English Language Learners (ELL)
Learn English. Build your future.
We help people who speak other languages learn English. Our classes are free and open to all skill levels. You will practice reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, pronunciation, and more.
About Our ELL Classes
All English language classes are free
- Morning and evening classes are available at the NWTC Green Bay Campus
- Virtual classes are available through the NWTC Marinette Campus
- Our teachers have experience working with students from many cultures and backgrounds
How to Get Started
Follow these steps to join an ELL class at NWTC.
Step 1: Contact us
Call, text, or email us to let us know you are interested. We will confirm that you are a new student and help you sign up for a Ventures Test session at the NWTC Test Center.
Step 2: Take the Ventures test
The Ventures Test is a 26-minute reading test. It helps us understand your current English skills so we can place you in the right class.
This test is not graded. There are no right or wrong answers.
Please answer each question based on what you know. Try not to guess. Guessing can make it harder to place you in the class that best matches your skill level.
Step 3: Attend ELL Jumpstart Orientation
After your test, we will contact you by phone or text when a seat is available in your class level.
We will invite you to an ELL Jumpstart Orientation and let you know your Ventures Test score and English level. Once you confirm that you can attend, we will enroll you.
ELL Jumpstart Orientation is a free, 5-hour class that helps you prepare for your English classes. You will learn what to expect and how to use the technology used in class.
Orientation is offered at the beginning of each 8-week session.
- Green Bay Campus: Attend in person or online (live).
- Marinette Campus: Attend in person. This gives you access to staff support, technology, and internet service needed for online classes.
Step 4: Start your English class
After you complete ELL Jumpstart Orientation, we will contact you within one week by phone or text with your class schedule and enrollment information.
There are six English levels, from Level 1 to Level 6. You will receive a certificate when you complete Level 6.
Learn English and Study for a Career
You can start working toward a college program while learning English. Our Career Pathways Bridge programs combine English learning with career training.
Program Background
The NWTC English Language Learners program began in the early 1970s to serve Vietnamese refugees in the Green Bay area. Over the decades, the program grew to welcome Hmong and Laotian refugees, and later Hispanic community members. Today, we are proud to welcome students from around the world to our ELL courses (also known as ESL or ESOL classes).
Your Questions, Answered
What is the Ventures test?
The Ventures Test is a 26-minute reading test. We use it to find the English class level that is right for you.
You will learn your test results and class level when we invite you to attend ELL Jumpstart Orientation.
What is the difference between ELL Jumpstart and ELL class?
ELL Jumpstart is the first step before you start ELL classes. It is a free, 5-hour orientation that helps you get ready to learn at NWTC.
During Jumpstart, you will learn how to use NWTC systems and technology, complete required forms, and learn about your classes.
After Jumpstart, you will be placed into an ELL class based on your English skills. In ELL classes, you will build your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
How will I be enrolled in Jumpstart?
After you take the Ventures Test, we will review your results and look for an open seat in your class level.
If a seat is available, we will contact you by phone or text and invite you to the next Jumpstart Orientation. We will match you with a morning or evening session when possible.
If no seat is available, you will be placed on a waitlist. We will contact you when a seat opens. Wait time is typically 8 to 16 weeks.
What if there is no open seat in my class level?
If your class level is full, we will place you on a waitlist.
We will contact you when a seat becomes available and invite you to the next Jumpstart Orientation. Wait time is typically 8 to 16 weeks.
What if my personal schedule changes?
If your class has already started, tell your teacher. They will request the change for you.
If your class has not started yet, or if you are on the waitlist, call or text us at 920-498-5686.
What do I do if I need to miss class?
Contact your teacher by text or email as soon as possible.
Regular attendance is important. If you miss too many classes, you may lose your seat in the class.
What if I need to stop attending for a while?
Tell your teacher as soon as possible.
Because many students are waiting for a seat, we cannot save your spot if you stop attending. When you are ready to return, call or text us at 920-498-5686.
What if my class feels too easy or too difficult?
Talk with your teacher.
Your teacher will help decide if a different class level would be a better fit and will work with our office if a change is needed.
Where do I find the link for my online class?
Log in to Canvas and open your class.
The Microsoft Teams link will be on the course home page.
What level do I need to be at to start program classes at NWTC?
Students who complete ELL Level 6 are prepared for most college programs at NWTC.
Some students in Levels 4, 5, and 6 may also have opportunities to start selected college classes through Career Pathways Bridge programs. These programs provide extra English language support while you learn college-level course content.
Can I retake an ELL class?
Students who successfully complete a level move to the next level.
If you stop attending because of work, family, health, or other personal reasons, you may return to that level later if a seat is available.
Are ELL classes graded?
ELL classes do not use letter grades such as A, B, C, D, or F.
Your teacher will review your work and track your progress during class. When you successfully complete a class, your transcript will show an "S" for successful completion.
Please note that final grades are entered once each year. Because of this, you may not see your grade right away after your class ends.
Will ELL classes appear on my NWTC transcript?
Yes. ELL classes appear on your NWTC transcript.
If you recently completed a class and do not see an "S" grade yet, please allow time for grades to be processed and posted.
Please note that final grades are entered once each year, usually during the summer. If you completed an ELL class recently, you may see the class on your transcript before the S (Successful) grade appears. The grade will be added later as part of the annual update.
Contact Us
Ready to get started or have a question? We are here to help.
- Call or text: 920-498-5686
- Toll-free: 800-422-NWTC, ext. 5686
- Email: ELLinfo@nwtc.edu
Visit us in person:
NWTC Green Bay Campus - Room SC206
2740 West Mason St
Green Bay, WI 54303
Meet Our Team
