ELS Youth English Programs

ELS Youth English Programs is part of ELS Youth Programs and uses the same 12 class levels and state-of-the-art language technology centers offered by ELS. Every program includes the American Experience class, which combines local culture, academic counseling, guest speakers, and off-campus visits.

• Ages: 10–17 years old
• Price: $470 cost per week for ELS San Francisco, North Bay homestay accommodation; single occupancy; 14 meals per week.

Since 1961, ELS has supported 1.2 million students from 143 countries to master English quickly and effectively, and for more than 60 years students have chosen ELS to achieve their English language goals. ELS Language Centers is accredited by ACCET, is a three-time winner of the ST Star Chain School Award (2019, 2022, and jointly with ILSC Education Group in 2023), and has over 600 colleges and universities worldwide that accept the ELS Certificate as proof of English proficiency or recognize ELS level 109 or 112 certifications for language entry. Many of the most experienced teachers at ELS are members of TESOL, hold Master's degrees or TEFL Certificates, and have taught at ELS for 15 or more years. The ELS mission states that its aim is to equip students for success in the global workplace.

At ELS San Francisco, North Bay, the Center Director is Dean Wright. Students at this center have access to a variety of volunteer opportunities in the area and can connect with current Dominican University of California students to practice English conversation. ELS San Francisco operates an IELTS test center in downtown San Francisco, and ELS offers homestay accommodation with local families as well as on-campus student residence options at Pennafort Hall and Fanjeaux Hall; in homestays, students are responsible for their own transportation, and most commute to class by bus or bike, while some families are within walking distance.

Youth Programs are for students ages 10–17 and are currently available at ELS St. Petersburg. One student from Ukraine described ELS teachers as very open to questions and noted the chance to meet people from different countries and learn about other cultures, and a student from Colombia described meeting international friends and studying English in a country where the language is spoken.

Last updated May 15, 2026.