***ATTENTION: ESL ENROLLMENT FOR THE FALL 2026 SEMESTER REOPENS IN-PERSON ON WEDNESDAY, 8/5/26.
*WE ARE CLOSED AND THERE IS NO REGISTRATION/TESTING MONDAY, 8/10 AND TUESDAY, 8/11 BETWEEN 8AM-2PM. REGISTRATION/TESTING REOPENS THESE DAYS BETWEEN 6PM – 6:30PM*
***The first day of school is WEDNESDAY, 8/12/26***
Improve your English for living and working in the Bay Area. Classes are offered in the morning, afternoon, and evening during the Berkeley Unified School District school year. Most classes meet in person. Some classes meet online
Enrolling in ESL Class
- To enroll in ESL classes, come to the BAS Main Office at 1939 Ward Street, Berkeley, CA during the times shown in the schedule below. No appointment is necessary.
- You may bring a friend as a translator. Do not bring children.
- Enrollment may take 2½ hours.
Steps for Enrollment
- Come to the BAS Main Office at 1939 Ward Street, Berkeley, CA 94703.
- Complete a Registration Form (new students only).
- Take the Placement Tests – These placement tests help us place you in the best class matching your English skills. We want to place you in the right class. Please do not use your phone, dictionary, translator, or friends and family for help. This will make sure you are placed in the correct class.
- You will receive your class placement information.
You might also be interested in the folowing ESL classes
Computer Class for ESL: Digital Literacy for Non-English Speakers
Build your digital skills in this beginner-friendly course for ESL learners. Learn to browse the internet safely, use email, and create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with Google tools. Gain confidence and essential skills for school, work and everyday life.
In person:
Tu/Th 11:30am – 12:30pm
Teacher: Laura Grossmann
Location: Ward; Room B2
Citizenship Preparation for ESL Students
Are you interested in becoming a U.S. Citizen?
In this course, you will learn all you need to know to prepare for the U.S. Citizenship and naturalization interview. Students will practice English for their naturalization interviews. The course will focus on the 128 civics questions and the N-400 application process. Topics include U.S. history and government, the Constitution, geography and civic rights and responsibilities. This course is designed for ESL learners to practice listening and speaking skills in preparation for their interview test.
In person:
Tu/Th 11:30am – 12:30pm
Teacher: Ximena Ruiz
Location: Ward; Room D5
Schedule for FALL 2026 Enrollment
Registration Dates: REOPENS IN-PERSON ON WEDNESDAY, 8/5/26
Registration Times:
Morning – Arrive between 8:00 am and 9:00 am (Mon/Tue/Wed). Arrive between 8:00 am and 10:30 am (Thu/Fri).
Afternoon – Arrive between 12:45 pm and 1:00 pm (Thu).
Evening – Arrive between 6:00-6:30 pm (Mon/Tue/Wed).
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|
Morning (arrive 8:00 – 9:00 AM) Evening (arrive 6:00 – 6:30 PM) |
Morning (arrive 8:00 – 9:00 AM) Evening (arrive 6:00 – 6:30 PM) |
Morning (arrive 8:00 – 9:00 AM) Evening (arrive 6:00 – 6:30 PM) |
Morning (arrive 8:00 – 10:30 AM) Afternoon |
Morning (arrive 8:00 – 10:30 AM)
|
*If you are a new student, please come earlier in the registration arrival time periods, to fill out the form and have it processed*
In-Person Class Schedules
- Morning: 8:30-11:00 am, Monday-Friday
- Afternoon: 1:00-3:30 pm, Monday-Friday
- Evening: 6:30-9:00 pm, Monday-Thursday
Online Class Schedules
BAS offers six online classes, two in the morning and four in the evening. Teachers hold two and a half-hour classes and meet with individual students online during a daily office hour or independent classwork.
Schedule for online class meetings:
- Morning: 9:00-11:30am, Monday-Friday
- Evening: 7:00-9:30pm, Monday-Thursday
