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English as a Second Language

English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are offered to help non–native speakers to communicate in English through the development of skills in listening and observing, speaking, reading, and writing.

Seattle Central offers morning ESL classes (usually 9am-12pm Monday-Thursday) and evening ESL classes (usually 6pm-8:30pm Monday-Thursday).

We have ESL levels 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 5A, 81A, and 81B.

At the beginning level, the emphasis is on improving listening comprehension, vocabulary development, and English structure. The courses advance to notetaking, composition, oral presentation, and class discussion at the more advanced levels. For more details on the pathway check out the ESL Pathway Map.

These classes cost $25 per quarter. 

We can only serve immigrants and refugees in this program. Individuals with F, M, B, Student, or J visas are not eligible for Basic & Transitional Studies and should contact International Programs for enrollment options.

Welcome New Students

All new students must attend an orientation. Morning and evening orientations for new students will be held before the upcoming quarter. The orientation includes program information, assessments, goal setting, and registering for classes.

Get Started

*** We are no longer accepting New Student applications for Winter 2025*** We are now FULL for new students. 

Please check our website on February 18, 2025 to see if there is space for Spring. (Spring New Student Orientations will take place in March 2025. Spring classes start April 7, 2025).

We apologize and thank you for your patience. We have many more people interested in starting ESL classes than we have space. 

Steps for New Students:

  1. Fill out the application form when it opens again.
  2. Reply to email from Basic and Transitional Studies to register for a New Student Orientation
  3. Attend New Student Orientation.
  4. Start classes.
  5. Pay the $25 tuition.

*Please note that space is limited for our classes. Apply as early as possible. You may need to wait several quarters until you can attend an orientation.

Contact

btsinfo@seattlecolleges.edu                
206.934.4180