Do you need to improve your English skills?

Our English as a Second Language (ESL) classes teach adults whose native language is not English, how to read, write and communicate in English. Students work both in structured classroom and lab settings. Instruction includes an array of curriculum utilizing audio, computer, workbook and conversational materials and some off-campus activities such as fieldtrips to museums, the local library and state capitol building. All ESL classes are non-credit and offered tuition free however some classes may require the purchase of a textbook.

ESL classes at Madison College are offered to adults who are permanent residents of Wisconsin, refugees or US citizens. We are unable to provide classes to individuals who hold a temporary, non-immigrant U.S. visa, including but not limited to B, F, J or H.

Getting started

To get started you need to attend an Orientation Session. The session can take up to 3-4 hours, so plan accordingly. No appointment is needed. You must arrive on time; seats are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Students arriving late will not be admitted. Also, no children are allowed at the Orientation session. At the session you will:

• Receive information on ESL classes offered through Madison College
• Receive general information about Madison College and the different programs offered
• Take the ESL Compass assessment test which is done on the computer
• Obtain your ESL Compass test results and ESL placement level
• Receive registration information

Where are classes offered?

The majority of ESL classes are offered at the Downtown Education Center (DTEC). Other structured ESL classes are offered at the South Campus and higher level classes are offered at the Truax Campus.

At Madison College sites where there are not enough students to support structured classes (such as Outreach sites and Regional campuses), ESL is taught in a lab setting. This allows students at various levels to work independently through the use of workbooks, audio tapes, videos, and computers with instructor support.