School
Board of Polk County, FloridaENGLISH for SPEAKERS of OTHER LANGUAGES
(ESOL EN ESPAÑOL)
(ESOL KREYÒL AYISYEN)
Do you speak English?
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
serves limited-English-speaking adults ages 16 and over who need to
improve their communication skills in English to obtain a job, to
function effectively in the community, to continue their education,
and/or advance in their careers. We offer instruction in reading,
writing, listening, speaking and grammar.
Class Schedule
Day Classes:
Monday through Friday
8:00 A.M. - 1:30 P.M.
Evening Classes:
Tuesday and Thursday
6:00 - 9:00 P.M
Regular attendance is necessary to
continue attending class.
Program Information
- Classes are offered both days and evenings at our main campus near downtown Lakeland.
- Evening Classes are also offered at Polk State College, Southwest Middle School, and Mulberry High School.
- All teachers hold valid teaching certificates and are highly qualified.
- We have six levels of ESOL classes.
- Classes are multi-level with conversation groups based on ability.
- We have a 20-station ELLIS computer lab which is included in the curriculum where appropriate.
- A computer reading lab is available on the main campus site.
- All classrooms have computers for learning English.
- Students who complete a progress test before leaving the program will receive a certificate.
- You can sign up to take the GED exam, in English or in Spanish, on our campus.
- We help you choose a career path and take the steps to reach your
goals.
The State of Florida has mandated that all adult school students pay a small
tuition fee.
The fee will be:
$45.00 per semester (for in-state residency)
$180.00 per semester (for out-of-state residency)
NEW STUDENTS will have to show documentation
to prove in-state residency.
Individuals not eligible for our programs:
Individuals with a tourist visa
Temporary international visitors
Registration Information
Orientation is held every Monday at 8AM
- Attend the orientation to learn about the program, including the required fee. (Registration is open for the first two months each semester. If classes fill up, a waiting list will be created.) You will make a testing appointment at the end of the orientation.
- Take a placement test (CASAS), lasting approximately 2-3 hours. The test costs $15 -cash only. You must bring your photo ID and proof of 12 months residency in Florida when you come for the test if you want to pay the FL resident rate. Children are not allowed to come with you to the test.
- Pay for class and register. You will pay for class the day you
come to register and start class. The class costs $45 for those who can
prove 12 months of residency in Florida. The class costs $180 for those
who cannot prove Florida residency for 12 months.
Click here to read the Residency for Tuition Purposes ESOL page for more details.
Contact the ESOL Department for more information:
Telephone: (863) 499-2835
Fax: (863) 499-2727
Email:
lori.cabrera@polk-fl.net
CASAS - Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System
The CASAS test is administered to students registering for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes in order to determine their level of ability in listening and reading English as a second language. Testing is by appointment only. Students may call or come by the school to register for the test. They need to bring photo identification from Florida as proof of residency, and, if possible, their social security card. Before exiting the class a post test is administered to determine student progress. Students demonstrating progress at specific levels are awarded a certificate of achievement.
Directions to West Area Adult School:
HEADING TOWARDS DOWNTOWN LAKELAND...
Directions from the north:
- Starting on US Hwy 98 North heading south.
Turn right on W. Main Street. - Continue straight through all sets of lights.
- The road curves to the left at Joyner Lumber and becomes S. Central Ave. Continue on S. Central Ave. to the two-story brick building on the left.
- Look for our sign.
Directions from the south:
- Starting on S Florida Ave heading north.
- Turn Left on Ariana Street.
- Turn Right on Sikes Blvd.
- Next Left on Central Ave.
- Turn Right at the yield sign onto S. Central Ave.
- Continue on S. Central Ave to the brick two story building on the right.
- Look for our sign.
Click here for a link to Yahoo Maps for a map to our school.
10 things you can do after learning English
- Get a job.
- Earn a higher salary.
- Communicate with neighbors, coworkers, supervisors, or your child’s teacher.
- Make new friends.
- Study in the university.
- Feel more secure and be able to defend yourself in a new land.
- Have more opportunities.
- Help your children with their homework.
- Understand letters or correspondence you receive in the mail.
- Build a better life for yourself and your family.
Web Sites to Learn English
U.S.A. Learns www.usalearns.org
This site was established by the federal government to help adult immigrants learn English.
Randall’s Cyber Listening Lab www.esl-lab.com
This site has many recordings to let you improve your listening skills in English.
Seminole Community Collegewww.seminolestate.edu/adulted/els/web_resources/
These sites contain links to other Internet sites. These links are not endorsements of any products or services in such sites, and no information in such site has been endorsed or approved by this site.
News
"West
Area Adult School received one of eighteen one-year health literacy grants from
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida. The grant of $5,000 will help
students with limited English language and literacy skills improve their
level of health literacy. It is part of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Florida's goal to make a constructive contribution to building stronger,
healthier communities. The ESOL program will be able to buy books,
visual aids, and provide CPR training for some of our students with this
money."