Our History

  • Fred Abisi and Betty McKiernan stand in front of the Frederick Abisi Adult Education Center dedication plaque

    Abisi teacher posing with student at graduation

    HSE student graduate receiving HS diploma

     

     

    Adult Education has deep roots in Lowell, Massachusetts. Over 100 years ago, English instruction and evening classes began at Lowell Evening High School.

    In 1977, the first full-time center, Lowell Adult Education Center (LAEC), was established under Superintendent Patrick J. Mogan. Initially located at the Lowell High School Annex on Paige Street, it later moved to Lowell High School on Kirk Street before settling at the Green School, 408 Merrimack Street, in 1993.

    Frederick Abisi, our first director, led the center for over 35 years, growing it into one of the largest programs in New England. In 2014, the center was renamed the Frederick Assad Abisi Adult Education Center (AAEC). Since 2012, Elizabeth McKiernan has continued this legacy of leadership.

    We offer morning and evening classes in High School Equivalency (HSE) preparation and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), both in-person and remote. As an official GED and HiSET testing center, we help students reach their educational goals.

    Funded by a joint partnership with Lowell Public Schools (LPS) and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), we proudly serve over 2,000 students annually. We are honored to serve the Greater Lowell community and remain