English as a Second Language
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English as a Second Language (ESL) classes teach how to read, write, listen, and speak English. The classes offer students support and many opportunities to practice. Our classes are taught by experienced ESL teachers who care about their students.
You are welcome here! No documents are needed.
If you need help, please call our office at (510) 886-1000.
Or send an email to [email protected] and write "I want to learn English" in the email.
All Winter Classes are currently full.
If you are on the waiting list, you will be contacted by email when there is space in the class.
Registration will open again at the end of January for the Spring quarter.
Before beginning classes, all students must first take a placement test.
Students must have an appointment to take the test.
If you would like to get an email message when it is time to sign up for a placement test appointment, click on the blue button to sign up on our interest list. If you are on a computer, the blue button is to the right. If you are on a phone, the blue button is at the bottom of this page.
Use the arrows next to each question below to see the answers to Frequently Asked Questions about our program.
What do I need to do first before I start class?
Before you start class, you must take a test so that we can place you in the correct class level. You can find information about signing up for the test lower down on this page.
Testing does not guarantee placement in a class; students may be placed on a waiting list if their level or preferred class is full.
What is the placement test?
The test is a placement test that shows how well you already know English. It will take about 90 minutes. You must have an appointment to take the test. Please do not bring children with you to the test. To be notified when it is time to sign up for an appointment for the test, please click the blue button to sign up on our interest list. If you are on a computer, the blue button is to the right. If you are on a phone, the blue button is at the bottom of this page.
How do I sign up for the test?
Students who are in good standing in Winter 2025 are CURRENT STUDENTS.
Students who have never taken ESL classes at Castro Valley Adult & Career Education OR who have not attended class in the last 3 months are NEW STUDENTS.
If you need help, please call our office at (510) 886-1000.
Or send an email to [email protected] and write "I want to learn English" in the email.
If you have already completed two years of class in the Advanced class, please call our office at (510) 886-1000 and ask to speak to our Transition Specialist. We would like to help you achieve your goals!
When is class? Is class in person or online?
Classes are offered in the morning or evening. Most of our classes are in person, but if you already know some English, you can choose:
Does it cost any money? Who can come to class?
Classes are free. You must be 18 years of age or older to attend. Please do not bring children with you to class.
When do classes start?
The Winter quarter is currently in progress. It will end on February 13, 2025. The Spring quarter will start the week of February 24. Before starting classes, all students must first take a placement test. We are not currently offering the placement test. But if you would like to be notified when it is time to sign up for an appointment to take the test, please sign up on our interest list. We expect to start testing again at the end of January.
I'm an Au Pair. Can I take English classes?
Au pairs are welcome to take our ESL classes to improve their English, but since we do NOT issue academic credit for any of our ESL classes, we are not able to help meet the educational requirements for a J-1 visa. If you are an au pair who needs to take English classes to satisfy the educational components of your visa, you should discuss those requirements with your agency and/or host family. We are not able to assist with immigration paperwork or verification of hours for the purposes of a visa.
What about Covid-19?
We want all our students and staff to stay safe and healthy.
The morning of your testing appointment, please make sure that you feel well and do not have a fever. If you are sick, please stay home.