English as a Second Language

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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.

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Placement Test appointments for the Summer Session are now full.

The Fall Quarter will begin on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.

Testing appointments will open again in July.

Click on the blue button to put your name and email address on the interest list.

You will get an email when it is time to register for a placement test.

If you are on a computer, the blue button is to the right.

If you are on a phone, the blue button is at the bottom of this page.

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?

What is the placement test?

The test is a reading test on the computer 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. To be notified when it is time to sign up for an appointment for the test, please click the blue button to sign up on our interest list. If you are on a computer, the blue button is to the right. If you are on a phone, the blue button is at the bottom of this page.

How do I sign up for the test?

Students who are in good standing in Spring 2025 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.

CURRENT STUDENTS
If are currently taking ESL classes at CVACE in Spring 2025, have good attendance, and take your CASAS post-test and EL Civics tests, you are a current student "in good standing". Our paraprofessionals will check in with students to see if they intend to return for Fall quarter. As long as you are in good standing, your registration for the new quarter is automatic. Remember that you can not miss class for vacation or travel. If you plan to travel, it would be better to take a break for the fall and return in the winter.

CURRENT STUDENTS

If are currently taking ESL classes at CVACE in Spring 2025, have good attendance, and take your CASAS post-test and EL Civics tests, you are a current student "in good standing". Our paraprofessionals will check in with students to see if they intend to return for Fall quarter. As long as you are in good standing, your registration for the new quarter is automatic.

Remember that you can not miss class for vacation or travel. If you plan to travel, it would be better to take a break for the fall and return in the winter.

NEW STUDENTS
If you are a New Student or it has been more than three months since you were last in class, please sign up to make an appointment to register and take the placement test. To sign up, please click the blue button. If you are on a computer, the blue button is to the right. If you are on a phone, the blue button is at the bottom of this page.

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 would like to help you achieve your goals!

When is class? Is class in person or online?

Classes during the school year are offered in the morning or evening. Most of our classes are in person, but if you already know some English, you can choose:

IN PERSON
Our morning classes are Monday and Wednesday OR Tuesday and Thursday, from 9am-12pm. Our evening classes are Tuesday and Thursday, from 6pm-9pm. Some classes may meet on Monday night instead of Tuesday.

ONLINE
Our morning Zoom classes are Tuesday and Thursday from 9am-11am. Our evening Zoom classes are Thursday, from 7pm-9pm. We also offer Independent Study: your teacher will give you assignments and will meet with you if you need help, but you can study English on your own schedule, using the Burlington English computer program. You must already know some English to take any online class.

Does it cost any money? Who can come to class?

When do classes start?

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.

What about Covid-19?