Summer Non-Credit Programs
Program Overview
The Summer ESL Literacy Program supports students in developing their English language skills for success in school and everyday life. These in-person courses are designed for students who are learning English or who need additional support with reading, writing, and communication.
Students build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The program combines structured learning with teacher support to help students strengthen their skills and prepare for future courses.
This summer program is a great choice for students who want to improve their English and feel more confident in the classroom in the fall.
This is a non-credit course.
Registration for Summer ESL Literacy Program 2026 opens February 2, 2026.
Registration for Summer ESL Literacy Program 2026 closes June 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Eligibility
The Summer ESL Literacy Program is available to students in Grades 6-12 whose English skills are no higher than ESL CO or Step 3.
Summer ESL Literacy Program is available to:
- Current HWDSB students
- Non-HWDSB students
- Visa students
- Visiting students
Program Format & Schedule
All Summer ESL Literacy Program courses are in-person classes.
| Dates: | July 6 to 24, 2026 |
| Times: |
Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
| Locations: |
Bernie Custis Secondary School Nora F. Henderson Secondary School |
Registration & Fee Information
| Current School Board | Fees | Registration |
| HWDSB Students | Free of charge |
Application to be completed by your:
|
| Students enrolled in a publicly-funded Ontario School Board | Free of charge | Contact the Continuing Education Hill Park Learning Centre by phone at 905-561-2190 or by email at [email protected] |
| Students NOT enrolled in a publicly-funded Ontario School Board | $400 * | Contact the Continuing Education Hill Park Learning Centre by phone at 905-561-2190 or by email at [email protected] |
| Visa / Visiting Students | $400 * | Contact the Continuing Education Hill Park Learning Centre by phone at 905-561-2190 or by email at [email protected] |
* Fees must be paid in advance through Hill Park Learning Centre, 465 East 16th Street, Hamilton. An online payment link will be provided.
Confirmation of your student’s acceptance will be emailed in mid/late-June.
Program Benefits
The goals of HWDSB’s ESL/ELD programs are to:
- Assist the Newcomer with English language acquisition;
- Provide orientation to Canadian society and culture;
- Develop basic interpersonal communication skills in English;
- Enable students to graduate from Secondary Schools with the academic language and skills needed to be successful in Canadian post-secondary institutions and workplaces.
The Summer ESL Literacy Program supports our Day School ESL/ELL programs and helps students continue to improve their English language acquisition during the summer.
Program Information
- The program is designed to make learning fun and engaging.
- Good attitude, behaviour and attendance is expected of every student.
- Students are encouraged to bring school supplies and nut free snacks and drinks each day.
- Programs will run if there are sufficient numbers. There must be a minimum of 12 students registered and attending the program.
Continuing Education reserves the right to cancel, combine or relocate programs.
For credit opportunities, please visit the Credit Programs page.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Continuing Education by phone at 905-561-2190 or by email at [email protected].