English Language Classes (ESOL)

Free English language (ESOL) classes offered through the Adult Education Department at Bristol Community College are funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). 

The Adult Education ESOL Programs provide non-credit classes for beginner-advanced English language learners to fulfill the following learning objectives:

• Improve speaking and listening skills

• Increase English vocabulary

• Improve reading and writing skills

• Apply English grammar rules

• Improve study skills

Please note: Non-credit ESOL classes do not provide college credit and do not meet certificate of degree program requirements.

Due to the high demand for free English classes and the limited number of vacancies, the Bristol Adult Education ESOL Program maintains a waitlist to fill open seats when they become available. 

To begin the process of entering the Bristol Adult Education ESOL Waitlist, complete the Bristol ESOL Student Information (Intake) Form.

Bristol ESOL Student Information (Intake) Form

Please note: Students who complete the Bristol ESOL Student Information (Intake) Form will receive an email to schedule an appointment for their English placement testing (speaking and listening only). 

Free MA DESE-funded ESOL class schedules are subject to change each school year based on funding allocations. 

ESOL students must be available to attend classes two days each week. 

The tentative Spring 2026 evening class schedule includes face-to-face classes on Bristol Community College’s Fall River and Taunton Campuses. A limited number of morning classes are scheduled on the Taunton Campus. 

Find more information about free MA Adult Education ESOL Programs and the MA Adult Education Help Desk Directory below. 

• The Literacy Center, Attleboro.
• Brockton Adult Learning Center, Brockton.
• SER-Jobs for Progress, Inc., Fall River/Taunton.
• Training Resources of America, Inc., Brockton/New Bedford/Quincy.
  • Training Resources of America ESOL Interest Form.
• Catholic Charities English Transcultural Center (ETC), Brockton.
  • ETC Student Intake Form.
• MA Adult Education Help Desk (Free Program Directory).

• Immigrants’ Assistance Center, New Bedford.

• NBPS Adult & Continuing Education, New Bedford.

• UMass Dartmouth Workers Education Program, New Bedford.

• Stoughton Public Library – Adult Literacy ESOL, Stoughton.

Bristol Community College offers credited courses for Intermediate/Advanced English Language Learners. Click here for more information about ESL courses at Bristol.

Sign up to take the ESL Placement Test here. Select the ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE EXAM from the list of group options provided.

To help you get ready for the test, you may utilize the Placement test preparation videos and materials below:

• Advanced ESL Placement Workshop.
• Intermediate ESL Placement Workshop.
• ESL Placement Test Sample Questions.
• ESL Placement Test Sample Questions – Answer Key.