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English as a Second Language

English as a Second Language

Degree Type: Non-Degree

Pathway: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

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Why choose English as a Second Language at PPSC?

If English is not your first language, college can feel challenging. We offer classes that help you succeed. Even if you’re not pursuing a degree or certificate at PPSC, our classes can help you improve your English skills for work, daily life, or connecting better with friends and neighbors. Our students say that taking ESL classes at PPSC has changed their lives!

Student enjoying a class session

What do ESL students at PPSC study?

At PPSC, our English as a Second Language (ESL) program is designed to help you succeed, no matter your starting point. We offer three levels of study: basic, intermediate, and advanced.

Levels of ESL Study
  1. Basic Level: Start with three foundational classes to build your skills.

  2. Intermediate Level: After completing the basic level, you’ll move on to three intermediate classes to strengthen your English.
  3. Advanced Level: The final level includes three advanced classes to refine your language abilities.
Our courses cover grammar, writing, reading, listening and speaking, and pronunciation. After completing the advanced level, you’ll earn a Certificate of Completion. Many of our students go on to further their studies at PPSC after finishing the ESL program. To see the required classes for each level and learn more about each course, check out our ESL sequence chart. 
Download Sequence Chart

How to Register for ESL Classes

We hope you can join us! We encourage you to register early for classes for the best class options.

Follow these steps to register for ESL Classes:
  1. Complete a PPSC admission application. You will receive a Student Number.

    Submit your PPSC application  

    Get Help with Application

    Instrucciones en español

  2. Take the ESL Placement Test. Testing is at the Centennial Campus Monday through Friday. An appointment is required. Please call 719-502-3370 or view and select ESL Placement Exam to schedule an appointment.

  3. Make an appointment with an ESL Advisor. Please call 719-502-3535 to make an appointment. All advising appointments are at the Centennial Campus, Room F300. Be sure to bring your test results to your appointment.

  4. Apply for financial aid. Many of our students receive Financial Aid. If you are not eligible to receive the FAFSA (federal financial aid), please consider applying for the CASFA to receive state grants or an institutional scholarship. Be sure to apply for financial aid at least a month before the beginning of the semester.

Important Dates: Registration for spring classes opens in November. Registration for summer and fall semesters opens in April.

  • Spring 2024: January 21 - May 12, 2025

  • Summer 2025: May 27 - August 3, 2025

  • Fall 2025: August 18 - December 7, 2025
Register as early as possible to get the best schedule.
Students studying

English as a Second Language Classes You Might Take

Be sure to check the course catalog for specific classes required to reach your goals.

 

Testimonial

Yanshu Li

Testimonial

The ESL program helped me prepare for my college classes, and it helped me integrate into American society very quickly. Even if the college classes were difficult for me, I still got a good grade because I have learned a lot of basic English knowledge like grammar, writing skills, and reading. Taking ESL classes is the best way to a beautiful future.

Yanshu Li | Recent ESL Graduate

 

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Have more questions?

View the English as a Second Language frequently asked questions page for more information about ESL at PPSC. 
ESL Frequently Asked Questions

Need more information?

English as a Second Language

Centennial Campus, Room F200
719-502-3535
ESL@pikespeak.edu

Connect with Admissions

We are here to help you get started and can answer your questions about going to college and becoming a student at Pikes Peak State College

Admissions@pikespeak.edu
719-502-2000