English as a Second Language and U.S. Citizenship

Office Locations:

Anaheim Campus - 7th Floor Reception
1830 Romneya Drive, Anaheim, California 92801

NOCE Cypress Center - TE2 (Building 12), Room 203
9200 Valley View Street, Cypress, California 90630

NOCE Wilshire Center (Fullerton) - Building 200, Room 214
315 E Wilshire Avenue, Fullerton, California 92832

Contact Information:

Call: (714) 808-4638
Text: (714) 497-1523
Email: ESL4All@noceedu
Website:  noce.edu/ESL

The NOCE English as a Second Language Program helps students practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills for everyday life, work, and further education. Students can learn English and job skills at the same time, prepare for the U.S. Citizenship exam, or develop the academic skills needed for success in college. Courses are available for different skill levels and help students build confidence while working toward their personal, educational, and career goals.

Why Learn English? 

  • Get a Better Job and Earn More Money – Increase your job opportunities as a bilingual speaker and earn more for your family. 
  • Earn a Degree – Get your high school diploma, career certificate, or college degree as a fluent English speaker. 
  • Make New Friends – Expand your social network. Speak in English with your children and their teachers. Communicate with your doctors and co-workers. Fit in with your new friends! 
  • Achieve Your Goals – Learning English takes dedication and determination. Achieve your goals and enjoy new opportunities.
  • Use Technology – We will help you learn English through technology. Learn how to get an e-mail or type your resume and search for jobs online.  

English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses

The ESL Program has six levels of English, starting from beginning literacy through advanced. After students pass each level, they can move to the next level. When students pass each level and complete 12 hours in the ESL Student Support Center they can earn a state-approved certificate of completion. Specialty courses in grammar, vocabulary, speaking skills, and more are also available for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students who want more language practice.

ESL Student Support Center

Need extra practice with English? Want help participating in your online class?  At the ESL Student Support Center, 
students can:
  • Learn at your own pace – The ESL Student Support Center has flexible hours and guidance from experienced and professional teachers.
  • Technology resources – You can get assistance setting up your online classes, including creating an e-mail address. The ESL Student Support Center also has technology resources to help you learn and practice English, including Azar, Burlington English, and Rosetta Stone.
  • Explore American idioms and culture – Learn about typical expressions or phrases used daily and about American culture.
  • Focus on skills that you need to work on – Whether you need to improve your conversation, grammar, reading, or writing skills, the ESL Student Support Center can help.
  • Interact with other students – The ESL Student Support Center allows you to participate in small group activities to improve your language skills and practice interacting with others. 

Types of ESL Classes

At your convenience, you can take day or evening classes at one of NOCE’s main campuses (Anaheim, Cypress, and Fullerton) or go to a community site near you (churches, elementary schools, community centers).  ESL classes are offered online and in-person. NOCE also offers various specialty classes to assist you in reaching your unique goals:

  • ESL Core Classes
    Learn to speak English. Improve your writing. Prepare for the workplace. Grow your computer skills. Take a free English as a second language (ESL) course at NOCE.  Start class anytime and learn at your own pace. New classes are starting soon.  Before enrolling, we will test your current English language skills. This test helps you start in the correct course level. After the test, you can take individual ESL classes or follow a program. 

  • ESL Career Pathways 
    With our Career Technical Education (CTE) Program, NOCE offers career pathway programs for ESL students. Two instructors teach career-specific language and job skills to prepare students for rewarding entry-level positions. 

  • ESL College Preparation
    The ESL College Success Program certificates are for students at higher levels who wish to transition to a Career Technical Education (CTE) Program or High School Diploma Program at NOCE, or to a college or university to continue their education. The ESL College Success classes focus on strengthening English skills for success in an academic setting.

  • ESL Specialty Classes 
    Whether you need help with computer skills or English pronunciation, the ESL Specialty classes are available to all students online and in-person. These classes are recommended to help students get the extra practice they need to advance in their ESL Program classes or in their personal life. For most topics, there are now separate classes available for students in the Beginning, Intermediate/Advanced and Advanced levels. 

  • Work Skills for ESL Students
    A combination of language development and workforce preparation provides ESL students the skills to get a job and move into higher-wage jobs at a faster pace. Our Workforce Preparation classes help students look for, find, apply for jobs, and navigate the American workplace.

  • ESL Community Base Classes
    The NOCE ESL department offers free Englis classes to the the North Orange County Community during the fall and spring semester, or summer term. 

For a list of courses, see course descriptions: English as a Second Language (ESLA and ESLW).
For list of program certificates visit:  ESL Certificates.

U.S. Citizenship

Citizenship Pathways for English Language Learners Citizenship Preparation classes prepare students to take the USCIS Citizenship Test. Students examine required forms and prepare for their USCIS Citizenship Interview by practicing the USCIS Civics Questions, conversation strategies, and dictation. Classes available for beginning and intermediate/advanced level English Language Learners.   

The NOCE U.S. Citizenship Preparation Program helps students prepare for the naturalization process by learning how to complete required immigration forms and practicing for the citizenship test. Students build knowledge of U.S. history, government, and the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens while strengthening their English skills. Classes are free for adults ages 18 and older, and students can start anytime and learn at their own pace.

For a list of courses, see course descriptions: English as a Second Language (ESLA).