Shoreline’s eight-level ESL program takes students from the most basic level of language learning to advanced college-level preparatory English. ESL courses are integrated and content-based, which means that reading, writing, grammar, speaking and listening are taught together as students study a specific content area such as world issues or cross-cultural communication.

The first five levels of the program offer intensive basic English training to students who are not yet ready for college classes. Then, the “developmental” ESL levels (6, 7, and 8) serve as a “bridge” program in which students take college classes while completing the higher levels of their ESL training. This unique combination of ESL and academic coursework allows Shoreline international students to enter the U.S. educational system in a supportive environment.

After students complete ESL 100 (level 8), they move on to English 101, which is a regular English course required for most degrees at Shoreline as well as other colleges and universities.

Shoreline does NOT require international students to take the TOEFL examination. All students are welcome at Shoreline, regardless of their current English ability! Instead, each new Shoreline student is asked to take an ESL proficiency test prior to enrolling for their first quarter, and they are placed in the appropriate ESL level based on the results of that test. Students then move through the program at the rate of one level per academic quarter.

In addition to the basic courses offered at each level of the ESL program, there are some additional ESL courses and resources available. The ESL Technology Center, for example, is available for students to practice their English skills in a state-of-the-art language laboratory.

ESL Flowchart

*requires Adobe Acrobat software click here to download free software