Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer correspondence courses?
All of Next Step Continuing Education's courses are in a classroom setting. Next Step Senior High, a school entity under Elk Island Public Schools, does offer "self paced" high school credit courses. Please contact Next Step Senior High, Sherwood Park, at (780) 464-1899 for all their programming details or visit their website at http://www.eipsnextstep.ca/. Next Step Senior High has campuses in Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville and Lamont.
Is there a difference between a GED and a High School Diploma?
If you are a mature student who left high school early, there are two alternatives for achieving your high school equivalency. A student may take high school credit courses through an accredited institution such as Next Step Continuing Education or Next Step Outreach or a student may obain their GED. Both the GED and High School Equivalency Diploma are legally equivalent to each other, however, some post-secondary institutions and employers do not recognize them as the same.
Next Step Continuing Education offers mature students the opportunity to earn High School Diploma Credits through evening courses in a classroom setting. If you would like more information on these courses or, in the alternative, where you may obtain your GED, contact Next Step Continuing Education at (780) 467-7292.
Where can I take English as a Second Language (ESL) courses in Strathcona County?
While Next Step Continuing Education does not currently offer ESL courses, there are several options available for those seeking to learn English:
1. Weekly two-hour tutoring sessions are available through the Adult Literacy Program. Learners work with volunteer adult tutors and must have Canadian Citizen status or be a Permanent Resident in order to participate in the program. For Strathcona County, contact Deanna Bullock at 780-464-4044. For Fort Saskatchewan, contact Wendy Rhodes at 992-6281.
2. Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) now offers a Home Study Program through Norquest College. Students must have Permanent Resident status. For information, call 780-644-6700. To register, call 780-644-6000 or toll free 1-866-534-7218. Learn English at home!
3. The Canadian English Academy (CEA) offers conversation and pronunciation courses. Contact CEA for further course information at (780) 416-8168.
