Palo Alto Adult School: Education Is For Life

Our Classes

Summer
2013 Schedule
Adults with Disabilities
Arts & Crafts
Birding
Business & Finance
Career Training
Citizenship
Computer Skills
Computer Skills - Avenidas
Cooking
English Enrichment
English as a Second Language
GED® (General Education Development)
Health & Fitness
Home & Environment
Media
Music
Online Courses
Parenting & Family
Photography
Woodworking
World Languages
Writing & Literature
Writing Academy
55 Plus (Older Adults)

Summer
Schedule

This schedule valid through August 23, 2013

Download Schedule PDF »
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The Beginning Spanish class was a great experience and process for learning as an adult. I’ve been to Costa Rica twice since I started taking Spanish. The class really helped me muddle through my attempts at conversing. Colleen Patell
Mixed Media Fiber Artist
TI have taken Spanish classes for several years. Now, I can enjoy Spanish radio and TV, and it’s much more fun to travel in Spanish speaking countries. Join the class—it’s fun and you will learn a lot. Jean Thompson
Retired
The bilingual teacher for the Beginning Chinese class is excellent. Learning Chinese is a challenge! I really enjoyed learning the Chinese tongue-twisters. Eric Strauss
Physician
Last Spring, I took the Italian II class and really enjoyed the role playing and interviews in the class. I returned this Fall to attend the Italian 3 class at the Adult School. My Italian continues to improve, especially verb conjugations and vocabulary. It's a great class and I highly recommend it!" Cindy Asrir
Communications Program Manager, HP
After trying different classes in the Bay Area, the Japanese Beginner class at the Adult School is the best class I have had. The instructor is excellent. She adapts to the class needs and knows how to make the class fun through cultural readings, games, etc. Anne M.
Engineer
La maestra es la mejor! (Advanced Spanish class translation: The instructor is the best!) Chuck Thompson
(aka Carlos in class)
I have attended Graciela McCord's Advanced Spanish Conversation and Literature class for many years and will continue to do. This is a great course! We've read works by a variety of authors and playwrights from throughout the Spanish-speaking world. I've enjoyed laughing with the group about the amusing stories we've read, as well as discussing and debating our reactions to the more serious books. The weekly practice speaking Spanish in class has increased my vocabulary and improved my grammar. I now converse in Spanish easily and without hesitation when I meet people from Latin America and Spain. Carli Scott
Computer Scientist
I’ve taken Spanish at the Palo Alto Adult School from Leonardo McCord Salazar over the years. They’ve been some of the most enjoyable and memorable classes I’ve ever had. My lessons with Leonardo have served me well in trips to our sister city Oaxaca and other parts of Mexico. Barb Mackraz
Neighbors Abroad member
I heard about the Italian Conversation class from a friend and would definitely tell my friends to try it out. I was very satisfied with this class and have been able to expand my Italian conversation skills. I’ve been taking Adult Ed language (French and Italian) courses on and off at Palo Alto high School since 2002 and have found them to be enjoyable and helpful in my travels, language, art and music/opera appreciation Sada Chidambaram
The instructor for the Italian: Level III class, Stefania Filigheddu, is fabulous. She is lively, smart, very kind and helpful. I loved listening to Stefania speak Italian and I even enjoyed doing the homework. There is nothing that I would suggest changing about this course. Also, I was able to use my new skills while in Italy. Thanks Stefania! Beth Mills
Elementary school teacher, PAUSD
Buonissimo! Studying Italian at the Palo Alto Adult School has been a fabulous learning experience. I’m dying to go to Italy to put my new language skills to use. Amy Greene
High-Tech Marketing Manager
The Beginning German class was exactly what I wanted. Claudia Lee is a great instructor and made class fun and engaging. The book "German in 10 Minutes a Day" was fun and useful. I will definitely take another class here. Tara Gurtler
Molecular Biologist
I registered for an Intermediate Spanish class in order to 'brush up' on the language. I had taken three years of high school Spanish but had forgotten much of it. Our instructor was friendly, helpful and eager to teach us the important vocabulary and verb tenses we would need in the 'real world'. My experience at PAAS was extremely positive and I hope to take another class in the near future. Rebecca Patton Garcia
Teacher
I have taken all the Spanish classes offered by PAAS and recently took Graciela McCord's Advanced Spanish class. Graciela's thorough knowledge of the literature we read and her ability to elicit thoughtful analysis by students is key. The class is small, so there is plenty of opportunity to talk and read. I have progressed steadily in my knowledge and confidence in speaking Spanish. Marcie Cox
Interior Designer
I really enjoyed taking the Beginner Chinese class. The numerous cultural references and interactive dialogue were extremely engaging. It was an easy decision to sign up for another class so that I can continue to learn and practice my Mandarin in a classroom of peers. Brian Sterling
Software Developer

World Languages

Palo Alto Adult School offers classes in six different languages: Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese and Mandarin Chinese. Our classes cover Beginning to Advanced instruction based on community interest and demand.

CHINESE: BEGINNING
6 wks · June 10–July 15
Monday · 7:35–9:35 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 405 · $88 Map
Instructor: Wing Hung Wu (Lucia), lucia_wwh@sbcglobal.net Register Now »

Prerequisite: None

Learn the most popular language in the world! This course focuses strongly on accurate pronunciation, which is essential for effective communication and long term learning. Characters will not be introduced at this stage. The required textbook (about $18) is available in the school office.

CHINESE IA
6 wks · June 10–July 15
Monday · 6–7:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 405 · $66 Map
Instructor: Wing Hung Wu (Lucia), lucia_wwh@sbcglobal.net Register Now »

Prerequisite: Chinese IA or equivalent.

CHINESE IAContinue to reinforce accurate pronunciation, sentence structure, use of measurement terms and conversation. Topics will include directions, time and dates, which are especially useful for travel in China. Learn to recognize about 150 characters. The required textbook (about $18) is available in the school office.

CHINESE IB
6 wks · June 11–July 16
Tuesday · 6–8 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 405 · $88 Map
Instructor: Wing Hung Wu (Lucia), lucia_wwh@sbcglobal.net Register Now »

Prerequisite: Chinese IB or equivalent.

Chinese food is becoming increasingly popular. Learn about various aspects of food, such as food names, shopping for food, dining out and treating friends to a meal. Learn to recognize about 150 characters. The required textbook (about $18) is available in the school office.

ET SI NOUS PARLIONS FRANÇAIS?
6 wks · June 12–July 17
Wednesday · 7–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 405 · $88 Map
Instructor: Veronique Strange Register Now »

Prerequisite: Advanced French skills.

ET SI NOUS PARLIONS FRANÇAIS?Boost your mastery of French in this class focused on conversation. Discuss culture, current events and literature using a variety of media. Improve your skills in grammar, vocabulary, listening, reading and writing. The instructor is a native French speaker.

GERMAN: BEGINNING
5 weeks · June 11–July 16
Tuesday · 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Room 406 · $74 Map
Instructor: Claudia Lee Register Now »

Textbook: Learn German the Fast and Fun Way and a German/English Dictionary

Learn to speak, read and write the German language. Conversation is emphasized in this lively and relaxed class. Explore basic grammar and Germanic culture. Gain communication skills for use with friends and relatives, as well as for business or pleasure travel. The required dictionary and textbook are available for purchase at the Adult School. No class June 25.

SPANISH: BEGINNING
Map
Instructor: Leonardo McCord Salazar

Do you wish you could understand the Spanish all around you? Explore the essentials of conversational Spanish. Principles of grammar will be fully explained. You will develop both reading and writing skills. Mr. McCord Salazar is a native speaker of Spanish. The required textbook, ¡Bienvenidos a Guadalajara!, is available in the Adult School office. Please note the quarter levels indicated below.


SECTION A (Level 1- No prior Spanish)

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6 wks · June 11–July 16
Tuesday · 6–8 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 403 · $88


SECTION B (Level 2)

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6 wks · June 10–July 15
Monday · 6–8 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 403 · $88


SECTION C (Level 3)

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6 wks · June 11–July 16
Tuesday · 8–10 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 403 · $88


SECTION D (Level 4)

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6 wks · June 10–July 15
Monday · 8–10 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 403 · $88

SPANISH: LOW INTERMEDIATE (4TH QUARTER)
6 wks · June 12–July 17
Wednesday · 7–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 404 · $88 Map
Instructor: Sara Tevis, tevvy67@hotmail.com Register Now »

Prerequisite: Three quarters of Beginning Spanish or equivalent.

¿Habla Vd. español? Continue studying Spanish with this course that focuses on conversational skills. Add to your knowledge of grammar and culture of the contemporary Hispanic world. Required textbook may be purchased at the Adult School office.

SPANISH: HIGH INTERMEDIATE CONVERSATION (4TH QUARTER)
6 wks · June 12–July 17
Wednesday · 7–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 403 · $88 Map
Instructor: Leonardo McCord Salazar Register Now »

Prerequisite: Beginning and Low Intermediate Spanish (six quarters or equivalent).

You’re ready for more if you know the basics of Spanish grammar and have an active vocabulary of 2,000 words. Learn new grammatical structures and the not-so-dreaded Spanish subjunctive. You will develop speaking, listening and reading skills by discussing short works of contemporary Spanish/Latin-American literature. Two textbooks are required.

Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges