English as a Second Language

Get started on your journey to United States citizenship. This course will cover an overview of the information relevant to the U.S. Citizenship exam and the citizenship process including American history and government. You must be 18 years of age or older to take the class and you must provide a copy of legal, permanent residency at enrollment. You also must score a 197 or higher on the CASAS assessment or receive any score on the GOALS assessment. Call 815-825-9420 to reserve a seat. 

Prospective citizenship students can contact the Adult Education Office for information regarding the next Citizenship Class at Kishwaukee College. 

Learn More

In-person and hybrid classes are offered at Kishwaukee College and various locations in DeKalb, Sycamore, Rochelle and Genoa. Classes are held in the mornings, afternoons and evenings. 

We have beginner, intermediate and advanced ESL classes. Academic Reading and Writing will help advanced ESL students prepare for reading and writing in college courses. Pronunciation and Conversation classes are offered immediately after some classes. 

A citizenship class is offered. This class provides an overview of the U.S. Citizenship exam, including American history and government. Basic interviewing, test-taking, and writing skills — including grammar and vocabulatry of American English — will also be addressed. 

Registration takes place before the start of each semester at the College and various community sites. Late-start classes and late enrollment require registration at Kishwaukee College.

Call 815-825-9420 to schedule a registration appointment. Please leave a clear message with your name and phone number, and someone will contact you within 24 business hours.

Registration takes about three hours to complete. There are forms to complete and orientation. We also want to make sure you start your ESL classes at the right level for you. You will take a placement assessment during registration.

You can start the process early.

Step 1. Watch the video below (Spanish & English version available).
Step 2. Download, fill in, and print the Registration Form.
Step 3. Bring the completed form with you to registration or email the form to adulted@kish.edu.
Step 4. Plan up to three hours for assessment testing.

Se hace la registración/orientación para el programa de la Educación para Adultos en Kishwaukee College (GED e inglés como segunda lengua) antes del principio de cada semestre. Por favor, vea el calendario para determinar las fechas/horas/lugares de inscripción y orientación.

El proceso de la registración/orientación consiste en mirar el video, llenar la forma de registración, y tomar los examenes apropriados para la(s) clase(s) en las cuales tiene ínteres. Favor de planear hasta 3 horas para tomar los examenes de nivel. El personal va a determinar si necesita examenes adicionales. Después de tomar los examenes y completar el papeleo, va a registrarse para la(s) clase(s) apropriada(s).

Si prefiere, puede empezar el proceso antes de tiempo en su conveniencia.

Paso 1: Mire el video a continuación (version en español e inglés disponible).
Paso 2: Descarga, completa, e imprime la forma de inscripción.
Paso 3. Traiga la forma completada a la registración (se encuentran las fechas en este horario).
Paso 4. Planifique hasta 3 horas para los examenes de evaluación.

Se realiza la inscripción antes del comienzo de cada semestre en Kishwaukee College y en varios sitios de la comunidad. Planifique por lo menos 3 horas para el registro, la orientación, y la evaluación. Vea el horario de inscripción para encontrar horas y fechas convenientes para inscribirse y el horario de clases para las fechas, horas, y ubicaciones para las clases. Por favor, vea la página de Registración y Orientación para obtener una ventaja en su proceso de registro.

• All classes are open to adults age 16+.
• Picture ID is required to register. Please bring your ID to your registration appointment.
• Students 16-17 years of age must provide a letter of separation from high school upon entry. Bring the letter to your registration appointment or have it emailed to adulted@kish.edu. 
• Kishwaukee College works to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, so they may equally participate in classroom activities. For additional information, contact Julie Lieving at 815-825-9409 or jlieving@kish.edu. 
• Technology will be provided for students who qualify. Students may utilize their own laptops, Chromebooks, tablets and smartphones for classes.
• Please provide an updated, accessible email and phone number at registration.