Adult English as a Second Language

*Request a Non-Credit ESL/LINC and/or Get SET Fall 2026 Program*

CLICK HERE

*Questions? Contact - DCE.ESLinfo@ddsb.ca*
To register, you must have a valid language assessment. To book an appointment for a language assessment, please call 1-855-330-8655 or visit www.achev.ca or email ysla@achev.ca Inquiries: Oshawa site: 905-440-4489 Pickering site: 905-831-3118 or toll free 1-800-408-9619 Students interested in French Language Classes can visit www.cofrd.org Conseil Des Organismes Francophones De La Region De Durham Pour la formation linguistique en français, veuillez contacter: 1-855-330-8655 ou www.achev.ca/lasysd

Step 1: Language Level Assessment

If you are interested in learning or improving your English and wish to join a FREE English class, you must first have your language skills tested.
A certified Canadian Language Benchmark assessor will test your English skills.
The assessment is valid for one year and is accepted in all LINC and ESL.
If you are a Permanent Resident, Refugee Claimant or a Canadian Citizen, please call 1-855-330-8655 for a free language assessment from the Language Assessment Centre - www.achev.ca - ysla@achev.ca
A valid immigration document must be presented at your testing such as a PR Card, Canadian Citizenship Card, Passport or a Refugee Claimant document.

Step 2: Choose a Program

English as a Second Language (ESL) In-Person

8:45 am - 11:30 am (Morning)
12:00 pm - 2:30 pm (Afternoon)

Oshawa and Pickering locations September to June.

Durham Continuing Education Oshawa

E. A. Lovell School - Map

120 Centre St. S.

Oshawa, ON
905-440-4489

1-800-408-9619

Durham Continuing Education Pickering

1400 Bayly St., Unit #1 - Map

Pickering, ON

(beside the Pickering GO station)
Entrance on East side 14 a
905-831-3118

1-800-408-9619

Language Instruction for Newcomers (LINC) In-Person

8:45 am - 11:30 am (Morning)
12:00 pm - 2:30 pm (Afternoon)

Oshawa and Pickering locations September to June.

Durham Continuing Education Oshawa

E. A. Lovell School - Map

120 Centre St. S.

Oshawa, ON
905-440-4489

1-800-408-9619

Durham Continuing Education Pickering

1400 Bayly St., Unit #1 - Map

Pickering, ON

(beside the Pickering GO station)
Entrance on East side 14 a
905-831-3118

1-800-408-9619

ESL/LINC Online Class Options

Online class options (TBD)
All students must have their own laptop/desktop computer at home with good internet connection and good internet skills. Phone/tablets are not acceptable. CLB minimum is 3/3/3/3

*Specific classes to be announced in Fall 2026

Night
Monday and Wednesday 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm (2 nights per week)
Tuesday and Thursday 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm (2 nights per week)

Morning
Monday - Friday 8:45 am - 11:30 am (5 days per week)
Saturday 8:45 am - 11:30 am (1 day per week)

Eligibility

An eligible learner is an adult immigrant (born outside of Canada) currently residing in Ontario:

Whose first language is not English; and,
Who is eighteen years old

AND

Is one of the following;

a naturalized Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, Convention Refugee or a Refugee Claimant; or
Approved as a permanent resident, or their dependent, but who has not yet been processed to receive permanent resident status (e.g., individuals approved under the Ontario immigrant Provincial Nominee program or the Canadian Experience Class); or
admitted under a federal caregiver program with a pathway to permanent residency.