Prospective Students

Programs & Study Options | Adult Basic Studies/ESL

Adult Basic Education

Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes are for adults who already know English, but wish to improve their basic reading, writing, and math skills. Reading and writing are integrated to give students the foundation for effective communication. Skills emphasized will help students prepare for the GED or apply to a community or technical college.

• North:northseattle.edu/programs/prep/abe.htm
• South:southseattle.edu/programs/adultedu.htm
• Central:seattlecentral.edu/basic/abe-ged.php
• SVI:sviweb.sccd.ctc.edu/p_bs_abe.htm

English as a Second Language

English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are offered to help non-native speakers communicate in English and increase their understanding of American culture. Conversation, pronunciation, reading, writing, and grammar are taught with special emphasis on the skills for survival English and employment-related English. The courses advance to note taking, composition, oral presentation, and class discussion at higher levels.

• North:northseattle.edu/programs/esl/
• South:southseattle.edu/programs/esl.htm
• Central:http://seattlecentral.edu/basic/esl.php
• SVI:sviweb.sccd.ctc.edu/p_bs_esl.htm

Intensive English for International Students

Intensive English classes are offered for international (non-immigrant) students who want to study English and potentially enroll in the college's professional and technical programs or college transfer degree programs. The program includes reading, writing, speaking and listening at all levels. Students apply for admission through the international programs offices.

• North:isp.northseattle.edu/study_english.htm
• South:southseattle.edu/international/eslbpro.htm
• Central:seattlecentral.org/international/english.shtml