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. 

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 class is offered two times each year, and new students must begin within the first two weeks 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. 

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.

Morning Classes

Morning ESL classes meet four times a week. The classes focus on reading, writing, conversation, vocabulary, and grammar. 

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. 

Off-Campus Class

A multi-level class is available at the Family Resource Center four hours per day, Monday through Thursday. There is NO childcare for this class.

Family Literacy

Family Literacy classes meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.   Transportation, lunch, and childcare may be provided. Please contact Shari Brown at (828) 757-8632 if you are interested in this class.

Watauga County Classes

Evening Classes

Classes focuses on reading, writing, conversation, vocabulary, and grammar.

Morning Classes

These classes meet twice a week. Classes focus on reading, writing, conversation, vocabulary, and grammar.

ESL Lab

An ESL computer lab is available for student use twice a week. Students do not need to know how to use the computers. Students at any level of English may work in the lab.

Citizenship Class

This class meets once a week. Students prepare for the United States citizenship interview in this class. The class is offered two times each year, and new students must begin within the first two weeks 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.

Registration

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., Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. 

A morning Orientation and Assessment session is held.

For registration information, please contact Melissa Darling at (828) 726-2246

Watauga Campus Classes

At Watauga Basic Skills, the Orientation and Assessment session is held the first Tuesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. or Wedesday mornings at 9:00 a.m.

For registration information for, please contact the Watauga Basic Skills Department at (828) 297-5253.

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.

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.