a member of theMaine Adult Education Association
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Mid-coast School of Technology Adult Education

Maine Adult Education Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are your classes and office located?
A Google map on our “About” tab illustrates the neighborhood. Our new building is located on Route 73, heading out of Rockland toward Owls Head. Turn right at the major intersection/light in Rockland where Route 1 is surrounded by Camden Nat’l Bank, Trade Winds, and Rite Aid.  Bear right at the fork and go 3/4 mile; you’ll cross railroad tracks and see caution signs for School Ahead. Turn left into the MCST parking lot. The entrance of the building is marked by the vertical shaft of orange.  Much of the day, you need to press the button on the metal “butler” just before the door.  You’ll hear a greeting and you should state why you wish to enter the school. Once the door lock clicks, come in and enter the main office, directly to your left.  That office accommodates the high school and Adult Ed support staff. If you are looking to enter our physical address in your GPS, many students have found it takes them to the other end of Rockland.  To avoid this frustration, we suggest you enter Primo Restaurant at 2 Main Street, Rockland.  They are directly across the street from us and GPS always guides people correctly    
What types of classes and programs do you have?

MCST Adult Ed traditionally offers Certificate Healthcare courses, intro and more advanced Welding and Machining courses, Do-It-Yourself classes and intro to Plumbing, Small Engine Repair, and Automotive Technology, Intro courses for commonly used computer programs, plus in-depth career-based computer courses, AND lots of shorter courses for general enrichment.

How do I register, pay for a class, or access free services?

There are 3 ways to register for a class: 1) enroll online by finding the course(s) of interest and clicking on the REGISTER button where your contact info and charge card will be entered, 2) call 596-7752 opt3 during office hours – M-Th, 9:15am-4:15pm – and speak to Heidi or Betsy, or 3) come by in person during those same office hours (remember, you may be required to wear a mask while you’re in the building).

There are a few ways to pay for a class. Our website will safely take your charge card (with an added $1.99 processing fee), or you can choose to mail a check as you complete your online registration. We can take a charge card in person or over the phone, but the same $1.99 processing fee applies.  You can mail a check (MCST, 1 Main Street, Rockland 04841), but be sure to call our office to assure there’s still room in your chosen course(s).  You can stop by our office to pay by cash or check.  There is no extra processing fee for courses paid by check or cash.

To discuss free Adult Ed services, call the office at 596-7752 opt.3 during the hours noted above.

Can I obtain a print course catalog, or view an online version?

Yes, whenever we’re in the current calendar of classes, a printed catalog is available.  Come by to pick one up; they’re right on the front counter in the main office.  If an online version of the catalog works for you, you’ll see the catalog PDF can be viewed right from our opening ‘Welcome’ page on this site.  Click on the image of the catalog cover, seen at the right side of the Welcome page.

What is the cost of classes and services?

That info, including course descriptions, is available in the catalog, AND on our site.  Click on any course, or enter your chosen topic in the search section, and details about the course and the fees will come right up. If you have further questions about a course, give the Adult Ed office a call at 207-596-7752 opt.3

What if I’m registered, but on a wait list?

As the start date for the course draws near, we reach out to those enrolled to confirm all are planning to attend. On occasion, someone reveals that they have a scheduling conflict and must pull out.  Or the instructor agrees that one more student can be accommodated. We certainly aim to let you know where you stand with the course at least 2 business days before the course begins.

How do I know when a class is confirmed to run, or if it is cancelled?

The Adult Ed team will reach out by email to let you know if your class is at risk if being under-enrolled. Often, enrolled students know of someone who also wants to take the course and that remedies the risk. If we have to cancel a course, we’ll reach out to you by email and phone, to assure you’re aware of the situation and how we’ll give you a refund.  Also, our habit is to send you a reminder email a couple of days before your course begins, and informing you what you should bring and how to find the classroom.

What is your snow day, cancellation and refund policy?

Three questions in one! When we have a snow day, you’ll see it posted on Channel 6 TV and VillageSoup online.  There are some snow days that are rough in the morning, but clear out midday.  We make a point of reaching out to students in an affected class to let them know if the class will run that evening.  When an evening class has to be cancelled, we add another class onto the end to make up for it.

If we have to cancel a course (under-enrolled, instructor is ill, COVID returns) we make sure to let you know.  If we can postpone the course to take care of illness or COVID, we let you know about the new dates. If that doesn’t work for you, a refund is issued.  If we have to cancel for under-enrollment, we let you know before the course begins and advise you on how you’ll be refunded.

Refunds: If MCST has to cancel a course, you receive a full refund.  If you cancel your spot in the course at least 2 weeks in advance of the start date, you receive a full refund.  If you’re enrolled in at least a 2-session course, you have until the morning of your second class to cancel your spot in a course to be considered for a refund.  If an adequate number of students remain in the course, you’ll receive a 75% refund (minus any supply fees associated with your course).  If your cancellation means the course is now under-enrolled, no refund will be remitted.  Anyone who pays for a course with a charge card will not receive a refund on their $1.99 processing fee, unless MCST cancels the course.

To join a class or receive services, do I need to live in your area?

You do not need to live in the school district or in Knox County to participate in our Adult Ed programs.  We presently offer a few courses that are strictly via Zoom, so you can be located anywhere for those.  For our in-person courses, if you are able to commute to our school, you’re welcome to enroll.

How do I learn about other Adult Ed classes or services in other towns?

Call these local Hub 7 Adult Education Programs: