ESOL Program
Classes and Registration
English classes are provided in cycles of 8 and 10 weeks, generally from July to early September; October to mid-December; January to early March; and April to early June. Please call for exact dates. Professional teachers lead Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, and American Culture classes, meeting 6 hours per week.
Most classes are held at the Program’s offices at 3501 N. Charles Street, in the lower level of the University Baptist Church. We also have satellite partnerships with the Greenmount Senior Center and Hamilton Elementary/Middle School.
ESOL groups are scheduled in the morning, 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m., and in the evening, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., meeting two days per week: Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday.
Registration
- ESOL class registration is usually the Monday and Tuesday the week before classes begin, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. both days.
- Registration for one-to-tutoring is done on an individual basis; please call to make an appointment.
- Referrals can be made, but it is recommended that enrolling learners call to make the appointment themselves.
Class Descriptions
- The Beginning class is designed to teach learners basic communication skills in English. Basic conversation skills and common words and phrases will be emphasized. Pronouns, the simple present and simple past of regular verbs, progressive forms, and common irregular verbs are taught.
- The Intermediate level class is intended for learners who already know basic English vocabulary and grammar. It emphasizes “survival” and conversation skills. Improving everyday vocabulary is stressed, such as words for shopping and getting around town. The ability to understand and use sentences in the present, past, and future verb tenses is also emphasized.
- The Advanced class is designed for learners who can take part in higher level social and work conversations with little difficulty. This level works on increased fluency and comprehension, as well as advanced grammar and idioms. The learners learn skills to help them participate more easily in day-to-day and work life in the USA.
- The American Culture class is intended for intermediate and advanced level learners who are long-term residents of Greater Homewood and its vicinity. The goal is to help improve their participation in and knowledge of the community through education. Coursework may include readings about and discussions of American culture and government as well as role-plays, simulations, and field trips.
This program is supported by grant funding from Maryland Literacy Works and the U.S. Department of Education.