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

  • Website: https://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/

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. 

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.

NORTHSIDE

Reynolds Community College, 1651 E Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23228

English as a Second Language (ESL) | 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

https://bonairbaptist.org/esl

  • 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

http://www.gcbcr.org/esl

  • 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

  • Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPwPxwmxEa3dtDZs3xc4cqt3kNU_d-Wo7o1VGreOk7dXxzVQ/viewform?usp=send_form

  • 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.

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

https://weag.church/ESL/

  • 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

West End Presbyterian Church

  • 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.