State programs for learning English

A Multilingual Learner (MLL) is a student who is not proficient in English and needs help learning English. The Department of Education offers three programs to support English language learners:

• English as a New Language (ENL) - offered in any New York City Department of Education public school, this program is taught in English, which speeds up the learning process.

• Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) programs allow you to learn concepts in your native language while learning English. TBE programs include an ENL component and instruction is provided in English and the native language.

• Dual Language (DL) programs are designed to help both MLLs who need to improve their English skills and students whose first language is English and who would like to learn a second language.

For more information and assistance enrolling your child in these programs, call the Department of Multilingual Learners and Student Support at (212) 374-6072 or email address This e-mail address is protected from spam bots. You need JavaScript enabled to view..