ESL: English as a Second Language - Spring

Learn more about the differences between the credit and non-credit ESL courses Oakton offers.

Improve your English, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills this fall at several locations. Daytime and evening classes are available. Students are to register in person only on the date shown for each location. 

Call 847-635-1426 for more information.

Free ESL Classes

Evening Classes

Beginning to Advanced ESL

Intermediate to Advanced ESL

Daytime Classes

Beginning to Advanced ESL

Beginning to Intermediate ESL

Intermediate to Advanced ESL

Tuition Charge ESL Classes

Computer Lab for ESL, Literacy, and GED Students

Free ESL Classes*

About the ESL Program:

• Designed for adults 16 years and older whose native language is not English;
• Teaches listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills;
• Introduces students to American (U.S.) culture;
• Offered free to students through Title II of the Workforce Investment Act as administered by the Illinois Community College Board.

Course Information:

• Classes meet twice weekly for up to 2 2/3 hours over 20 weeks, day or evening;
• Students may be admitted during most of the term if space is available;
• College-bound or advanced ESL students should call 847-635-1953 to see if they have sufficient English skills to take college classes.

Counseling and Registration:

• Students must bring identification and Social Security number, if available;
• Admission to free ESL classes is only available to students who register in person;
• Special registration dates are listed below.

For more information, call 847-635-1426.

*Free classes are funded by the Illinois Community College Board.  In compliance with Section 511 of Public Law 101-166 (the Stevens Amendment), approximately 30 percent of the adult education program is federally funded.

Oakton Community College is committed to equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities. To request disability accommodations, please contact Theresa O’Sullivan at 847.635.1759.

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Evening Classes

ALL LEVELS — BEGINNING TO ADVANCED

Evanston Township High School
1600 Dodge Avenue, Evanston
Ongoing Registration: Tuesdays only, Room S124, 6:30-9 pm
Class Meets: Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30-9 pm

Glenbrook South High School
4000 West Lake Avenue, Glenview
Ongoing Registration: Tuesdays only, Room 199, 7-9:30 pm
Class Meets: Tuesday and Thursday, 7-9:30 pm

Lincolnwood Public Library
4000 West Pratt Avenue, Lincolnwood
Ongoing Registration: Tuesdays only, 6-8:30 pm
Class Meets: Tuesday, 6-8:30pm

Maine East High School
2601 West Dempster, Park Ridge
Ongoing Registration: Tuesdays only, Room 330, 7-9:30 pm
Class Meets: Tuesday and Thursday, 7-9:30 pm

Maine West High School
1755 South Wolf Road, Des Plaines
Ongoing Registration: Mondays only, Room C211, 7-9:30 pm
Class Meets: Monday and Wednesday, 7-9:30 pm

Niles West High School
5701 Oakton Street, Skokie
Ongoing Registration: Tuesdays only, Room 2199, 7-9:30 pm
Class Meets: Tuesday and Thursday, 7-9:30 pm

Niles North High School
9800 North Lawler Street, Skokie
Ongoing Registration: Mondays only, Room 2065, 7-9:30 pm
Class Meets: Monday and Wednesday, 7-9:30 pm

BEGINNING TO INTERMEDIATE ESL

Family Focus
2010 Dewey St., Evanston
Ongoing Registration: Mondays only, 6-8 pm
Class Meets: Monday and Wednesday, 6-8 pm

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Daytime Classes

BEGINNING TO ADVANCED ESL

Evanston Public Library (Main Branch)
1703 Orrington Avenue, Evanston
Ongoing Registration: Tuesdays only, 10 am-12:30 pm
Class Meets: Tuesday and Friday, 10 am-12:30 pm

First Congregational Church
766 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines
Ongoing Registration: Tuesdays only, 8:50-11:30 am
Class Meets: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:50-11:30 am

Niles Community Church
7401 West Oakton, Niles
Ongoing Registration: Tuesdays only, 12:20-3 pm
Class Meets: Tuesday and Thursday, 12:20-3 pm

Oakton Community College
7701 N. Lincoln Avenue, Skokie
Ongoing Registration: Fridays only, 9 am-12 pm
Class Meets: Fridays, 9 am-12 pm

Center for Professional Development
Old Orchard Mall
4999 Old Orchard Road, Suite E2, Skokie
Ongoing Registration: Mondays only, 2-4 pm
Class Meets: Mondays and Wednesdays, 2-4 pm

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BEGINNING TO INTERMEDIATE ESL

District 65 - Family Center
Joseph E. Hill Administration Center
1500 McDaniel, Evanston
Ongoing Registration: Tuesdays only, 9:30-11:30 am
Class Meets: Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30-11:30 am

Niles Township ELL Parent Center
9440 N. Kenton Avenue, Skokie
Ongoing Registration: Saturdays only, 9:30-11 am
Class Meets: Saturdays, 9:15 am-12 pm

Rosemont Recreation Center
7128 Barry, Rosemont
Ongoing Registration: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-8 pm
Class Meets: Tuesday and Thursday, 6-8 pm


INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED ESL

CEDA Neighbors at Work
1229 Emerson St., Evanston
Ongoing Registration: Mondays only, 9:30 am-12 pm
Class Meets: Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 am-12 pm

District 65 - Family Center
Joseph E. Hill Administration Center
1500 McDaniel, Evanston
Ongoing Registration: Tuesdays only, 1-3 pm
Class Meets: Tuesday and Thursday, 1-3 pm

Northwestern University, McManus Hall
1725 Orrington, Evanston
Ongoing Registration: Tuesdays only, 9:30 am-12 pm
Class Meets: Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 am-12 pm

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Tuition-Charge ESL Classes

General Description: Classes focus on meeting special needs or developing a specific skill. They supplement the free ESL classes. Classes are designed for students who are at an intermediate level.

Registration: Tuition fees are subject to changes in state funding. You may register by mail or in person. Unlike free ESL classes, tuition-charge classes close after the first class. For more information, call 847-635-1426. All registrants, including seniors will be charged a $8 processing fee. This fee will be charged once per term and is non-refundable.

INTENSIVE ESL                       FEE: $300
Classes meet 4 times per week. They allow students to develop both extensive language skills and cultural awareness. Class size is limited and students receive individualized attention at an intermediate level. Pre-registration in person is required. Call 847-635-1426 for pre-test dates.
COM A19-10, OC/SK, 9 Mon.-Thu., 3/28, 12:20-3 pm


INTENSIVE GRAMMAR REVIEW I           FEE: $90
For intermediate speakers of English as a Second Language. Learn to speak and write better by improving your knowledge of English grammar.
COM A70-03, OC/SK, 8 Wed., 3/2, 7-9:45 pm
COM A70-10, OC/SK, 8 Mon., 4/4, 9-11:45 am

IMPROVE YOUR PRONUNCIATION Fee: $150
Learn subtle differences between English and your native language. Improve your speaking skills so native American English speakers can understand you more easily.
COM A29-02, OC/SK, 14 Mon. and Wed., 3/7, 6:30-9 pm

CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH PRACTICE Fee: $90
For intermediate ESL students. Improve listening and speaking skills to function more effectively in business and social situations.
Expand your understanding of cultural differences.
COM A50-10, OC/SK, 8 Sat., 3/26, 9:15 am-12 pm
COM A50-20, OC/SK, 8 Mon., 4/4, 9-11:45 am

COMPOSITION FOR INTERMEDIATE
ESL STUDENTS                                                         Fee: $90
Effective writing techniques through step-by-step exercises. Emphasis on developing paragraphs and essays. Course will help
students prepare for the writing portion of the TOEFL exam. Textbook required.
COM A61-10 OC/SK, 8 Fri., 4/1, 1-3:45 pm

CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION                                 No fee required
Instruction in U.S. history and government to prepare for the citizenship examination.
HIS A15-10, OC/SK, 9 Sat., 3/26, 9:15 am-12 pm
HIS A15-20, OC/SK, 9 Mon., 4/4, 9:15 am-12 pm
HIS A15-30, SS, 11 Mon. and Wed., 3/14, 6-8 pm
HIS A15-40, SPL, 9 Fri., 4/1, 6-8:45 pm

TOEFL PREP SEMINAR                             Fee: $120
Passing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of non-native speakers by colleges and professional
accrediting agencies. Prepare for the TOEFL with timed practice on similar tests. Become familiar with test formats and language problems encountered by other non-native speakers.
COM A45-10, OC/SK, 9 Tue, 3/15, 6:45-9:45 pm
COM A45-20, OC/SK, 9 Sat., 3/19, 9 am-12 pm
COM A45-30, OC/SK, 9 Mon., 4/4, 9 am-12 pm

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Computer Lab for ESL, Literacy, and GED Students

Open only to students enrolled in Oakton’s free ESL, Literacy, GED, and Bridges classes. Practice English or
Math skills on the computer with the help of an instructor. Nine (9) seats available on a first come/first served basis.

Location: Oakton Community College, Room A210, Skokie Campus

Days and times: Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 6:30-9:30 pm.; Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and
6:30-9:30 p.m.; Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; Fridays, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Availability Dates: January 10-May 25, 2011

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