English Language Learning (ELL)

Learn English and Build Essential Skills for Life, Work, and Community

Improve your English language skills with Hawkeye's English Language Learning (ELL) program. In class you'll practice essential skills such as reading, writing, listening, speaking, pronunciation, and grammar. Plus, you’ll learn important life skills like getting ready for college or a job, understanding money, U.S. civics, using computers, and more.

We offer classes at seven skill levels, ranging from beginner (pre-literacy) to advanced. Before you come to your first class, you take a test to find your starting skill level.

Class Schedule

Classes meet in the Van G. Miller Adult Learning Center in downtown Waterloo.

Fall and spring classes take 16 weeks to complete. Summer classes take five weeks to complete.

Spring 2026

• Class dates: January – May 14, 2026
• Class meets: (Choose one)
  • Monday – Thursday 9 – 11 AM
  • Monday – Thursday 11 AM – 1:15 PM
  • Tuesday and Thursday 6 – 8:30 PM
• Registration deadline: December 17, 2025

Sign Up for Classes

You can sign up online or in person at the Van G. Miller Adult Learning Center in downtown Waterloo.

In-person registration hours are:

• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 AM – 7 PM
• Mondays and Wednesdays: 9 AM – 4 PM

Once you're signed up, we'll help you finish the registration process, and you’ll take a placement test to find the right starting level for you.

The classes are free, but you’ll need to buy your own materials for $33.

Note: To do well in this program, it’s important to attend all classes and be on time. Start planning now so you're ready when your classes start.

Verify Your Citizenship or Residency Status Before Starting Classes

Due to recent U.S. Department of Education regulatory changes, students enrolled in English Language Learning classes must now verify their US citizenship, residency, or nonresident eligibility before starting classes.

To meet this requirement, provide a copy of one of the following documents:

• U.S. Birth Certificate
• REAL ID
• U.S. Passport
• Legal Permanent Resident Card

Questions? We're Here to Help!

We understand you may have questions or concerns about these new federal requirements. We’re here to help you, answer your questions, and make this process easy.

Our team will help you verify your citizenship or residency status and answer any questions you have. Just bring your citizenship eligibility documents, and we’ll walk you through the process.

Call us at 319-296-4278 or email us to set up a one-on-one appointment.