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Learn English

Learn English 2020-12-11T10:33:50+00:00

Learn English Quick Start Guide

If English is not your native language, Highline College can help you.

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Highline is a public institution of higher education located 20 minutes south of Seattle in Des Moines, Wash. Since 1961, community members have counted on Highline to meet their educational needs close to home. We offer certificate programs, two-year degrees in a wide range of programs, and applied bachelor’s degrees in five high-demand fields.

We also offer many classes and programs to help people like you learn and improve their English language skills. Which class or program is right for you?

If you have just moved to this area or have been here for many years, we hope you will come to Highline College. We want to help you. Learn more below about what we offer.

highline-college-ged-classes

Visit us in the ESL/ABE Department (Building 19).

Do you want to learn English or brush up on your English skills? We offer pre-college level classes in English. In these classes, you will learn and practice basic speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.

Classes are for immigrants, refugees, permanent residents and U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years old. Classes are held at Highline College and various off-campus sites in the morning, afternoon and evening. There is a $25 tuition fee each quarter. Tuition waivers are available.

New students will need to attend an orientation. At the orientation, you will complete a Highline application and take an English skills examination. You will also register for class. You are considered a new student if you are new to Washington state or if you have not taken a English for Speakers of Other Languages class for six months or more.

If you have a temporary visa for studying, doing business or traveling in the U.S., you cannot attend these classes. See “Are you a foreign student or guest” below for details.

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Contact Information

Phone: (206)-592-3297

Email: elcapofficestaff@highline.edu

Located on Highline’s main campus, Building 19, Room 102 (Campus Map)

Learn About ESOL

If you are foreign student or guest, you can enroll in a variety of courses from general English skills to academic and TOEFL preparation. Classes are offered on Highline’s campus through Kaplan International English. At Kaplan, you choose a program based on how long you want to study, your educational plans and future career. Classes begin every Monday, and you can tailor the length of your course to your specific needs.

Kaplan International English at Highline Contact Information

Phone: (206) 592-3740

Email: GPO.Highline@kaplan.com

Located on Highline’s main campus, Building 25, 5th floor (Campus Map)

Learn About Kaplan

Do you believe your English skills are strong enough for college-level English courses? If so, come to the placement and testing center to take an assessment that will determine the right course for you. After the assessment, you can meet with an adviser who can help you choose the courses and/or program that is right for you.

Highline Placement and Testing Center Contact Information

Phone: (206) 592-3251

Email: testingcenter@highline.edu

Located on Highline’s main campus, Building 1 (Campus Map)

Learn About Placement

Through the StartZone program at Highline College, you can learn English while building your business. StartZone provides free business training, consulting and other support to South King County residents.

StartZone staff members are multicultural and multilingual and reflect the diversity of the community. More than two-thirds of StartZone clients are people of color or recent immigrants. StartZone can help you build a business that is profitable and well connected to the local economy.

StartZone Contact Information

Phone: (206) 592-3388

Email: startzone@highline.edu

Located on Highline’s main campus, Building 99 (Campus Map)

Learn About StartZone

Information in Other Languages

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Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
Русский (Russian)
한국어 (Korean)
Soomaali (Somali)