Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the Peel District School Board’s ESL programs?
Anyone who is a legal resident of Ontario and over 18 years of age. Citizens, landed immigrants, convention refugees, refugee claimants and work permit holders with current original documentation can enrol as students in our ESL programs. Both Peel and non-Peel residents can attend ESL classes.
How do I register?
You must start with a language assessment to determine your level of English so that you can be placed in a class where you will receive the most help. The registration process will be explained during the interview part of the assessment. Your assessment will usually take place about two weeks after you book it. The test takes about 1.5 hours. Please bring original immigration documents or proof of your Canadian citizenship. These may include:
- Proof of Canadian Citizenship (Passport, Citizenship Card or Certificate)
- Confirmation of Permanent Resident Status (Permanent Resident Card PRC or IMM5292)
- Proof of Landed Immigrant Status (Record of Landing IMM1000)
- Any immigration documents the family may have which may include:
- Temporary Resident Permit
- Work Permit/Employment Authorization
- Refugee claimants/Convention Refugees
- Application for Landing/Approval in Principle (sponsorship within Canada)
- Minister's Permits (and/or extension)
Note: There are no child-minding services available during your assessment.
How much does it cost?
Learners must pay a materials fee per session, per period depending on the language course:
- ESL class - $35.00
- TOEFL - $40.00
- Computers (Day) - $55.00
- Computers (Evenings and Weekend) - $40.00
All materials fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Fees are collected using debit, credit card or money order. No cash or personal cheques will be accepted.
When are the classes?
Fall/Winter/Spring and Summer sessions
Day Schedule: All ESL campuses (except when noted)
Period 1 - Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Period 2 – Monday to Friday 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Period 3 (Mississauga only) - Monday to Thursday 3:45 p.m. - 6:52 p.m.
Night Schedule: All ESL campuses (except when noted)
Period 4 - Monday to Wednesday 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Weekend Schedule: All ESL campuses (except when noted)
Saturdays only - 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Brampton & Bramalea Campus)
Saturdays and Sundays - 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Mississauga only)
Where are classes held?
Three locations:
- Mississauga - Adult Education Centre South, 100 Elm Drive West, Rm. 117
- Bramalea - Adult Education Centre North, 25 Kings Cross Road, Unit 3
- Brampton - 7700 Hurontario St., Suite 300, (City South Plaza)
Do you offer ESL for specific situations/purposes?
We are a student-centric environment, so as a need for a program arises, we try to address it. Student needs have led to the development of several classes, such as English for Foreign-Trained Accountants (e.g. Canadian English accounting vocabulary and Canadian accounting practices and procedures). Job preparation classes cover such topics as how to prepare a resumé, how to perform during a job interview, and business letter writing. The need to prepare for professional English tests has been addressed with our Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) preparation classes.
Who will care for my pre-schooler when I am attending class?
As a learner registered for a class at our Mississauga Campus, we have a number of child-minding spaces available for children ages 3-5. The child-minding program is supervised by qualified, professional ECE trained staff.
What is the difference between ESL and LINC?
Both programs are based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks.
- ESL classes are funded by the provincial government through the Peel District School Board and are open to all legal residents over 18.
- LINC programs are funded by the federal government and are only available to Landed Immigrants and Convention Refugees.
Can you receive secondary school credits for ESL courses?
No, there are no secondary school credits for adult ESL.
Are ESL classes offered to elementary and secondary school students enrolled in Peel schools?
Yes, ESL programs are offered in most Peel District School Board schools. Students or their parents should speak to the school principal or guidance counsellor for details about the programs offered at their school.