Learning and mastering English can open multiple doors for individuals residing in the United States. Not only does it allow one to communicate with the community, but it also expands career opportunities, education, and hobbies. In a recent poll conducted with 49 members of our WhatsApp community, 10% mentioned that they were interested in English courses to improve their skills.
Here is a list of places that offer free English classes remotely and in person.
If you have any questions or would like to be added to the list, email us at info@documentedny.com
Note: Some places may operate remotely via Zoom or Google Meets. Therefore, you will need a stable internet connection with a tablet, laptop, or smartphone.
CUNY: English Classes, HSE/TASC, and Basic Education
The free courses at the City University of New York (CUNY) campus are for adults who want to learn English or get their GED (high school diploma equivalent). The courses are free, available every season (check to see when it starts), and located around the city.
This link and file have all the locations of the campuses, along with the contact information: CUNY.
Most courses require you to enroll online and ask for basic information like your name, address, email, and date of birth.
Columbia University: English Classes, TASC and CAT Preparation Courses
Columbia University offers classes for free to all residents living in the five boroughs. Depending on the level of your English, the classes are available in different levels that range from beginning to advanced. You can also choose to participate in courses to improve your pronunciation.
Click here to enroll and learn more.
NYC Department of Education: English Classes, Basic Education and HSE/TASC Preparation
The Department of Education offers various classes, including basic education courses, computer skills, career and technical education, GED preparation, and others. These programs are available for NYC residents who are 21 years or older and who do not have a U.S. High School Diploma.
More information can be found here: Adultedu.nyc
For any questions, email adultednyc@schools.nyc.gov or call (646) 481-8227.
Also read: Validating Foreign Degrees and Qualifications in the US
New York Public Library (NYPL): English Courses, Basic Education and Citizenship Preparation
The NYPL offers beginner and advanced English classes in more than 40 locations in Manhattan, Staten Island and The Bronx. It is available to all New Yorkers and the sessions last around 10 weeks with two days of classes on weekdays and sometimes during the weekend. You can register for classes here.
ESOL courses are also available for those who wish to improve their reading and writing skills.
Alternatively, those who cannot commit to the ten weeks of the semester can also attend informal We Speak NYC classes to practice the language. This is perfect for all levels of English learners: We Speak NYC.
For those who plan to take the citizenship exam in the next two years, events for citizenship preparation can be found here.
Queens Public Library: English Classes, ESOL
Available to adults ages 17 and older, the QPL’s Adult Learning Centers offer virtual, hybrid, and in-person classes during the weekdays or weekends. The classes are available in the morning and afternoon for beginner, intermediate, and advanced ESOL classes.
Brooklyn Public Library: English, ESOL, GED Classes
The BPL offers three levels of English classes: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. They also offer English classes for people looking to expand their communication skills in employment, with IELCE (Earn a Food Handler or Digital Literacy Certification Classes) vocational certification.
The libraries also offer drop-in classes, job certification training, conversation groups, and more. See all of their programs here.
Note: You must take an assessment test to be placed in one of the courses.
HANAC, INC: English Classes and GED Preparation.
The program is available to residents of Western Queens and runs from September to June. Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and students must be able to attend two class sessions per week.
https://hanac.org/ | Phone: (347) 774-8502
MAKE THE ROAD NY: English Classes, Food Handling Certification, Citizenship, Health Job Training Programs
The courses at MRNY are available to all residents of the five boroughs. There are multiple sessions throughout the year and different locations. To learn more about the options available and to enroll, visit this link.
For more information, you can call the following numbers:
- Bushwick, Brooklyn (718) 418-7690
- Jackson Heights, Queens (718) 565-8500
- Port Richmond, Staten Island (718) 727-1222
- Brentwood, Long Island (631) 231-2220
- White Plains, Westchester (914) 948-8466
Riverside Language Program
Riverside Language Program is a non-profit language school that offers free, full-time, immersive English classes to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers at least 18 years old. Residents of all boroughs are eligible. To inquire about the schedule of classes, contact them directly. Classes are available to immigrants in the process of asylum or residency.
E: info@riversidelanguage.org | Address: 270 West 89th Street New York, NY, 10024
La Colmena – ESL Classes, OSHA Training
La Colemena is a non-profit organization offering various services to the immigrant communities in Staten Island, including free ESL classes. To inquire, contact them directly:
Phone: (718) 442-7700 | Email: info@lacolmenanyc.org | Monday – Friday 9 A.M. – 5 P.M.
Mixteca – ESL Classes, INEA, Computer Skills
Mixteca, a non-profit organization serving the immigrant communities in Sunset Park, offers basic and intermediate level English classes at their offices in Brooklyn. Call or email to inquire about registration and more information:
Email: info@mixteca.org | Tel: (718) 965-4795
RaisingHealth: English Classes, Health Literacy Workshops, and more
RaisingHealth is a non-profit serving the immigrant communities in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The organization offers a wide range of services, including English classes and other workshops.
See all their adult services here: RaisingHealth.
Email: info@amphsonline.org | Tel: (212) 256-9036 |
Also read: Mentorship Opportunities for Immigrant Youth in New York
