We are delighted to report that Piedmont Adult School has completed its mid-cycle progress review from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Our accreditation was reaffirmed with no qualifications, which is the best possible outcome and means that no additional visits will be recommended before our next full-cycle visit in 2028.
WASC accreditation demonstrates that a school offers quality educational programs and has the necessary resources and practices in place to achieve its educational goals. Accreditation is particularly important for our high school diploma program graduates, as colleges and universities are more likely to accept graduates from accredited schools.
We are proud of the work we have accomplished and look forward to continuing to grow and support our students!
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Piedmont Adult School, and the public is invited to help us celebrate!
- Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
- Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm. (Presentation at 7pm)
- Place: 801 Magnolia Avenue, Piedmont
Light refreshments will be served.
Piedmont Adult School has evolved over the years, seeing many changes as it weathered shifting funding, changing public interest and priorities, and the unprecedented Covid-19 epidemic. Today the Adult School offers more than 70 different community classes, in addition to its free, state-funded programs in High School Diploma, English as a Second Language and Career Technical Education.
Please join us to commemorate half a century of Education for Life!
Learning, laughter and creativity are brought together in our Beginning Improv class, led by instructor Griffen Bier. The class is open to adults of all experience levels, and draws students who are looking to expand their skills, boost confidence, and connect with others through improvisation.
Griffen discovered improv in college and has been involved in both performing and teaching ever since. At Piedmont Adult School, he’s known for creating a supportive space where students feel comfortable trying new things and learning through play. “Improv isn’t just about performance,” Griffen explains. “It’s really about building confidence, listening, and being present with others.”
The class introduces students to the core principles of improv, including the “yes, and” mindset, character building, and collaborative storytelling. Sessions are structured around fun, interactive exercises that help participants develop spontaneity, creativity, and communication skills. Student Sharon Bjornson shared, "I enjoyed the Beginning Improv class so much I signed up two times. Griffin gives you lots of explanations of how to do Improv and makes it so much fun!”
The next session of Beginning Improv runs on Tuesdays from April 15 to May 13, 7:00–8:30 p.m. To register, visit piedmontadultschool.org or call (510) 594-2655.
After overcoming academic hurdles and personal challenges, recent high school graduate Sally Lopez is on the road to achieving her dream: becoming a registered veterinary technician.
Sally grew up in the Modesto area, where she attended an overcrowded public high school. Struggling to stay focused and get the support she needed, she transferred to an alternative program her senior year. With the added pressure of working full-time, she found it difficult to keep up with schoolwork and ultimately had to leave before graduating.
Sally relocated to the Bay Area and found work as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic. Her dedication and passion for animals earned her a promotion to veterinary technician—a role she quickly fell in love with.
“I have been wanting to get my diploma for a while so I could go to college and get my registered veterinary technician license,” Sally shared. “I wanted to motivate myself to move forward.”
She began searching for high school diploma programs online and discovered Piedmont Adult School. The flexible, online format turned out to be a perfect fit. “Everything at the school was great—very clear and user-friendly,” she said. “The online modules were easy to understand and detailed. It made me feel more confident that I could do it.”
Now, with her diploma in hand, Sally is setting her sights on college and professional certification. She hopes her story will encourage others who may be struggling to stay motivated. “A lot of the time, people feel overwhelmed or think getting a high school diploma isn’t worth the effort. But at the end of the day, it’s so worth it. It made me feel proud of myself. I never thought I would have the time—but I did it!”
