Local ESL Services

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Here you will find a number of resources for learning English either digitally or within your community.

 

English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are for students whose first language is not English and who wish to develop reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Below are some resources available online and across the Ottawa Valley, Lanark and Renfrew Counties. At the bottom of the page, you will find a form to request an assessment of your English skills by the school board.

Online - Ottawa Valley

Contact North ESL Resources

  • Location: Remote learning
  • Format: Online, self-paced and instructor-led
  • Eligibility: Ontario residents
  • Cost: FREE
  • Registration: Contact the Ottawa Valley Advisor – upperottawavalley@contactnorth.ca | 1-855-483-9396

Visit Contact North to learn more about ESL resources and job-related courses that will allow you to retain a job, earn a promotion, or advance your career without leaving your community.

 

Queen’s University English for Beginners

  • Location: Remote learning
  • Format: Self-paced online
  • Eligibility: Open to all
  • Cost: FREE
  • Registration: Create an account here to enroll.

Free 6-module online ESL course that will allow you to improve your English skills with fun activities. When you finish the course, you will receive a digital badge of completion.

 

Mango Languages

  • Location: Remote learning
    Format: Self-paced online
    Eligibility: Open to all
    Cost: FREE with a library membership
    Registration: Create an account here and visit this link to check if your local library offers access or subscribe to the website.

Mango Languages is similar to apps like Duolingo. It provides an easy, fun, and effective way to learn how to speak another language. Those registered with Mississippi Mills, Carleton Place, Smiths Falls, Arnprior, and Pembroke libraries can access the portal for free. 

 

Mennonite New Life Centre (MNLC) LINC Program

  • Location: Remote learning, based in Toronto
  • Format: Online, instructor-led
  • Eligibility: See detailed requirements below
  • Cost: FREE
  • Registration: Visit the website or contact MNLC – info@mnlct.org | 647-812-1332

LINC is a free language training program for eligible adult learners funded by IRCC. All LINC instructors are TESL-certified and experienced in adult education. The program is designed to help learners communicate effectively, learn about Canadian culture, access the job market, and further upgrade their education.

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Age 18 or older
  • Be a Permanent Resident, Convention Refugee, Convention Refugee/Protected
  • Person, or CUAET Permit holder (for Ukrainian citizens)
  • Persons whose PR applications are being processed in Canada with an IRCC initial approval letter
  • Must be physically within the province of Ontario
  • Must have a valid language assessment.
  • NOT Eligible: Canadian citizens, visitors, workers, international students, and refugee claimants.

ESL with Jane

  • Location: Ottawa Valley area
  • Format: Private online tutoring
  • Eligibility: Open to all
  • Cost: Paid service
  • Registration: Visit the website or contact the instructor by email – eslwithjane@gmail.com

Accredited ESL teacher who provides effective and friendly English language tutoring in a program tailored for you. Complete an assessment of your current level of competency and receive a customized program that works for you.

Lanark County

Carleton Place Library

  • Location: Carleton Place
  • Format: In-person
  • Eligibility: Open to all
  • Cost: FREE
  • Registration: library@carletonplace.ca | 613-257-2702

Volunteers at the Carleton Place Library, in partnership with the Canadian Career Academy, provide a supportive and friendly environment where you can practice speaking English, engage in meaningful conversations, and build confidence in your language abilities.

 

TR Leger English as a Second Language (ESL) Program for Adults

  • Location: Lanark
  • Format: In-person and online
  • Eligibility: Canadian citizens or refugee claimants over 18
  • Cost: FREE
  • Registration: Complete this form or contact TR Leger –  trleger@ucdsb.on.ca | 613-346-9626; 1-877-875-3437 (Toll-Free)

TR Leger School has offered ESL instruction for over 25 years. Classes are available at various levels, from literacy to high intermediate. Computer classes (Keyboarding, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) are an integral part of the curriculum.

 

Upper Canada District School Board – English as a Second Language (ESL) for Students

  • Location: UCDSB schools in Lanark County
  • Format: In-person
  • Eligibility: Newcomer students whose first language is not English
  • Registration: Contact your local school or reach out to the school board – inquiries@ucdsb.on.ca | 1-800-267-7131

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) offers an English as a Second Language (ESL) program for students from kindergarten to grade 12. Upon registration with the UCDSB, a staff member will conduct an initial language assessment to determine your child’s English language proficiency so teachers can better plan and program for your child’s language needs.

Renfrew County

 

Academic Upgrading – Algonquin College

  • Location: Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus
  • Format: In-person
  • Eligibility: Permanent residents living in Ontario
  • Cost: FREE
  • Registration: Fill out this form

Academic Upgrading provides an excellent opportunity for individuals pursuing college training or new employment prospects to improve their English skills as well as computer, math, biology, and chemistry.

 

CFMWS Second Language Training

  • Location: Remote, based in Petawawa
  • Format: Self-directed online learning
  • Eligibility: CAF members and CFOne cardholders
  • Cost: FREE
  • Registration: Fill out the form on the website or contact a navigator – FamilyNavigator@PetawawaMFRC.com | (613) 687-2104 ext. 0

Self-directed learning offered by Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) in Petawawa. This format puts learners in control of their education and helps overcome common roadblocks that prevent them from realizing their full potential.

 

Arnprior Public Library – English as a Second Language

  • Location: Arnprior
  • Format: In-person and online
  • Eligibility: Open to all
  • Cost: FREE
  • Registration: library@arnpriorlibrary.ca | 613-623-2279

Volunteers at the Arnprior Public Library offer one-on-one and small-group ESL tutoring every week in person at the library. Library card holders also have free access to the Mango language learning app.

 

Pembroke Public Library – English as a Second Language

  • Location: Pembroke
  • Format: Online and in-person
  • Eligibility: Newcomers and the general public
  • Cost: FREE
  • Registration: info@pembrokelibrary.ca | (613) 732-8844

Meet new friends and gain cultural insights with second-language support at Pembroke Public Library. Start learning today with an abundance of in-house and online resources, including Mango languages.

 

Renfrew County District School Board – English as a Second Language (ESL) for Adults

  • Location: Pembroke
  • Format: In-person or self-paced online
  • Eligibility: Open to newcomers
  • Cost: FREE
  • Registration: johnstonl@rcdsb.on.ca (instructor) | 613-732-8740

If you live in Pembroke and are looking for ESL support, Renfrew County District School Board Continuing Education can help you. Enroll in a class at any time during the school year.

 

Renfrew County District School Board – English as a Second Language (ESL) for Students

  • Location: Renfrew County schools
  • Format: In-person during school hours
  • Eligibility: Students who have been in Canada for less than 3 years and come from non-English-speaking countries
  • Cost: FREE
  • Registration: Contact your child’s school or reach out to the Continuing and Community Education office – johnstonl@rcdsb.on.ca (instructor) | 613-732-8740

The Renfrew County District School Board offers English support to students identified as needing additional assistance. Based on teacher recommendations or registration data, the principal may determine that a student requires support. Children attending a school in Renfrew County may register with an ESL instructor or peer tutor. Students from kindergarten to grade 8 can also access the After-school International Language Program, which runs for 2.5 hours per week.

Tags: English as a Second Language, ESL, courses, classes, online

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    Have Your Language Skills Assessed

    If you are interested in having your English language skills formally assessed so that you may continue your schooling in Canada or for employment opportunities, please complete the form below and someone from your local school board will be in touch with you to explore your options. 

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    This Language Assessment Intake Information form is for those who currently live in Lanark or Renfrew County in Ontario, Canada.
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