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.

Spring classes are already full.

Spring classes will start on February 27 (Monday/Wednesday classes)

or February 28 (Tuesday/Thursday classes).

Click on the blue button to the right to join our interest list and receive more information!

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 6 months are NEW STUDENTS.

CURRENT STUDENTS
If you are attending ESL classes now, you will receive more information from your teacher. You can email your teacher or Cindi Grovhoug, our ESL Coordinator, ([email protected]) if you have any questions.

NEW STUDENTS
If you are a New Student, please sign up for the interest list by clicking on the blue button to the right. More information will be emailed to you in October.

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!

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.

It is highly recommended that you wear mask over your mouth and nose during the entire test session.

Is class in person or online?

You can choose:

IN PERSON
You may take a class that meets in person twice a week and has an online conversation class. In-person class attendance, daily homework, and attending the online conversation class will be required. Most of our classes are in person.

ONLINE
You may take a class where you learn English on your own at home. You will learn on the computer using a computer program called Burlington English and attend an online conversation class once a week. Completing assignments on the computer and attending the online conversation class are required. ***No online classes for Beginning Students.

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?

Classes will start in early November. Make sure that you are on the interest list so that we can send you more information about future classes.