City Colleges of Chicago

Learn English or finish high school for free to improve your career and college opportunities

English as a Second Language classes help you learn English for the first time and improve your English communication skills.

GED/HiSET prep will get you ready to take the tests you need to earn your high school diploma. You can also get help paying for those tests.

You can:

  • Choose a schedule that fits your needs. We offer 8, 12, and 16-week classes in the fall, spring, and summer semesters with morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend sessions.
  • Borrow a Chromebook and/or Wi-Fi hotspot so that you can get started now, while classes are completely online due to COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.
  • Enroll in our free Career Bridge program to earn an industry certificate for job opportunities.
  • Move on to credit classes through our Gateway Program, which offers additional supports and financial assistance.

New to Chicago?

Learn how to get started so you can enroll in our High School Diploma and English as a Second Language programs.

Program Information

Learn English

Whether you want to learn English to prepare for a career, college, or to contribute to your family and community, our free ESL classes can help you. 

Finish High School

We offer free classes to help you earn your Illinois High School Diploma, go to college, and build a career. Students who plan to take one of the two Illinois High School Diploma exams (the GED® or the HiSET®) may be eligible for scholarships covering the examination fee. 

Move on to Work or College

Our Career Bridge program helps students improve their reading, writing, math, and English skills while earning an industry certificate that can lead to entry-level job opportunities and careers.