English as a Second Language (ESL) / LEARN ENGLISH (ESL)

Learn English (ESL)

The Palo Alto Adult School ESL program offers many classes to help you meet your English learning goals. We offer a range of English classes from Literacy to Advanced levels at no charge. To enter our FREE classes, new students must register for a placement test. Our next placement test registration opens at 9 a.m. Aug. 2, 2025. (Spring ESL placement testing is now full and closed.)

If you have questions, or for more details, please call the ESL office at (650) 494-2326, or send us an email at esl@pausd.org.

Note: There is no childcare for the placement test or the classes.

Spring 2025 Term Dates

Spring ESL placement testing is now full and closed.
Spring class dates: Mar 17 – May 23, 2025 (No classes Apr 7-11).

Next ESL placement testing opens at 9 a.m. Sat., Aug. 2, 2025.

ESL Placement Test and Registration

ESL Placement Test registration is in-person only.
Location to register for the ESL placement test:
4000 Middlefield Road, I-Building 2nd floor
No phone or online registration.
There is NO ESL Placement Test registration at Palo Alto High School.
When your placement test and registration are completed, you can sign up for one of the classes.

*IN-PERSON* MORNING CLASSES
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Cubberley: Literacy — Advanced Low Levels (Mon–Thu)

*IN-PERSON* AFTERNOON CLASSES
1–2:30 p.m.
Cubberley: Pre-Literacy (Tue & Thu)

*ONLINE* MORNING CLASSES
9–11 a.m.
3 times per week: Tue, Wed, & Thu
3 levels: Mixed beginning; mixed intermediate; advanced
**Students need to download and learn Zoom at https://zoom.com.

*IN-PERSON* EVENING CLASSES
6:30–9:30 p.m.
Palo Alto High School: Literacy — Advanced Low Levels (Mon & Wed)

*IN-PERSON & ONLINE* ADDITIONAL SKILL-SPECIFIC CLASSES:
See English Enrichment classes.

Register to Take the ESL (English) Placement Test

Students must take the in-person ESL Placement Test to join a class.
Our next placement test registration opens at 9 a.m. Sat., Aug. 2, 2025.
When you register, you will choose a test date.
Register for testing early – spaces limited.
You must register in-person (no phone or online registration).
There is no childcare for the test.

Enrollment Policies

Students must be able to attend the full 9 weeks.
There is no childcare.

Need Help?

Visit the ESL News site here
Call the ESL office at (650) 494-2326
ESL Email: esl@pausd.org

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