ESL and Citizenship
English as a Second Language (ESL)
ESL Placement Test Registration
MVLA Adult School is using a lottery system to select students for placement testing. The lottery begins on August 4 at 8:30AM and ends on August 7 at 3:30PM. Students selected by the lottery can register for the placement test and will be notified on August 8 by 4PM.
See flyers below for more information:
Registration and placement tests will be held in person at MVLA Adult School. No walk-ins are allowed for registration or testing. Please do not bring any children on the day of testing. Students must be available to stay for the entire testing period.
ESL Class Time | Location | Levels | Placement Test Date (required) | Lottery Information |
Mornings
Mon-Fri,
9:00AM-12:00PM
|
MVLA Adult School (registration, test and class) | Beginning Literacy to Advanced (Levels 1-6) |
Tuesday, August 19
9:00AM-12:00PM
|
To enter the lottery, use this link from August 4 to August 7 |
Afternoons
Mon-Thurs, 12:30PM-3:30PM
|
MVLA Adult School (registration, test and class) | Beginning High to Advanced Low (Levels 3-5) |
Monday, August 18
1:00PM-3:30PM
|
To enter the lottery, use this link from August 4 to August 7 |
Evenings
Mon-Thurs,
6:00PM-9:00PM
|
MVLA Adult School (registration, test and class) | Beginning Literacy to Advanced (Levels 1-6) |
Tuesday, August 19
6:00PM-9:00PM
|
To enter the lottery, use this link from August 4 to August 7 |
Mornings
Mon, Thurs, Fri 9:00AM-10:30AM
|
MV Senior Center (class)
*only for students 55 years old or older
|
Beginning Literacy / Beginning Low (Levels 1-2) |
Friday, August 22
9:00AM-12:00PM
*Test will be at MVLA Adult School
|
To enter the lottery, use this link from August 4 to August 7 |
Mornings
Mon, Thurs, Fri 10:45AM-12:15PM
|
MV Senior Center (class)
*only for students 55 years old or older
|
Beginning High / Intermediate Low (Levels 3-4) |
Friday, August 22
9:00AM-12:00PM
*Test will be at MVLA Adult School
|
To enter the lottery, use this link from August 4 to August 7 |
Questions can be directed to mvlaeslprogram@gmail.com or 650-940-1333.
Students should not sign up for testing if they:
- completed the highest levels of ESL at another adult school or college
- have taken six or more years of English classes as part of their elementary or secondary education
- are visiting California for a short-term stay
These students should visit MVLA's partner colleges for more advanced ESL options.
CITIZENSHIP PREPARATION
There are three options for U.S. Citizenship Preparation classes. Students can choose to enroll in the following:
Class Time | Location | Levels | Dates |
Thurs, 12:30PM - 3:30PM
|
MVLA Adult School, Room 203 | Taught in intermediate English | Classes are ongoing (open enrollment) |
Mon, 6:00PM - 9:00PM |
Online (Zoom)
|
Taught in intermediate English | Classes are ongoing (open enrollment) |
We are offering a four day Quick Prep Citizenship workshop from Monday, September 29-Thursday, October 2 from 12:30-3:30PM. See flyer below.

There is no test for joining a Citizenship class, but students should be permanent residents eligible for U.S. citizenship and plan to send an application in the next year. We strongly advise signing up for class before you send your application.
Students interested in signing up for any Citizenship class or workshop can contact mvlaeslprogram@gmail.com or 650-940-1333. New students are welcome to start any time and students can take more than one course as desired.
Students interested in signing up for any Citizenship class or workshop can contact mvlaeslprogram@gmail.com or 650-940-1333. New students are welcome to start any time and students can take more than one course as desired.