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.

Summer classes begin May 18, 2026

Learn how to get started

Questions? Ask us!

Submit an Interest Form


Popular programs make a difference for many

More than 3,400 students enrolled in Adult Ed and ESL programs, a +20% increase since last year.

Source: CLC Community Impact Report 2025

Adult Education and ESL programs

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

Get started at CLC

Summer classes begin May 18, 2026

For ESL and HSD classes, enroll between April 20 and May 16, 2026.


Step 1

Apply

Apply online if you have never taken courses at CLC.

If you are a returning student (with CLC I.D. number), skip to step 2.

Step 2

Take placement tests

Testing may take up to three hours. You must bring photo I.D. No testing when CLC campus is closed.

Testing Center locations and check-in times:

Grayslake Campus
19351 W. Washington St. Building K, Grayslake IL 60030
Get map of Grayslake Campus.

  • Wednesdays & Fridays – 9:30 a.m.
  • Wednesdays – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 16 – 9:30 a.m.

Lakeshore Campus
34 N. Sheridan Rd., Waukegan, IL 60085 (1st Floor)
Get map of Lakeshore Campus.

  • Mondays & Tuesdays – 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 9 – 9:30 a.m.

Southlake Campus
1120 S. Milwaukee Ave. Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Get map of Southlake Campus.

  • Thursdays – 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 2 – 9:30 a.m.

Questions? Call (847) 543-2485 for upcoming testing and registration dates. Learn about CLC Testing Centers.

Step 3

Select classes

  • ESL/ELA - English as a Second Language
  • HSD/GED® - High School Diploma Prep in English and Spanish
  • Ask about our Bridge to Career and Transition to College courses

Questions?

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



Meet our instructors

Experience the benefit of small class sizes and personalized instruction from your CLC instructors.

Department chair – Adult Education


Department chair – English as a Second Language (ESL)


Faculty