ESL Students: Start Here!


students smiling in classroomNEW Assessment Process

  • If you attended a U.S. high school, we may be able to use your high school transcript to help you find the right class to begin studying English as a Second Language at De Anza.
  • If you didn't attend a U.S. high school, you can use our ESL Guided Self-Placement tool to find the right class for you.
  • This webpage will tell you how to get started with this process.

First: Answer These Questions

Are You New to California Schools and NOT an F-1 Visa Student?

If you are new to California schools and you are NOT an F-1 Visa student, please visit our Helpful Tips webpage first – and then come back to this page if you want more information.

Click Here For HELPFUL Tips

Are You an F-1 Visa Student?

If you're attending De Anza on an F-1 visa, you will receive assessment information during the orientation provided by our International Student Programs (ISP) office.

International Student Orientation

Did You Attend a U.S. High School for Three or More Years?

If you attended a U.S. high school for at least three years, we may be able to use your high school transcript to tell you which ESL class you should take first.

If you didn't attend a U.S. high school, you can use the ESL Guided Self-Placement to find out which ESL class you should take first. 

Did you attend a U.S. high school for three or more years?



ESL Course Sequence 

The English as a Second Language (ESL) program offers a series of classes that can serve as a pathway for students who want to take transfer-level ESL and English courses. 

View the ESL course sequence

  • Depending on your educational goal, you may need to complete transfer-level ESL courses, transfer-level English courses, or both.
  • If you are an ESL student, you must complete at least two courses – ESL 272 (or 472) and ESL 273 (or 473) – or be placed into ESL 5, before you can be assessed for English.

Your counselor can help you decide and plan which courses you will take.



FAQs and More Information

  • What is the ESL program?

  • What is the difference between English and ESL?

  • Should I take English or ESL?

  • What is advanced ESL?

  • What if I am a beginning English learner?

  • Do you offer free classes?

  • Can I take free classes as a nonresident or F-1 visa student? 

Learn More About FREE ESL Classes

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