, every immigrant adult, regardless of age or origin, is respected, guided, and valued. Teachers and staff don’t just educate; they inspire. Through their support, Ana was able to adapt, thrive, and gain the confidence to reach for her dreams.
Within months, she landed a job offer at a California tech company, turning ambition into reality. Ana says that SMACE didn’t just shape her future—it ignited it, and that it feels like family here.
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
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.
