FAQ

REEP specializes in teaching English to adults. Here, you will find answers to common questions about our school and our classes.

General FAQ

Where are your classes?

REEP offers instruction at convenient locations in Arlington, Virginia, for our intensive and specialty classes – Syphax Education Center and Arlington Mill Community Center. REEP also has three (3) outreach centers in Arlington, Virginia. See our Locations page for more information.

What are your schedules?

Morning classes are 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, Monday – Friday. Evening classes are 6:45-9:00 p.m., Monday – Thursday. Conversation & Pronunciation class is 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Outreach classes meet on different days and times. See our Schedule and Fees page for more information.

I do not live in Arlington. Can I study at REEP?

Students must live in or near Arlington, Virginia, to take classes at REEP. Students who do not live or work in Arlington County have a different tuition rate.

Does REEP have locations in other counties?

No. REEP offers classes only in Arlington, Virginia.

Can REEP help me obtain an F-1 (student) visa?

No. REEP does not participate in the I-20 or F-1 student visa programs.

I want to start at the beginning level. Do I need to take a placement test?

Yes. All students must take a placement exam before they register for classes.

When can I take the placement exam?

Placement exams are by appointment. We have appointment times in the morning and the early evening on specific dates. Please complete the form on our Take a Class page and a staff member will contact you.

I took the placement exam one year ago but didn’t register. Can I register for class?

The REEP exam is valid for 6 months. After 6 months, the exam must be taken again before registering for class. Please email us at reep@apsva.us about your intent to register. You can also complete the form on our Take a Class page and a staff member will contact you.

How many levels of English instruction are offered at REEP?

REEP has 10 instructional levels (4 Beginner levels; 4 Intermediate levels; 2 Advanced levels)

Fees & Registration FAQ

Are these classes free?

REEP offers low-cost tuition rates for intensive and specialty classes (see below). Students who live in Arlington, Virginia may be eligible for scholarship opportunities. The Outreach center classes are free.

What’s the cost of the classes?

These rates are subject to change. The cost for students who live or work in Arlington, Virginia. See our Schedule and Fees page for more information.

How do I pay for my classes?

You can pay online with a U.S. issued credit/debit card. We also accept money orders. We do not accept personal checks or cash.

I would like to pay in installments. Is that possible?

No. We do not offer payments in installments. The full amount is due at the time of payment.

What do I need to prove that I live in Arlington, Virginia?

A driver’s license, a letter postmarked by the post office, a bill, an apartment lease, or any official document with your name and an Arlington address is acceptable.

I took the placement exam. Am I guaranteed a place in class?

No, your place in class is only guaranteed once you pay your tuition and receive a confirmation email.

I’m interested in a scholarship. How can I apply?

Scholarships are awarded through a lottery to Arlington, Virginia residents only. New students need to take a Placement Exam as early as possible and ask for an invitation to a scholarship orientation in order to apply.

Can I register at the office?

New students can complete the interest form on the Take a Class page or contact the office at reep@apsva.us or 703.228.4200 during regular business hours to sign up for the next scheduled testing and/or registration. Details about registration for new students will be provided at testing.

Can I get a certificate when I attend REEP Intensive classes?

Students who complete a full 3-month Intensive class and who are promoted to a higher level can receive a “completion certificate” by talking with their instructor. However, it is important to note that all REEP’s classes are non-credit courses and are not the same as for-credit college courses.

Instructional FAQ

What is “Intensive”?

“Intensive” refers to the number of classroom hours per week. At REEP, Intensive classes are 4-5 days per week, totaling 10-15 hours per week in the classroom.

What do students learn at REEP?

Beginning and intermediate levels focus on life skills needed to live and work in the U.S. Advanced levels focus on skills needed for academic, GED, and job training programs. All levels integrate reading, writing, listening, speaking skills, as well as cross-cultural communication, workplace readiness, and basic computer skills instruction.

What are “life skills”?

At REEP, we teach English so that adult immigrants can succeed in their daily lives and contribute to their communities. We call this “life skills ESL.” Life skills ESL focuses on developing language skills through topics such as work, transportation, health, history and government, money and banking, telephone, and digital literacy. To learn more about REEP’s life skills topics, visit the REEP Adult ESL Curriculum Units & Objectives section.

What level is the Conversation class?

The Conversation class is open to intermediate and advanced students who want to further develop their speaking and pronunciation skills.

What is Outreach ESL?

Beginning and intermediate level classes are offered on a drop-in basis at community centers and online. Students do not take a placement test. Outreach classes are free and taught by trained volunteers. Many outreach students transition to REEP’s intensive or non-intensive classes. Register today or drop-in for a class. See our Schedule and Fees page for more information.