Belmont United Methodist Church’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program takes place on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from September through May and consists of beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels for English language learners. Classes are “in-person” and are held at the Church from 9:00am-12:00pm. Class size is limited and there is no child-care. The registration fee for these classes is $35. If your class uses a textbook, the book fee is an additional $35.
Registration and additional information
Registration for the Fall Semester is now open. For more information about enrolling, please email and include the following information:
- Your Full Name and the Name you wish to be called in class.
- If you have taken English in the past – when, where and for how long.
- If you attended Belmont ESL before, when, what level and your teacher’s name.
- A telephone number and email address where you can be reached.
- Whether you prefer to be reached by email or text.
Belmont ESL’s Tuesday/Thursday classes focus on grammar proficiency, conversation, writing skills, pronunciation, U.S. customs and culture, and more. All classes are taught by experienced volunteer teachers. During the year classes celebrate special program-wide events such as a Thanksgiving-themed “potluck” lunch where we share food from around the world. This is often followed by individual class Christmas Parties (often in your teacher’s home) and, at the end of the school year, we have an end-of-the-year Belmont Writes Celebration.
Special Higher-Level Conversation and Enrichment Class
On Mondays throughout the year, a Higher-Level Conversation and Cultural Enrichment Class is held from 10:30am-12:00pm at the Church. Those wishing to take this class should already have a very comfortable level of speaking and understanding English. The fee for this class is $35. However, if you are already enrolled in a Tuesday/Thursday Class, there is no fee. To enroll in this class, send an email to .
History of Belmont ESL
More than 50 years ago, Nashvillians saw a need to offer English classes for the city’s growing immigrant community. Belmont UMC opened its doors then and has enthusiastically supported the adult ESL program since. It provides space for classes and supports the program, and many of the volunteer teachers and classroom aides are members of Belmont UMC. During the pandemic, classes continued remotely via Zoom, and some classes offered a hybrid Zoom and in-person format until 2022 when in-person for all classes resumed.
Enrollment ranges from 40-60 students each year.
Multiple languages and cultures are represented by the student body, a fact that makes for rich discussions and learning opportunities. Some classes sponsor field trips to Nashville landmarks like the Public Library downtown or the Fort Negley Civil War site. Multiple students have used Belmont ESL classes as a springboard for more advanced English classes, the pursuit of higher education, or a foundation for a GED. Each semester, students begin classes as strangers with diverse backgrounds and languages but end the time together as friends.