ESL

Program Description

ESL (English as a Second Language) classes are for non-native students who need to learn to speak, read, or write English. 

Classes are held in the community and on campus.

Caldwell County Classes

Citizenship Class

This class meets once each week for 2 hours. Students prepare for the United States citizenship interview in this class.  The classes is offered two times each year, and new students must begin within the first two weeks of class.  New students will not be admitted after the second week of class.  Students should be at an intermediate level of English to take this class.  Please contact Melissa Darling at (828) 726-2246 if you are interested in this class. 

Evening Classes

Evening ESL classes meet twice a week for 2 hours.  Beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes are available.  Classes focus on reading, writing, conversation, vocabulary, and grammar.  Registration is on Monday nights at 6:00 p.m.

Morning Classes

Morning ESL classes meet three times a week for 1 1/2 hours.  A beginning/intermediate class that focuses on reading, writing, conversation, vocabulary, and grammar is available.  There is also an advanced/Pre-GED class that helps students prepare to move from ESL to GED classes.  Registration is held on Monday nights at 6:00 p.m. or Friday mornings at 9:00 a.m.

ESL Lab

An ESL computer lab is available for student use before and after class and on days that class is not offered.  The computer lab has several different programs to help students improve their English skills.  Students do not need to know how to use computers.  Students at any level of English may work in the lab.  Registration is on Monday nights at 6:00 p.m. or Friday mornings at 9:00 a.m.

Project IDEAL

Project IDEAL is a class that helps students learn English through the use of the Internet.  The class is offered two times each year, and students must begin the first week of the class.  New students will not be admitted after the first week of class.  Students should be at an intermediate level of English to take this class.  Please contact Melissa Darling at (828) 726-2246 if you are interested in this class. 

St. Francis Catholic Church Class

This class meets once each week for two hours in the education building at St. Francis Catholic Church in Lenoir.  Childcare is available.  Students must register at the college on Monday nights at 6:00 p.m. or the last Tuesday of each month at St. Francis Catholic Church at 5:30 p.m.

Family LIteracy

Family Literacy classes meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:45 a.m. until 2:15 p.m.  Transportation may be provided.  Lunch and childcare are provided.  Please contact Shari Brown at (828) 757-8632 if you are interested in this class.

Watauga County Classes

Watauga Basic Skills Evening Classes

These classes meet once a week for 1 1/2 hours.  The beginning class meets from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.  The intermediate/advanced classes meets from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Classes focus on reading, writing, conversation, vocabulary, and grammar. REgistration is the first Tuesday  of each month at 5:00 p.m.

Hardin Park Elementary School

This class meets once each week for two hours.  Childcare for children ages 4 to 14 is available.  Students may register any Wednesday night at 4:30 p.m. at Hardin Park Elementary School.

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Registration

English as a Second Language (Caldwell Campus and Watauga Campus)

All ESL students must attend a free Orientation and Assessment session before enrolling in a class. In an Orientation and Assessment session, students receive important information about ESL classes and take a reading placement test.  If you have questions, please call (828) 726-2230 (Caldwell) or (828) 297-5253 (Watauga)

Caldwell Campus Classes

For classes on the Caldwell Campus, students may attend either an evening or morning Orientation and Assessment session. 

An evening Orientation and Assessment session is held each week, and students must attend on Mondays from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  Students must attend both Monday and Wednesday sessions, and they must begin on Monday.

A morning Orientation and Assessment session is held each week on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.

St. Francis Church Class

The Orientation and Assessment session for students who wish to attend class at St. Francis Church is held the last Tuesday of each month at the church beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Watauga Campus Classes

At Watauga Basic Skills, the Orientation and Assessment session is held the first Tuesday of each month beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Project IDEAL

For registration information for Project IDEAL, please contact Melissa Darling at (828) 426-2246.

Special Note About Minors

Minors 16 – 17 years of age must have a completed Minor Permission Form prior to enrolling in any Basic Skills program, assessment activity, or class.   Students can either pickup the Minor Permission Form in person at the Basic Skills Department or call (828) 726-2230 and have the form mailed.  Instructions for completing the form are attached to it, but if there are questions, please call (828) 726-2230.  Someone will be glad to help you.

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ESL Class Schedules

Caldwell Campus ESL Class Schedule

Watauga Campus ESL Class Schedule

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For more information about ESL classes, please contact Melissa Darling at (828) 726-2246.