July 14 is Graduation Day for 72 students!
Congratulations!

Westbay Adult Education Academy

Carefully designed for eligible non-traditional students, Westbay Adult Education Academy provides free classes in a positive learning environment to encourage and assist students in pursuing their educational goals.

Whether it’s earning a GED, receiving additional preparation before applying for college, or acquiring more skills to obtain or retain employment, Westbay engages student by identifying how each individual learns and retains information. The instructors then develop the most appropriate techniques to help students focus on the necessary steps and skill sets needed to achieve their goals.

The instructors at Westbay appreciate that every student comes to class with a different experience, and that their goals and achievements are very individual and personal. They strive to create a welcoming, safe place for students to overcome barriers and fears that have kept them from successfully completing academic goals, to help them achieve their diploma and move on to a better job or higher education.

Melanie LaMountain
Director
Melanie LaMountain is a recent arrival to Westbay, but comes with more than 25 years of experience in the adult education and social service fields. Her background includes teaching, preparing students for GED testing and teaching English Language Learners.

As director, Melanie is strengthening programs by further developing curriculum, updating materials, and incorporating technology. She is also pursuing the Academy’s goal of making education more accessible to students, by collaborating with the Westbay Community Action CEO, Jeanne Gattegno, to develop a computer-based, long distance learning program.

Melanie oversees a staff of three instructors, and volunteers and interns when needed.
She has a B.A. in Human Development from California State University, Long Beach, and has also pursued graduate studies in education from National University in San Diego, California.