Our courses are designed for immigrants whose first or native language is not English. Students gain proficiency in English to find employment, to continue their education and to function successfully in the culture and society of the United States.

ESLhas a non-credit and credit program. Survival skills are stressed inthe first three levels of the non-credit program. Non-credit vocational tracks provide a bridge to credit vocational training. Up to 90 ESL credits may be used as elective credit towards a high school diploma. Non-credit classes range from Literacy through High Advanced ESL.

Credit courses begin with an Introductory Academic ESL class and continue through High Advanced Courses that prepare students for completion of an AA degree or transfer to a 4-year institution.  Prerequisites in ESL may be met by demonstrating equivalent knowledge and skills. Entrance into Credit ESL courses requires special testing. Detailed credit information about the credit program can be obtained at

ESL Department Credit Program

Upon completion of the non-credit ESL program, non-native speakers of English will have the language skills necessary to achieve a variety of social, academic and vocational goals. Skills include ability to:

1) understand oral communication in a variety of contexts

2) speak on a variety of topics in social and work-related contexts

3) use increasingly complex grammatical patterns

4) use word analysis, vocabulary development strategies and reading strategies to read and comprehend authentic texts on familiar topics

5) write a variety of correspondence and produce coherent short pieces of writing. Learners acquire the basic language, social and problem-solving skills to participate as responsible citizens and competitive workers.