Here is our most current list of community-based ESL (English as a Second Language) classes in the Greater Richmond area, sorted by neighborhood.
We keep an updated calendar to the best of our ability, but please make sure to contact the class before attending.
Find each entry below for more information about how to arrive prepared.
Updated June 2024
If you are part of an organization offering English courses and have updated information to share, please let us know!
ONLINE
English Empowerment Center
Cost: All classes are $85 (cash, check, credit card, or money order payment due at sign up)
Virtual: All Classes are in-person and online
Day/Time: Click on this link for more day and time information.
Registration: Complete the Online Sign up Form linked and Staff will contact to finish registration, Registration period is Saturday, August 17th from 2:00pm-4:00pm at the James Lee Community Center. (2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22033).
English Levels Offered: Beginner, Family Learning for Parents and Caretakers, and English for Work Class
Contact: 703-237-0866 or info@EnglishEmpowermentCenter.org
Notes: You must complete the following five steps to register for Online English Class:
1. Complete interest form, 2. Complete Online Student profile, 3. Complete reading test, 4. Complete Listening test, and 5. Pay for the class
RICHMOND CITY
Richmond Alternative Schools, 119 W Leigh Street, Richmond, VA Suite 103
Cost: $25 registration fee and $40 textbook fee. Please bring exact cash, money order and credit card are also accepted.
Virtual/In-Person: In-Person and Virtual
Day/Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays/ Mondays or Wednesdays- Mornings, Afternoons and Evenings
Schedule: Follows the school calendar.
Registration: Our next registration will be held in August! Contact the number below to join the waitlist!
English Levels Offered: Basic English, Levels 1-5 English, Customer Service Training, Citizenship
Childcare: Not offered
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: 804-780-8311 or tsmith10@rvaschools.net
Notes: No extra guests or children during registration.
Virginia Commonwealth University Global Education Office, 912 W. Grace Street, 4th Floor, Richmond, VA 23284
https://global.vcu.edu/elp/curriculum/pronouncingenglish/
Cost: ELP courses are $230/credit (Cost - Virginia Commonwealth University (vcu.edu))
Classes: Pronouncing American English, English Language Program (ELP) on campus courses, Test Preparation Course, and English Grammar (Courses - Virginia Commonwealth University (vcu.edu))
Virtual/In-Person: In-Person (with some virtual options)
Course Dates:
January 16 - March 9, 2024; test day Jan 10
March 18 - May 9, 2023; test day Mar 12
Summer Dates: June 17 - August 9, 2024
Course Times: Most classes run from 9:00am - 2:30pm. Few classes run from 5:00pm - 6:50pm.
Childcare: Not provided
Transportation: Not provided, though VCU students are able to utilize free bus rides with their cards (https://parking.vcu.edu/alternative-transportation/)
Contact: geo-elp@vcu.edu
Notes: Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIHCorAaPZkRbEpcaqPqivAVF6LMOGkPKu37RLS76Za-YPRA/viewform. Placement test is required. Scholarship opportunities: ELP Scholarship - Virginia Commonwealth University (vcu.edu).
VCU Free Class
VCU is offering a free English course for refugee students in the Fall II session (October 14 - December 17). The course will meet in person on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00 am - 12:50 pm for 8 weeks.
Register Here!
Fairfield- Henrico Public Library, 1401 N, Laburnum Ave, Richmond, VA 23223
Cost: Free English Conversation Café via WebX meetings + In-person
Virtual/In-Person: In-Person
Day/Time: Starting at 7pm (Second Mondays of the Month)
English Levels Offered: Conversation practice only
Childcare: Not offered
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: Kimberly Bridges, Kbridges@henricolibrary.org or (804) 501-1929
Notes: Also offered Tuckahoe, Libby and Twin Hickory libraries. Follows the Henrico County Government calendar holidays. No registration required, walk-ins welcome.
Links and instructions available at: henricolibrary.org/eslcafe
NORTHSIDE
Reynolds Community College, 1651 E Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23228
English as a Second Language (ESL) | Reynolds Community College
Cost: Tuition and Fees | Reynolds Community College
Financial Aid Information: Welcome to Financial Aid Central | Reynolds Community College
Date/Time: Meets 2-3 times/ week in Fall 2023
Virtual/ In-Person: Virtual
Contact: Call ESL Office at 804-523-5020
Notes: Students must take a three part placement test (appointment only) before beginning; there is no fee to take the test. English as a Second Language (ESL) Checklist | Reynolds Community College.
River of Life Community Church, 7700 Woodman Rd, Henrico, VA 23228
https://www.rolccag.com/eslcafe
Cost: Free
Virtual/In-Person: In-Person
Day/Time: Beginning January 18th, 2024, Thursdays from 10am - 11:30am (Beginner class) and 7pm - 8:30pm (Beginner to Intermediate) until June
English Levels Offered: Beginner and Intermediate/Advanced Conversation
Childcare: Not offered
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: Peyton Harris, 804-266-6080 or office@rolccag.com
Notes: Register at ESL Cafe (google.com); does not follow the school calendar. Registration is ongoing and walk-ins are accepted. Citizenship class available with significant requests.
EAST END
Walnut Grove Baptist Church, 7046 Cold Harbor Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Walnut Grove | Helping people find and follow Jesus. (wgva.church)
Cost: Free classes, must pay for books
Virtual/In-Person: In-person
Day/Time: Starting September 13th, 2023 on Wednesdays from 9:00am - 10:00am, large group from 10:00 - 10:30am. Open enrollment until May 2024.
Schedule: Hanover School Year calendar
English Levels Offered: Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Childcare: Not offered
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: Frank Antkievicz, 804-746-4696 or franka2z@comcast.net. Mae Antikievicz, 804-938-7702 or mae2z@comcast.net
Notes: Follows Hanover calendar and local bad weather days. Register on first day of attendance. Walk-ins welcome. Snacks, water, coffee available. Classes will resume in September 2023.
SOUTHSIDE
Chester Christian Church, 4330 Curtis St. in Chester, VA 23831
Cost: Free, books provided
Virtual/In-Person: In-Person
Day/Time:
Spring 2024 dates: Jan 14th - July 21st from 3pm - 4:30pm every Sunday (with the exception of holidays/bad weather).
English Levels Offered: Three levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced)
Childcare: Yes
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: Jennifer Spraggins, 804-503-6596 or spragginsjn@gmail.com
Notes: If students need additional class days, they may contact the ESL coordinator. Students must take pre-test to find class level. Online registration ongoing throughout. We do offer classes Mondays from 4pm-5pm at the Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center.
Bon Air Baptist Church, 2531 Buford Rd, N. Chesterfield, VA 23235
Cost: Free to attend, $15 for textbook
Virtual/In-Person: In-person
Day/Time: Starting Monday January 8th 2024 and Wednesday Jan 10th, 2024/
Registration now open. Registration Form
In Person Assessment is required taken on the first day of class.
Monday Mornings 9:30am - 11:30am
Wednesday Evenings 6:00pm - 7:15pm
English Levels Offered: Intermediate & Advanced
Childcare: Yes. Childcare offered on Monday mornings for children up to 5 years old; Childcare of all ages is offered Wednesday nights and kids are invited to attend Mid-Week Kids Program or Student Ministry
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: Amanda Ketterlinus, 804-272-1475 or amanda.ketterlinus@bonairbaptist.org
Register: online at https://bonairbaptist.org/esl/. Registration will begin in Jan 2024.
Note: Citizenship Classes are held on the same time. Use the same registration form to register.
Chesterfield County Public Schools, 8213 Hull Street Road North Chesterfield, VA 23235 (Academics Building)
https://www.chesterfield.gov/1509/ESL-Citizenship-Classes
Adult ESL Flyer Catalog Fall 2024
Cost: $120
Virtual/In-Person: In-Person, Virtual and distance learning (self-paced)
Register:
Call 804-768-6140 for Appointments from Nov 27- Dec 20 to register.
Day Class Registration Date Aug 26th and 28th at 9:30am, 2024
8213 Hull Street Road N. Chesterfield, VA 23235 (Academics Building)
Night Class Registration Date Aug 26th, 27th, and 28th, 2024 at 5:30pm (first come first served)
Meadowbrook High School: 4901 Cogbill Road, N. Chesterfield, VA 23294
Day/Time:
On-site day classes: Mondays and Wednesday’s 10:00am - 12:30pm (Sep 9 to Dec 11, 2024)
8213 Hull Street Road N. Chesterfield, VA 23235
On site/off site classes: Mondays and Wednesdays’s 6:00pm - 8:30pm Night class
(Sep 9 to Dec 11, 2024) In-Person (1 day) AND off-site (1 day)
Meadowbrook High School, Door 1: 4901 Cogbill Road, N. Chesterfield, VA 23294
Virtual classes: 10am - 12:30pm (Tuesday and Thursdays from Sep 9 to Dec 11, 2024)
Students must have their own computer
Must go to pre-testing in person on one of the Registration Date.
English Levels Offered: Beginner-Advanced
Childcare: Not offered
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: Email: Joyce Clements at Joyce_Clement@ccpsnet.net or Melinda Dart at Melinda_Dart@ccpsnet.net
Notes: Eight levels of ESL classes are available. Students will improve their reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. Check or money order only, no cash. No children. No late registration. A minimum enrollment of 10 students required for each class. (Distance Learning and Citizenship Classes are also provided check the attachment above)
Sacred Heart Center, South Richmond Office: 1400 Perry St, Richmond, VA 23224 & 4400 Beulah Rd, North Chesterfield, VA 23237
Adult Education - Sacred Heart Center (shcrichmond.org)
Cost: $10 registration fee, $40 book fee - per semester
Virtual/In-Person: Both
Day/Time: 12 week course on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am - 12pm and 6pm - 8pm
Also offer evening classes at satellite campus in North Chesterfield on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm
Online classes from 10am - 11am or 6pm - 7pm
Registration: Fall 2023 schedule to be announced
Schedule: Hanover School Year calendar for 12 weeks
English Levels Offered: Five levels, from Basic to Level 4
Childcare: Not offered
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: Carolina Lugo, Online/South Richmond: 804-396-2607 or regsitroshc@gmail.com // In-person/Chesterfield: (804) 446-4639 or spencer_turner@shcrichmond.org
Notes: These classes are subject to change if there is low enrollment. See website for more information.
Swift Creek Baptist Church, 7511 N. Spring Run Rd, Midlothian, VA 23112
ESL Classes - Swift Creek Baptist Church
Cost: $28 for textbook
Virtual/In-Person: In-person
Day/Time: Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:00 pm. Social time with coffee and cookies at 6pm in main Education Building.
Schedule: September-June
English Levels Offered: Six levels of classes: Intro A, Intro B, Level 1A, Level 1B, Level 2B, Level 3A
Childcare: Yes, with snacks for kids
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: David Pete, 804-748-0232 or davidapete@gmail.com
Notes: Placement interview during 1st visit to determine class level. Bad weather and school holidays off. Class emphasizes conversational English, as well as writing and grammar.
Sycamore Presbyterian Church, 510 Coalfield Rd, Midlothian, VA 23114
ESL | Sycamore Presbyterian Church
Cost: Classes are free, and student book and workbook are one-time fee of $40. Scholarships available, contact email below.
Virtual/In-Person: In-person
Day/Time: Tuesdays from 9:30am - 11:45am
Schedule: Fall 2024 classes will begin the following week after the registrations on Tuesday, September the 10th from 9:30am to noon!
English Levels Offered: All Levels from beginner to advanced
Childcare: Yes, free nursery for infants and pre-school aged children
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: Sandra Learned, 804-794-0238 or slearned@sycamorepres.com
Notes: Placement interview during 1st visit to determine class level, takes about 30 minutes. Calendar follows the Chesterfield Country Public Schools for holidays or weather closure (can start class the day of placement test).
WEST END
Bonnie Brae Church of Christ, 7610 Staples Mill Road, Henrico, VA 23228
Cost: Free for groups and individuals
Date/Time: Flexible, email contact below for details
Contact: Call 804-266-0665 or email John Murphy at murphmission@hotmail.com
Note: Classes are faith-based. Ukrainian and Russian speakers encouraged to attend!
Grace Chinese Baptist Church of Richmond, 850 Broadstreet Rd, Manakin-Sabot, VA 23238
Cost: Free
Virtual/In-Person: In-Person
Day/Time: Elementary Level - Sundays @ 1:30-2:30pm. Zoom ID: 875 3619 0015, Passcode: 223151 // Advanced level - Sundays @ 1:30-2:30pm. Zoom ID: 891 6252 4173, Passcode: helloesl
English Levels Offered: All levels Beginner - Advanced
Childcare: Not offered
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: Carter Tan, 804-503-0779 or gcbcresl@gmail.com
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 9155 Hungary Rd, Henrico, VA 23294
Serving Our Community – Good Shepherd United Methodist Church (gsumcrva.org)
Cost: Free classes, books, and materials
Virtual/In-Person: In-Person
Date/Times: Starting January 8th on Mondays from 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Levels Offered: All levels
Childcare: Babysitter available for children under 5 years; tutoring program available for school age children for working on homework and math and literacy skills. Children must bring their backpacks with materials from school and a book that they are reading.
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: Valerie Robnolt at 434-989-5077 or valrobnolt@vcu.edu
Notes: Follows the Henrico Public Schools calendar. Will meet every Monday with the exception of Labor Day.
Henrico Adult Education
ELA Registration – Henrico Adult Education (henricoschools.us)
ELA Enrollment/Registration Interest Form - Fall 2023-2024 (google.com)
Cost: Testing is free, $106 for the computer-based instruction program
Virtual/In-Person: In-Person and Virtual (Students will need a computer with Internet access. A tablet or iPad with Internet access or a smart phone can also be used.)
Registration: Nine Mile Location: 8/25, 9/1, 9/8 from 9am - 1:30pm; Western Henrico location: 08/7-10 from 9am - 1:30pm and 08/14 - 08/17 from 9am - 1:30pm
Locations:
Western Henrico Complex | 1420 North Parham Road Richmond, VA 23229
Nine Mile Location | 201 East Nine Mile Road
Highland Springs, VA 23075
Schedule: A 70+ hour commitment is required. Classes will meet virtually twice a week.
English Levels Offered: All levels from low beginning to high intermediate
Childcare: Not offered
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: Ann Gareau, amgareau@henrico.k12.va.us
Notes: Once you are evaluated to determine the proper level class, you are put on a waiting list. When there is an opening, you will be contacted. Must bring government issued ID, be prepared to complete registration form, be prepared for 2 1/2 hour evaluation, and submit class fees by debit or credit card. Register online here.
Islamic Center of Richmond, 8481 Hungary Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060
Cost: Free
Virtual/In-Person: In-Person
Day/Time: Wednesday 5:30pm-6:30pm (Ladies) and 6:30pm-7:30pm (Men’s)
English Levels Offered: All levels
Childcare: Not offered
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: (804) 273-9292 or info@icrva.org
Registration Form: https://forms.gle/qdrQh9E86XdAUjMg9
Notes: Free English classes to improve speaking, listening, reading, writing, vocabulary development, and grammar. Instruction provides support for practical life skills.
Libbie Mill Library, 2100 Libbie Lake East St, Henrico, VA 23230
https://henricolibrary-va.libcal.com/calendar?cid=12755&t=d&d=0000-00-00&cal=12755&inc=0
Cost: Free
Virtual/In-Person: In-Person
Day/Time: Check the calendar/flyer below for more information and class schedule.
At 7pm on June 26th, July 24th, and August 28th(Every Fourth Wednesdays)
In September switching to 4th Mondays of each month: Sep 23rd, Oct 28th, Nov 23rd (no meeting in Dec)
English Levels Offered: Basic Beginner
Childcare: Not offered
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: LibbieMillEvents@henricolibrary.org or 804-501-1940
Notes: An opportunity to practice speaking English in an informal setting. Registration is not required, but to attend participants must be 16 or older and be able to speak some English. Spring 2024 Flyer
Second Baptist Church, 9614 River Rd, Richmond, VA 23229
https://secondbaptistrva.org/esl
Schedule: Monday Nights from 7-9pm in the Education Building. Classes start on October 14, 2024.
Registration: Online registration will begin in August. Please check the website. In-person registration will be Sep 23rd and Oct 7, 2024.
English Levels Offered: Beginner, intermediate, advanced
Cost: One-time fee of $25.
Childcare: No
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: Delight Booker, 804-740-7101 or info@secondbaptistrva.org
Notes: Free clothes closet is available for students on Mondays. Schedule follows Henrico Public Schools calendar and bad weather policy. Students learn English to use in workplace and in daily life. Students are also welcome to join the weekend workshop services for Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, and Telegu congregations.
*Shady Grove YMCA, 11255 Nuckols Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059
Cost: Free
Virtual/In-Person: Virtual
Day/Time: Summer: July 15th- September 13th Fall: October 7th- December 13th
Mondays from 5:00-7:00 PM, Wednesdays from 5:00-7:00 PM enroll through registration only Registration Form
Childcare: None
Contact: Casey at 804-729-4759 or dwyerc@ymcarichmond.org
St. Mary's Catholic Church, 9505 Gayton Rd, Henrico, VA 23229
Human Concerns | Saint Mary's Catholic Church (stmarysrichmond.org)
Cost: Free, books provided
Virtual/In-Person: Both offered
Day/Time: Starting August 27, 2024. Tuesdays, 10am - 11:30am. Last Class May 20,2025
Levels offered: Beginner, High Beginner, Intermediate/Advanced in-person class on Tuesdays. High beginner and Intermediate/Advanced (combined) available via Zoom on Sundays 7:30pm - 9pm.
Childcare: Not offered
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: John Gavagan at jgav9@aol.com or Jon Kaminer at jon-k-sr@verizon.net
Notes: Class structure follows Ventures Cambridge University Press Series, focused on ESL learning for non-native English speakers. Must agree to a weekly commitment. Registration forms preferably before August 20th, 2024. Can be picked up at church office or contact John or Jon for emailed form (email addresses above).
Third Immigrant Tutoring Program, Regency Square (1420 N Parham Road Richmond, VA 23229)
Refugee Tutoring — Third Church (thirdrva.org)
Day/Time: Starting back September 18th, 2024 ends on Nov 20, 2024. Meets on Wednesdays from 6:45pm - 7:45pm.
Class level: N/A
Contact: Ellen Duerksen at tutoring@thirdrva.org
Note: We help children of immigrants in K-12 grade with their homework. This is not an ESL program, although we do offer conversational English classes for parents during the tutoring time. Children need to come prepared with work that they need help with. Each child is matched one on one with a tutor who stays with the child for the semester. Because this is not a class, but personalized tutoring, parents and students need to commit to be present for each session or let their tutor know in advance that they will not be able to attend.
28:19 Ministries, 9400 Gayton Rd Richmond, VA 23229
Cost: Free
Virtual/In-Person: In-Person
Day/Time: Jan 31st, 2024 Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00pm
English Levels Offered: All levels are welcomed. Please note this is a conversation style class.
Childcare: Not offered
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: Madison Gordon, madison.gordon@2819ministries.org
Notes: Register here. This follows the Henrico Country Public Schools calendar. Registration is ongoing and walk-ins’s are accepted. Faith-Based!
Twin Hickory - Henrico Public Library, 5001 Twin Hickory Road, Henrico, VA 23228
HCPL - Twin Hickory (henricolibrary.org)
Cost: Free
Virtual/In-Person: Both
Day/Time: Second Wednesdays 7pm, June 12th, July 10th, and August 14th
English Levels Offered: Conversation practice only
Childcare: Not offered
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: Tomeka Berry-Mason at TW_Manager@henricolibrary.org
Notes: Follows the Henrico County Government calendar holidays. Walk-ins welcome.
Tuckahoe - Henrico Public Library, 1901 Starling Dr, Henrico, VA 23229
Cost: Free English Conversation Café via WebX meetings + In-person
Virtual/In-Person: In-Person
Day/Time: First and Third Mondays at 7pm
English Levels Offered: Conversation practice only
Childcare: Not offered
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: Kimberly Bridges, Kbridges@henricolibrary.org or (804) 501-1929
Notes: Also offered at Fairfield, Libby and Twin Hickory libraries. Follows the Henrico County Government calendar holidays. No registration required, walk-ins welcome.
Links and instructions available at: henricolibrary.org/eslcafe
Staples Mill Road Baptist Church’s English Club, 1515 Eastbridge Rd, Richmond, VA 23229 (Ridge Baptist Church)
English Club | Ways To Serve | Staples Mill Road Baptist Church (smrbc.org)
Date/ Time: Starting September 16th. Mondays from 6:30pm - 8:00pm.
Cost: Free
In person/Virtual: In person at RBC. Advanced group meets at same time on Zoom every Monday (doesn’t take a summer break).
Childcare: Not offered
Transportation: Not offered
English Levels Offered: All levels. Conversation practice, some grammar, Biblical stories used for teaching. No registration needed. Walk ins are welcome.
Notes: Offered year round, except for public holidays
Contact: 804-672-6811 or email@smrbc.org
West End Assembly of God, 401 N. Parham Rd, Henrico, VA 23229
Cost: $40 textbook, registration is $10
Virtual/In-Person: In-Person
Day/Time: Starting Sep 14th Every Thursdays @ 6:00-8:00pm. Assessment interview on Thursdays at 6:00pm. Come in north entrance (main entrance) of church and come up stairs. Class follows school calendar. Spring 2023 classes will end in May 2023.
English Levels Offered: Six levels from beginner to advanced.
Childcare: Yes
Transportation: Not offered
Contact: Grace Bunyan, vbunyan@gmail.com or 804-774-4290
West End Presbyterian Church, 9008 Quioccasin Rd, Henrico, VA 23229
Date/Time: Tuesdays 6-8 PM or Thursdays 9:30-11:30 AM, Join 2023-2024 waitlist here.
Cost: 25$/person
Childcare: Offered for $25/family (6 months - 5th grade)
Contact: Heather Glissman, 804-741-6562 or heatheresl@wepc.org.
Note: Must commit to attending every week; may not miss more than one week at a time. Class uses portions of the Torah, Zabur, and and Ingil to teach English. Waitlist for Spring 2024 is full.