On behalf of the board of Directors of La Casa Dominicana of New Jersey and ESL staff of our institution it is my pleasure to welcome you to experience the educational opportunities we offer to the new and future students.

La Casa Dominicana of New Jersey offers three levels of English as a Second Language (ESL), also Citizenship classes. We also offer a variety of community and cultural events.

We have devoted faculty and staff members who have been chosen because of their exceptional instructional ability and experience in their field. We also foster a “student first” environment; the entire program and staff works as a team to assist students achieve their goals.

Because our partnership with the Atlantic Cape Community College and Atlantic City Police Athletic League we are able to offer an inviting educational atmosphere.

Today La Casa Dominicana of NJ, offers an ESL and Citizenship Program that is focused on now and the future.

At La Casa Dominicana of New Jersey, our motto states, “La Casa Dominicana of NJ, es la CASA de TODOS, EVERYONE IS WELCOME.” The entire courses and staff will work closely and productively with our students. Your are so much more than a student to us; you are a member of our community and our family. We look forward to having you and serving you along the way. Together we will excel in the years to come.

Luis Rodriguez

President/CEO

ESL and Citizenship Program Executive Director

Our History

English as a Second Language (ESL) and Citizenship Program

By 2010 The Dominican Home commence with the collaboration of different Churches a partnership to help newcomers within the community with English classes. In 2013 under the Presidency of Luis Rodriguez the Dominican Home, was incorporated and recognize by the State of New Jersey as a 501-C3 by 2014.

With the vision of president Luis Rodriguez in October 2016 La Casa Dominicana of NJ stared at the ACPAL building the formal ESL and Citizenship Program. Our ESL Program started with two ESL levels (one ESL Beginning Low, one ESL Beginning High and Citizenship educational classes).

English as a Second Language (ESL) is the term used to describe English Language instruction for people who do not speak English.

This program is design to improve the education of limited English proficient adult people and youths. The program provides and enhance instructional opportunities for immigrant people.

Adults ESL students are looking to improve their lives as individuals and as family and community members. When we ask the students for their reasons of enrolling in the classes, this are their some of their answers: "to improve general English language competence; to address personal, family, or social needs; to meet work demands or pursue better employment; or to further their education. Most adults ESL students are immigrants who are learning English and learning about USA culture at the same time.

The students learn to understand, pronounce, read and write common vocabulary in very simple sentences that reflect real life situations.

Demonstrate comprehension of very short, simple paragraphs about familiar topics using phonemic awareness, vocabulary knowledge and grammar knowledge.
Write simple sentences using level-appropriate grammar and writing conventions.
Appropriately respond to classroom instructions, personal information, and statements and questions about a number of simple everyday topics.
Accurately use level-appropriate grammar in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

ESL Policies and Procedures

As a newly accepted student in the ESL Classes of La Casa Dominicana of NJ Program, now is a good time to get to know our program. Below, we’ve listed several important aspects of being a student and also about the community in general. We encourage you to review each topic to help you plan your arrival to the ESL course.

Placement test

Before enrolling in classes, students take a placement test. There are three levels of Integrated Skills ESL classes and students are placed according to their skill level.
Also, the students must receive information from the administrative assistant, about day and time, place, room number of each class and any other topic of the new cycle.

Provisional Placement

Class changes are permitted up to the second week of classes. Changes are based on teacher recommendations and are granted with the supervisor’s permission.

Tuition

The classes are free of charge.

Attendance

Regular attendance to ESL classes is essential and will help you to improve your English language skills more rapidly. When you are absent for even one class, you may miss important material. You are important to you teachers, the other students in your class for collaborative work, to group projects and for our ESL Program in general.

Certificates

We give to graduates, certificates of completion presented at the end of each cycle to those students who satisfactorily complete their classes.

Pre registration for fall cycle

English as a Second Language (ESL) and Citizenship/Naturalization Program

Pre registration for fall cycle of the English as a Second Language (ESL) and citizenship program is open now. For more information and to register, please call: 609-334-2563 (Monday through Friday from 10:30 am until 4:30 pm) and 609-289-3071 (Monday through Friday from 5:30 am until 7:30 pm).

General Information about FREE ESL and CITIZENSHIP Classes For Adults

La Casa Dominicana of New Jersey offers several classes, throughout the year, designed to teach adults how can't to speak, read, write and understand the English language. La Casa Dominicana of New Jersey, also offers a Citizenship course for non-citizens who wish to prepare for naturalization in the United States of America.

The English as a Second Language (ESL) and Citizenship classes are free of charge and open to the public.

The ESL and Citizenship classes provide individuals in the Atlantic City area with the resources to participate confidently in society as parents, workers, community members, and citizens. Classes are held in the Atlantic City Police Athletic League (ACPAL) Building and at the Atlantic Cape Community College in Atlantic City Campus.

English as a Second Language and Citizenship Program

Helps non-English or limited English speaking adults survive in an English speaking community.
Provides communication skills and cultural knowledge necessary for daily living in an English speaking community.
Provide instruction on how to get and keep a job, how to get medical help, and how to understand basic government rules.
Prepares advanced High students with skills for transfer to the community college
Offers citizenship preparation instruction.

There are three levels in the (ESL) Program

ESL Beginning Low

Spring Cycle start on April 15, 2019 to July 1, 2019

This ESL program have two courses of this level

Class meets: Mondays and Fridays

Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Place: Atlantic City Police Athletic League (ACPAL) Building

Address: 250 N. New York Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Esmeralda Vizcaino, Instructor ------------ Room #: 123 Email: evizcaino@lacasadominicananj.org

Itzel Lopez, Instructor ------------------- Room #: Library Email: ilopez@lacasadominicananj.org

ESL Beginning High

Spring Cycle start on April 15, 2019 to July 1, 2019

This ESL program have two courses of this level

Class meets: Mondays and Thursdays
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Place: Atlantic Cape Community College
Address: 1535 Bacharach Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Jessica Kalisa, Instructor -------------- Room #: 282 Email: Jkalisa@lacasadominicananj.org

Hazel Greenidge, Instructor ------------ Room #: 278 Email: hgreenidge@lacasadominicananj.org

ESL Intermediate Low

Spring Cycle start on April 15, 2019 to July 1, 2019

This ESL program have an course of this level

Class meets: Mondays and Wednesdays
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Place: Atlantic Cape Community College
Address: 1535 Bacharach Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Cassandra Bunje, Instructor -------------- Room #: 287 Email: cbunje@lacasadominicananj.org

Citizenship/Naturalization Class:

Spring Cycle start on April 16, 2019 to June 30, 2019

The Citizenship/ Naturalization program have an course

Class meets: Tuesday and Thursday
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Place: Atlantic City Police Athletic League (ACPAL) Building
Address: 250 N. New York Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Room #: 123

Esmeralda Vizcaino, Instructor Email: evizcaino@lacasadominicananj.org

The course of preparation for citizenship has continuous classes during the year and and anyone interested in becoming a citizen can start classes at any time, and end the citizenship course when they make their citizenship oath.

Citizenship Summer Cycle start on

July 2, 2019 to September 10, 2019

Class meets: Tuesday and Thursday
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Place: Atlantic Cape Community College
Address: 1535 Bacharach Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Room #: TBA

Esmeralda Vizcaino, Instructor Email: evizcaino@lacasadominicananj.org

To register for the ESL or Citizenship classes click here.

ESL Graduation Ceremony April 5, 2019

Our ESL Graduation Ceremony at the Atlantic Cape Community College in Atlantic City was phenomenal, and on behalf of Board of Directors of La Casa Dominicana of New Jersey, I want to take a moment to thank all the teachers and Administrative of our ESL and Citizenship Program: Esmeralda Vizcaino, Instructor ESL Beginning Low Course; Itzel Lopez, Instructor ESL Beginning Low Course, Hazel Greenidge, Instructor ESL Beginning High Course; Jessica Kalisa, Instructor ESL Beginning High Course; Cassandra Bunje, Instructor ESL Intermediate Low Course; Aurora Boyette, Supervisor of Educational Services; Yafreisy Salazar, Administrative Assistant and Miguel Escoto, ESL Financial Assistance. Because of their effort, passion and dedication we achieve these results.

Thank you: Atlantic Cape Community College and Atlantic City Police Athletic League.

Special thanks to: State Senator, District 2 Chris Brown and Nick Bachen; John Armaro and Vince Mazzeo, Members of the New Jersey General Assembly; James Toto, Council in Somers Point; Durwood Pinkett Community Relations Directors at US House of Representatives. Thank you all for your support.