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!

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)

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

How to get started


Step 1Apply 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

Step 3Set aside 2–3 hours to complete all testing, registration and sign up for New Student Orientation.
Step 4Attend a New Student Orientation in-person or online.
Step 5Start classes!

Questions?

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



Meet our instructors