In-person Classes

BEACON offers in-person English and Citizenship classes both in the morning and in the evening. Classes are 12 weeks and site locations include: Bethel Lutheran Church, Manassas Presbyterian Church, Manassas Baptist Church, and Manassas Park Community Center. Students must come to an in-person registration to enroll in online classes.

Common Questions Answered About In-Person Classes

Class Registration Information

Class Information

Annual Class Dates

Online Classes

What do I need to bring to my class?

Bring your student textbook, a pen or pencil, and a notebook.

What if don’t have childcare? Can I bring my children to class with me?

Children (anyone under 18) are not permitted in BEACON classes or at BEACON site locations during class time. BEACON recommends enrolling in an online class if you do not have childcare. If your childcare situation changes and you are currently taking an in-person class, reach out to BEACON to see if there is space to switch to the online classes (when there is space, staff will do their best to accommodate classroom switches).

What is your weather policy?

For classes that meet in person, BEACON follows Manassas City Public Schools for weather related closures. When schools are closed all in-person BEACON classes will also be closed. When schools are operating on a one or two hour delay, morning classes are cancelled and
evening classes will continue as scheduled. When after school activities are closed, evening classes will be cancelled.You will receive a text message to let you know when there are no classes.

How can I be an effective participant during class?

	Be on time.
	Ask questions and be willing to make mistakes while practicing English.

General Questions Answered About BEACON Classes

What are the class costs?

Each class costs $65 for the full 12 week course. Students will receive a textbook when they enroll in a class for the first time. Students will use the same textbook if they continue taking classes, until they move up to the next level. The textbook is paced roughly across three class sessions (Fall, Winter continues where Fall classes stopped, and Spring classes continue where Winter classes stopped). Students joining classes for the first time in the Winter or Spring will not start at the beginning of the book.

I already know my level, do I have to complete BEACON’s testing?

All BEACON students are required to test before enrolling in a class and after 60 hours of in-class instruction. The speaking test is a short, informal interview and takes approximately five minutes to complete. The reading test is a formal, multiple choice, nationally approved comprehensive reading exam and takes one hour to complete. These tests are used to determine which English class level is most appropriate for each student. The post-test (reading test only) also demonstrates student progress and eligibility for advancing to the next level.

What happens if my class is too easy or too difficult?

Please contact BEACON staff (703-368-7491) if you think your class is too easy or too difficult. Staff will ask you to describe what about class is challenging or too easy (reading, writing, speaking or listening), review your test scores, seek feedback from your teachers and make a decision whether or not a class level change would be appropriate for you.

What happens if I can no longer attend my class?

Please contact BEACON staff (703-368-7491) if you have a schedule change that prevents you from attending class. When there is space, staff may be able to accommodate student’s requests to change to a different class time or location. Please note that not all classes are offered at all locations/times. Students are not permitted to transfer their class registration to another person or class session and no refunds are given.

When can I move up to the next English level?

Most students stay in the same level for two to three class sessions because a post-test is required to determine eligibility for class level advancement. Post-tests are formal reading comprehension exams given after 60 hours of in-class instruction.

Do I have to take a post-test?

Yes, all BEACON students are REQUIRED to test before enrollment and after 60 hours of in-class instruction. Post-tests are used to determine eligibility for advancement to the next level and to encourage students about their language growth. Students who do not complete post-testing when it is time will not be eligible to enroll in future classes until they have completed testing.

How do I know when to post-test and where do I go?

BEACON staff will contact you through Remind to let you know when you have reached 60 hours of in-class instruction. They will set up a time for you to test in-person.