Education Services
Welcome to Class
At the Catherine McAuley Center, adult learners attend classes taught by caring tutors and staff in a welcoming space where opportunity awaits.
CMC’s Education Services provides free one-on-one tutoring and small group classes for adult learners studying English as a Second Language (ESL), preparing for the U.S. Citizenship exam or High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), or improving basic math, reading, and computer skills. Students meet weekly with a volunteer tutor or Education staff member, in-person or online.
Through classes at the Catherine McAuley Center, students gain the knowledge and skills that empower them to achieve their goals and become more involved in the community.
Who We Serve
Over 600 adult learners attend classes through Education Services at CMC each year! Students range from 18 to 70+ years of age, and most are studying English as a Second Language. Together, students represent over 50 countries around the globe! Common goals of students are to communicate better in daily life, start a new career, and to be able to support their children in school.
Learn at CMC
Are you ready to improve your future and build new skills? Education is the first step! At the Catherine McAuley Center (CMC), you can attend free classes and get tutoring from friendly staff and tutors.
Improving your English skills, gaining your High School Equivalency, or learning how to use a computer – whatever your goals may be, classes at CMC will help increase opportunities in your job, school, and daily life.
You are in charge of your own success, and CMC is here to help you along the way! CMC offers a wide variety of adult education classes to help you achieve your goals.
Learning at CMC Provides
- FREE one-on-one help from tutors
- FREE classes
- Flexible class/tutoring times
- Practice resources
- Learning at your own pace
- Computer access
- A friendly and relaxed place to learn AND the option of online classes
Tutor at CMC
As a tutor, you can teach students one-on-one or small group classes, either in-person or online. By giving one hour per week of your time, you can help adult learners gain confidence speaking English, feel prepared and knowledgeable to take the U.S. Citizenship exam, or learn how to use a computer to apply for jobs. You can have a direct impact on the life of one of the nearly 100 students on our waiting list by becoming a tutor today!
Classes at CMC
Our classes are one teacher and one student, or in small groups. One-on-one classes help students with their goals at any English or learning level. Study online or here at the Catherine McAuley Center!
Learn English with a one-on-one tutor! We have teachers available for any level of English – from learning your letters to college preparation.
Learn to read and write with a one-on-one tutor. These classes include beginning literacy skills and advanced literacy skills.
Learn math in a group class. We welcome English learners and native English speakers from beginning to advanced.
Computer classes focus on beginning computer skills and are taught by a teacher to a group of students. This is a student-driven class where your teacher can help you learn what you want to know.
Options are available for citizenship class. You can have a one-on-one tutor or participate in a group class. The group class is a 6-month course that goes into detail about American history, culture, and how to be a citizen after citizenship. We can connect you to free lawyers to help with paperwork.
These are group classes that focus on culture and conversation. You can join in-person at CMC or online!
We will help you prepare to take the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) with one-on-one tutoring.
This is a group class that helps you begin studying English and building digital literacy skills.
Register for Classes
To get started, come to the Catherine McAuley Center to fill out a registration form, and we will schedule an appointment for you to take your placement test. No need to study or feel nervous about the test! It’s simply used to help Education Staff understand your learning level to match you with the class and books that best fit your goals.
Visit us at 1220 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA anytime Education Services is open:
Monday – Thursday: 8:00am – 7:30pm
Friday – Saturday: 8:00am – 12:00pm
- Drop-in to complete the registration form and schedule an appointment to take the placement test.
- Come back for your appointment and plan for 1 hour to take the test.
- CMC will connect you with the classes that fit your learning goals!
Learning Resources for Students
Looking for extra practice while you study at CMC? Attend group conversation classes or use one of the computers in the Computer Language Lab! Find more practice tools at CMC’s student resources website below.
Student FAQs
Here are a few questions we often receive from new students. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for here, please call Education Services at (319) 731-0444.
Classes at CMC are free!
The Education Program at CMC focuses on Adult Basic Education. We work with students who are 18 years or older.
The placement tests help us determine how much English you know already. We use this information to decide which book level will be good for you.
Most students come in for 1 hour per week. Let us know if you want more class time. You can also use the computers in the Computer Language Lab for more English language practice.
CMC offers one-on-one tutoring, so schedules are flexible! Classes are offered in-person and online. The education program is open:
- Monday – Thursday 8 am – 7:30 pm
- Friday & Saturday 8 am – noon
Yes! We have a space with toys, games, and books for children. You can always take classes with your children in the room. We also offer free child care while you attend classes if needed.
Your teacher will be a volunteer tutor or an Education staff member.
Our staff speak many languages. We will do our best to help you no matter what language you speak!
Catherine McAuley Center is located at 1220 5th Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Our parking lot is located just off of 5th Avenue.
Education Services Blog
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In October 2019, CMC was offered a unique opportunity to partner with Raining Rose and expand our education services outside of the Center. Raining Rose ...
Seeds of Hope: CMC Helps the Entire Family From The Mustard Seed, Summer 2011 Maria grew up in an impoverished community in Mexico, where she ...
Contact Education Services
For more information, please contact us using the information below.
Education Services Hours
Monday – Thursday: 8am – 7:30pm
Friday & Saturday: 8am – noon
