Learn English
Learn English
Division of Adult and Career Education
Learn English
English as a Second Languages
Overview
Our English as a Second Language (ESL) program offers six levels, from beginning through advanced, to help you learn to listen, speak, read and write English proficiently. This fun and friendly learning environment is filled with loads of activities such as collaborating on projects, big and small, to build your confidence with English at home, school, work and within your community.
As you advance through each ESL level, you will be gaining the language skills needed to enter a high school diploma program, begin career training and help your children succeed in school. And with the knowledge and support of our highly skilled and credentialed teachers, you will reach your goals quickly!
The Division of Adult and Career ESL program offers classes both in-person and online. And best of all, they are tuition-free!
English as a Second Language
Immigrant Support
For decades LAUSD schools have been known for being safe and welcoming spaces and our Division of Adult and Career Education campuses are no exception. The safety and support of our students along with their families and the communities we serve is of the highest priority. So, in order to formalize and amplify our efforts in cultivating a welcoming learning environment for all students, we have launched the LA Unified 2025: We Are One campaign.
Please visit the link at the bottom of this section to get to know your rights under California law and the LAUSD policies that protect you. Topics include:
- Where to get assistance with immigration, health, wellness, and housing support
- How to develop a Family Preparedness Plan
- Your rights if detained by Immigration and Law Enforcement
- What documents to have ready in case of ICE detainment
- How to find legal representation for immigration court
English as a Second Language
Family Success Initiative
With our Family Success Initiative (FSI) program, you can learn English while learning how to help your LAUSD enrolled children achieve success with their education. FSI prepares parents and guardians to help their school-age children succeed in school by developing skills for supporting learning at home and in the classroom; connecting with teachers and administrators; and becoming leaders in their school communities. Simply put, FSI helps generations of multilingual families flourish now and well into the future.
For more information, please reach out to our campus nearest you.
English as a Second Language
Family Literacy Program
With our Family Literacy Program, parents can attend ESL, high school diploma or career training classes while their potty-trained, and immunized 3-5 year old receives free childcare. The Family Literacy Program is currently available at the following locations:
East Los Angeles Occupational Center
2100 Marengo Street
Los Angeles, CA 90033-1321
(323) 276-7000
2100 Marengo Street
Los Angeles, CA 90033-1321
(323) 276-7000
East Valley Skills Center
8601 Arleta Avenue
Sun Valley, CA 91352
(818) 759-5841
8601 Arleta Avenue
Sun Valley, CA 91352
(818) 759-5841
English as a Second Language
Become a Citizen!
Do you want to become a citizen of the United States? Our Citizenship program, which offers classes both in-person and online, will prepare you. Learn about the N-400 Application for Naturalization, the history of our great country, the structure of our federal government and how to participate in our democracy, along with preparing for the naturalization interview and test. Let us guide you every step of the way with a program designed to support your educational, legal and emotional needs through the naturalization process.
For more information and to enroll in our tuition-free Citizenship program, please reach out to our campus nearest you.
English as a Second Language
Integrated Education and Training
Why wait until you have completed the ESL program to train for a career? Get a jumpstart on your career training with our Integrated Education and Training (IET) classes. IET classes use two teachers in a single classroom: one who teaches you the career and another who helps you with English contextualized to the career. From automotive repair to healthcare or cosmetology to construction, IET will get you there faster!
For more information, please reach out to our campus nearest you.
Each ESL level attained provides you with access to a multitude of educational programs and opportunities!
ESL Level
1
- Family Success Initiative
- Family Literacy Program
- Spanish High School Equivalency Certificate
ESL Level
2
- Citizenship
- Computers for beginners course
ESL Level
3
- Career jumpstart IET courses
Combine career training with English language support - Conversations course
- Idioms course
ESL Level
4
- Reading and math support courses
- Employability course
Develop your soft skills - Many Career Technical Education pathways available
ESL Level
5
- Remaining Career Technical Education pathways available
ESL Level
6
- High School Diploma/ Equivalency
- Community college
- University
(Chart above indicates where entry into listed programs and courses may occur, subject to prerequisites beyond ESL level attainment.)
English as a Second Language
Distance Learning
If you are unable to come to school, you can still learn English in your own time online with teacher support. With in-person and online help and guidance, you will improve your digital literacy while watching videos; learning vocabulary and grammar; practicing reading and writing; and participating in discussions. Online help and guidance is provided by a credentialed teacher through our robust audio and video communications platform.
For more information, please reach out to our campus nearest you.
English as a Second Language
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I start?
Today! Come to a school near you to enroll and get oriented for your new class. You can study at the school in-person or online. Ask at the school about options.
Today! Come to a school near you to enroll and get oriented for your new class. You can study at the school in-person or online. Ask at the school about options.
Do I need residence documents?
No. No documents are required.
No. No documents are required.
What do I need?
You just need time (from one to two hours) to talk to a school counselor to determine the best ESL level for you and to tell your goals to the counselor to help you decide if you want a traditional ESL, FSI, IET, Citizenship or Distance Learning class.
You just need time (from one to two hours) to talk to a school counselor to determine the best ESL level for you and to tell your goals to the counselor to help you decide if you want a traditional ESL, FSI, IET, Citizenship or Distance Learning class.
How much are classes?
Classes are free. You will want to buy books for the class, but you don’t have to buy those the same day you enroll.
Classes are free. You will want to buy books for the class, but you don’t have to buy those the same day you enroll.
How long are classes?
Classes are about 12-13 weeks long, but you can start almost any time.
Classes are about 12-13 weeks long, but you can start almost any time.
