FAQs about ESL at SMAS

Registrar Patty Villar

FAQs are frequently asked questions - questions that many people ask about something.

Here are FAQs about the ESL - English as a Second Language Program - at San Mateo Adult School.

Thank you to Patty for providing us with all this information.

San Mateo Adult School

English as a Second Language Program 

Frequently Asked Questions

ESL or English as a Second Language is a program for people whose first language is not English but who want to learn English.  Students enrolled in ESL classes improve their reading, writing, listening, speaking and pronunciation skills.

1. How do I get started?  Do I need an appointment?    Beginning January 2016, all NEW students AND returning students who did not attend the previous semester, FALL 2015, will need an appointment to register for ESL classes.  You can make an appointment by calling or coming in to the SMART Center.  To make an appointment by phone, please call (650) 558-2100 or (650) 558-2105.  To make an appointment in person, please come to the main campus located at 789 E. Poplar Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401.  For other locations see our brochure.  You may not register on-line or over the phone. 
2. What happens at registration?

Registration will take place over two days, for two hours both days.  Registration will include completing a registration form, listening to an orientation presentation, taking writing, reading, and oral placement tests, taking a tour of the school, and enrolling in classes. 

3.   Do I need to bring any identification or documentation when I come to register?

You do not need to bring any identification or documentation when you come to register.  You will need to provide your full name, address, phone number and date of birth.  You may download a registration form from the school website:  http://www.smace.org  or you may fill out a registration form at the school.

4.    How much does the ESL program cost?

Beginning January 2016, registration and all ESL classes will be FREE.

5.  What are the dates of the semester?

Spring 2016 semester is from Jan 5 – April 22, 2016
Summer 2016 semester is from April 25 – July 24, 2016.

6.    What classes does the ESL program offer?

The ESL program offers classes in All Skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking, and 

pronunciation), Conversation, Pronunciation/Accent Reduction, Finding a Job, Reading

Development, Writing Intensive, Computer Lab, Citizenship for Seniors, Citizenship Preparation  

and Distance Learning.

 7.  What times are the ESL classes?

The All Skills classes are offered in the mornings, Monday - Friday, 8:45 am - 12:00 pm, and again in the evenings, Monday - Thursday, 6:25 - 9:35 pm.  Conversation classes are offered in the afternoons, Monday - Friday, 12:30 - 3:30 pm.   Please refer to our brochure or website for a complete listing of class times and locations

8.  Are there different levels of English classes?

Yes.  For the All Skills classes we have three Beginning levels, two Intermediate levels, and two Advanced levels.  For the Conversation classes we have five different levels, from Beginning to Advanced.  We also offer some ESL classes at other locations, including Foster City and San Bruno.  Please refer to our brochure or website for more information on classes at other sites.

9.     What if I can’t come every day or if I need to come late or leave early

You are encouraged to come to class every day.  The more you come the faster you learn.  We understand people have jobs and families and other commitments, so if you cannot come every day to your morning or evening  All Skills or afternoon Conversation  class or if you need to come late or leave early that is okay. For some ESL classes regular attendance is expected, including Finding a Job, Reading Development, and Writing Intensive.

10.   I have children, do you have childcare available?

No, unfortunately we do not offer childcare at any of our locations.  If you cannot come to class

we recommend the Distance Learning program where you can borrow materials to learn English

at home, and meet with a teacher privately once a week for 20 minutes.

11.   What do I need to bring to class?

You should bring paper or a notebook and a pen or pencil to class every day.    

12.  Do I need to purchase a book? 

You do not have to purchase a book but we do have books available at our school for you

purchase.  The teacher will tell you if you need a book.  Please check at the SMART Center front

desk for book availability and pricing.

13.   What happens if my schedule changes and I can no longer come at the time I signed up for?

Our All Skills Classes are offered in the mornings and evenings.  If you need to switch from on

time to the other please see the ESL registrar.  If you cannot come mornings or evenings, we offer 

several different classes in the afternoons.