First Steps ESL & Next Steps Transitional English Program

Program Overview

English Classes in Boston

AACA offers a full range of ten levels of English language classes for adult learners from basic to higher intermediate. These are morning classes taught at our premises in downtown Boston. Classes are designed to help students to adjust to life in the United States and prepare them to continue to study English at a higher level, go to college, join a job training program or secure employment.

What will I learn?

In our First Steps Basic ESL program (Levels 1-5), students learn the basics of English: reading, writing, speaking, listening and grammar, as well as vocabulary for jobs, restaurants, transportation, shopping, citizenship, and more! In the Next Steps Transitional English Program

(Next STEP- Levels 6-10) , students will also learn the skills necessary to enter college or job training which will prepare them for a better job. For specific details of what is taught in each class, see the tables below.

How much does it cost?

First Steps Basic ESL classes cost $360 for a 12 week session, which includes a textbook for the course. Intermediate English for College, Job Training and Employment (Next STEP) classes are grant funded and are free to qualified students.

How do I apply?

To apply and find out what level you qualify for, come to a testing session. Testing for English takes place on Monday mornings. Check the calendar or the "Upcoming AACA Classes & Testing Sessions" list to the right of this page to see what date the next testing session will be. Please arrive on time and allow 2½ hours for Next STEP English testing or 1
hour for First Steps Basic ESL testing. Please register for an upcoming test at AACA's front desk on the 5th floor or call 617-426-9492 ext. 250.