Rockwood Launches First-Ever Adult English Classes

Adult English classes were conducted in Fenton for the first time by Rockwood Community Education staffers on Monday. English Language Learner (ELL) classes assist adults with English conversation practice, grammar and preparation for the citizenship test. 

Rockwood Community Education's Adult Education and Literacy supervisor Mary Grott said the classes were established due to high demand based on a survey they conducted. She said many ELL participants are parents of Rockwood students.

"There was a need for this class, based on information and requests from the elementary schools in Fenton. We don't know that there's necessarily a higher non-English speaking population in Fenton, but they've been driving quite a ways to receive the classes," Grott said.

The free class will meet 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Wednesdays at Calvary Fellowship Church, 1811 Smizer Station Rd.

All classes will run Aug. 22 through Dec. 16. Participants must be at least 16 years old and meet certain criteria. For example, Grott said they cannot serve anyone who should be in high school.

"We provide comprehensive classes focusing on developing the students’ ability to speak, read, write and understand English. Citizenship classes also are available to those interested," she said.

The citizenship classes are in the evening in Ellisville.

Rockwood Community Education has offered similar classes to community residents for more than 15 years.