As schools grow more diverse, many parents and educators ask: What is the difference between ELA vs ESL?

While both focus on English language skills, they serve very different purposes. One supports students who are still learning English, while the other helps fluent speakers grow their literacy and writing abilities.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between English Language Arts (ELA) and English as a Second Language (ESL). We’ll explain who should take which class, what each class entails, and how both programs support effective communication skills.

What Does ESL Stand For?

ESL stands for English as a Second Language. ESL programs are designed for students whose first language is not English. These students, often called ESL students or ELLs (English Language Learners), are still developing their ability to speak English, read, and write in academic and social settings.

In many schools, ESL instruction happens alongside regular classes. Students might spend a few hours each week—or even each day—in ESL support lessons, depending on their level of English fluency.

What Do ESL Students Learn?

ESL classes focus on:

• Speaking skills: pronunciation, forming sentences, and everyday conversation
• Listening skills: understanding classroom instructions, announcements, and casual speech
• Grammar: sentence structure, verb tenses, and common errors
• Vocabulary: both academic and practical terms for school, home, and community life
• Reading and writing: basic reading comprehension and structured writing tasks

The goal is to help students communicate clearly, succeed in English-speaking schools, and gain the confidence to interact in a new country. Fluent speakers are not expected at the start—these classes support gradual progress.

What is ELA in School?

ELA stands for English Language Arts. Unlike ESL, ELA is designed for students who already speak English fluently, usually native speakers. It’s part of the standard curriculum in elementary school, middle school, and high school, and it’s considered a core subject across most school systems.

ELA helps students master the academic side of the English language. It dives into literacy skills, including reading, writing, and speaking, through the study of English literature, informational texts, and structured writing assignments.

What Do ELA Classes Teach?

Students in ELA classes develop:

• Reading comprehension through novels, nonfiction, poetry, and plays
• Writing skills through essays, creative writing classes, research papers, and journaling
• Vocabulary building for academic and personal use
• Grammar instruction to polish writing
• Public speaking and oral presentations to prepare for future communication needs
• Critical thinking through literary analysis, comparing texts, and class debates

ELA helps students become strong communicators in school and beyond. It also prepares them for advanced placement (AP) English courses, college-level writing, and careers where high-level language skills are essential.

ESL vs ELA Difference: Who Takes Which Class?

Although both ESL and ELA focus on English, they target very different groups of learners.

ESL Classes Are Best For:

• Students who speak other languages at home and are new to English
• Immigrants or international students adjusting to life in English-speaking countries
• Learners who need support with basic reading, writing, and speaking
• Students who require more time and practice to reach grade-level expectations

ELA Classes Are Best For:

• Native speakers and fluent English users
• Students who are comfortable reading chapter books, writing essays, and participating in class discussions
• Learners preparing for higher education and professional careers
• Students in secondary school who are developing advanced literacy and critical thinking skills

Some students may move from ESL to ELA over time as their language skills improve. In fact, one goal of ESL instruction is to help students transition into full participation in ELA and other academic subjects.

Course Structures Compared

ELA Curriculum Examples

Across different grade levels, ELA instruction becomes increasingly complex. Here’s what students might encounter:

Elementary School

• Learning how to form words and write simple sentences
• Basic reading comprehension
• Introduction to storytelling and poetry
• Simple grammar rules and vocabulary

Middle School

• Writing structured paragraphs and short essays
• Reading novels and discussing characters and themes
• Practicing public speaking and argument building
• Exploring different genres: fiction, biography, drama

High School

• Reading advanced texts like Shakespeare or Toni Morrison
• Writing persuasive essays and research papers
• Analyzing the author’s purpose, tone, and audience
• Preparing for college writing or advanced placement courses

ESL Teaching Methods

To support students learning a second language, ESL teachers use different strategies from ELA instructors. These might include:

• Visual aids and real-life objects to support understanding
• Group conversations and role-play exercises
• Step-by-step grammar instruction with examples
• Language games that reinforce vocabulary
• Scaffolded reading passages with glossaries and comprehension checks
• Sentence starters and writing templates

These methods allow ESL students to learn English at their own pace, with tools that meet them where they are.

Career Paths: ESL vs ELA Teachers

Teaching English comes in many forms, and both ESL and ELA educators are essential to the school system.

ESL Teachers:

• Often work with multilingual students from around the world
• Focus on helping students communicate effectively and adjust to a new language
• Need to understand language acquisition, cultural awareness, and second-language learning challenges

ELA Teachers:

• Teach complex texts and help students sharpen their writing skills
• Support students in preparing for standardized tests and academic writing
• May teach electives like journalism, literature, or creative writing classes

Both roles require strong knowledge of the English language, a passion for teaching, and the ability to support students at different stages of their language development.

Why ESL and ELA Matter in a Global Community

In today’s global community, strong English skills open the door to better education, careers, and cross-cultural understanding. Schools play a vital role in ensuring all students, regardless of their first language, can thrive.

Whether a student is learning to speak English for the first time or preparing to write college-level essays, the right language class helps them grow. By understanding the difference between ESL vs ELA, parents, educators, and students can make informed decisions about which path leads to success.

Conclusion

Though they serve different groups, ESL and ELA both aim to build strong language and literacy foundations. One begins with basic reading and spoken language; the other develops the ability to write complex ideas and think critically about literature.

Every learner deserves the chance to communicate effectively, succeed in school, and feel confident using English—whether it’s their first, second, or even third language.