Learn English

Commonly known as ESL (English as a Second Language) or ELA (English Language Acquisition), we offer classes at Basic, Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. Foundation classes help you improve all skills:

• Reading 
• Writing 
• Listening 
• Speaking

We also have Focus Area classes in

• Writing 
• Speaking 
• Pronunciation

Classes have a variety of modal options, including face-to-face and online.

The fee is $25 per quarter (waivers are available).

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Get Started

We are full for Fall Quarter 2025. We are inviting students to English testing appointments who previously completed an ELA Interest Form. 

Right now, 600 students are on our ELA interest list who are waiting for a testing appointment. Thank you for waiting for your testing appointment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I study English at RTC?

We invite students to take an English test and attend orientation who are currently waiting on our ELA Interest List. 

How do I know if I’m on the ELA interest list?

If you completed an ELA interest list form in November 2024 or March 2025, you are on the interest list. The form was posted on this Learn English webpage. 

I’m on the ELA interest list. When will I get an English testing appointment?

We hold several intake sessions before each quarter starts, and also during the quarter. If you are on the interest list, you will receive an email with testing appointment date and time information when we have a space. It may be several months before we have a testing appointment for you. 

How long do I have to wait for a testing appointment?

Students who previously completed an ELA Interest list form will receive an English testing appointment. It may be several months before we have a testing appointment for you. 

I want to study English, but I’m not on the ELA interest list. What do I do?

We will post any updates on this website when we can open a new interest list. We recommend that you check out these other resources to learn English. 

Other locations that offer English classes:

• King County Libraries
• Seattle Public Libraries
• World Relief
• Literacy Source
• REWA
• Wide World For Refugee
• Hopelink

When we have more English testing appointments, we will post a new ELA Interest Form. It may be several months before we can open a new form. 

When will you open the English interest list again?

We don’t currently have a date set to open again. We need to test and place the students on our current English interest list first. Please check this webpage frequently for any updates. 

What happens at ELA Intake?

ELA Intake is two parts: Testing and orientation. Students are invited to take an English test (speaking, writing, and a computer test). Students will come back to RTC a few days later for an orientation, where you will learn more information about your classes and how to login to your student accounts. 

I want to practice my English while I wait to study at RTC. What do you recommend?

Check out these free online resources to study English while you wait:

• Duolingo
• BBC Learning English

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