English as a Second Language (ESL)
Individuals with limited English knowledge may face many challenges, but the ESL program at Palo Alto College offers the opportunity to learn English and get ahead in your career.
Our ESL classes are free of charge and allow students to progress to the skill level they want to achieve. All incoming students will be assessed on their current knowledge of the English language and be placed in one of four levels—from introductory to advanced.
Each level includes four skills-focused areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Along with integrated grammar and vocabulary skills, the standards-based focus empowers students to build upon sequential background knowledge aligned with unique activities, self-assessments, reviews and tests for each unit being covered.
Important Dates
| Summer 2026 (June 1 – July 23, 2026) |
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| Mandatory Placement Testing |
On Friday, May 15, 2026, Palo Alto College will administer an English as a Second Language (ESL) placement test for our Level 2 and Level 3 summer courses. We have a very limited number of seats available for summer classes. After they are filled, a waitlist will be created for our spring 2027 class. To take the placement test on May 15, you must register at the following link: Please only register once. You must be at least 18 years old. Summer classes will be held on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., on campus, from June 1 to July 23, 2026. |
| Classes begin | June 1, 2026 |
| Classes end | July 23, 2026 |
Contact Information: |
Location: Phone: Email: |
Hours of Operation Monday-Thursday: |