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English as a Second Language

Welcome to Calhoun’s English as a Second Language Program (ESL)

Calhoun Community College Adult Education Program offers free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to help adults improve their English skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Our program supports learners from beginner to advanced levels, aiming to enhance communication skills for everyday life, work, and further education.


How To Enroll in the ESL Program:

Our enrollment process has changed. We no longer accept online registrations. If you are interested in taking ESL classes at Calhoun, please read the information below carefully.

Eligibility: Any person who is at least 16 years of age, lives or works in Alabama, not presently enrolled in school (public or private), and has correct documents. See Enrollment Schedule for Required Document List. Students less than 18 years old must have additional documents. See chart below for documents required for 16-17 year olds.

To Enroll You Must:

  • Have correct documents to show you are eligible to enroll in Adult Education classes.
    • A US government issued photo ID (Real ID/Star compliant Driver’s license)
      • If legal non-citizen, bring one of the following:
        • Green Card (Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551)
        • Foreign passport with acceptable visa (non-acceptable visas: J1, F1, B1, B2)
        • Employment Authorization Permit (Form I-766) o I-94 with refugee/asylee/parolee status
        • Asylum Grant Letter or I-797 Notice of Action, o Refugee Travel Document (Form I -571),
        • T-Visa or U-Visa,
        • Withholding of Removal Order
  • Proof of residency: a paper document showing the student’s name and address in Alabama. Examples of proof of residency are a utility bill, a bank statement, the lease on a house or apartment, a mortgage statement, a car insurance form, etc.
  • Attend an orientation and enrollment session. Click here for Enrollment Schedule
  • Orientation sessions are available in both Decatur and Huntsville. We offer morning and evening sessions. The Orientation sessions last 4 hours.
  • During Orientation you will choose the time of day to want to attend class – morning or evening.
  • Orientation is first-come, first-served. The number of people in each session is limited to 15. Enrollment is done on a first come first served basis. The first 15 people who arrive and have correct documents will be allowed to enroll.
  • We will not accept late arrivals. If you are late, you will not be able to enroll.

        What do I need to bring with me to the Orientation session?

        You need to bring:

        • All applicants must bring Proof of Alabama residency: a paper document showing the student’s name and address in Alabama. Examples of proof of residency are a utility bill, a bank statement, the lease on a house or apartment, a mortgage statement, a car insurance form, etc.
        • The proof of residency MUST have the student’s name and address in Alabama and MUST be a paper document. We do not accept digital documents.

        In Addition, you must bring:

        1. If US Citizen: A US government issued photo ID (Real ID/Star compliant Driver’s license)
        2. If legal non-citizen, bring one of the following:
          • Green Card (Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551)
          • Foreign passport with acceptable visa (non-acceptable visas: J1, F1, B1, B2)
          • Employment Authorization Permit (Form I-766) o I-94 with refugee/asylee/parolee status
          • Asylum Grant Letter or I-797 Notice of Action, or Refugee Travel Document (Form I -571),
          • T-Visa or U-Visa
          • Withholding of Removal Order

        Click here for more information

        For a calendar of all available orientation and enrollment sessions, please click here.

        What if I need more information or have questions?

        Our offices are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

        To contact us by phone, please call 256-890-4793 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday.

        Additional Required Documents for 16/17 year-olds

        AgeLast SchoolProof of WithdrawalParent PermissionProof of Residency
        Age:

        16

        Last School:

        Public

        Proof of Withdrawal:

        School Official Completed Certificate of Exemption

        Parent Permission:

        Notarized and signed Parental Permission Form

        Proof of Residency:

        Copy of Alabama ID/Driver’s License/Permit

        Age:

        16

        Last School:

        Non-Public

        Proof of Withdrawal:

        Submit one of the following indicating withdrawal date: withdrawal form, signed letter on letterhead from principal, parental notice of withdrawal from coursework

        Parent Permission:

        Notarized and signed Parental Permission Form

        Proof of Residency:

        Copy of Alabama ID/Driver’s License/Permit

        Age:

        17

        Last School:

        Public

        Proof of Withdrawal:

        School Official and completed Exit Interview Form OR Notarized Parent Permission Form

        Parent Permission:
        Proof of Residency:

        Copy of Alabama ID/Driver’s License/Permit

        Age:

        17

        Last School:

        Non-Public

        Proof of Withdrawal:

        Submit one of the following indicating withdrawal date: withdrawal form, signed letter on letterhead from principal, parental notice of withdrawal from coursework

        Parent Permission:
        Proof of Residency:

        Copy of Alabama ID/Driver’s License/Permit


        Locations & Contact Information:

        Decatur Campus

        Calhoun Decatur Campus, Adult Education Department | Bldg. #9, Room 117

        Contact:

        Please Call

        Huntsville-Research Park Site

        Calhoun Huntsville-Research Park Site, Adult Education Department | Sparkman Building (behind new building)

        Contact:

        Please Call