Students at El Monte-Rosemead Adult School are celebrating a milestone after completing the school’s English as a Second Language program, a key step toward broader educational and career opportunities within the El Monte Union High School District.
The recent cohort of ESL students finished the program at EMRAS and is now eligible to continue into basic education courses, the high school diploma track, career technical education programs, or community college. School officials said the completion reflects months of focused instruction and persistence by adult learners balancing school, work, and family responsibilities.
What ESL Is and Why It Matters
English as a Second Language instruction is designed for adults whose first language is not English. The program builds reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills needed for daily life, employment, and academic success. At EMRAS, ESL classes serve residents from El Monte, South El Monte, Baldwin Park, and nearby communities.
Strong English skills open doors. Students gain confidence communicating with teachers, employers, doctors, and public agencies. Many also improve their ability to help children with schoolwork or pursue job advancement. For some, ESL is the first step back into an educational setting after many years away.
Educators at EMRAS describe ESL as foundational. Without language proficiency, progress in academic or career programs can stall. With it, students can move forward with clearer goals and stronger support.
Program Requirements and Structure
The ESL program at EMRAS is open to adult learners who are at least 18 years old and not enrolled in K-12 school. Students complete an intake process that includes assessment testing to place them at the appropriate instructional level. Classes range from beginning literacy to advanced English skills.
Attendance and participation are required for progress. Students must meet course benchmarks and demonstrate language improvement to complete each level. Instruction focuses on practical communication alongside academic vocabulary, preparing students for further study.
Classes are offered at flexible times to accommodate working adults. Support services are available for counseling and educational planning, helping students choose next steps after ESL completion.
Connection to EMUHSD Pathways
As part of the El Monte Union High School District, EMRAS aligns its programs with district goals to expand adult education and workforce readiness. ESL graduates can transition directly into EMRAS basic education classes or the high school diploma program, which follows district standards.
Students may also enroll in career technical education programs tied to in-demand fields or prepare for community college coursework. Counselors work with graduates to map individual plans based on language level, academic background, and career interests.
District leaders say adult education strengthens the entire community by supporting economic mobility and civic engagement. More information about district programs is available at https://www.emuhsd.org.
For many students, completing ESL is more than finishing a class. It marks a turning point toward long-term educational goals and deeper connection to the local community served by EMUHSD and EMRAS.
