English Language Learning (ELL)

A small group class for non-native English speakers, or beginning students of the English language who have not yet had formal literacy instruction in any language.

The class will focus on phonics and Roman alphabet letter formation. Instruction will also include survival English skills, greetings, self introductions, and asking/answering simple questions.

Registration Requirement: Please contact us to schedule a language assessment before registration.

This group class is intended for adult beginning level English language learning (ELL) students for whom English is a new language. The class will include instruction in the four main skill areas of ELL development: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Instruction will also focus on survival English skills, including essential vocabulary for everyday life, studying the letter names and sounds in English, greetings, asking/answering simple questions, and basic conversation skills.

This group class is intended for adult beginning level ELL students who already have some basic English language skills and have mastered our Beginning English Level I skills. Instruction in Beginning Level II will include increasingly complex reading, writing, listening and speaking skills that facilitate communication throughout the community. There will be greater focus on mastering, memorizing and pronouncing the past-tenses. Additionally, students will continue to gain flexibility in their ability to move between the past and present tenses in order to communicate about their lives and the world around them.

This ELL class is designed for intermediate level students who want to gain a deeper understanding of English skills through focus on reading, writing, and grammar skills. Students can expect to increase their ability to use English grammar and vocabulary. Students should have successfully completed Level II English or be assessed to ensure they are at an intermediate level.

This ELL class is designed for intermediate level students who want to gain a deeper understanding of English skills through focused listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students can expect to increase their ability to use English grammar and vocabulary. Students should have successfully completed Level 3 or be assessed to ensure they are at a high intermediate level.

Students enrolled in this class will build on the skills and knowledge learned in level 4-A. Competencies will include: using modals to describe past actions, using the passive voice, contrasting gerunds and infinitives, using relative clauses, and real conditionals. Students will begin exploring more advanced readings and will focus on reading comprehension beyond the literal level. Writing skills will focus on creating more complex sentences, word choice, and using articles and prepositions accurately.

This eight-week Conversation Class is intended for adult intermediate -level English Language students.

Participants will improve their English conversation skills in this fun and engaging class with activities focused on oral communication, listening comprehension, learning about the U.S., and cross-cultural exploration.

This 5-week group class is intended for adult high-beginner through intermediate-level students in English. Students will build spoken English fluency through structured, scripted dialogue practice. Each class session introduces a new dialogue centered on everyday communication situations, with focused attention on pronunciation, stress, and natural tone. Students will work in small groups to rehearse their assigned dialogue, receiving peer and instructor feedback before presenting to the full class at the session's close. Through repeated, low-pressure speaking practice, learners develop confidence, accuracy, and a more natural rhythm in English conversation (meets 1x weekly).

This class helps improve pronunciation and comprehension skills through practice of individual sounds (phonemes) and basic phonics drills. Students will learn and practice several kinds of articulation exercises to target vowel sounds and common pronunciation challenges. Students are encouraged to share obstacles to production and comprehension to work on in class. This class is appropriate for students at all levels of English and can help beginning students build a strong foundation for further learning (meets 1x weekly).

This class is available to low beginners and intermediate level students.  It will use personal storytelling as a tool for language acquisition, cultural sharing, and fluency development. 

Storytelling provides an engaging way for learners to improve grammar, comprehension, confidence, and to explore the nuances of language.

This class is structured as a writing workshop, but students will work on all dimensions of language: listening, speaking, writing, and reading.

This student-centered class introduces topics related to starting a business in Vermont. Each class will include vocabulary instruction and examples of cultural practices essential for exploring small business. Students will have opportunities to practice open conversations and learn directly from business owners. 

The class is designed for intermediate-to-advanced level English language learners.

This workshop is designed to introduce aspiring adult entrepreneurs to self-employment and assist with creating a vision and plan for a path forward that includes business ownership. 

Registration: Space is prioritized for intermediate-to-advanced English language learners.