WESLI Rebrand
Relaunching into the Future
We are thrilled to share WESLI's fresh new look and an even more inspiring vision for our English Language School.
Poised for Growth
Clear Programs and Services
Refreshed Vision
WESLI: History to Present
Founded in 1981, WESLI English Language School has been a beacon of excellence in English language education for over four decades.
With a diverse and inclusive community, WESLI has helped thousands of students from 190 countries around the world achieve their language goals. The WESLI community crosses generations and places, bringing the world a little closer.
We are a small business founded by a husband and wife team and now owned by a former student, which truly illustrates the transformative power of education!
1981
WESLI is born!
1995
Former student buys WESLI
1999
Created Midwest Teacher Training Program
2010s
ESL market begins to change, more modernized and increasing global mobility
2013
WESLI earns CEA accreditation, launches revamped Capitol logo, and renames TEFL program to WESLI Teacher Training Program
2016
Celebrated 35 years! 🎉
2019
Begin building renovations for new space next door
2020
WESLI moves into the new space; COVID pandemic
2023
WESLI launches new brand identity, logo and website
Want to know more about Madison, Wisconsin?
A Fresh Logo to Reflect WESLI’s Core Values
Our new logo is a symbol of communities and connection. It represents the intersection of people, place, and language that come together at WESLI as we all learn, grow, and connect.
The new look is bold and confident, yet also includes the classic blue colors of WESLI’s past and future. The softness of the lettering is used to create a welcoming feeling, which is what WESLI strives for when you enter the building or interact with staff and teachers. It is important for us to recognize our history and where we started from, while still moving forward to continue to bring the world a little closer as we connect communities.
In the new logo, the two blue “stripes” represent the two lakes in Madison, Wisconsin – a recognition of where our school began and where we welcome students every year for immersive English experiences. Between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona is the downtown isthmus where WESLI is located, across from the Wisconsin State Capitol building.
The language mark can be imagined as a comma for what is to come; an apostrophe showing that we all belong in our community; or as a speech balloon representing language and communicating across cultures.
We aim to inspire you with our 3 core principles
Connect
Make new connections both near and far.
Engage
Get engaged in the local Wisconsin community.
Empower
Become empowered by your improved English skills.
An unlimited variety of programs
We offer a variety of intensive English programs to help students achieve their personal, professional, and academic goals. If your aspirations cross between programs, we can create a custom course that will meet your individual needs.
General English - For short-term language study and culture
English PLUS - For language and community immersion
University Pathways - For students attending university in the US
Test Preparation - For TOEFL, IELTS, and other entrance exams
Business English - For professional communication across teams
Junior English - For under 18 years old immersive experiences
Tutoring - For individually customized learning
Teacher Training Program - For a Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate
We have 7 levels of English instruction. These classes are for every English level: Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced. A variety of topics are offered. In addition, we offer private tutoring and customized programs. We have agreements with nearly 30 universities and colleges that accept our students without a TOEFL score. Through WESLI Workplace, we offer tailored English programs to suit the needs of your company. WESLI English Online allows students anywhere in the world to improve their English on their own time through online tutoring. We offer monthly start dates, or start any week. In addition to our intensive English programs, we also have a 5-week Teacher Training (TEFL Certification) Program with a 30-hour Practicum.
Our educational mission
The mission of WESLI, a stand-alone Intensive English Program (IEP), is to prepare students to be collaborative leaders in their chosen academic and professional environments. WESLI will accomplish this mission through exceptional ESL Instruction and Student Services; guided by the following values as applied to all areas of the organization, staff and students alike.
We are guided by 3 core values:
Cultural Competence: We strive for continued awareness of our individual values and how those affect the way we approach differences. Knowledge and skills which facilitate cross-cultural communication are developed in the spirit of respect, openness, and curiosity.
Collaboration: We co-facilitate the accomplishment of tasks and goals with the understanding that all members of the organization participate with their individual strengths along with the benefit of their previous education and experience.
Critical Thinking: We cultivate the courage to develop an individual viewpoint with the understanding that it is partial and complementary; the depth and rigor of thought that requires all material be held to the same standards of proof; the understanding of our connection to solutions to problems; and the perseverance to apply insight with the understanding that best interests will be served by allowing people to come to their own conclusions.
Based in the most liveable city in the US
We are located in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, across the street from the Wisconsin State Capitol building. Madison is a medium-sized city, located in the heart of the Midwest, and often ranked #1 for US city liveability. Madison is a very safe, friendly and inexpensive city to live in and has several universities in town, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a top 30 world university.
The perfect location, unique environment, excellent program, and moderate cost make WESLI one of the best places in the United States to learn English.