Learning English is often one of the biggest challenges facing refugees, asylum seekers, and other immigrants when they arrive in the United States. Luckily, there are a variety of resources in the Capital Region to help adult immigrants learn English. In the Capital Region, the following organizations offer Adult English Language classes (variously called ESL, ESOL or ENL).
Note: With any updates, additions, or amendments to this list, please email rwc[email protected]m.
Last updated: December 24th, 2025 (but not all entries have been updated; contact specific organizations for confirmation).
English Classes
CAPITAL REGION BOCES Locations: In Albany at153 South Pearl Street, 388 Clinton Avenue and 161 Washington Avenue (Albany Public Library) Days/Times: M- F with morning, afternoon, and evening options Levels: All Requirements: Students must have a Photo ID to register. Registration Protocols: Call to set up a registration date. Once schedules, it will take 6 hours for paperwork and testing. Attendance Expectations: 6 hours per week Availability: Varies depending on level and location Cost: FREE Instructors/Volunteers Needed: Yes (BOCES is always hiring instructors) Contact: (518) 949-5362
CAPITAL REGION EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER (EOC) in partnership with RISSE Location: 20 Warren Street, Albany (HVCC South Campus) Levels: All Requirements: Bring a piece of mail with your name and NYS address and/or a NYS ID/Passport to register for an EOC student ID and a CDTA bus pass. Registration Protocols: Register at RISSE (240 W. Lawrence Street, Albany on Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:00am-1:00pm, or call 518-621-1041 for an appointment) and get tested for appropriate class and level. Attendance Expectations: Flexible Availability: Limited (but open for registration) Cost: FREE Instructors/Volunteers Needed: Yes Contact: Kevin Martinez Alvarez ([email protected], 518-273-1900 or 518-629-7302)
CLIFTON PARK-HALFMOON LIBRARY Location: 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park Days/Times: Winter 2026 Session: January 6 - March 19 Beginner English (T, 9:30-11:30am) Advanced Beginner English (W, 9:30-11:30am) Conversational English for intermediate and up (T, 7:00-8:00pm) Intermediate English Grammar (W, 6:30-8:00PM) Intermediate English - Zoom (Th, 9:30-10:30AM) Civics Conversation Group for advanced beginners and up (T, 9:30-11:00am) *Check our calendar for information about English conversation groups that will run between sessions:https://cphlibrary.org/ *Tutoring services are also available for our program students. Levels: All Requirements:In order to receive a tutor, a student must regularly attend a group ELL class as well as reside within the Library’s district. Registration Protocols: All in-person English classes (listed above) are drop-in; no registration required. Registration is required for Zoom Intermediate English. You can register on the library's website or contact [email protected]. Attendance Expectations: Two unexplained absences in a row will be considered a “drop” from Zoom Intermediate English. Availability: Open to the public. Zoom Intermediate English occasionally has a waiting list. Cost: FREE Note: Please go to the Library’s Events Calendar to also find registration for Citizenship and Computer Skills Class. Instructors/Volunteers Needed: Yes. We especially have a need for 1:1 or small group English tutors. Training is provided! Contact: Ali Witmer ([email protected], 518-371-8622)
COLONIE SENIOR SERVICE CENTERS, INC. Location: The Beltrone Living Center, 6 Winners Circle, Albany Days/Times: ELL Classes (T, Th, 10:00am-12:00pm) Levels: Beginner and Intermediate Requirements: none Registration Protocols: call to inquire Attendance Expectations: attend at least once a week Availability: yes Cost: FREE Contact: Diane Conroy-LaCivita ([email protected])
HOLY SPIRIT LUTHERAN CHURCH Location: 57 Hurlbut Street, Albany Days/Times: ELL classes (T, Th, 9:00am-12:00pm) Levels: All Requirements: None Registration Protocols: Register at first class attended. Attendance Expectations: Progress requires consistent attendance. Availability: Yes. Average class is 7. Cost: FREE Contact: Malcolm Bird ([email protected], 518-364-2323)
HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Location: 80 Vandenburgh Avenue, Troy Days/Times: *Remote* classes starting in February, June, and September Levels: Beginner to Intermediate Registration Protocols: Register for an online placement test through the Community Education office in Fitzgibbons Hall (room 334). The test is free of charge, but students must be registered for it. They will then receive an email with the test link. Upon completion, students will be notified of their level (I, II or III), but will not be able to register for Spring classes until January. At which time, the course schedule and registration date will be available on our website. Requirements: A certificate of residence is required. Cost: $25 Notes: Students must purchase their own textbooks. Contact: Community Education Office ([email protected], 518-629-7339)
LIFE WORKS Location: Online Days/Times: M/W (Beginner) 10:00-11:30am T/Th (Intermediate) 10:00-11:30am T/Th (Beginner) 1:00-2:30pm T/Th (Beginner) 2:00-3:00pm T/W (Intermediate) 6:00-7:30pm M (Advanced) 6:00-7:30pm T/W (Beginner) 6:00-7:30pm S (Beginner) 3:00-4:30pm Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Registration Protocols: Intake meeting with director/pre test given Requirements: Must be 18 years of age or older and living and working in New York State. Attendance Expectations: Must attend most classes assigned. Availability: Taking registrations now. Cost: FREE Contact: AnnMarie Bamuel ([email protected], 518-974-5968)
LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY (LVORC) Location: Public locations (libraries) across Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady counties. Levels: 1-5 Registration Protocols: Registration required, no drop-ins. Contact Stephanie at [email protected]. Attendance Expectations: Weekly Availability: Groups do not exceed 6 per class, if group is full, student will be placed on a waiting list. Cost: FREE Instructors/Volunteers Needed: Yes Contact: Stephanie Horton ([email protected]) NEW HOPE CHURCH Location: 334 Second Ave, Albany NY 12209 Days/Times: T, 6:00-8:00pm Levels: All Registration Protocols: Registration starts every August. Class runs from September to May. Attendance Expectations: Arrive 10 minutes prior to class. Bring a notebook and pen. After 3 absences, you can’t continue. Cost: FREE Contact: Church Office, (518) 449-32883. Leave a message and they will return your call. Se habla Español.
NEW YORK STATE OFFICE FOR NEW AMERICANS OPPORTUNITY CENTER (ONA) at USCRI Albany Location: 155 Washington Ave, 1st Floor, Albany Days/Times: M-F, 10:00am-3:00pm (class times vary by level) Levels: We will offer four levels of classes: Basic (Preliteracy): M, 1:00-3:00pm; F, 10:00am-12:00pm Beginner: M and W, 10:00am-12:00pm Intermediate: T and Th, 10:00am-12:00pm Advanced: T and Th, 1:00-3:00pmdos.ny.gov/office-new-americans Registration Protocols: Registration will be held in-person every January and July for each six-month course, or by contacting [email protected]. Requirements: Students must be 18 years or older and must live or work in New York State. Attendance Expectations: 4 hours a week (2 days). We expect students to complete at least 75 hours of English classes to be awarded a certificate or move on to the next class level. Availability: Open enrollment. Classes will be capped based on available space, so be sure to sign up early! Cost: FREE (all materials provided). Notes: Supplemental conversation groups will be held on weekends. We also hope to offer night classes in the future - keep an eye on our social media for more info! Instructors/Volunteers Needed: Yes. Looking for part time instructors (TEFL/TESOL certified) and volunteers for all levels and weekend groups. Contact: Claire Stiglmeier, ESOL Coordinator ([email protected], 518-441-1045 text message preferred).
NEW YORK STATE OFFICE FOR NEW AMERICANS OPPORTUNITY CENTER (ONA) at USCRI Albany Location: 155 Washington Avenue, 1st Floor, Albany (or on Zoom) Level: For Legal Permanent Residents (green Card holders) who wish to become U.S. citizens Registration Protocols: For days/times and to register for USCRI's Citizenship Preparations Class in English, send your name, number, and email to the contact information below. Cost: FREE Contact: Ashley Fahrenkopf ([email protected]) or text (518) 417-4751
QUESTAR III Location: East Greenbush Public Library, 10 Community Way, East Greenbush Days/Times: T, Th, 4:45-7:45 Levels: All Registration Protocols: Please bring a photo ID when you register Availability: Open Enrollment Cost: FREE and open to the public Notes: High School Equivalency classes also available in Troy and various locations in Greene county. Please call the contacts below if you are interested. Instructors/Volunteers Needed: Applications are always welcome. Call contacts below. Contact: Ron Valentine (518-479-6838) or Pat Corrigan (518-479-6966)
RISSE Location: 240 West Lawrence Street, Albany Days/Times: M-F (morning and afternoon) Levels: All Registration Protocols: Registration is required. Please call RISSE at 518-621-1041 for more information. Requirements: Our doors are open to all newcomers 18 or older. Attendance Expectations: Regular attendance is encouraged. Availability:RISSE's in-person classes are currently full. New students are encouraged to attend our free Conversation Clubs, Wednesday night drop-in class, and online classes. Please call 518-621-1041 or visit us at 240 W. Lawrence Street to join our waitlist or request information. Cost: FREE Notes:RISSE's English classes are located at the Capital District's EOC Albany location. We thank them for their continued partnership and support. Instructors/Volunteers Needed:RISSE is always looking for volunteers to support in the classroom or provide one-on-one tutoring. Please visit www.risse-albany.org/volunteer and complete the online form if you're interested in joining us! Contact:[email protected]
SARATOGA SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY Location: 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs (in the Glasby Room) Days/Times: Classes generally run September through Mid-June, with a break for winter holidays. Consult our program calendar for updated information. Plug "English" into the search engine. Levels: All Registration Protocols: Register online at www.sspl.org Attendance Expectations: Regular attendance is expected and appreciated. Availability: Limited seats available. Cost: FREE Note: Instructors/Volunteers Needed: Yes (frequently looking for literacy tutors) Contact: Mary Ann Rockwell ([email protected])
SCHENECTADY ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION CENTER Locations/Days/Times: All classes in Schenectady. GED, ESL and Free Construction Training (in English and Spanish). Day Classes at 80 Nott Terrace and 118 Henry Street (M-F, 9:00am-12pm and 12:30-2:30pm) Night GED and ESL Classes at 80 Nott Terrace (M-Th, 5:00-8:00pm) Levels: All Requirements: All are welcome!For the construction class, students will also need to enroll in a GED or ESL class. Registration Protocols: Registration is Monday through Friday 8:00am-2:00pm. All new students will need to complete registration paperwork and do assessments/testing).Attendance Expectations: Please arrive on time. Bring a notebook and pen/pencil to class. Availability: Immediate availability in all classes. No waitlists. Cost: FREE Instructors/Volunteers Needed: Yes (They are currently hiring for daytime ESL/GED teachers and a nighttime GED teacher - apply on the Schenectady City School District Human Resources page. Also looking for tutors/volunteers to help in the classroom or pull students out for individualized instruction and substitute teachers) Contact: Cristine Nowak (nowakc@schenectadyschools.org, 518-370-8230) Guidance Secretary.
SCHENECTADY COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (SUNY SCHENECTADY) Location: 78 Washington Avenue, Schenectady Days/Times: January 22 - May 14 (M, W, 9:00am-12:00pm) Level: This basic course is designed to assist ESL (English as Second Language) students from the community learn to speak and write the English language. It focuses on correct pronunciation, conversational skills, writing skills, and necessary grammar lessons. Registration Protocols: Register online using this form. Availability:Open enrollment Cost: $75 Contact: Maria Kotary ([email protected], 518-595-1101 ext. 4)
SUNHEE’S COMMUNITY PLACE Location: 173 4th Street, Troy Days/Times: Very Beginner (M, Th, 3:00-4:30 hybrid) Beginner (M—Th, 3:00-4:30pm, hybrid) Intermediate (M-Th, 3:00-4:30pm, only only) Advanced (M, W, 6:00-7:00pm, online only) Levels: All Registration Protocols: Register online at https://www.sunhees.com/adult-english or walk-in at location. Requirements: Once registered, learners complete a short language assessment Attendance Expectations: 15-minute grace period for students to arrive Availability:Registration is rolling; we accept new students year-round. Cost: FREE Notes: Laptop lending program offered; Instructors/Volunteers Needed: Yes (particularly to teach the Intro class) Contact: Jinah Kim (518-423-9124)
WEST HILL REFUGEE WELCOME CENTER Location/Days/Times: 104 Ontario Street, Albany M-Th, 9:00am-1:00pm (each class meets twice a week for one hour) W, 6:30-8:00pm (conversation/tutoring for adults) Levels: Pre-literacy through intermediate Requirements: Must register for morning classes. Wednesday evening practice is drop-in. Registration Protocols: Contact Jane Mitchell at [email protected] or 518-937-6243 Attendance Expectations:Students may lose their spot after prolonged absences with no contact. Availability:Most levels are full but there is room at the intermediate level. Cost: FREE Notes:Playgroup supervision available for children ages 2-4 during the morning classes (NOT for evenings, sorry). Instructors/Volunteers Needed: Needs vary. Contact: Jane Mitchell ([email protected], 518-937-6243)
WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH in partnership with RISSE Location: 85 Chestnut Street, Albany Days/Times: Wednesday, 10:00am-noon and 6:00-8:00pm Levels: All Availability: Yes Cost: FREE Instructors/Volunteers Needed: Yes Contact:Kimberly Vaugeois ([email protected])
YMCA Location: Love Albany Center, 8 Kate Street, Albany; 1 Wall Street, Clifton Park; 2500 21st Street, Troy Days/Times: ELL Class (Sat, 10:00-11:30am) Albany ELL Class (Sat, 5:30-6:30pm) Clifton Park ELL Class (M, 6:30-7:30pm) Troy Levels: beginner and intermediate Registration Protocols: Registration at the door. Walk-ins welcome. Availability: Yes Cost: FREE Notes: Children welcome. Instructors/Volunteers Needed: Yes Contact: Rifat Filkins ([email protected], 518-567-4354)
Conversation Clubs
THE CATHEDRAL OF ALL SAINTS Location: 62 South Swan Street, Albany Day/Times: Tuesdays, 5:30-7:00pm Levels: ALL Availability: FREE and open to the public, all are welcome. Volunteers Needed: Yes, always looking for support. Contact: Jon Kimmel ([email protected])
COLONIE LIBRARY An informal conversation group to help you gain confidence speaking English. Location: 629 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville Day/Times: Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pm Availability: FREE and open to the public Volunteers Needed: No Contact: Jessica Kaercher ([email protected])
INTERCULTURAL CAFE at RUSSELL SAGE COLLEGE - ALBANY CAMPUS Practice English while enjoying tea and conversation! Location: 140 New Scotland Avenue, West Hall, Russell Sage College, Albany Days/Times: Th, 4:00-5:30pm Availability: FREE and open to the public Volunteers Needed: Yes Contact: Noora ([email protected], 518-764-8684)
INTERCULTURAL CAFE at RUSSELL SAGE COLLEGE - TROY CAMPUS Practice English while enjoying tea and conversation! Children are welcome! Childcare can be provided during cafe sessions. Location: 65 First Street, Spirituality Center, Russell Sage College, Troy Days/Times: Monday, 4:30-6:00pm Availability: FREE and open to the public Volunteers Needed: Yes Contact: Nana ([email protected], 678-675-2625)
LIFE WORKS Location: Online Days/Times: Saturday, 10:00-11:00am Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Requirements: Must be 18 years of age or older and living and working in New York State. Availability: Taking registrations now. Cost: FREE Contact: AnnMarie Bamuel ([email protected], 518-974-5968)
RISSE This club is an opportunity for ELLs to practice their conversational skills in English and learn about American culture. Location: 240 West Lawrence Street, Albany Days/Times: Friday, 10:00-11:30am Availability: FREE and open to the public Volunteers Needed: Yes Contact: Rumi ([email protected])
WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH in partnership with RISSE Location: 85 Chestnut Street, Albany Days/Times: Sunday, 3:00-4:15pm Levels: All Availability: Yes Cost: FREE Instructors/Volunteers Needed: Yes Contact: Kimberly Vaugeois ([email protected])
