English as a Second Language (ESL)

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What’s New?

Morning, Afternoon, Evening and Online ESL classes on-going.

Click on the orange Register NOW button find out where to get a language assessment, and to fill out a registration form for classes.

English Language Classes through the ESL program offer in-person and online classes to immigrants and naturalized Canadian citizens levels literacy to CLB 8.

What will I learn?

Listening: Understand spoken English in a variety of situations including going to the doctor, shopping or visiting your children’s school.

Speaking: Develop your English language vocabulary and be able to speak to others in increasingly complex ways and in a variety of situations including job interviews, speaking with your doctor to name a few.

Reading: Understand written texts like application forms, instructions, personal and professional emails and bank statements or more advanced academic reading and workplace relevant examples

Writing: Write in English to help you complete job applications, fill out forms and prepare documents, craft business emails, write a letter to your children’s teacher as well as prepare for academic writing, essays and reports.

Technology: Navigate digital tools and text that will assist with learning, employment and everyday activities

What is Portfolio-Based Language Assessment (PBLA)?

Portfolio Based Language Assessment is a standard in-class assessment process that instructors use in all St. Louis ESL and LINC classes in Canada as a way to measure your language abilities. Each student collects and shows what they can do in listening, speaking, reading and writing in English. Task-based learning will help you achieve this. Your portfolio is reviewed by your instructor and used to help inform your progress results.

Program Length / Class Times / Locations

ESL is offered at multiple locations at various times through St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education Centres.
Please find below the class dates, times and locations that these programs are offered.

2024-2025 Class Start and End Times by Location:


M o r n i n g  C l a s s e s – in person


Monday to Thursday, 8:45am – 11:45am / Friday, 10:00am – 11:45am:
St. Louis – St. Mary’s Campus, Kitchener
St. Louis – St. Francis Campus, Kitchener


A f t e r n o o n  C l a s s e s   – in person


Monday to Thursday,  12:30pm – 3:00pm / Friday, 12:30pm – 2:00pm:

St. Louis – St. Mary’s Campus, Kitchener
St. Louis – St. Francis Campus, Kitchener


E v e n i n g  C l a s s e s  – in person


Tuesday and Wednesday,  6:30-8:30pm

St. Louis – Kitchener Main Campus, Kitchener


O n l i n e  C l a s s e s   


Monday to Thursday, 8:45am – 11:45am / Friday, 10:00am – 11:45am and/or

Monday to Thursday,  12:30pm – 3:00pm / Friday, 12:30pm – 2:00pm

Tuesday and Wednesday,  6:30pm 8:30pm

Limited morning, afternoon and evening online options


English for Work – PSW – (CLB 6/7) – evenings online – WAITING LIST


Fees

ESL classes are FREE to those with status in Canada.   

St. Louis is accepting ESL students who have had a language assessment in the LAST 2 YEARS, at the Assessment Centre or in any LINC or ESL class.

Licensed Child Care

ESL students who attend class at St. Mary’s, may purchase a spot or apply for subsidy in our welcoming licensed child care at St. Louis Kitchener Main Campus. Child care is open for pre-school age children only. St. Louis ESL  program does not provide free child care.

While you are learning English, your child will:

  • learn through play
  • interact with other children
  • develop skills and language appropriate for their ages

Warm and caring staff strive to provide fun and educational activities to support children’s settlement in Canada. The best possible atmosphere for children’s development and learning is created by establishing relationships between staff and families built on mutual respect. While ESL adult parents are learning or improving their English language skills, their pre-school children are as well… Everyone is learning English and growing in so many ways!

To register, you may purchase (or apply for Child Care Subsidy ) for child care in our licensed child care; Spots for Tots. <– click here for details.