Adult English as a Second Language (Adult ESL Programs)

Find an ESL class near you for summer 2013. 

What We Offer

The Toronto District School Board offers a variety of English classes to Canadian adults who are residents of Canada or who are applying for residency status. The program provides language instruction, orientation to the community and available services, and academic preparation for further education. Some of the classes available are: conversation; citizenship preparation; language proficiency test preparation; literacy, for those who may need to improve their reading and writing skills; and bilingual programs where English is taught with the help of the student's first language. 

View a list of ESL courses and locations.

Program Information

English as a Second Language Programs
These are general programs in which students are taught English using the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.  Classes are offered at the literacy, beginner, intermediate, advanced and TOEFL levels.

Bilingual ESL Programs
In these classes, the instructors speak English and the same first language as the students.  Students who have difficulty understanding what is being taught in English can attend these classes to prepare themselves for the regular programs.

Citizenship Preparation Programs
These programs are for students who have been landed immigrants for at least 3 years and who are ready to take their Canadian Citizenship test .  They will learn about citizenship requirements and Canada's history, geography and government system.

English for Business Skills/Computers
These programs focus on language skills for success in the workplace.  A variety of programs are offered in business communication, accounting, job search and the use of computers.

English for Special Needs Programs
These programs are for learners with emotional and/or mental health difficulties.

English for TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
/TWE (Test of Written English)/Academic Purposes
These programs are for intermediate or advanced level students who have professional or academic goals such as attending secondary schools, colleges or universities, or who are planning to requalify in their professions in Canada.