Learn English Today!

The English Language Learner (ELL) program offered at Acalanes Adult Education (AAE) provides English learners with listening, speaking, reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. This free program (No Fee Policy) offers ELL levels, ranging from basic literacy to advanced English language development. All levels are available during the day and evening hours.

To begin, students must first take a placement examination, which will allow staff to properly assign students to the appropriate class level.  Students may register for a test session through the AAE website.  Orientation sessions are scheduled for approximately 20 minutes followed by testing, which may take two-hours.  Registration is required, as walk-ins may not be accommodated.

All ELL orientation and testing sessions are held at the Del Valle Education Center, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek, CA 94595.  Testing will begin immediately at the scheduled time and late entry is not permitted.  Please check our website for updated information.

Acalanes Adult Education has compiled this Community Resource Guide to essential resources for our Guests. When available, there will be a link in the description box to that Community Resource. Guests may wish to contact the Contra Costa County Health and Human Services Department by calling 925-608-4800 Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Morning ELL Courses:

Literacy (in-person) - Kathy Measure

Beginning (in-person) - Marjan Ladjevardi

High Beginning (in-person) - Gitta Kahangi

Intermediate (hybrid) - Chris Loosli

High Intermediate (in-person) - Leigh Duggan

Advanced (in-person) - Terry Papadopoulos and Aase Schoen

Beyond Advanced (in-person) - Ronita Agarwal

Evening Courses:

High Beginning (online) - Ellen Witharm

Intermediate (online) - Kenzie Major

Advanced (online) - Maureen Allen and Terry Papadopoulos

Other ELL Courses:

Citizenship US History Focus (hybrid) - Chris Loosli

Computer Basics (in-person) - TBD