Wake County Public Schools' adult night class provides learning after dark

And Wake County Public Schools has adult night classes ready for those who want and need them.

At Sanderson High School in Raleigh, the teaching continues after the sun has set for the day.

In a Spanish class recently, the teacher helps adult students increase their value at work or order a meal in Peru.

The Wake County Public Schools adult education website offers several options for interested would-be students, including business management, graphic design or caregiving.

"Or there are career skills for people who are interested in getting their notary certification," said Brian Thacker, who works with the Wake adult education division. "We do that. "

Student Phil Cook plans to join the community of ham radio operators.

It's a skill that can help save lives in times of natural disaster.

"And if a cell tower goes down or something like that, you can still have communication with these walkie talkies," Cook said.

"We have self-paced classes which have open enrollment so people can enroll for that any time they like on their own schedule," Thacker said.

Some classes can help students earn money while others are designed help them save money.

"We just had an auto class for teens and adults," Thacker said, adding that profits from the classes are used to support other Wake County public schools. "When you come to do an adult evening education class, you are supporting the public school system."