English as a Second Language – ESL

INS records indicate that the Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has the largest legal immigrant settlement in Texas. The U.S. State Department lists the Houston MSA as the 6th greatest magnet in the entire United States. According to the Greater Houston Partnership, 77% of Houston's net migration is international. The 2000 Census identified a foreign-born population of 854,669 in the Houston MSA, creating an endless need for ESL and literacy training.

Non-English speaking students learn to speak, understand, read, and write English in a six-level program. Students are assessed with the Basic English Skills Test (BEST).

71% percent of Citywide's ESL students show level-gains in oral English.