English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes

Whether you speak little or no English, Madison College offers English language classes at all levels, from beginning to advanced.

Improve your English language proficiency by focusing on reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

Classes are offered at various times in Madison at our Truax or Goodman South campus or regionally in Reedsburg, Portage, Watertown and Fort Atkinson.

English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are offered tuition-free to Wisconsin residents who are at least 18 years old.

We do not offer ESL classes to tourists visiting for temporary travel, au pairs or individuals with temporary visas. This includes individuals with visas sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, WESLI or other institutions of higher education.

New ESL Students – Get Started

To get started, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Live in Wisconsin for a minimum of 6 months

Steps for Madison and Dane County Residents

Follow these steps if you live in Madison or Dane County and are new to Madison College or our ESL classes.

Step 1: Create a New Student Account

Create a New Student Account to get a student ID number.

Step 2: Take an ESL Test

You can take the test remotely online or on-campus in Madison at the Goodman South campus.

Please allow 2.5 hours for the test.

How to Take the ESL Test On-Campus at Goodman South

To take the test on-campus, attend one of our open testing sessions on Mondays and Thursdays in Madison at the Goodman South Campus, Room 127.

Plan to arrive between 9-11 a.m. or 2-6 p.m. to allow enough time for testing.

For questions, please contact our office at 608.258.2440, extension #1 (ESL) or saa@madisoncollege.edu.

How to Take the ESL Test Online

To take the test online, click on the link below to schedule an appointment.

You will need to provide your name, email, phone number and student ID number.

Schedule an Online ESL Test

Steps for Residents Outside of Dane County

Take ESL classes at our Reedsburg, Portage, Watertown or Fort Atkinson campuses.

Follow these steps if you live outside Dane County and are new to Madison College or our ESL classes.

Step 1: Create a New Student Account

Create a New Student Account to get a student ID number.

Step 2: Attend an ESL Orientation and Registration Session

Sign up for the ESL Orientation and Registration Session, where you will take an ESL test and register for classes.

Schedule ESL Testing & Registration