Santa Monica College’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Department supports students in developing the English skills they need for college, career advancement, and everyday communication. Our supportive, student-centered classes focus on reading, writing, listening, and speaking in engaging and interactive learning environments. Whether your goal is to transfer to a four-year university, earn a degree or certificate, advance your career, or strengthen your English skills for daily life, our faculty and staff are here to help you achieve your goals with confidence and success.
The ESL department has two programs: credit ESL and noncredit ESL. See below to learn which program is the best fit for you.
Which ESL Classes Should You Take? Start Here!
Credit ESL Program
- Designed for students who want to earn college credit while improving their English skills.
- Helps students prepare for college classes, transfer goals, and career pathways.
- Courses count toward college enrollment and may support degree or transfer plans
- Students receive letter grades and earn units for completed courses
- This is a good option for students planning to continue into academic or career education programs
- Offering opportunities to build academic reading, writing, listening, speaking, and pronunciation skills
- Financial aid may be available for eligible students.
More information on the Credit ESL program.
Noncredit ESL Program
- Free classes designed to support students at every stage of English learning.
- Focuses on practical English skills for daily life, work, school, and community participation
- Students can improve speaking, listening, reading, writing, and digital literacy skills
- No grades or college units are given, helping students learn at their own pace
- This is a good option for students returning to school or building confidence in English
- Students can transition into credit ESL programs or other college programs whenever they are ready
- Note: F1 Visa students are NOT eligible for noncredit ESL classes.
More information on the Noncredit ESL program.
How to Enroll
Contact
Keith Graziadei, ESL Department Chair
Office: Drescher Hall 314K
Phone: 310-434-8463
Email: Graziadei_Keith@smc.edu
Jocelyn Alex, ESL Administrative Assistant
Office: Drescher Hall, Room 315
Phone: 310-434-4260
Email: Alex_Jocelyn@smc.edu
Donate
Support the ESL Department through the SMC Foundation so we can continue to provide meaningful opportunities for our students and community.