English Language Acquisition (ELA)
Program Overview
Levels range from beginner to advanced. Students will learn reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills with an emphasis on reading. Digital literacy skills are used and taught. Intermediate level classes add a Civics component to the curriculum. Classes are designed to increase your language skills in order to get a job and live in the community. Orientation, registration and testing must be completed by January 21, 2026.
Students are placed into a level from a state test and may not choose a level. Children of students are not allowed to attend class. Childcare is provided, but only at the Higgins Education Center. Register early, classes fill up quickly.
Requirements: Attend classes, study and practice on your free app! Students can only miss 4 classes per semester. Current returning Fall 2025 students sign-up in their Google Classroom and do not need to test. New students will sign-up for one night to complete the registration, go through orientation, and take the required tests. This will take about 3 hours to be on time!
If you cannot register online, make an appointment with Julie Frost, jfrost@d211.org or text at 331-444-2766 for in-person help, registration ends January 22, 2026. For Higgins Education classes, please choose orientation and testing at Conant or Palatine High Schools.
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If you’re interested in joining an upcoming class and would like to be contacted if late-start openings become available, please fill out the interest form.
Class Locations & Schedules
Conant High School
Program Orientation: Register online only for one of these dates: January 5, 7, 12 or 14
No walk-ins accepted.
Classes begin: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Classes held: Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m..
No classes: February 16, March 23 and 25
Palatine High School
Program Orientation: Register online only for one of these dates: January 6, 8, 13 or 15
No walk-ins accepted.
Classes begin: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Classes held: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m..
No classes: March 24 and 26
Higgins Education Center
Monday/Wednesday Classes Begin: Wednesday, January 21, from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Tuesday/Thursday Classes Begin: Tuesday, January 20, from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
No classes: February 16, March 23, 24, 25 & 26
Orientation will not be held at Higgins Education Center. Please attend orientation at Conant or Palatine High Schools. Childcare services available only at Higgins Education Center.
Emergency Information
If evening classes are canceled due to weather or emergency, updates will be posted on the District 211 website.
Note: If day school is canceled, night classes may still run.
Any further questions?
Contact Julie Frost @ jfrost@d211.org or text at 331-444-2766.