English as a Second Language (ESL)
FCC offers three English as a Second Language programs for adults who want to improve their English skills. Whether you are just starting out, building confidence for work and daily life, or preparing for college-level coursework, there is a program designed for you.
Compare Programs
FCC offers three English as a Second Language programs for adults who want to improve their English language skills. Whether you are just starting out, building confidence for work and daily life, or preparing for college-level coursework, there is a program designed for you. Classes are available in person and online with morning, evening, and weekend options to fit your schedule.
| Choose Your Program | Basic ESL | Targeted ESL | Academic ESOL |
|---|---|---|---|
| You have little or no English language experience | Yes | ||
| Navigating daily life in the United States is a goal | Yes | ||
| Communicating in English at work, at home, or in public is a challenge | Yes | ||
| Your Accuplacer ESL test score is 150 or lower | Yes | ||
| Finding a job or advancing your career requires stronger English skills | Yes | Yes | |
| You are enrolled in Basic ESL High-Intermediate, Advanced, or Academic ESOL and want additional support | Yes | ||
| Your Accuplacer ESL test score is between 150 and 275 | Yes | ||
| Everyday English feels comfortable and you are ready to go further | Yes | Yes | |
| Improving your English for academic or professional purposes is your goal | Yes | Yes | |
| Your next step is a college degree or certificate, or professional communication skills | Yes | ||
| You studied English formally in your home country and want to continue here | Yes | ||
| Your Accuplacer ESL test score is 276 or higher | Yes |
Program Information
Basic ESL is a free, grant-funded program designed for adults with limited or no English language experience. Classes focus on practical skills for living, working, and communicating in the United States, including grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Small class sizes allow for focused, personalized instruction tailored to the needs and goals of the students in each class.
Basic ESL also offers select courses focusing on career training for in-demand careers and industries, giving you a head start toward employment while you build your English skills.
Cost
Free. Basic ESL classes and textbooks are paid for by a grant. There is no cost to
eligible students.
How to Get Started
You must attend an orientation before enrolling. Complete the Interest Survey Form
below and we will contact you with next steps.
Targeted ESL is designed for adults who are already comfortable using English for everyday communication and want to improve further for academic or professional purposes. Courses focus on oral fluency, grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with options including Conversation and Pronunciation, Listening and Speaking, and TOEFL Preparation. Targeted ESL also supports students transitioning from Basic ESL into formal English for professional or academic purposes.
Placement
New students must take either the CASAS or the ACCUPLACER ESL placement test before
enrolling. If you are unsure which test to take, complete the Interest Survey Form
to attend an orientation and get guidance on which class is right for you.
The CASAS test is a computerized or paper test covering reading and listening skills. It is a good starting point for students with limited formal English study experience and is used for placement in both Basic ESL and Targeted ESL.
The ACCUPLACER ESL test is a computerized academic English test covering reading and grammar. It is best suited for students who have previously studied English formally and have long-term academic goals. It is used for placement in Targeted ESL and Academic ESOL.
Registration
Fall registration opens in July. Spring registration opens in November. Summer registration
opens in March.
How to Get Started
Academic ESOL is a credit-bearing program for adults who have studied English extensively and are ready to pursue college-level coursework or professional communication. Courses focus on academic reading, grammar, writing, listening, and speaking, with instruction from faculty who specialize in teaching English as a second or other language. Academic ESOL fulfills prerequisites for college credit courses, counts toward F1-visa full-time study requirements, and may count toward graduation requirements in most programs.
Cost
Tuition is based on the cost per credit hour. Please view current tuition rates. Books are not included and cost approximately $50 per book. Financial aid is available for qualified students.
How to Get Started
You must complete the FCC college application before enrolling. After submitting your application, make an appointment to take the placement test at the FCC Testing Center. View current class schedules and see the Academic Catalog
for course descriptions.
For information on test dates and times, contact the Adult Education and ESL Office.
Orientation and Getting Started
Orientation is required for Basic ESL and Targeted ESL. Complete the Interest Survey Form below and we will contact you with next steps. Orientations are free of charge and are held with morning, evening, and weekend options available.
Complete ESL Orientation Interest Form
Important Basic ESL Orientation Information
Basic ESL orientation sessions have a few important guidelines to help everything run smoothly. Please read the following before you attend.
- Arrive early or on time. If you are late, you may have to return for a future session.
- No children under 14 at orientation. Supervision is not available in orientation or on campus.
- Saturday sessions may last 5 to 6 hours. Please bring a snack as a short break will be provided.
- If FCC is closed due to weather, in-person orientation is canceled. Visit frederick.edu for closings or signup for FCC Alert.
- This process requires multiple sessions. Return dates are provided during the first sessions.
At a Glance
English for Careers
English for Careers courses help adult ESL students gain workplace skills and advance
their professional goals. These programs offer specialized training for high-demand
industries like healthcare and technical fields. Designed for flexibility, classes
typically meet twice weekly on weekday evenings and take three to four months to complete.
Eligibility:
- Adult students (age 18+)
- New or current ESL students at a high intermediate level or above
- Career changers or job searchers
- Authorized to work in the United States
