Do you teach children or teenagers?

• No, we only teach people who are over 18 years old.

Why do I have to pay an application fee?

• Application fees help to pay for the time our staff spends processing your information and placing you in the best class for your skills.

Why do classes cost different amounts?

• The English Center is a non-profit organization that is funded by grants and donations.

  • Local students (within 50 miles of Youngstown): We receive the majority of our donations and grants for students living within the Youngstown area. 

  • United States students (outside 50 miles of Youngstown): We receive very few grants and donations for this population, so a partial tuition fee is necessary

  • International students: We do not receive any grants or donations for this population, so a full tuition fee is necessary.

What if I decide I don’t want to continue taking a class?

• Local students: Please notify the teacher if you no longer want to attend class so that your seat may be given to a waiting student. 

• Non-local students:  After the one-week trial period is completed, all tuition fees paid are non-refundable. Students forfeit the tuition paid if they decide to no longer attend class.

Do all students get accepted?

• No, some students are placed on a waiting list. If the class you qualify for is full, you will be placed on a waiting list and notified by email if any spots become available. 

What is the process for becoming a student at The English Center? 

1. Submit a completed application with a nonrefundable application fee.

2. If you are eligible for classes, you will be emailed a Placement Test.

1. Note: students are accepted on a first come, first served basis

3. Use the link at the end of the Placement Test to schedule a Zoom interview.

   • Click here to learn more about the interview process.  

4. After your interview, you will be sent an email with information about your class placement and payment information. 

How many students will be in my class?

• Classes accept between 9 and 15 students.

Who are the other students in my class?

• Students from any country around the world can be in the same class 

What if I have questions about a lesson after class is over?

• Email your teacher–they will be happy to answer your questions.

What if I get sick or have to travel and can’t attend class?

• Always let your teacher know by email if you can’t attend class. Your seat will be held if you are absent for any reasonable explanation.

What if my teacher has to cancel class?

• If there is an emergency or a situation that requires your teacher to have to cancel class, you will receive an email notification through Google Classroom announcements. That message will have the details of the cancellation and any further instructions.

What is the attendance policy for students (local and non-local)?

• Missing 2 consecutive classes without notifying the teacher and without an acceptable excuse will result in the student losing their seat in the class, as well as the student having to repeat the application process.

What’s an acceptable excuse for missing class?

•  Acceptable excuses include: illness, travel, personal emergencies, and occasional work conflicts.

What is the yearly class schedule, including breaks?

• Please check The English Center academic calendar on our Home Page by clicking here.

What are the requirements for starting classes?

• We do not require any outside testing or exams. 

What minimum proficiency level do I need before starting at The English Center?

• We take students at all levels of fluency. We will assess you and choose the best level for your success. 

When and how do I pay for classes?

• If you are accepted as a student, you will be emailed a PayPal link to pay your tuition. Once your tuition is paid, you will receive a class link via Gmail. (Note: We do not accept cash. USA students may also pay by check or money order.)

Do these classes count towards college credit, certificate programs (TOFL, IELTS, TOEIC), or citizenship preparation ?

• No, we do not partner with any programs or universities. 

Is the school able to provide student visas?

• No, we do not provide visas. 

Do I need to purchase a book or other material for my class?

• No, all materials are posted in the Google Classroom.