English Classes

Our program is open to all adults (over 16) interested in learning English!
To register for classes, come to NSC during the enrollment period.
- We offer rolling enrollment in four sessions a year (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall).
- We offer in-person classes (at the NSC office).
- Classes meet twice a week, for 10 weeks in-person (2 hours each session, $180 per student - includes workbook)
- Seven levels of classes are offered, from Beginner to Advanced
- We offer online classes (Zoom)
- Online classes meet twice a week, for 8 weeks online (1.5 hours each session, $125 per student)
- Four levels of classes are offered, from Beginner to Advanced
- Classes are focused on speaking.
- Students receive a certificate for attending half the class sessions or more.
To register as a new student for Summer 2023:
- Fill out the Student Information Form
- Participate in an English assessment
- Please come to NSC after May 22, Monday-Thursday, from 9 am-6 pm
- Contact us by phone if you cannot come to the office during these hours.
- Choose your class time and pay (cash or credit)
Call us (215) 609-1525 or email Betsy O'Neil Smith (boneilsmith@nscphila.org) for help with registering OR if you are a returning student.
Our Approach
We use an integrated skills approach that combines skills in the classroom for a richer learning experience. By integrating all language skills — listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary — we help students learn the whole of the language, rather than specific pieces. For In-person classes, NSC offers Integrated Skills at seven different proficiency levels. For online classes, NSC offers the following four levels:
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Beginner
Students learn fundamental language skills needed in the classroom and in daily life, with emphasis on speaking and listening.
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Intermediate
Students develop language skills beyond survival English, in order to respond appropriately and independently in familiar situations. -
High Intermediate
Students refine language skills and develop the ability to use English spontaneously and in some unfamiliar situations. -
Advanced
Students refine fluency and communication skills and begin to express complex ideas with fluency and accuracy, including developing control of advanced grammatical structures.
Facts about our program:
- Top languages spoken by NSC English Language Learners: Spanish, Mandarin, French, Arabic, Portuguese.
- In 2019-20, we served 465 students.
- In 2020-21, we filled 67 ESOL Volunteer Teacher slots.