English as a Second Language
ESL Courses
Beginning ESL
For students who have little or no knowledge of English. Teaches students to speak, read and write using basic vocabulary to describe themselves and their environment.
Intermediate ESL
For students who can speak and write about themselves and their environment using basic vocabulary and structures. They will expand their vocabulary and knowledge of structures and practice using them in everyday situations.
Advanced ESL
Students will strengthen and refine their use of structures learned previously and learn new structures and vocabulary. Students will practice conversation, listening comprehension, reading for meaning, and paragraph writing.
Intensive Academic ESL
For students who want to continue to study in American colleges and universities or who want to practice their profession in the United States. It emphasizes the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills students need to succeed in American college and university classrooms. It will also focus on academic content areas that students frequently meet when studying.
ESL - Conversation I
This course is for English as a Second Language students who want to practice their listening and speaking skills in a variety of everyday social and business situations. This class is for high beginning and low intermediate learners of English.
ESL - Conversation II
This course is for English as a Second Language students who want to practice their listening and speaking skills in a variety of everyday social and business situations. This class is for intermediate and advanced learners of English.
Note: These courses do not apply to any associate degree or career certificate program.
Accelerating Opportunity Program
The Accelerating Opportunity Program at CLC provides ESL and GED students Adult Education assistance while taking classes toward earning a career certificate.
For more information, visit the Accelerating Opportunity page.
How to Get Started
English as a Second Language classes provide language instruction to adults whose native language is not English. Scores on the ESL placement test will determine the student's level.
1. Know your 7-digit CLC ID
Students need their 7-digit CLC Student ID in order to request a placement test appointment.
I need a CLC ID.
First-time students coming to the College of Lake County must complete the Student Admission Form online or in person to obtain a CLC Student ID. If you need assistance completing this form, please contact the office of Admissions and Records.
I forgot my CLC ID.
Your CLC ID (e.g. student ID) is the 7-digit ID assigned to you after your admission to CLC. You can find your CLC ID on your welcome letter or any prior class schedule. If you still need assistance, please contact the office of Admissions and Records.
I know my CLC ID.
Proceed to step 2 below to request a placement test appointment.
2. Request a Placement Test Appointment
There are 3 ways to request a placement test appointment:
By Phone
Please call (847) 543-2445.
Online
Request a testing appointment online:
Request Placement Test Appointment
In Person
New students also have the option of coming to campus during Intake Office Hours to apply and make an appointment for the placement test.
Information about dates, times, the placement test and registration is also available in English and Spanish on a 24-hour recording at the following number: (847) 543-2000, ext. 9984.
Placement tests are valid for 120 days only!
Questions?
To contact an Adult Education ESL testing representative call:
(847) 543-2445
For Intensive Academic ESL
To contact a Faculty/Academic ESL advisor call:
(847) 543-2951 or (847) 543-2304
Intake Office Hours
Grayslake Campus
Monday & Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Building 4
Directions & Maps for Grayslake
Lakeshore Campus
Wednesday & Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
1 North Genesee, 2nd Floor
Directions & Maps for Lakeshore
Southlake Campus
1st and 3rd Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
1120 S. Milwaukee, Room R014
Directions & Maps for Southlake
