91¹û¶³ÖÆÆ¬³§

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English as a Second Language

The ESL program offers both noncredit and credit courses to support non-native English speakers in improving their language skills. Whether you're looking to enhance communication for everyday life, work, or academic success, our courses are tailored to meet your needs.

Top Benefits

  • No-Cost Learning Opportunities – The Noncredit ESL Program offers free courses, making it accessible for students at all income levels to improve their language skills.
  • Skill Development for Everyday Success – The Noncredit program focuses on practical English skills for daily life, while the Credit ESL Program prepares students for academic and career advancement.
  • Flexible Scheduling – With classes offered during the fall, spring, and summer sessions, students can fit ESL learning into their schedules year-round.
  • Diverse Learning Levels – Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine advanced skills, our program supports learners from low beginner to advanced levels.

Skills Gained

Female students posing for picture outside
  • Enhanced Communication Skills – Improve your ability to speak, write, listen, and understand English in everyday conversations, academic settings, and professional environments.
  • Academic Preparedness – Gain the language proficiency needed to succeed in college-level courses, including reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking skills.
  • Cultural Understanding – Develop the ability to navigate and engage with diverse cultural perspectives, improving your communication in global and multicultural settings.
  • Career Advancement – Strengthen your English skills to boost your job prospects, enhance workplace communication, and increase your opportunities for career growth.
  • Confidence in Public Speaking – Build confidence and fluency in expressing ideas clearly, whether in casual conversations, presentations, or professional interactions.

How to Register for ESL or NCE Classes

1
Complete the Application: Credit ESL students should apply through the and Noncredit ESL students should apply through the .
1
Receive Student ID Information: Within a few days, look for your in an email from 91¹û¶³ÖÆÆ¬³§ with your Student ID number and West Valley-91¹û¶³ÖÆÆ¬³§ username and email account.
1
Course placement: Complete the
1
Register: Sign up in the for credit and/or noncredit classes 
      • If the class you want is full, you should add your . When enough students are on the waitlist, 91¹û¶³ÖÆÆ¬³§ may open a new class section.
      • Watch a on class registration in the My 91¹û¶³ÖÆÆ¬³§ Portal
      • Pay fees for credit classes.
      • Learn about financial aid for credit classes

Certificates

ESL Student
Low Beginning ESL, Certificate of Completion (CC)

ESL Students
Beginning ESL, Certificate of Completion (CC)

ESL Students looking at book
High Beginning ESL, Certificate of Completion (CC)

ESL Student group
Low Intermediate ESL, Certificate of Completion (CC)

ESL Student Group
Intermediate ESL, Certificate of Completion (CC)

ESL Students talking
High Intermediate ESL, Certificate of Completion (CC)

ESL Group talking
Advanced ESL, Certificate of Completion (CC)

ESL Students talking
ESL Grammar and Editing, Certificate of Completion (CC)

ESL Student talking
Preparation for Academic Success in ESL, Certificate of Completion (CC)

ESL Students discussing
ESL for Child Care, Certificate of Completion (CC)

ESL Students reviewing book
ESL for Child Development, Certificate of Completion (CC)

ESL Student
English for Child Development, Certificate of Proficiency (CP)

ESL Student listening
ESL for Careers in Food Service, Certificate of Completion (CC)

ESL Student
English as a Second Language, Certificate of Proficiency (CP)

Classes

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Late Adds

Students often find 91¹û¶³ÖÆÆ¬³§ after classes have already started.  If there is space available in a noncredit (NCE) class, new students may be able to add into the class after the first two weeks of the semester. Late adds are not possible for credit ESL classes.) Follow these steps for noncredit late adds:

  • Fill out the noncredit application and get a student ID.
  • Contact the instructor of the class you wish to add or contact the department chair. Ask the instructor if there is space in the class for a new student.
  • If there is space available, the instructor will send you an add code for that class through email. An add code is a 4 digit number to use in registration.
  • Complete the Add/Drop form
  • The instructor will connect you with the Welcome Center for help in registration. Inform the Welcome Center that you have an add code and wish to add into a NCE class.
  • After your registration is processed, email the instructor to tell him/her which day you will begin class. 

Course Placement

All students who want to enroll in our ESL program must complete the process before registering for any ESL or NCE course. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When do the classes start and end?
A:  We follow the regular 91¹û¶³ÖÆÆ¬³§ calendar.

Q:  What documents are required?
A:  No documents are required other than information needed to complete the

Q:  Do I need to attend the college orientation?
A:  No. It is not required for ESL students. 

Q:  I can't attend every class because of my job. Is that OK?
A:  Students need to plan to attend every class meeting. If you need to be absent on some days, please inform the teacher. However, if you need to be absent regularly, we suggest you find a different class time that will work better with your schedule.

Q. I want to take a class at a different level then my placement. Is that OK?
A:  Once you complete the online placement, you may enroll in any noncredit class you want to take.

Career Opportunities

Contact Us

Amelia Akers-Martin

Amelia Akers-Martin

Department Chair

(408) 855-5092

Marina Broeder

Marina Broeder

Instructor

(408) 855-5379