Community College of Philadelphia has been offering English as a Second Language (ESL) to students from all over the world for more than 40 years, and is fast becoming a number one destination for English Language Learners in the region. With more than 800 students from more than 50 countries, we understand the questions and needs that are unique to our diverse student body, and unlike most other ESL programs, CCP offers financial aid for academic ESL courses to eligible students. Other funding opportunities for CCP students include the Catto Scholarship and KEYS. English Language Learner students who are currently enrolled in high schools in the Philadelphia School District may also be eligible for high school-college programs, including Advance at College and TRIO.

The College’s Academic ESL course sequence develops students’ reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in order to prepare them for success in navigating life in the U.S. and in pursuing further education. Courses can be taken in person at our Main Campus and our Northeast Regional Center (NERC); they can also be taken online or in hybrid format. Most of our courses are offered in 15-week terms and a few are offered in 10 or 7-week terms. Additionally, the Academic ESL course schedule allows for students to take morning, afternoon or evening courses in order to accommodate the varying needs of our students.

*Please note that our Academic ESL course sequence is different from the Everyday English ESL courses that are offered by the ESL Institute. You can find more information about the ESL Institute here. 

Contact Us

Juan Suarez
Coordinator of English Language Learner Support Services
jsuarezromero@ccp.edu 
Office: Room L1-06C
Phone: 215-751-8479

New Students

New students must first apply to the College and complete the application process. After new students complete the admission application, they may take the placement test on Main Campus, in the Bonnell Building, Room BG-14. This test will determine which ESL courses students need. Learn more information about the placement test. After students are placed into their math and English courses, students will be directed to attend an orientation and register for courses. Important dates can be found on the College's academic calendar here.  

ESL Academic Course Sequence

After students submit their application to CCP, they will receive an email to schedule their English and Math placement test. Once students are placed, they must complete the ESL course sequence in order before they can take English 101. Reading (080-level) and Writing (090-level) courses are linked, which means that they are taken together, at the same time. Course descriptions are available here.

ENGL 081/091*: Beginner Reading/Writing (6 credits)*+	ENGL 082/092*: Intermediate Reading/Writing (6 credits)*+	ENGL 083/093*: High-Intermediate Reading/Writing (6 credits)	ENGL 084/094* ESL: Advanced Reading/Writing  (6 credits)	ENGL 101: English Composition You can only take ENGL 101 AFTER completing 084/094 and 073
ENGL 071: Beginner Listening and Speaking (3 credits)+	ENGL 072: Intermediate Listening and Speaking (3 credits)	ENGL 073: High-Intermediate Listening and Speaking (3 credits)

*These courses are two linked courses that must be taken together.
+ These courses include a Learning Lab component.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I have to take 081/091 and 071 at the same time?

• No, you don’t. You are allowed to take 081/091 and 072 at the same time.
• You can take any combination of the yellow and blue in the same term. (Check image ↑ )

2. Can I take 084/094 and 073 at the same time?

• Yes, you can.

3. What grade do I need to take the next course in the sequence?

For all Academic ESL courses, you will receive one of the following grades:

• P = Pass. You got at least 70% in all course assignments. You can go to the next level.
• F = Fail. You did not do the work, you did not have consistent attendance, and so you must repeat the course.

4. Do I have to take ENGL 101 and 102?

• Yes. Every student at CCP must take ENGL 101 and 102 if they wish to graduate with an associate degree or certificate.

5. When can I take ENGL101?

• Only after you complete 084/094 and 073. You are not allowed to take 073 and ENGL101 at the same time.

6. When do I have to register?

• The sooner the better!

7. When is the last day to register?

• The last day you can register is before the new term begins.
• We recommend that you register as soon as possible.
• Sometimes, if there are not enough people registered, the class will be canceled, so the best thing is to register right away.

8. What is the Learning Lab component??

• It is a required addition to some of your ESL courses where you will do more focused reading, writing, listening and speaking work.

9. Which ESL courses have a required Learning Lab component??

• ENGL 081/091, ENGL 082/092 and ENGL 071

10. Will my financial aid pay for all my classes?

11. Can I take FNMT – Foundational Math – at the same time as my ESL classes?

• Yes, you can.
• The FNMT level depends on your placement.

12. Can I take any other classes at the same time as my ESL classes?

• Yes, you can. When you register for your courses, your advisor will let you know your options. 

13. Is there another course I can take to improve my English?

• Yes, there is! ENGL 106 is a fun grammar course. It is 3 credits and applies to your graduation credits.

14. How many credits do I need to graduate?

• It depends on your major. Your advisor will provide you with this information.

If you have more questions, please contact:

Juan Suarez
Coordinator of English Language Learner Support Services
jsuarezromero@ccp.edu 
Office: L1-06C

Additional Information for English Language Learners

• Students can always make an appointment with an academic advisor to get help with course registration.
• Important dates regarding registration can be found on the College’s academic calendar.
• All ESL information can be found on the ESL Unit's two bulletin boards, which are located at the top of the stairs of BR and right next to Room BR-21, the English Department.
• Twice every semester, ESL instructors meet in one room to help ESL students register for ESL and other courses. Please check the ESL Bulletin Board and/or ask ESL professors for exact dates. (Usually in November and March.)
• Our Multilingual Hub is located in the Library and serves as a place where students can rest, work, get tutoring and much more.

International Students with F-1 Visa

Please check with your international student advisor about how to maintain your visa status.

"To have another language is to possess a second soul."
—Charlemagne