By Olivia Madera
Moorpark Adult School Principal Sean Abajian has dedicated himself to helping people achieve their career goals. One way he accomplishes this, he said, is by creating accessible and meaningful programs.
At Moorpark Adult School, Abajian oversees all aspects of its programs and services, which include strategic planning and hands-on support, ranging from working directly with students and teachers to managing administrative duties. With 24 years of experience in adult education, Abajian has served as a teacher, teacher advisor, and now a principal.
“This includes coordinating program development, supporting faculty, and ensuring we meet the needs of our diverse student population,” said Abajian.
For 14 years, Moorpark Adult School has been a vital part of the Moorpark community, providing accessible education to adult learners. Over the years, the school has evolved to include various programs that reflect the changing needs of its students and the job market.
The school’s mission is to help students pursue diverse academic, career, and personal aspirations. Abajian emphasized the school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and equitable learning environment for students’ educational journeys.
Moorpark Adult School is also fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
“This status is essential in ensuring our programs meet rigorous educational standards,” said Abajian, “as it provides our students with recognized qualifications and certifications that can be applied in the workforce and in pursuit of higher education.”
Moorpark Adult School is also a part of the Ventura County Adult Education Consortium (VCAEC). The VCAEC was established to provide grant funding to partnerships between community colleges and adult schools, aiming to meet the educational and workforce training needs of adult learners across California.
Abajian said the Consortium is beneficial as it allows the school to utilize resources and collaborate with other adult schools to provide educational opportunities across the county. He said the partnership has not only strengthened their capacity to effectively serve students but also highlighted the power of collaboration.
“Through shared best practices and resources, we’ve been able to enhance our programs and better understand the evolving needs of adult learners across Ventura County,” Abajian said.
As of last year, Moorpark Adult School had 735 students enrolled in its programs.
“With our ongoing outreach efforts and expansion of programs, we expect to see growth in enrollment this year,” said Abajian. “The interest in adult education has been increasing, and we’re committed to meeting that demand.”
Programs offered include general education development preparation, English as a Second Language, citizenship classes, and Career Technical Education (CTE).
CTE programs offer culinary arts classes with access to a professional chef, a filmmaking course with a Hollywood director, pharmacy technician training, medical billing and coding (both in English and Spanish), certified medical administrative assistant training, and an engineering and manufacturing program. There is also a computer basics class that provides a free Chromebook to students who complete the course.
Abajian said these programs are designed to equip students with skills for personal growth and career advancement, meeting the educational needs of the community.
“We’re actively working to expand our programs by introducing new courses aligned with industry demands, enhancing our online offerings, and collaborating with community partners,” Abajian said. “Our goal is to ensure our programs remain relevant and accessible to all adults seeking education.”
A more recent development for the school was the creation of a career pathways program that aligns with local job market needs. Abajian said this program enables students to gain skills that help provide employment opportunities and positively impact students’ lives and the community.
Abajian noted that their biggest challenge now is meeting the growing demand for adult education with their limited resources.
“Balancing the need for additional staff and facilities with budget constraints remains an ongoing issue,” said Abajian.
However, Moorpark Adult School continues to use many approaches such as social media, community outreach, partnerships with organizations, and a referral program to spread the word about their efforts.
“We also participate in community events to directly connect with potential students and stakeholders,” Abajian said. “One of the primary ways that people hear about our programs is through word of mouth.”
Abajian said Moorpark Adult School is a supportive and inclusive environment that is committed to helping adult learners pursue their educational and career goals. He said they are here to provide resources and support at every step of their students’ journey.
To register for classes at Moorpark Adult School, visit the website https://adulted.mrpk.org/register or call or text (805) 334-8377. You are also welcome to visit the school at 280 Poindexter Avenue in Moorpark.