English as a Second Language (ESL) English as a Second Language (ESL)

English as a Second Language (ESL)

FCC offers a complete program of English as a Second Language (ESL) courses for adults who want to improve their English language skills. Courses are designed to help students improve their ability to speak, write, listen, and read in English.

Evening, weekday, and weekend options make it easy to fit your busy schedule. Small class sizes provide opportunities for more focused instruction and enhanced learning.

Decide which of our three ESL program offerings is best for you: Basic ESL, Targeted ESL, or Academic ESOL.

 

Basic ESL is the right choice for you if...

  • You speak little or no English or you've had very little training in English
  • You are a newcomer to the United States and you need to learn how to live here
  • You want to increase your English skills to help with your goals
  • You want to be able to communicate more easily with English speaking neighbors and co-workers, and participate in your community

 

Basic ESL Offers...

  • Instruction in grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
  • A focus on learning to live in the United States: communication, shopping, employment, etc.
  • Select courses focusing on career training for in-demand careers and industries. Learn More.
  • Classes tailored to the needs and goals of the students in that class.

*Students are not required to be working towards citizenship to take Basic ESL.

 

Cost

Free! Basic ESL classes and textbooks are paid for by a grant. There is no cost to students.

 

Get Started

You must attend an orientation session to register for classes.

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Important Basic ESL Orientation Information

 
  • Arrive early or on time. Space is limited and we begin on time. We may have to ask you to come back another time if you arrive late.
  • No children are allowed at orientation. Children under 14 can NOT be unsupervised on campus, and they cannot be in the orientation with you (it's disruptive).
  • Saturday Session Length. Saturday sessions may last 5-6 hours. Please bring a snack; a short break will be given.
  • Bad weather. If FCC closes due to bad weather, we will NOT have in-person orientation. Check www.frederick.edu or on TV. (If an orientation is at an FCPS schools site, check to see if schools are closed; check www.fcps.org).
  • Come back again. Intake is a process that will happen in two or three sessions.  We'll give you the date to come back during the first session. You cannot start class until you have completed all intake requirements and steps.

 

More Information

Contact Us
Adult Basic Education Office
Conference Center, Rm E102
240.629.7962
[email protected]

Download Information

Targeted ESL is the right choice for you if...

  • You are confident using English for everyday communication in the community and at work
  • You are interested in improving your English for academic or professional purposes
  • You are enrolled in Basic ESL levels High-Intermediate 2 or Advanced, or Academic ESL, and you would like additional support
  • You placed below 102 in any section of the ACCUPLACER ESL test at the College
  • You want to be able to communicate more easily with English speaking neighbors, co-workers, or people in public

 

Targeted ESL Offers...

  • Targeted instruction in grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking
  • Courses designed to improve oral fluency
    • Conversation and Pronunciation
    • Listening & Speaking
  • TOEFL Prep courses
  • Courses that transition students from Basic ESL courses to formal English for professional or academic purposes

 

Get Started

View Current Targeted ESL Sessions

New students must take either the CASAS or the ACCUPLACER ESL placement test.

 

If you are not sure if your English is strong enough for Targeted English classes, or if you need help deciding where to start, take the CASAS placement test.  Sign up for an orientation to take the CASAS test.

  • Computerized or paper test
  • Tests reading & listening skills
  • Good for students just starting out or with limited Experience studying English formally
  • Used for placement in Basic ESL and Targeted ESL

 

If you feel confident taking an academic English test on a computer, take the ACCUPLACER ESL placement test.

  • Computerized test.
  • Tests academic reading and grammar meaning & usage.
  • Good for students who have previously studied English formally, and who have long-term academic goals.
  • Used for placement in Targeted ESL and Academic ESOL.

 

More Information

For information on test dates and times contact or visit: Adult Basic Education Office, Conference Center, Rm E102
[email protected] • 240.629.7962

Academic ESOL is the right choice for you if...

  • You are interested in pursuing a college degree or certificate or wish to improve your English for professional communication
  • You have studied English extensively in your home country, and would like to continue your English studies in the U.S.
  • You have scored 306 or higher on the ACCUPLACER ESL test at the college

 

Academic ESOL Offers...

  • Instruction in academic reading, grammar, writing, listening, and speaking
  • Preparation for the rigor of degree programs and/or professional communication
  • Faculty with expertise in teaching English as a Second or Other Language
  • Fulfillment of pre-requisites for college credit courses
  • Credit toward F1-visa full-time study requirements
  • Credit toward graduation requirements in most programs

 

Cost

  • Tuition is based on the cost per credit hour. View current tuition rates.
  • Books are not included in the price of the course, and cost approximately $50 per book.
  • Financial Aid is available for qualified students.

 

Get Started

 

More Information

For information on test dates and times contact or visit: Adult Basic Education Office, Conference Center, Rm E102
[email protected] • 240.629.7962

Compare Programs

This program is the right choice for you if....
Basic ESL
Targeted ESL
Academic ESL
You speak little or no English or you’ve had very little training in English. ✓    
You are a newcomer to the United States and you need to learn how to live here. ✓    
You are working toward becoming a U.S. citizen. ✓    
You need to learn or improve your English to find a job or to get a better job. ✓ ✓  
You are having trouble communicating in English with your neighbors, co-workers, or people in public. ✓    
You have scored 150 or lower on the Accuplacer ESL test. ✓    
You are confident using English for everyday communication in the community and at work.   ✓ ✓
You are interested in improving your English for academic or professional purposes.   ✓ ✓
You are enrolled in Basic ESL levels High-Intermediate 2 or Advanced or Academic ESOL and you would like additional support.   ✓  
You scored between 150 and 306 on the Accuplacer ESL placement test.   ✓  
You are interested in pursuing a college degree or certificate or wish to improve your English for professional communication.     ✓
You have studied English extensively in your home country, and you would like to continue your English studies in the United States.     ✓
You have scored between 306 and 335 on the Accuplacer ESL placement test.     ✓

Orientation Information and Upcoming Sessions

Orientation Interest Form
  • Orientation is required. Interested students must attend an orientation prior to enrolling in any Adult Education courses.
  • Orientations are free of charge.
  • Questions? Call 240.629.7962 or email [email protected]

 

Bridge to Careers Courses

Bridge to Careers courses help adult students with an ESL background develop workplace skills and build on existing experience in order to start or advance their career.

 

Learn More