Campus Schedule Advisory: CLC offices will be open until 4:30 p.m. Dec. 16–20 and Dec. 23. CLC will be closed for the holiday break Dec. 24–Jan. 1. Offices will reopen on Jan. 2. Students can still apply and enroll online for Spring semester over the break.

Adult Education and ESL

Free path to advancement

If you’re an English language learner looking to improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in English, CLC’s ESL experts can help you. The Adult Education team can also help you boost your reading, writing and math skills to build your confidence and abilities.

Our Adult Education and ESL team connects you with opportunities to complete your high school education or learn English with qualified instructors—for free!

In this video, learn how our Adult Education programs help you build your skills in reading, writing and math; complete your high school education; or learn English—free of charge.

Watch the adult education video on YouTube

Register for Free Adult Education and ESL Classes

Classes are offered in person and online with morning, afternoon, evening and weekend options available. Classes offered: ESL, HSD (GED® or HiSET®), Spanish HSD, Bridge to Career classes, Computer Literacy classes and Citizenship classes.

View ESL and High School Diploma flier (PDF)

Popular programs make a difference for many

Nearly 3,300 students enrolled in Adult Ed and ESL programs, a +20% increase since last year.

Source: CLC Community Impact Report 2024

Adult Education and ESL programs

The courses provide instruction to help non-native English speakers learn to listen, speak, read and write the English language. CLC offers all levels of ESL including Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced and Adult Language Education (ALE) Transition to College.
Courses include:
- Computer Literacy
- Citizenship
- ESL Writing
- ESL Conversation
- Career & Workforce Bridge
Students must enroll in an ESL core class to participate.
Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses provide instruction in basic reading, writing, and mathematics for those looking to expand these skills.
Getting your high school diploma is an academic milestone and a personal achievement. Adult Secondary Education (ASE) classes prepare adults who have not completed high school to take one of two exams approved by the Illinois Community College Board: GED® or HiSET®.
This credential was called “High School Equivalency,” but it’s now known as your “Illinois High School Diploma.” Classes are offered in English and Spanish.
These programs allow students to complete their ESL program or High School Diploma while gaining the knowledge and skills to prepare them for careers in high-demand fields. 
Bridge to Careers helps students improve their language, math and computer skills by applying their learning to a career field.
The Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (ICAPS) program allows students to enroll in a certificate program in the career and technical education fields. Students can get a certificate in one year or less. Adult Education & ESL programs cover the costs to get started.
Certificate programs include:
We also support students transitioning into academic programs such as Hospitality and Culinary Management, Criminal Justice, Digital Media Design and other programs.

Submit an Interest Form

Eligibility

All CLC Adult Education and ESL classes are open to Illinois residents with a priority for Lake County. If you are younger than 18 years old, you must meet additional requirements and register with an official Secondary School Reference Form (PDF) signed by your authorized local high school representative.

You are not eligible to participate in Adult Education and ESL classes if you are:

here under a B1, B2, F1, F2, J1 or J2 visa
on a short-term visit to the United States
younger than 16 years old

How to get started

Step 1	Apply online if you have never taken courses at CLC.
Step 2	If you have attended CLC classes before, call us to get the next available testing/registration date at (847) 543-2485 or see the testing days, times and locations (PDF).   Locations Grayslake Campus 19351 W. Washington St. Building K, Grayslake IL 60030 Lakeshore Campus 34 N. Sheridan Rd., Waukegan, IL 60085 (1^st Floor) Southlake Campus 1120 S. Milwaukee Ave. Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Step 3	Set aside 2–3 hours to complete all testing, registration and sign up for New Student Orientation.
Step 4	Attend a New Student Orientation in-person or online.
Step 5	Start classes!

Questions?

Contact the Adult Education and ESL Division
Phone: (847) 543-2485
Email adultedtesting@clcillinois.edu

Meet our instructors

Arce, Kelly
Instructor, ESL 847/543-2729 karce@clcillinois.edu
Doyle, Deanna
Instructor, ABE/GED Reading 847/543-2677 ddoyle@clcillinois.edu
Giordani, Tania
Instructor, ABE/GED Mathematics 847/543-2406 tgiordani@clcillinois.edu
Gonsiorowski, Jennifer
Instructor, ESL 847/543-2463 jgonsiorowski@clcillinois.edu
Hester, Joseph
Instructor, ESL 847/543-2291 jhester@clcillinois.edu
Jones, Malika
Instructor, Adult Basic Education Transitions 847/543-2855 mjones16@clcillinois.edu
Micek, Alyssa
Instructor, ESL 847/543-2304 amicek@clcillinois.edu