ESL School Programs

English Language Training Class

English language training classes at the school are provided by Jefferson County Public Schools Adult and Continuing Education (JCPS) teachers. Students referred to the school are given an evaluation test called CASAS. Once it is determined the level of a student they are placed in one of five classes based on their test scores. The CASAS test takes approximately 2 hours to complete.  At the end of testing clients are given an orientation, schedule and a contract.  ELT classes are offered mornings 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. All clinets enrolled in the ELT program are required to attend these classes prior to employment. Clients are tested every six to eight weeks to check their proficiency level.

Cultural Orientation

Cultural Orientation is offered every Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to educate clients abouth the American culture.  Speakers from the community are invited to talk about topics such as health, transportation, banking, legal rights, street safety, etc.  Translated materials are provided to the students and interpreters are used in the presentation.  The goal of Cultural Orientation is to help our clients to adapt to a new culture that is very different from their own.  All clients enrolled in the ELT program are required to attend this class prior to employment.

Work Orientation

Work orientation prepares students to work in their new community. Students learn how to fill out job applications and how to make a resume. They also learn how to dress and interview for a job, in addition to learning about their rights as an employee.  The class is offered every other Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Psycho-Social Education Class

Psycho-social education class focuses on helping students develop coping skills for the difficult transition to life in the United States by discussing issues of grief, loss, family value, work-life expectations, conflict resolution, community and cultural diversity, gender and parental roles. The class is often divided by language, gender or other demographics to serve specific group needs, or to respond to current events.

PACT/Parenting Class

PACT and parenting time is used to inform parents about the JCPS school system and day care centers in the community. The class allows the students to get involved with their children's education, while at the same time discuss their problems and concerns. Reading and art activities are part of PACT time. Trips are planned throughout the year for parents and children to places like the Science Museum and Louisville Zoo.  The class is scheduled once a month from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Women's Class/Family Empowerment Class

Women's Class/Family Empowerment class focuses on the differences between the role women play in other cultures, and the role of women in the American society. The goal of the class is to assist employable refugee women to find employment, and also give them information about issues they may be faced with as they join the workforce.  Financial literacy is also part of the class. They also receive necessary life skills and language skills needed to negotiate certain situations and issues.  At times men may be invited to the class for discussions.

Computer Class

Computer classes are held twice a week for our clients where they receive instruction on computer hardware and different software.  They learn how to send and receive emails and create documents using Word and Excel.  Students also use computer programs to improve their english with Rosetta Stone software and write a personal resume.  Classes are offered Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Client Child Care Program

Client Child Care Program in on-site and available to all our parents that attend our English classes.  The children are placed into one of three classes: Infants (birth - 2 years old), Toddlers (2 years - 5 years), and School Age Children (6 years - 16 years).  Staff consists of three individuals and volunteers to assist with the children in all activities.

Somali Bantu Class

On November 5th, 2007, Catholic Charities English School started with new classes especially designed for Somali Bantu Clients to improve their English language skills.  In partnership with other local service providers, Catholic Charities also offers additional mental health services, nutrition classes, and work orientation to assist the Bantu to more quickly overcome the many barriers they face to self-sufficiency.  The day classes are offered from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p. m., Monday through Thursday, and Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  The evening schedule for these classes is from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Volunteer Program

Volunteers work with our students by becoming teacher aide's and working with our day care classes.  For more information on how to become a volunteer for Catholic Charities please click here.