Adult & Continuing Education

Adult & Continuing Education at the RCDSB offers a unique and flexible learning program designed to help students successfully transition to five key destinations: a secondary school diploma, employment, post-secondary education, apprenticeship, or greater independence. The program provides multiple entry points, allowing students to begin based on their individual needs.

Adult & Continuing Education offers several different programs, including:

• • Get SET (Skills, Education & Training) program

  • English as a Second Language (ESL) classes

  • Upgrading or pursuing secondary school credits

  • Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process

Students can access the Get SET and ESL programs through in-person instruction or online, while secondary school credit courses are delivered online with optional in-person support available at various sites. This adaptable delivery model is central to the program, ensuring that students can pursue their academic and personal goals on a customized timeline that best suits their circumstances and learning pace.

Get SET (Skills, Education & Training) Program

Offered in Arnprior, Renfrew, Pembroke & Petawawa

Get SET is a non-credit program for adult learners (18 years of age and older) that can provide programming and support to them in several different ways, including:

• Upgrading of English and Math skills

• Developing digital technology skills for work, post-secondary programs or day-to-day life

• Preparing for aptitude testing for career entry, post-secondary education, or apprenticeship programs

• Preparation for PLAR testing 

• Training for job readiness or independent living

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes

Offered in Pembroke & Other Communities Throughout Renfrew County

ESL classes are for students whose first language is not English and who wish to develop skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. ESL classes are currently offered in Pembroke. Classes are available for eligible newcomers, including permanent residents and naturalized citizens. Students can enroll in a class at any time during the school year.

High School Credit Program

Offered in Renfrew & Petawawa

The Adult & Continuing Education High School Credit program is available to all Renfrew County adult learners.  Credit courses are offered via eLearning at various times throughout the school year (September to June).  Cooperative Education opportunities may also be available for students to earn credits through practical work experience opportunities.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Process

Offered in Arnprior, Renfrew, Pembroke & Petawawa

Previous Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is available to students working toward an Ontario Secondary School Diploma who are 18 or turning 18 in the current school year. PLAR is based on the number of credits previously achieved towards their OSSD, and their academic, work and life experience. 

Grade 9 and 10 credits may be achieved by completing the PLAR individual assessment or equivalency process.  Grade 11 and 12 credits may be granted based on students’ experiences that demonstrate the overall expectations of Ontario credit courses.

Additional information about all of these program offerings and how to register can be found on the RCDSB Adult & Continuing Education website.

RCDSB Adult & Continuing Education Program Sites

RCDSB Adult & Continuing Education Website

• https://rca.rcdsb.on.ca/ 

Arnprior Adult & Continuing Education Site

• 59 Ottawa Street, Arnprior (at Arnprior District High School)

• 613-432-3156 (Renfrew Site)

Pembroke Adult & Continuing Education Site

• 480 Mary St, Pembroke (at the Mary Street Education Centre)

• 613-735-0151 ext. 3325

Petawawa Adult & Continuing Education Site

• 2321 Petawawa Boulevard, Pembroke (at Pine View Public School)

• 613-687-2231

Renfrew Adult & Continuing Education Site

• 184 Bonnechere St South, Renfrew (at Renfrew Collegiate Institute)

• 613-432-3156