High School, GED, Adult Basic and English Classes in the Berks County Jail
The Education Department of the Berks County Jail System coordinates education for all inmates. The classes include work toward a high school diploma, GED preparation, Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, and independent study.
Who each class is for depends on schooling so far. The high school diploma program is for inmates under the age of 21 and is taught by staff of the Berks County Intermediate Unit. GED classes are taught by staff of Reading Area Community College. ABE, or Adult Basic Education, and ESL, English as a Second Language, are taught by the jail staff. ESL classes are for inmates whose primary language is not English. Independent study is for students who already have a high school diploma or GED.
The Berks County Intermediate Unit program provides academic diagnostics and remedial education. Students in it work toward accumulating the required credits and completing a senior project to receive their high school diploma. GED classes give students a rigorous program of skill building leading to mastery of the GED test. ABE classes teach mathematics, reading and writing, and language skills, with the main goal of preparing students to advance to the GED level. Independent study uses college level textbooks to help inmates prepare for higher education.
Timing differs by class. GED classes are offered from September until May, and the GED test is given at least 3 times a year. ABE classes and ESL classes are offered year round.
The Education Services phone number is 610-208-4800 x 4300, and business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Berks County Jail System is at 1287 County Welfare Road, Leesport, PA 19533.
The page does not say how an inmate signs up for a class, whether there is a waiting list, or whether anything costs money, so ask when you call.
Source: berkspa.gov/departments/jail-system/inmate-services/educa…, read September 18, 2026.
The details
In Berks County Jail System’s words
Berks County Jail System's Education Department coordinates education for all inmates. The Education programs consist of the high school diploma program (for inmates under the age of 21), taught by staff of the Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU); GED (General Educational Development) program, taught by staff of RACC (Reading Area Community College); and ABE (Adult Basic Education) and ESL (English as a Second Language) classes taught by the jail staff. Independent study is offered to…
Organization
Berks County Jail System
About this listing
This listing summarizes publicly available information from berkspa.gov/departments/jail-system/inmate-services/educa…. Last recorded review: September 18, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.