Enroll in Classes for English as a Second Language (ESL)

Improve your English language skills at the DAEC. Our caring teachers and small classes will help you feel more confident about learning English and communicating with others. ESL is for non-native English speakers who aim to enhance their lives and increase job possibilities through improved English skills and community involvement. Our classes are designed to meet the individual needs of each student. We serve all levels of education and English speaking skills.

Building Classes Around Your Schedule

We understand it’s not always easy to take time away from work and family; therefore, one of the things we offer is evening childcare. For students who cannot attend regularly scheduled classes, volunteer tutors provide one-on-one assistance with English reading, writing, conversational skills, citizenship study and basic literacy.

Our ESL Teachers

Patient and certified instructors teach our ESL classes. Our unique class environment creates a community where everyone belongs, supporting new immigrants as they navigate Durango and our surrounding communities. Our ESL program is designed to support students at varying levels of learning English, instilling a greater sense of confidence in all who attend.

Working With Local Businesses

Building partnerships in the community is a goal of the DAEC. If you are a business with a large non-English speaking workforce and would like to design an ESL program specific to your industry, contact us today to see how we might be able to help.

Haz un click aquí para información sobre clases de inglés

Who can enroll in the ESL program?

Non-native English speakers. Classes are designed for people who do not speak English at all to those who have advanced skills. If you are over 17 years old and want to understand, read, write and speak English, enroll in our ESL program today.

ESL classes are free.

Call or stop by to make an appointment to register.

Durango Location
Office hours: Monday – Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Phone: 970-385-4354
Address: 701 Camino del Rio suite #301, Durango, CO 81301

Cortez Location
Office hours: Monday – Thursday by appointment only
Phone: 970-564-7004
Address: 10 West Main Street, Suite 110, Cortez, Colorado 81321

We have classes for all levels. ESL 1 is a mix of beginner and intermediate students. ESL 2 is a mix of intermediate and advanced students. Each class builds skills in listening, reading, pronunciation, speaking and writing while focusing on life and work in the United States. Advanced students can enroll in our English for Retail skills certificate program. Students in this class will earn a certificate from the National Retail Foundation that will help them get a job or move to a managerial role. In addition students can work one-on-one with a trained volunteer tutor to focus on a specific area of English acquisition.

You will be given a classroom book and notebook. If you have a bilingual dictionary or translator, feel free to use it in class.

DURANGO CLASS TIMES
English as a Second Language (ESL)

Registration is required. All new ESL students are assessed for class placement.

• Monday/Lunes – Thursday/Jueves
8:30am – 11:30am
5:00pm – 8:00pm

• Onsite Childcare Monday/Lunes – Thursday/Jueves
5:00pm – 8:00pm

CORTEZ CLASS TIMES

• Tuesday/Martes – Thursday/Jueves
8:30am – 11:30am

• Onsite Childcare Tuesday/Martes – Thursday/Jueves
8:30am – 11:30pm

Winter Closures

Durango

Please note that the Durango campus closes during winter weather when the Durango School District  closes. Check ahead of time to make sure we are open in severe winter weather.

Cortez 

Please note that the Cortez campus closes during winter weather when the Montezuma-Cortez School District  closes. Check ahead of time to make sure we are open in severe winter weather.

Meet an ESL Student

Pedro Gonzalez-Navichoc moved to Durango last September to reunite with his fiancée, Ashley. He and Ashley met at Odim-Guatemala, a clinic providing health and education services to the indigenous population around Lake Atitlán. Ashely was managing the clinic and Pedro was completing his medical degree and clinical rotation as its General Practioner. They worked together for 14 months before Ashley moved home to Durango, and when it became clear to the couple that they wanted to spend their lives together, Pedro moved to Durango as well.

Just one month after Pedro’s arrival, he started English classes at the Durango Adult Education Center and attends classes 4 days a week. In addition to English classes, Pedro attends GED classes for math and writing. “I want to continue to work in the medical field and possibly change my specialty to OB/GYN or public health. I need better English skills to take some tests to transfer my Guatemalan medical degree and get accredited in the U.S. The more classes I take at the Center, the more English I will learn. “ In the meantime, Pedro has a very full schedule with adjusting to life in the U.S., improving his English, and preparing for his upcoming wedding at Blue Lake Ranch this summer.