English for Teens 9-18 years old

English for School Success

English Communication Skills, Classroom Confidence & U.S. School Navigation for Ages 9–18 –– FOR FREE!
Give your child the English confidence to speak up, ask for help, and thrive in American classrooms—without any social pressure.

Who Can Join

Students ages 9–18. Open to multilingual, non-native English speakers. Hillsborough County residency required.

Cost

Classes are free! All class materials are provided by ReDefiners.

Schedule

One session per week across 8 weeks. Each class is one hour. Check the calendar for current openings near you.

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Who Can Join

Students ages 9–18. Open to multilingual, non-native English speakers. Hillsborough County residency required.

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Cost

Classes are free! All class materials are provided by ReDefiners.

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Schedule

One session per week across 8 weeks. Each class is one hour. Check the calendar for current openings near you.

Why choose English for School Success

Is Your Child Struggling to Navigate School in English?

Many multilingual students (sometimes recently arrived to the U.S.) understand lessons but hesitate to participate. They're not falling behind academically—they're missing the language of school life.

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The Silent Struggle

Understands content but won't raise their hand, ask for clarification, or join group work.

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System Confusion

Unfamiliar with U.S. grading terms, teacher expectations, schedules, or classroom norms.

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Confidence Gaps

Fears mispronouncing words, making mistakes, or being misunderstood by peers or teachers.

Mathematics

Level Up Mathematics!

Students strengthen core math skills through hands-on practice and structured problem-solving, building the academic vocabulary and reasoning needed to excel on assessments.

Mean, Median & Mode Word Problems Order of Operations Mental Math
Language Arts

Level Up Language Arts!

From grammar and punctuation to character, conflict, and resolution — students develop into thoughtful readers and confident, effective communicators in academic settings.

Grammar & Punctuation Character Analysis Story Structure Reading Comprehension
Science

Level Up Science!

Students explore the fundamental forces of the universe, learn to design and record real experiments, and develop critical thinking through hands-on application of the scientific method.

Scientific Method Experiment Design Data Analysis Critical Thinking
Classroom Rules

Level Up Classroom Rules!

Designed for students new to the American education system — building the grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills needed to interact confidently with teachers and peers from day one.

Academic Vocabulary Classroom Communication Teacher Interactions School Expectations
Mathematics

Level Up Mathematics!

Students strengthen core math skills through hands-on practice and structured problem-solving, building the academic vocabulary and reasoning needed to excel on assessments.

Mean, Median & Mode Word Problems Order of Operations Mental Math
How ESOL for Teens Can Help

How English for School Success Helps

This isn't academic tutoring. It's real-world English communication practice designed exclusively for multilingual students navigating U.S. schools, and succeed academically.

With this course, your child will be able to:

✅ Communicate clearly with teachers and classmates using classroom-appropriate phrases
✅ Understand U.S. school expectations: schedules, assignments, grading language, and feedback
✅ Ask for help confidently—without fear of judgment or embarrassment
✅ Reduce first-day anxiety and classroom hesitation through guided practice
✅ Participate actively in group work, discussions, and everyday school interactions
✅ Build a personal "School Survival Toolkit" of phrases, strategies, and cultural insights

“My daughter went from whispering answers to raising her hand every day. She finally understands what teachers mean by 'show your work' and 'participation grade'—and she's not afraid to ask when she's confused."

Maria R.

Parent of 12-year-old student

About The Course

What Students Practice Each Week

8 weeks of ESOL for teens. Discussion-based, role-play sessions focused on school communication—all in English!

What to Expect
Week 1 How U.S. Schools Work: Schedules, class periods, teacher/counselor roles, navigating the school day
Week 2 Speaking Up & Classroom Interaction: Polite phrases, how to ask questions, expressing confusion respectfully
Week 3 Understanding Teacher Instructions: Decoding directions, listening for key words, responding appropriately
Week 4 Group Work & Asking Questions: Ask for clarification, sharing ideas in English, learn how to express confusion
Week 5 School Clubs & Afterschool Activities: Learn to sign up for the right clubs at school and engage in more informal conversations
Week 6 Assignments, Schedules & School Language: Understanding daily timelines, give directions, and navigate school hallways
Week 7 Making Friends at School: Express basic opinions, handling misunderstandings, learn the kids jargon.
Week 8 My School Survival Toolkit: More advanced communication, giving explanations, building a personal confidence plan

Note: All activities are discussion-based, low-pressure, and adaptable to mixed proficiency levels.

Meet our English team!

Allison Martinson Allison Martinson Teaching Team

Allison Martinson

English Teacher

I am an ESOL teacher with an M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language. I am passionate about language learning and teaching, and I strive to help my students achieve linguistic and cultural competency. Apart from teaching, I am a coffee enthusiast and love to travel!
Janet Richard Janet Richard Teaching Team

Janet Richard

English Teacher

For 8 years, English as a second language has shaped my journey. From teaching in Vietnam, Canada, and online to my current role in Tampa, language education is my forte. As an RISD CE student, I channel my creativity into freelance graphic design projects and painting during my free moments. Welcome to my world, where language meets artistry.
Amaal Hallum Amaal Hallum Teaching Team

Amaal Hallum

English Teacher

I'm an English Instructor currently residing in Florida. My journey includes a Master's in Education with a focus on TESOL from the University of South Florida, complemented by a bachelor's in Written Journalism from Palestine. For me, language instruction is not just a career; it's a passion and a joyful endeavor with learners of all ages.
Andrea Villegas Andrea Villegas Teaching Team

Andrea Villegas

English Teacher

Seven years ago I accepted a teaching job in Yamaguchi, Japan. I didn't know what to expect or what I would even want a year later. However after my first day, I knew teaching was what I was meant to do. In my free time, I enjoy studying different languages, baking, gardening, and dancing. My dream is to open a flower/tea shop near the mountains.

Scott Matejka Scott Matejka Teaching Team

Scott Matejka

English Teacher

For nearly a decade, I've been deeply involved in ESOL, with most of my experience gained in Moscow, Russia. When not teaching, you'll often find me on the tennis court, engrossed in a game of poker, or exploring the strategic world of chess. Family-wise, I'm blessed with two children and a loving wife, and I couldn't be happier living in sunny Tampa.
Eman Alshurafa Eman Alshurafa Teaching Team

Eman Alshurafa

English Teacher

Teaching is my passion. I love to watch kids/adults learning and growing in their language. My goal is to finish my PhD in applied linguistics as soon as I can.

Class Schedules

Use the schedule to view class hours, availability, and locations

Find a center near you

ReDefiner’s offers in-person classes at 8 locations throughout the Hillsborough County. Check the map below to find a language center near you. Students may enroll at any location.

How to use the map

Green pins LVP Icons 5 mark the location of centers in Tampa. Click on the pin for the address of the center. Get directions by clicking on the red arrow Red Arrow icon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. This program supports any multilingual student (ages 9–18) who wants to feel more confident communicating in U.S. school settings—whether they're new to the system, hesitant to speak up, or simply want to strengthen academic English skills.

Traditional tutoring focuses on math, reading, or science content. English for School Success focuses exclusively on the language and culture of school life: how to ask questions, understand instructions, navigate schedules, and participate confidently—skills that help in every class.

Perfect fit. Our small-group, discussion-based model meets students where they are. We use roleplay, visuals, and peer support—not tests or pressure—to build confidence step by step. No prior English level required.

Classes are FREE! Students must live in Hillsborough County and verify residency within the County on the first day of class.

Registration with the Children's Board of Hillsborough County is completed in person on the first day of class. Our staff will walk you through the process — all you need is proof of county residency.

An exposure class is a short-cycle learning experience that introduces students to new academic skills, communication strategies, and cultural contexts. The goal is confident participation and measurable growth — not perfection.

Each student may participate once per module. However, students can enroll in other free ReDefiners courses. Online continuation classes with the same instructors are also available for those who want to keep building.
CHANGE YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL LIFE

Ready to Help Your Child Thrive in School?

Spaces are limited to keep groups small, supportive, and interactive. Save your child's spot today and give them the English communication confidence to speak up, ask for help, and belong.

Funding for services generously provided by the Children's Board of Hillsborough County
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Community Support

 

+1 813-530-2313

info@redefinerswl.org

Where Are We?

 

8056 N.56th Street
Tampa, Florida
33617

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In accordance with applicable laws and regulations, ReDefiners strictly prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment based on protected categories. These categories include, but are not limited to, race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability (both mental and physical), gender, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, pregnancy, genetic information (including family medical history), military service, or the submission of a complaint regarding discrimination or harassment.


ReDefiners is dedicated to creating a welcoming and respectful environment for all members, volunteers, and stakeholders. For more information, you may contact HR at Diana@redefinerswl.org.

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