All persons interested in taking ESOL classes must come to the Notre Dame Education Center main office and register. Applicants will receive information by mail with a date and time for placement testing.

NDEC offers English language classes to immigrant adults. All levels of classes include listening, speaking, reading, and writing practice. At present NDEC services students from more than 40 countries. ESOL students learn to use the computer as part of their language-learning studies.

Pre-Literacy classes emphasize the basics of reading and writing for those students who are just beginning to learn those skills. These classes also work on strengthening speaking and listening skills.

ESOL 1 provides beginning level speakers of English with the most important vocabulary and grammar needed to communicate in English at a basic level. Instruction is presented in a realistic way using everyday life situations.

ESOL 2 continues the work of ESOL 1 helping students to develop stronger speaking and listening skills and a larger vocabulary. Grammar, reading, and writing skills are developed as well using real life topics and texts.

ESOL 3 offers Intermediate level students expanded vocabulary development and more complex grammar. Students will have extensive practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

ESOL 4 builds on skills developed in the prior levels. There is a major emphasis on further developing reading and writing skills and continuing practice of speaking, pronunciation, and listening.

Classes are offered Monday through Friday, 8:30 – 11:00 AM or 11:45 AM – 2:15 PM. Evening classes meet two times each week from 5:30 – 8:00 PM.

Students interested in registering for a class in the Literacy Department should call the main office or come in person to fill out a Literacy Information Form. Upon receipt of the form, the student will be notified about registration dates, when to take a placement test, and do a writing sample.

The Literacy Department offers three levels of adult education with intensive instruction in reading, math, writing and computer classes. Two alternative high school programs are offered: GED and ADP.

ABE 1 offers instruction in basic reading to adult non-readers.

ABE 2 offers instruction in writing, math, reading and computer for students. After successfully completing the ABE program, students can choose to continue their education in a Pre-Diploma program provided the grade equivalency is appropriate.

Pre-Diploma -Pre-Diploma program offers instruction in reading, writing, English, math, and computer. This course of study prepares students to go on to the GED or ADP Program providing the grade equivalency is 9.0-12.0.

Alternative High School Programs-

General Educational Development (GED) - This program prepares adult students working at the high school level to take the 5 GED tests in literature, writing, math, science, and social studies. The intense course of study sharpens critical thinking skills necessary to pass these tests.

Adult Diploma Program - The ADP is a competency-based high school diploma program providing credentials to adults who demonstrate life-skill competencies. Students must pass three diagnostic tests, the MCAS and/or a portfolio assessment. In conjunction with the Boston Public Schools, a high school diploma is awarded to students successfully completing this program.

For more information about these programs, please contact Sr. Mary Mulligan, Director of Literacy Programs, at or 617-268-1912 x247.

High School students can apply to the program by completing an interview and bringing a copy of their high school transcripts.

This program is designed for students who need to finish credits for a full high school diploma. To be eligible, a student must have earned enough credits to be considered a high school junior. Tuition is $400.00 per class. Financial aid is available.

Courses include:

• Science: Biology, Earth Science
• Humanities: Art, World Religions, Life Skills
• Literature: World, British, American
• Social Studies: US History, World History
• Math: Geometry, Algebra II

Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 3:30 pm – 8:00 pm (and, as needed for thirty-six weeks over two semesters. Each course meets twice a week for two hours.

Contact the Case Manager at 617-268-1912 x239 or the Program Coordinator, Donna Pomponio, at 617-268-1912 x245 or

Interested participants for the Online Program coursework can fill out an application form in the main office. You will receive a call for an appointment to visit the program and decide if online learning is for you.

Students take Online Learning classes through a web-based program called English for All (EFA). It provides intermediate level ESOL students an opportunity to improve their English language skills in writing.

Students who have difficulty with regular class scheduling can use a computer with Internet access in their home or at a computer lab to participate in this program. An online teacher helps students improve their skills and schedule individual meetings with students as needed.

For further information please contact Margaret Lanen SND at 617-268-1912 x303 or