The Cultural Development & Wellness Center – formerly Asian Pacific Development Center (APDC) – Adult Education program offers FREE English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for adults from pre-literate to advanced levels (levels 0 to 6). Classes include reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
All classes are FREE!
Classes are offered online and in person. The program includes:
- Beginning to advanced level classes
- Online learning account (Burlington English)
- Private tutoring available
- Family Literacy classes
- Additional wrap-around services
Available Classes & Schedules
All classes listed below are offered for FREE and scheduled for three thirteen-week trimesters each year. Students must begin classes the first week of the trimester.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes
Mornings
Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Afternoons
Monday – Thursday, 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Evenings
Monday – Thursday, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
We also provide computers to purchase or borrow. Enrolled students may meet with a private tutor or join the Learning Lab, Homework Club, and various workshops.
Available workshops: Computer Literacy, Grammar, Reading, Conversation and Pronunciation, English for Healthcare Jobs, and more.
Computer Class
Fridays, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Alton location.
Students must be enrolled in English class or ABE/ASE class to take Computer Class.
This class teaches basic computer skills students need to gain employment:
- Operating a Windows computer
- Setting up and using email
- Searching and navigating the Internet
- Creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with Microsoft Office and Google Applications
- Typing skills and basic computer literacy
In Computer Class, we use Typing Club to practice typing skills. We also use Northstar Digital Literacy. Students can earn certificates in fifteen areas of computer skills!
Homework Club
Students can get help from a teacher while they do their homework, use our online learning programs, or prepare for their test.
Tuesdays and Fridays at Alton location and online on Zoom.
Early Childhood Classes
Children and parents will learn English and life skills together! Children will be prepared for Elementary School, and parents will reach their English goals quicker!
- Children ages 6 months to 4 years old attend class while their parents are in ESL Class
- Families attend together on Fridays
- Children learn the following through weekly themed topics:
- Vocabulary
- Basic Writing Skills
- Basic Reading Skills
- School and Social Expectations
- Parents and Guardians learn:
- Skills for supporting their children
- What children need to know before kindergarten
- How to provide or find extra support for their children
- English skills
Family Literacy Classes
Monday – Thursday while Adult Students are in class.
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Friday
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Becoming a Homework Helper
Parents and guardians of elementary and middle school students will learn math and English skills and strategies for supporting their children with their schoolwork! Parents and guardians must also be enrolled in an ESL Class (level 2-6).
Students will learn:
- How to support their children with their homework
- How to attend school events
- How to understand grades
- How to get extra support for their children
- How to communicate with teachers
- So much more!
Class meets 3 days each week.
Elementary School Parents:
Monday, 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Friday, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Middle School Parents:
Tuesday, 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Thursday, 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Friday, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Family Literacy Nights
Once a month, students can bring their families to Family Literacy Night at our Alton location. Families will spend a fun night learning English literacy skills and life skills together through games, crafts, activities, and story time! Children of any age can come to Family Night!