Pat Gibson
ESL Program
Learn English
Our beginner, intermediate, and advanced conversation classes are geared toward adults eager to learn, write, and communicate more effectively in English. The classes focus on conversation and writing skills as well as helping students better understand U.S. culture.
Our Registration Process
Begin by filling out our registration form by clicking the green button above. You will be automatically added to the waitlist for your preferred class time.
When your name is at the top of the list, you will be invited to enroll in a class. Check your email frequently while you wait. We hope to have a space for you within the next three months.
Fill out the orientation form sent to you by our staff.
Attend your orientation appointment to pay for classes and take your placement test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
The registration fee is $85 per person per semester. | Scholarships are available for those who need help paying the registration fee.
What is included in the cost?
Total of 40 2-hour classes.
Assessment to determine appropriate class level.
For some levels, conversation classes are included.
Post-assessment to determine if level advancement is needed is included.
Some class materials, including online tutorials, are included.
Class textbook.
Where are classes offered?
We only have ESL classes at our Rivers Avenue location.
6185 D Rivers Ave. North Charleston, SC 29406
When are classes offered?
Classes for all levels are offered in the morning and in the evening.
Monday/Wednesday from 10:00 am-12:00 pm and Tuesday/Thursday from 10:00 am-12:00 pm.
Monday/Wednesday from 6:00-8:00 pm and Tuesday/Thursday from 6:00-8:00 pm.
Monday/Wednesday from 1:00-3:00 pm.
Saturdays from 9:00 am-12:00 pm. This is a special intensive class and has 12 sessions for a cost of $185. Scholarships are not available for this program at this time.
Can I join a class at any time?
No, we start a new round of classes approximately every two months. We rotate which class time is being offered. You will have more options if you are flexible about taking a day or evening class. Our classes are successful because we use a curriculum that builds on the knowledge you have already learned. You cannot join a class once it has started because you will not have language skills the rest of the class has already learned.
How do I know which level of English class I will be in?
Our certified instructors will administer a spoken assessment designed to gauge how well you speak and understand English. We will place you in the appropriate level class based on your assessment. Because your level determines the class you need, you may not be in the same class as a friend or relative, but you can attend at the same time and at the same location.
How long dos it take to learn English?
Many factors determine how quickly you can learn a new language. It varies for everyone. We offer 5 levels of classes at Trident Literacy beginning with our most basic class and ending with an advanced class. Each class is paced to be completed in 40 sessions which takes about six months.
Can I bring my children/teenagers to class with me?
Students must be at least 18 years old to register and attend a class. 16 and 17-year-olds can attend with a registered guardian with prior approval from the ESL director. They are not registered for the class and will not be assessed, but they can listen and participate with you. We do not offer childcare.
How do I sign up?
Registering for class is a multi-step process and it takes most students 1-2 months before they will begin their English class. The first step is to complete the English as a Second Language Registration form. Depending on your availability and where we are at in our class calendar, it could be several months before you are offered a space in a class. We prefer to communicate questions and scheduling through email or text to use translation technology. Every person interested in taking a class must complete their own forms and have their own assessment appointment. We cannot accommodate walk-ins.
I left a phone message or sent an email, and I have not heard back from you. What should I do?
We are sorry we missed your call or message. We are a nonprofit and operate with less staff than we need, and it happens. We appreciate your patience with us. The most important step is to complete the English as a Second Language Registration form and verify that we received your form. We recommend adding the reply email address to your email contact list so our emails do not get caught in your email's spam filter. If you have completed the forms and received our email reply, you are in our system! We will be in touch. If you are concerned, please feel free to email us at info@tridentlit.org to ask where we are in our ESL registration process and verify we have your information in our system.
Do you have translators or staff who speak Spanish?
We do not. We have over 40 countries and dozens of languages represented in our student population, and it is not possible to staff for that. We rely on translation technology to communicate between our staff and students during registration. Our classes are taught in English in an immersion format. The instruction is geared toward the student's English language ability. That is why the assessment is such an important part of the process. Our ESL administrators speak some Spanish, but they are not always available and are not fluent. We have many tools to help us communicate with English language learners in person. While it is not necessary, feel free to bring a friend who can help you translate if you have questions not answered on this website.