English as a Second Language
Use the Google Translate button to see this information in your language!
Click 
at the top right 
of the page
at the top right of the page
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes teach how to read, write, listen, and speak English. The classes offer students support and many opportunities to practice. Our classes are taught by experienced ESL teachers who care about their students.
You are welcome here! No documents are needed.
If you need help, please call our office at (510) 886-1000.
Or send an email to [email protected] and write "I want to learn English" in the email.
All registration appointments for the Spring Quarter are full.
Click on the blue button to the right to sign up on our interest list.
When registration for the next quarter opens, you will be contacted to sign up for an appointment to register and take a placement test. All students must first take a placement test so that you are in the correct class level.
Use the arrows next to each question below to see the answers to Frequently Asked Questions about our program.
What do I need to do first before I start class?
Before you start class, you must take a test so that we can place you in the correct class level. You can find information about signing up for the test lower down on this page.
Testing does not guarantee placement in a class; students may be placed on a waiting list if their level or preferred class is full.
What is the placement test?
The test is a placement test that shows how well you already know English. It will take about 90 minutes. You must have an appointment to take the test. Please do not bring children with you to the test.
How do I sign up for the test?
Students who are attending class now are CURRENT STUDENTS.
Students who have never taken ESL classes at Castro Valley Adult & Career Education OR who have not attended class in the last 3 months are NEW STUDENTS.
If you need help, please call our office at (510) 886-1000.
Or send an email to [email protected] and write "I want to learn English" in the email.
If you have already completed two years of class in the Advanced class, please call our office at (510) 886-1000 and ask to speak to our Transition Specialist. We'd like to help you achieve your goals!
Is class in person or online?
Most of our classes are in person, but if you already know some English, you can choose:
When is class?
You can choose morning or evening classes. Classes are free. You must be 18 years of age or older to attend. Please do not bring children with you to class.
When do classes start?
Spring quarter classes start the week of February 26, 2024. At this time, all our classes are full. Please sign up on the interest list so that we can contact you when it is time to sign up again.
What about Covid-19?
We want all our students and staff to stay safe and healthy.
The morning of your testing appointment, please make sure that you feel well and do not have a fever. If you are sick, please stay home.
I'm an Au Pair. Can I take English classes?
Au pairs are welcome to take our ESL classes to improve their English, but since we do NOT issue academic credit for any of our ESL classes, we are not able to help meet the educational requirements for a J-1 visa. If you are an au pair who needs to take English classes to satisfy the educational components of your visa, you should discuss those requirements with your agency and/or host family. We are not able to assist with immigration paperwork or verification of hours for the purposes of a visa.