LSI’s Community Based English Language Learning (CBELL) program empowers immigrants and refugees with numerous accessible online and in-person English classes led by knowledgeable, compassionate teachers. Participants gain language and social skills along with cultural awareness that enable them to quickly gain employment, integrate, and thrive in their new communities.
Registration
New students can register at any time. All students must register and take a pre-test before joining a class. Registration is by appointment only. To make a registration appointment, please contact Refugee@LSIowa.org or call LSI’s front desk at 515.271.7335.
Prospective new students will come to LSI’s office at the time of their appointment to complete registration paperwork and placement testing. The process typically takes between one and one and a half hours. Classes will meet online and/or in person. We offer pre-literacy to high beginning-level English classes to adult learners, regardless of immigration status or country of origin.
Classes are offered at no cost to learners. For questions about this program or how to register, contact Refugee@LSIowa.org.
We offer free English classes to adults over the age of 18, regardless of immigration status or country of origin. Classes are currently being offered in person at our Des Moines offices. Contact us to inquire about morning, afternoon, or evening options that may be available as well as upcoming start dates. We offer pre-English literacy for low-to-intermediate English levels of proficiency. Please call 515.2712.7335 for more information and follow us on social media for class announcements. You can also visit us in person to learn more: 3200 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311.
Course Offerings
Mornings
Tuesday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (basic to high-beginning/low-intermediate level)
Afternoons
Tuesday – Thursday, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (low to high-beginning/low-intermediate level)
Evenings
Tuesday – Thursday, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (basic to high-beginning/low-intermediate level)
B. was in a panic. It was time for her to take her U.S. Citizenship Exam and while she knew the alphabet, she failed both the reading and writing sections of the four-part exam. She attended LSI’s ESL class until she felt confident and ready to retake the test. This time, she passed with flying colors.