REEP specializes in teaching English to adults. Here, you will find answers to common questions about our school and our classes. (Versión en español)
General FAQs
How many class locations are there?
REEP has 3 convenient locations plus 4 Outreach centers in Arlington. Please see this map for more details.
I do not live in Arlington. Can I study at REEP?
Yes, but students who do not live or work in Arlington County pay a higher tuition.
Does REEP have locations in other counties?
As part of Arlington Public Schools, the REEP Program is based only in Arlington.
Can REEP help me obtain an F-1 (student) visa?
The REEP Program does not participate in the student visa program.
I want to start at the beginning level. Do I need to take a placement test?
Yes, a placement exam is required of all prospective students wishing to study at REEP.
I can’t take the placement exam on the days you advertise. Can I take the exam at another time?
The exam can only be taken on the days and times that are indicated. You may call the office at (703) 228-4200 to find out if additional dates have been scheduled.
I took the placement exam one year ago but didn’t register. Can I come directly to registration?
The REEP exam is good for 6 months. After 6 months, the exam must be taken again before registering for class.
Fees & Registration FAQs
Do you accept credit cards, personal checks, or cash?
No, only money orders and business checks are accepted at registration.
I would like to pay in installments. Is that possible?
No, the full amount is due on the day of registration.
What do I need to prove that I live in Arlington?
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 at registration and are handed a class ticket. It is important to arrive at registration on time. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
I’m interested in a scholarship. How can I apply?
Scholarships are awarded to Arlington residents only. New students need to come on the first Placement Exam date and ask for an invitation to a scholarship orientation in order to apply.
Can I register online?
There is no online registration.
Instructional FAQs
What is ESL?
"ESL" is English for Speakers of Other Languages.
What is "Intensive"? What is "Non-Intensive"?
"Intensive" refers to the number of classroom hours per week. At REEP, Intensive classes are 4-5 days per week, totaling 8-15 hours per week in the classroom. Non-Intensive classes are 2 days per week, totaling 4 hours per week in the classroom.
How many levels of English are offered at REEP?
REEP has 10 levels from Literacy to Advanced. To learn more about REEP's levels, read about our Curriculum Organization.
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, and computer lab instruction.
What are"lifeskills"?
At REEP, we teach English so that adult immigrants can succeed in their daily lives and contribute to their communities. We call this "lifeskills ESL." Lifeskills ESL focuses on developing language skills through topics such as work, transportation, health, history and government, money and banking, and telephone skills. To learn more about REEP's lifeskills topics, visit the REEP Curriculum LifeSkills Topic Unit Index.
What is Family English?
Like all REEP programs, Family English teaches ESL, but the program focuses on the specific language skills that parents need in order to fully participate in their child’s education. For more information, visit the REEP Family Literacy Page.
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. The course is offered only at the Clarendon Center.
What is Outreach ESL?
Beginning level classes are offered on a drop-in basis in a number of community centers to reach people where they live. Outreach classes are free and taught by trained volunteers. Many Outreach students eventually transition to REEP's Intensive or Non-intensive classes. For information about volunteering, visit the
REEP Volunteers Homepage.
