English as a Second Language

Academic ESL classes will prepare you to succeed in college and also in professional work environments. For example, you will learn to read academic texts (books, articles, websites), write academic texts (summaries, paragraphs, essays), listen to lectures and take notes, analyze and write from sources, and much more. 

If you want to have a career, take college classes, get a better job, or help your kids succeed in school, these classes are for you.

Placements show you which math, English reading and composition, and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are needed to start your college journey.

There are NO tests required or used for placement. Instead, information from your application is used to decide your starting point for college-level math or English Academic Reading and Writing. Students who provide incomplete information on the application, did not complete high school in the United States, or want to take ESL classes will need to complete the ESL Placement to know their level. The link to the ESL Placement can be found on the Placement Services card on your MySWC student portal page.

If you plan to begin at level 1 (ESL 29), you are not required to complete ESL placement. However, we strongly encourage you to complete the placement, especially if you feel you may be ready to start at a more advanced level.

English as a Second Language instructors are prepared to help nonnative English speakers, so they know how to help you go from a low level of reading and writing to an advanced level. They can also help you develop your grammar quickly. If you want to improve your grammar, listening and speaking skills and English is your second language, the ESL program is right for you.

To find your level in the academic ESL program contact the Southwestern College Placement & Prerequisite Services by calling (619) 482-6385, or emailing SWCplacement@swccd.edu.

Language Acquisition Center (LAC)

The LAC is a free computer lab designed specifically for ESL and language students. It provides a quiet space to complete schoolwork, access language learning software, use headphones, and join virtual classes or meetings. Whether you're studying, practicing your language skills, or attending an online session, the LAC has the resources you need to support your learning.

Contact Ruel Flores at rflores2@swccd.edu for hours and information.

The LAC is located on our Chula Vista campus in the Instructional Discovery Complex, room 25-112. To get in contact with an Instructional Assistant Office, please call (619) 421-6700 x5821.

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The California Community College system has adopted a naming and numbering system that all colleges in the state will use for the most common general education courses. The Common Course Numbering (CCN) system will ensure that students take the correct classes they need for an associate degree or to transfer no matter what community college they attend. The CCN system will result in a smoother transfer process by reducing confusion over how courses transfer or meet degree requirements, making it easier for students to choose courses that align with their goals. The courses list in the table below have been renumbered and renamed. Look for new names and numbers in Fall 2026 as well as recently changed course names and numbers.