Noncredit English as a Second Language (ESL)
Learning English creates new opportunities for work, education, and everyday life. Palo Verde Community College’s noncredit English as a Second Language (ESL) courses help adult learners build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing English in a supportive and welcoming environment. Instruction focuses on practical, real-world communication skills that students can use immediately at work, at home, and in the community.
These tuition-free, open-enrollment courses are available to adults 18 and older, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. No prior college experience is required. Students can begin at their current skill level and progress at a pace that fits their goals. Whether you want to improve job opportunities, prepare for future education, or feel more confident using English every day, Palo Verde Community College is here to support your journey.
Inglés como Segundo Idioma (ESL)
Aprender inglés abre nuevas oportunidades para el trabajo, la educación y la vida diaria. Los cursos sin crédito de Inglés como Segundo Idioma (ESL) de Palo Verde Community College ayudan a los estudiantes adultos a desarrollar confianza al hablar, escuchar, leer y escribir en inglés en un ambiente acogedor y de apoyo. La enseñanza se enfoca en habilidades prácticas de comunicación que pueden usarse de inmediato en el trabajo, en el hogar y en la comunidad.
Estos cursos son gratuitos, de inscripción abierta, y están disponibles para adultos de 18 años o más, sin importar su estatus migratorio o ciudadanía. No se requiere experiencia previa en la universidad. Los estudiantes pueden comenzar en su nivel actual y avanzar a su propio ritmo. Ya sea que desee mejorar sus oportunidades laborales, prepararse para estudios futuros, o comunicarse con mayor seguridad en su vida diaria, Palo Verde Community College está aquí para apoyarle.
Spring 2025 - 2026
Call today for more information
760-921-5500
Maria Gamez
ESL Instructor/ Non-credit CIS
Phone: 760-921-5528 | Maria.gamez@paloverde.edu
Office: FA 136
ABE-081-01 ESL Entry Level II 1/26/2026-6/4/2026
This is an intermediate level English as a Second Language course, which continues to build upon the listening/speaking competencies while emphasizing vocabulary development, reading and writing. This course is repeatable and is ungraded.
ABE-054-01 Academic Reading & Writing 1/26/2026-6/4/2026
This course provides non-native English speakers practice developing their fluency and ability in academic reading, composition, discussion, vocabulary, and grammar at the advanced ESL level. Emphasis is placed on applying critical reading strategies to a variety of genres, analysis and synthesis of sources, writing multi-paragraph compositions and essays, revising compositions, analyzing and producing accurate grammatical structures in context, expressing and defending one's own ideas and opinions, and engaging in academic discussion of course texts and themes. Course can be repeated as needed to allow for further development of skills at this level. Prepares students for college level English courses. This course is repeatable and is ungraded.
ABE-081-01 ESL Entry Level II 1/26/2026-6/4/2026
ABE 081 is one of two entry-level English as a Second Language courses designed for students at the beginning level of English. This course provides instruction in vocabulary, basic sentence structure, and simple reading and writing. Students write short paragraphs with correct punctuation and spelling. The course stresses the correct use of a variety of grammatical structures and verb tenses.
ABE-090-01 ESL Entry Level I 1/26/2026-6/4/2026
ABE 090 is one of two entry-level English as a Second Language courses designed for students at the beginning level of English. Emphasis is on developing students' ability to listen and understand. This course provides instruction in vocabulary, basic sentence structure, and simple reading and writing. Students write short paragraphs with correct punctuation and spelling. They practice idiomatic expressions used in writing and discuss cultural differences to help them adapt more quickly to college life in the United States.
NBE-016-01 Sup Skil NC ESL 1/26/2026-6/4/2026
Co-requisite: Enrollment in English as a Second Language. NBE 016 is an open entry/open exit course designed to provide additional opportunities for students enrolled in the ESL Noncredit program to develop their English skills, specifically in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar. Emphasis is on the use of multimedia equipment and materials, print and audiovisual materials. This class helps students improve language skills through independent, self-paced use of multimedia equipment and materials. Students receive a Pass/No Pass grade mark.
Non-credit ESL Certificates
The noncredit ESL program is tuition-free and is dedicated to the teaching of non-native speakers of English, enabling them to acquire the English language skills necessary to achieve a variety of social, academic, and vocational goals.
Program outcome: Equipped with listening, speaking, reading and writing skills needed for employment or for successful completion of credit ESL courses.
Equipped with listening, speaking, reading and writing skills needed for employment or for entry into college level courses.