Wesli

What Wesli does

WESLI (Wisconsin ESL Institute) is a for-profit, SEVP-certified Intensive English Program founded in 1981 in Madison, Wisconsin, and owned by Carlos Osorio since 1995. The school operates from a single renovated facility at 23 N Pinckney Street with eight classrooms and a headcount of 11-50 employees. It delivers a 7-level English curriculum and has tested more than 16,000 students drawn from over 190 countries across its 40+ year history.

The revenue model is anchored on tuition at approximately $4,240 per 8-week full-time General English session, supplemented by a broad set of ancillary services: homestay placement, airport transfers, health insurance, private tutoring, junior programs, corporate training, and a TEFL teacher-training program (WTTP). Customer segments span University Pathway Students (sourced through 30+ conditional-admission partnerships with US universities), Business and Professional learners, General English adults, Junior/Youth learners, Teachers seeking certification, and Corporate clients. Online English Learning and Online Tutoring extend delivery beyond the Madison campus.

The school's defensibility rests on regulatory credentials — CEA accreditation renewed through 2036 and federal authorization to issue Form I-20s for F-1 students — and on an established brand and alumni network spanning 190+ countries. WESLI has no disclosed AI/ML capabilities and operates a traditional classroom-and-tutor delivery model, leaving it exposed to long-run displacement from AI-assisted language learning competitors but currently insulated by accreditation requirements that AI-native entrants must still satisfy to issue I-20s.

Name

Wesli

Legal name

Wisconsin ESL Institute

Website

https://wesli.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

WESLI is a Madison, Wisconsin-based Intensive English Program founded in 1981 serving international students from 190+ countries. It delivers a 7-level English curriculum, university pathway partnerships, homestay placement, corporate training, and teacher certification programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

English Language Education

NAICS

Language Schools (61163), Educational Services (611), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691), Educational Support Services (6117)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Integrated Language + Academic Skills (EAP) Bridging Programs (EDAIAJAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Conditional Offer / Package Programs (Language + Pathway + Progression) (EDAIAJAJ), English Test Preparation (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, etc.) (EDAAACAJ), English Proficiency & International Admissions Exams (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo) Prep (EDANABAC), University-Affiliated Pathway & Foundation Programs (EDAIAJAA)

Keywords

• Intensive english programs
• ESL instruction services
• TEFL teacher training
• University pathway programs
• English language education

Headquarters

HQ city

Madison

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Tuition - English Language Programs: WESLI generates primary revenue from tuition fees for its Intensive English Programs including General English, Academic English, Business English, English Plus, Test Preparation, and Junior Programs. Tuition is charged per session (8 weeks) with built-in discounts for longer study periods. F-1 visa students must study full-time (24+ lessons per week).
2. Teacher Training (WTTP) - TEFL Certification: WESLI offers a 5-week TEFL certification program (WESLI Teacher Training Program) with three certificate tiers: 90-hour ($2,295), 110-hour ($2,595), and 130-hour ($2,995). Tuition includes all textbooks and materials. This is a one-time intensive program revenue stream.
3. Homestay Accommodation Fees: WESLI arranges and earns revenue from homestay accommodation for students. Adult homestay (Half-Board) costs $300/week; Self-Catered costs $225/week. Junior homestay costs $340/week including all meals. Security deposits of $500-$1,000 are also collected.
4. Airport Transfer Services: WESLI offers airport pickup services from Madison (MSN) and Chicago O'Hare (ORD) airports for an additional fee, generating ancillary service revenue.
5. Health Insurance: F-1 students are required to have health insurance. WESLI offers its own insurance plan at approximately $145/month ($260-$290 per session) for students without their own coverage.
6. English Language Tutoring: WESLI offers individual and small group tutoring (1-3 students average) in areas including listening, speaking, grammar, vocabulary, writing, reading, pronunciation, and conversation practice. Tutoring is priced hourly with discounts for longer study periods.
7. Corporate Language Services and Curriculum Development: WESLI provides customized English language and professional development services for corporate clients, including curriculum development, customized program creation, and English language testing for organizations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

WESLI is an Intensive English Program (IEP) institution that delivers in-person English language instruction across seven proficiency levels (Beginner to Advanced) at its Madison, Wisconsin campus. Its offerings span General English, Academic English, Business English, English Plus, Test Preparation, Junior Programs, TEFL Teacher Training, and University Pathway programs that admit graduates to nearly 30 partner U.S. universities without TOEFL/IELTS scores. Revenue is generated primarily through per-session tuition (8 weeks), supplemented by homestay accommodation, tutoring, corporate language services, and ancillary fees such as application and health insurance charges.

Product overview

WESLI (Wisconsin ESL Institute) is an educational institution offering English language instruction through multiple distinct programs. The core offering consists of intensive English courses including General English, Academic English, Business English, English Plus, Test Preparation, and Junior English Programs. These programs range from beginner to advanced levels across 7 instructional levels. WESLI also provides supplementary services including individual tutoring and online learning options. The institution operates a Teacher Training Program (WTTP) for TEFL certification. University Pathway Programs connect students with nearly 30 partner universities for seamless transfer. WESLI serves both F-1 visa international students and part-time learners, offering flexible start dates, in-person instruction in Madison, Wisconsin, and online tutoring options.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• General English Program

Quantifiable outcome

• Completion of WESLI's program with a grade of 'B' or higher qualifies students for TOEFL/IELTS waiver at partner universities
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• University of Wisconsin-Madison VISP (Visiting International Scholars Program)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWESLI partners with UW-Madison's Visiting International Scholars Program (VISP) to offer the Wisconsin Academic Experience — a non-degree study abroad program where students improve English proficiency and take for-credit courses at UW-Madison. Students must have completed at least one semester of college/university study.
• Madison College (MATC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMadison Area Technical College is a WESLI university pathway partner. Students who complete WESLI with a grade of 'B' or higher can transfer without TOEFL/IELTS scores.
• UW-La CrossecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a WESLI university pathway partner accepting WESLI graduates without TOEFL/IELTS scores.
• UW-OshkoshcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is a WESLI university pathway partner accepting WESLI graduates without TOEFL/IELTS scores.
• UW-Stevens PointcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is a WESLI university pathway partner accepting WESLI graduates without TOEFL/IELTS scores.
• MSOE (Milwaukee School of Engineering)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMSOE is a WESLI university pathway partner accepting WESLI graduates without TOEFL/IELTS scores for engineering programs.
• Carroll UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCarroll University is a WESLI university pathway partner accepting WESLI graduates without TOEFL/IELTS scores.
• Concordia University WisconsincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConcordia University Wisconsin is a WESLI university pathway partner accepting WESLI graduates without TOEFL/IELTS scores.
• Edgewood CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdgewood College is a WESLI university pathway partner accepting WESLI graduates without TOEFL/IELTS scores.
• Quality EnglishcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerWESLI is a member of Quality English, an organization of carefully selected independent English language schools renowned for quality and reputation worldwide.
• EnglishUSAcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerWESLI is a member of EnglishUSA, the largest membership organization specifically serving and supporting English language programs in the United States with over 200 member ELPs.
• StudyWisconsinminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWESLI is a member of StudyWisconsin, a non-profit group of Wisconsin educational organizations committed to connecting international students with quality Wisconsin education through joint international marketing.
• Habitat for HumanityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWESLI students volunteer with Habitat for Humanity to build houses, providing immersive community experiences and English language practice in real-world settings.
• Local Food Banks and Community OrganizationsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWESLI partners with local food banks and community organizations for student volunteering opportunities, creating deeper understanding of American culture and language.
• Local High SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWESLI partners with local high schools for its junior programs, where students visit and shadow American students and share their culture in classes.
• The Wilson (Private Residence)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Wilson luxury apartment building in downtown Madison is a private accommodation partner offering WESLI students a 10% discount on stays. WESLI students receive a 10% discount on their stay at The Wilson and The Medallion residences.
• Local Businesses (Hotels, Hospitality, Construction, Law, Retail)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWESLI works with local businesses across industries for immersive student experiences including site visits, shadowing, and volunteering. WESLI also provides English services to these organizations.
• Destination MadisonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDestination Madison is the Visitor Center for the Greater Madison Area helping explore the location and find local activities and events.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Rennert International: US-based English language school in New York offering intensive English programs, teacher training, and customized corporate programs. Direct peer in IEP business with similar boutique positioning, though located in a different US market.
• Kaplan International Languages: Major global IEP and English language school operator, part of Kaplan Inc. Offers intensive English, test prep, and pathway programs to international students. Direct peer in core F-1 IEP business with broader geographic footprint and brand recognition.
• Converse International School of Languages (CISL): US-based IEP with locations in California and other states, offering intensive English, academic English, and pathway programs. Comparable mid-size IEP with similar F-1 student focus and university pathway positioning.
• ELS Educational Services: One of the largest US-based Intensive English Program (IEP) operators with multiple campus locations, serving international students seeking university pathway and English proficiency. Directly comparable in business model (tuition-based intensive English, pathway partnerships, F-1 enrollment), though significantly larger scale.
• LSI (Language Studies International): International network of language schools with US locations, offering intensive English, academic preparation, and pathway programs. Direct peer in IEP model with broader international footprint.
• ILSC Education: Global language school network with US locations (San Francisco, New York), offering ESL, teacher training, and pathway programs. Comparable in mid-market IEP positioning with similar teacher training (WTTP-equivalent) program offering.
• New England School of English (NESE): Small US-based IEP in Boston offering intensive English, academic preparation, and pathway programs to international students. Most directly comparable to WESLI in size and boutique positioning as a single-region IEP.
• FLS International: US-based IEP operating multiple campuses (Las Vegas, Boston, etc.) with intensive English, pathway, and test prep offerings. Comparable mid-market peer with similar pathway program emphasis.

Broad incumbents

• EF Education First: Global education conglomerate with EF Academy, EF English Live, and EF International Language Schools. Broad incumbent peer; competes in ESL/IEP space with a much wider product portfolio and online scale advantages.
• EC English Language Centres: Large global English language school chain with multiple US locations offering intensive English and pathway programs. Broader incumbent peer in the same category, with significantly larger scale and marketing budget.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/wesli_1981
• Facebookfacebook.com/WESLIMADISON

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Wesli