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 6, 2024
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 2025 Session: January 7 - March 20 Beginner & Advanced Beginner English (T, W, 9:30-11:00am) Conversational English for intermediate and up (T, 6:30-8:00pm) Intermediate English Grammar (W, 6:30-8:00PM) Intermediate English - Zoom (Th, 9:30-10:30AM) NEW Civics Conversation Group for advanced beginners and up (F, 9:30-11:00am) *Please register on CPH Library website for this class: https://events.cphlibrary.org/ *** Check our calendar for information about English conversation groups that will run between sessions. *** 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. 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])
EMPIRE STATE ENGLISH Location: 21 Aviation Road, Albany (Colonie) Days/Times: In January 2025, Beginner English (M, W, 6:00-7:15pm) Intermediate English (M - Th, 3:00-8:00 pm) Levels: All (Absolute beginner through academic English including skill-specific classes like reading, writing, grammar, and pronunciation) Registration Protocols: Schedule and take a placement test Attendance Expectations: Regular attendance is expected Availability:Students can join a level-appropriate class at any time. Classes are taught year-round. Class sizes are between 2-6 students. Private (1:1) classes are also offered at a different rate. New classes typically begin each month and on an as-needed basis. Cost: The most popular/typical classes for part-time students meet twice a week, 75 minutes each, 10 hours per month for a monthly fee of $312.50. Courses are 40 hours long. Note:Empire State English is a New York State Education Department certified school. It is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation and certified by the Department of Homeland Security to enroll full-time, F-1 visa students from abroad for an intensive English program. Instructors/Volunteers Needed: Native or near-native English speakers with MA degrees in TESOL or a closely related field are needed and welcome to apply by sending a letter of interest, resume, and references to: [email protected]. Contact: Sonya Kim ([email protected], 518-729-5407)
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)
LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY (LVORC) Location: 65 1st Street, Troy (Esteves Education Building, Level B) and Albany Public Library, Albany (2nd floor) Note: Appointment required Levels: All Registration Protocols: Please contact [email protected] to schedule intake. Requirements: Consistent attendance to classes following intake and assessment. Students must be able to meet in Albany or Rensselaer County. Attendance Expectations: After 3 unexplained absences, the student will exit the program and another student will take their place. Availability: Limited Cost: FREE Instructors/Volunteers Needed: Yes (looking for tutors for individual group instruction) Contact: Emma Schreiner ([email protected])
NEW HOPE CHURCH Location: 334 Second Ave, Albany NY 12209 Days/Times: T, 6:00-8:00pm (Starts mid-September 2024) Levels: All Registration Protocols: Call Attendance Expectations: Arrive 10 minutes prior to class and bring a notebook. No kids and no cell phone use during class time. Class participation expected. After 3 absences, you can’t continue Cost: FREE Contact: Church Office, (518) 449-32883
NEW YORK STATE OFFICE FOR NEW AMERICANS OPPORTUNITY CENTER (ONA) at USCRI Albany Location: 155 Washington Avenue, 1st Floor, Albany Days/Times: Citizenship Preparation Class (M, 6:00-8:00pm via Zoom until January 27th, 2025) Level: For individuals who wish to become U.S. citizens and have been in the U.S. for 4+ years (or if married to a citizen for 3+ years). Registration Protocols: To register, send your name, phone number, and email address to the contact information below. Cost: FREE Contact: Sara Zaidspiner ([email protected]) or text (518) 512-9816
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 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: Beginner (M—Th, 3:00-4:30pm, hybrid) Intermediate (M, W 3:00-4:30pm, hybrid) Advanced (M, 6:00-7:30pm; W, 6:00-7:00pm, via Zoom) 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)
WASHINGTON IRVING ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION CENTER Locations/Days/Times: All classes in Schenectady. GED, ESL and Free Construction Training (in English and Spanish). Day Classes at 422 Mumford Street and 118 Henry Street (M-F, 9:00am-12pm and 12:30-2:30pm) Night Classes at Bornt Library, 948 State Street (MW 4:00-7:00pm) Night Classes at Steinmetz Homes, 118 Henry Street (TTh, 5:00-8:00pm) Night GED Classes at SCCC, 433 State Street, 2nd Floor (MW, 5:00-8:00pm) Night GED Classes at Steinmetz Homes, 118 Henry Street (TTh, 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 and begins 9/5/24. 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 ESL teachers and a night GED and ESL 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: $25 per hour) Contact: Cristine Nowak (nowakc@schenectadyschools.org, 518-370-8230) Guidance Secretary
WEST HILL REFUGEE WELCOME CENTER Location: 104 Ontario Street, Albany Levels: Beginner through High Beginner Requirements: Do intake assessment through Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County (LVORC). Registration Protocols: Potential learners can register for intake with LVORC. Or leave contact information at the RWC. Attendance Expectations: 6-8 learners per class maximum Availability: Class are full. Except for evening drop-in evening conversation practice sessions on Thursdays (6:00-7:30pm). Those sessions do not have a children's playgroup. Cost: FREE Notes: Playgroup available for children ages 2-6. Maximum of 8 children. If student misses 3 classes without informing the teacher or staff, they can’t stay in the class (although will be welcome to reapply later). Instructors/Volunteers Needed: Yes (especially for Playgroup) Contact: Jane Mitchell ([email protected])
YMCA Location: Healthy Living Center at Hannaford, 900 Central Avenue, Albany Days/Times: ELL Class (S, 10:00-11:30am) ELL Class (T, 4:00-5:00pm) ELL Class (W, 5:30-6:30pm, online) Levels: beginner and intermediate Registration Protocols: Walk ins welcome Availability: Yes Cost: FREE Contact: Rifat Filkins ([email protected])
Conversation Clubs
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, 4:00-6:00pm Availability: FREE and open to the public Volunteers Needed: Yes Contact: Nana ([email protected], 678-675-2625)
RISSE This club is an opportunity for ELLs to practice their conversational skills in English and learn about American culture. Location: 715 Morris Street, Albany Days/Times: Friday, 10:00-11:30am Availability: FREE and open to the public Volunteers Needed: Yes Contact:Rumi Sarkar ([email protected])
WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH in partnership with RISSE This club is an opportunity for ELLs to practice their conversational skills in English and learn about American culture. Location: 85 Chestnut Street, Albany Days/Times: Sunday, 3:00-4:15pm and starting July 10th: Wednesday, 6:00-7:00pm Availability: FREE and open to the public Volunteers Needed: Yes Contact:Patrice Delehanty ([email protected], 518-727-8165)
