English as A Second Language Institute

Continuing Education (Noncredit)
In this Section

Learn English for Everyday Skills

The ESL Institute offers adult, non-native speakers of English the opportunity to improve their basic English language skills in order to actively increase their participation in the larger society, continue their education into academic programs or to prepare for citizenship.

Program Details

The ESL Institute provides four levels of ESL instruction:

  • ESL Intro (Low Beginner)
  • ESL 1 (Beginner)
  • ESL 2 (Low Intermediate)
  • ESL 3 (High Intermediate)
  • American Idioms (Advanced, only open to students who complete ESL 3)

Each level includes the four language acquisition skills — listening, speaking, reading and writing. ESL Institute classes are noncredit.

Benefits

Taking ESL Institute classes will help you achieve these goals:

  • Learn English for everyday skills like talking to a doctor, applying for a job or shopping
  • Take the GED/HiSET test
  • Go to college

Apply Today

FAQs

Eligibility

Adults at least 18 years of age are eligible for the program. All students must take the ESL Institute placement test before enrolling in classes.

Steps to Enrollment

  1. Complete the Adult Education application to receive updates about our next semester.
  2. Attend an information session.
  3. Take the ESL Institute placement test.
  4. Enroll for your class online.

2025–2026 Schedule

Semester

Information Session/Test Months:

Registration Month

Classes Begin

Classes End

Fall

May, June, July

August

September

December

Spring

September, October, November

December

January

April

Summer

January, February, March

April

May

June

 

Spring 2026 Courses

  • COURSE FEE: $80 for each course (American Idioms: $100), plus the cost of textbooks
  • REGISTRATION:
    • Returning students: Registration for classes beginning January 5, 2026 opens in December 2025. Contact adultliteracy [at] ccp.edu (adultliteracy[at]ccp[dot]edu) to request the Returning Student form.
    • New students: Before you can register for classes you must complete an application, attend an information session and take the ESL Institute placement test. Placement testing is in May, June, and July for the fall 2025 semester.
  • PAYMENT: Payment can be made online using a credit or debit card, or in person on Main Campus. Classes may be canceled due to low enrollment. Refunds will be granted only if the class is canceled or the student withdraws before the first class meeting. To withdraw, you must email Adultliteracy [at] ccp.edu (Adultliteracy[at]ccp[dot]edu).
  • Questions: Call 215-751-8531 or email Adultliteracy [at] ccp.edu (adultliteracy[at]ccp[dot]edu).