English Language Learning (ELL)
Improve Your English!
If you'd like to take classes with us, please contact us by submitting your Contact Information Form and we will contact you to schedule an appointment. If you have other questions, email us at EssentialSkills@lwtech.edu.
- The winter quarter is from January 8 - March 20, 2024.
- The Spring quarter is from April 1 - June 12, 2024.
About English Language Learning (ELL) At LWTech
If you want to improve your English to become a more confident employee and community member, this program can accommodate you in day or evening English Language Learning (ELL) classes. This program is formerly known as English as a Second Language.
Note: The ELL/ABE Program is intended for Citizens, Immigrants and Refugees. It is not intended for F1, M1, J1, B1 and B2 visas. The ELL/ABE Program does not require and/or process any documentation related to visas or immigration status. If you need to apply for a student visa, please contact International Programs.
Get Started Today!
ELL placement testing is by appointment only! All prospective ELL students need to follow these steps.
Start The Process
Take a Placement Test
Take a Placement Test
Your placement test will be scheduled during Step 2. Please arrive on time for your scheduled placement test.
Enroll in Classes
Questions About the ELL program
If you have questions about the program, please contact Associate Dean of Instruction, Karen Lee, at karen.lee@lwtech.edu.
Classroom Help for ELL Students
Ana Guzman is available to help ELL students with questions about Canvas, webmail, or other online classroom issues.
Contacting Ana
Via Email: Ana.Guzman@lwtech.edu
Online Meeting: ask your instructor for the link and password
Phone: ask your instructor for phone number
Available Hours
Every day except Mondays for the first two weeks. By appointment after the first two weeks.
- 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
- 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
You can also email to arrange meeting via Microsoft Teams during other hours.
Six Levels of English Language Learning (ELL)
Day and evening ELL classes are offered to immigrants and refugees at Lake Washington Institute of Technology's (LWTech) Kirkland campus. Day classes are usually 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and evening classes are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Classes are being offered on campus and online as well.
Depending on the level and the schedule, classes can meet from six (6) hours a week to 15 hours a week (3 hours a day). At each level, students work on improving all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
All ELL and ABE classes cost $25 per quarter, regardless of the number of credits taken.
Level 1
ELL 15
Beginning ELL Literacy
Level 2
ELL 16
Low-Beginning ELL
Level 3
ELL 30
High-Beginning ELL
Level 4
ELL 40
Low-Intermediate ELL
Level 5
ELL 50
High-Intermediate ELL
Level 6
ELL 65
Advanced ELL
Online Writing
Under the Basic Skills program, on-line classes help students practice grammar and improve their reading and writing skills. Each quarter, LWTech offers special Orientation sessions. After taking a session, students submit weekly online assignments.
Two online classes are currently available to ELL and ABED students:
- ELL 57 - ELL Writing High Beginning/Low Intermediate
- ABED 54 - Grammar and Writing for High Intermediate/Advanced ELL Learners
College Transition Classes
The Basic Skills program offers a special class to assist ELL/ABED student transition to college programs. Higher-level ELL and ABED students interested in the college's programs have the option to enroll in:
- ABED 50 - Basic Skills for College Preparation