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Learn English at Los Angeles Pierce College

ESL at LA Pierce College

Students whose native language is not English or who did not grow up speaking English in the home can choose from two English as a Second Language (ESL) pathways at Pierce College.

  • Noncredit ESL classes are meant for students interested in learning English for non-academic purposes (such as speaking English in everyday life at home and in public spaces).
  • Credit ESL classes are intended for students who are pursuing academic goals, such as degree or transfer.

To find these courses in the "class search" function, search "E.S.L." for credit ESL courses. Search "ESL NC" for non credit ESL.

 

Credit and Non Credit E.S.L. Program Sequences

Non Credit ESL and Credit ESL sequences. The left side shows the non credit ESL sequence starting from the bottom level, NC ESL 006CE, to NC ESL 007CE, to NC ESL 008CE, to NC ESL 009CE, to NC ESL 0015CE as core-multi skills courses that are 12 hours weekl. There are two nc esl speaking/listening electives, NC ESL 050CE and NC ESL 051CE. The right side shows the credit ESL courses from the bottom up ESL 3A, ESAL 4A, ESL 5A, ESL 6A, ESL 8 leading to ENG 101. The core coures are six units. Electives are three.

Credit E.S.L.

​​​​Credit E.S.L. classes prepare students for academic studies and career advancement. Credit E.S.L. can help you:

  • Develop academic skills needed for success in American college classrooms
  • Complete a two-year A.A. or A.S. degree at Los Angeles Pierce College
  • Transfer to a four-year university or enter a graduate program
  • Earn college credit which can be transferred to CSU and UC schools
  • Obtain a certificate in a professional or technical field 
  • Prepare for the GED, the TOEFL, and other tests 
  • Feel confident in your ability to effectively communicate in written and spoken English

Students enrolling in the Credit E.S.L. Program may qualify for the following benefits:

  • Tuition and fee waivers
  • Grants and scholarships
  • Book waivers and loans
  • Work-study programs
  • Childcare services

Credit E.S.L. at LAPCFind Your Level (Guided Self-Placement) Financial Aid Office

Noncredit E.S.L.

 

Noncredit E.S.L. classes help students improve their general English skills. Noncredit E.S.L. can help you:

  • Improve overall English skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking)
  • Develop the language needed for daily life (citizenship, medical care, parent-teacher conferences, employment, etc.)
  • Understand American culture, customs, and public services
  • Build skills to prepare for Credit E.S.L. classes, GED classes, and Citizenship classes

Students enrolling in the Noncredit E.S.L. Program receive the following benefits:

  • Noncredit E.S.L. classes give grades (P/SP/NP) that can be used to earn vocational certificates for employment and careers
  • Noncredit E.S.L.  courses are repeatable, open-entry and open-exit
  • No residency requirement
  • Free

Noncredit E.S.L. at LAPC