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ESL

English as a second language
Speaking a second language is marketable in every profession

About ESL

Explore how to speak, read, write and understand American English.  You’ll learn alongside a community of students from all over the world. You can pick the type of course right for your level of understanding and take a class near you.

Laina smilinging wearing "LA" hat.  Sittng with laptop on her lap.

Who are these classes for?

What will you learn?

ESL courses are for non-native English speakers. Courses are offered from beginning to advanced levels and designed to help you keep learning as your English skills grow.

  • Practical skills to help improve your English

  • Speak, listen, read, and  write in English

  • English for everyday situations, such as jobs, parenting, dining out, shopping and more

From our alumni...

“Start taking adult ed classes! They are a stepping stone to a higher education.”
- Ovidio Solorio

LOCATIONS

318 Union St, Watsonville, CA 95076

6500 Soquel Drive Aptos, CA 95003

319 La Fonda Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

294 Green Valley Road Watsonville, CA  95076

521 Main St # Y, Watsonville, CA 95076

1740 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Providers, Classes and Pricing for ESL 

Take a look at some of the pricing and providers offering ESL classes in Santa Cruz County.

Tips: Before you start...

Here are a few things to know about program requirements and preparation:

  • You will need an email address to apply at Cabrillo and WASC

  • You don’t need a social security number to apply to Cabrillo or WASC. Just leave the question blank

  • You don’t need a high school diploma to apply at Cabrillo or WASC

Providers offering ESL

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Cabrillo College

Cabrillo college offers classes for English as a Second Language. 

Class and Pricing:

  • Non-credit ESL classes are FREE. Learn more here

  • Classes are available in Spring, Summer, and Fall

  • ESL degree-credit classes cost $46 per unit plus student fees. Learn more here

  • Classes are offered at both Aptos and Watsonville campuses

Provider Tips:

  • During the registration process, you will be asked to take an assessment to determine which class might be the best one for you to take first

  • Bilingual Cabrillo customer support people are available at both Aptos and Watsonville campuses to help you register for classes

  • Financial aid is available for many students and some classes are free

  • More Cabrillo College registration tips

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WASC Adult Education

Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education students will learn to speak, listen, read and write English in classes from beginning through advanced levels.  Classes focus on interactive student activities that provide the opportunity to practice English for everyday situations, such as at work, at the store or helping children with homework.  

 

Classes and Pricing:

  • English Learner classes are FREE

  • Classes are offered at 9 locations in south Santa Cruz County including Watsonville, Pajaro, and Freedom and 3 locations in north Santa Cruz County including Santa Cruz and Capitola


Provider Tips:  

  • All students must register at the Green Valley Center, Institute of Language and Culture (ILC) or the Santa Cruz Center before entering a class  

  • Bilingual customer support people are available at both Santa Cruz and Watsonville campuses to help you register for classes

  • Classes are available in Spring, Summer and Fall

  • More WASCAE tips

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Community Bridges - La Manzana and Live Oak Community Resources

Community Bridges staff build a warm, friendly, safe place for the community to access resources that offer stability and hope for the future. La Manzana and Live Oak Community Resources is part of the Community Bridges family.

 

Classes and Pricing:

  • Classes are FREE through the Literacy Program at La Manzana and Live Oak Community Resources

  • Classes are focused on improving reading and writing (literacy) in Spanish and English 

  • Includes graduation certificates for elementary and secondary education

  • Classes meet weekly

 

Provider Tips:

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