English As a Second Language

Classes are free for local residents only. F1 and J1 visa holders are not eligible. Students cannot be enrolled in high school and our ESL program. Students must be 16 or older; however, those 16 or 17 must complete a Minor Release Form: link

We do not issue I-20s for F1 students. We are a non-credit program.

You must keep your phone number and email address up to date so our office can communicate with you.

We require that students attend their classes regularly and give their best effort in class. This includes: showing up to class the first week, arriving to class on time, participating in class, only speaking on the cell phone during breaks or outside of the class, returning from breaks on time, and practicing English in and outside of the class.

When you come to orientation, you will sign a document agreeing to attend at least 80% of the classes AND communicate with your instructors for any absences or if you need to leave the program.

We are unable to offer childcare for our parent students.

If you need to miss a class, please let your instructor know. You must attend 80% of your classes.

*Students who do not attend 80% of the classes and do not communicate with us may be removed from the ESL program for the following semester. Please do not sign up for the program if you can’t attend classes due to your work schedule.

Students must also take a progress test every 50-70 hours of instruction to remain actively enrolled.

Our ESL classes focus on everyday life and work language, including speaking, listening, reading, writing, civics, and grammar components.  We connect our students with resources and advising to help them reach their goals, such as finding jobs, changing careers, completing high school or enrolling in a college program.

This is a reading and listening test to help place you in the best level for your language proficiency. Please do not GUESS on the test, as this can result in an unsuitable level for you, or intentionally answer questions wrong to lower your placement level. We ask that you answer the questions to the best of your ability so we can place you in a class that matches your level.

To enroll in the program, you will take a placement test. Every 50-70 hours of attendance, you will need to take a progress test. This will help to measure your progress. If your test scores show advancement, you may not have to take another test that school year.

We have 6 levels in our program, from basic to advanced. At the end of the semester, your instructor will work with the ESL Coordinator to review your participation, test scores, and overall readiness for the next level to determine your level for the next semester. Learning a language takes time, so some students advance after one semester, and others remain at the same level for another semester before they are ready to move up. It is not a competition! We encourage students to attend classes regularly and practice English outside of the classroom.

Morning Classes: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9:00am – 12:00pm. Students must attend all 4 days. (12 hours/week)

Evening Classes: Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday, 6:00pm – 9:00pm. (6 hours/week)

Online Classes: Burlington English software program. (6 hours/week)