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English as a Second Language (ESL)

Courses

The ESL department offers courses in writing/grammar, reading/vocabulary, and listening/speaking at the low-intermediate to high-advanced levels. Students can also strengthen their language skills in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation through supplemental courses. If you are interested in taking classes at College of San Mateo, please review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page about enrollment.

Check out the flyers below for information about current course offerings and special programs. Students can also reference WebSchedule for the most up-to-date information about courses in ESL and across the college.

To find more information about each course in the ESL program, students can click on the course names in the ESL Course Sequence below. Please remember that some courses are not offered every semester.

ESL Course Sequence

Program Skill Levels Grammar & Writing Listening & Speaking Reading & Vocabulary
Level 5
High‑Advanced		 ESL 400
(Transfer)		 ESL 401
(Transfer)
 
Level 4
Low‑Advanced		 ESL 828 ESL 848 ESL 858
 
Level 3
High‑Intermediate		 ESL 827 ESL 847 ESL 857
 
Level 2
Low‑Intermediate		 ESL 826 ESL 846 ESL 856
 
Level 1
Beginning*		 ESL 825 ESL 845 ESL 855
* Level 1 classes not offered every semester, check Cañada College for more Level 1 options

ESL Supplemental  Courses

Program Skill Levels Grammar & Writing Listening & Speaking Reading & Vocabulary
Level 3+
High‑Intermediate+		 Grammar Review
ESL 898		 Pronunciation
ESL 888
ESL 887		  

ESL Lab-Only Courses

Program Skill Levels Grammar & Writing Listening & Speaking Reading & Vocabulary
Advanced ESL 908 ESL 865 ESL 899
Intermediate ESL 907 ESL 849 ESL 895

Lab-Only Course FAQs

  • An independent study, self-paced class designed to meet individual student needs
  • Assignments are tailored to each student's level and interests.
  • Courses are for 0.5 to 1.0 unit and use Pass/No Pass grading.
  • Students may complete work in the ESL Center or Online.
  • These are open entry/exit courses, which means students may enroll after the semester begins and up until the end of Week 10. Students do not need an add code for these courses.

Please check WebSchedule to see what courses are offered during the semester you plan to attend.

  • There are no scheduled meeting times for these classes.
  • Students create their own schedule and work at their own pace, but are required to meet with an instructor at regular intervals throughout the semester.
  • If you are enrolled in a lab-only course and the semester has already started, please email the ESL Center immediately at csmeslcenter@smccd.edu.
During the semester, students are expected to complete a minimum of 24 hours of assignments and appointments for each 0.5 unit they’re enrolled in.
No, the ESL Center will provide students with all the necessary materials.
  • All levels of ESL students, including those who have completed the ESL course sequence but who need additional guidance and practice on one or two skills
  • Students who are looking for a lower cost option
  • Students who need a flexible schedule
Spring Classes Begin
January 12, 2026
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday
January 19, 2026
Lincoln’s Birthday Holiday
February 13, 2026