Foundation Studies are programs designed to assist students whose basic academic skills in reading, writing, math, or English are not yet college ready.

Developmental Education

Math | Reading | Writing | ESOL | Study Skills

Developmental Education (DE) courses are credit courses that provide students with the basic skills needed to achieve success in college-level courses and to pass the TSI (Texas Success Initiative). Therefore, although a student receives credit for satisfactorily completing developmental courses, DE credit does not transfer nor does it count toward a degree or certificate. DE courses are offered in mathematics, reading, writing, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), and study skills.

If basic skills assessment scores indicate that a student would be better prepared by taking a DE course before enrolling in a college-level class, the student must enroll in the DE course. DE courses may be taken for a combined total of no more than 27 hours.

Note: Early College Start students are not permitted to enroll in DE courses.

Adult Education

GED Preparation | Adult Basic Education | ESL

ACC's Adult Education Division delivers GED Preparation, Adult Basic Education, and ESL (English as a Second Language) instruction around Travis County. Classes are free. The goal is to assist all students, regardless of educational background, in earning their GED and obtaining the skills they need to enter college and improve their lives.

Continuing Education ESOL

The Continuing Education Division offers a noncredit option for non-English speakers who wish to study in ACC's ESOL Program without earning college credit. Continuing Education students sit alongside college credit students and complete the same course requirements as the college credit students. Students who complete these courses through Continuing Education can "convert" their continuing education credit to college credit at a later date. Students who intend to enroll later in college courses should consider completing the ACC admissions, assessment and advising processes for credit students.

Which ESL/ESOL Program is Right for You?

Students with extremely limited or no English skills are eligible for the Adult Education classes that are free in Travis County. Students with some English skills can choose the ESOL Program, which offers integrated classes that allow students to register through the college's credit process or Continuing Education registration (see above).