Step 1: Explore Free ESL Programs at Adult Schools

• California has many Adult Education Centers run by school districts that offer free or low-cost ESL classes.
   

• To find one near you:
   

  • Search online for “Adult School + [your city]” (e.g., “Los Angeles Adult School ESL”).
     

  • Visit the California Adult Education Program website (https://caladulted.org/FindASchool) or search at the ESl directory (https://www.esldirectory.com/esl-program-search/usa/california/ ) 

 

Step 2: Check Community Colleges

• Many community colleges in California offer non-credit ESL programs that are free or very inexpensive.
   

• Examples: Los Angeles City College, City College of San Francisco, San Diego Continuing Education.
   

• Steps:
   

  1. Visit your local community college website.
      

  2. Look for “Continuing Education” or “Noncredit ESL.”
      

  3. Apply online or in person; you usually just need basic ID, not full immigration status.
      

 

Step 3: Use Public Libraries

• Many libraries host conversation clubs or ESL tutoring sessions.
   

• Example: Los Angeles Public Library, San Diego Public Library, and San Francisco Public Library have free ESL programs.
   

• To start:
   

  • Go to your nearest library. (you can search with [your city name] + the word [library] on Google. Or search for [libraries] on map apps or Yelp.
     

  • Ask the staff about ESL or “literacy programs.”
     

  • Most are free and open to everyone, regardless of status.

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You can find some library resources here: https://www.library.ca.gov/services/to-libraries/clls/resources/
 

 

Step 4: Nonprofit & Refugee Support Organizations

• Organizations that help refugees often include English classes:
   

  • International Rescue Committee (IRC) – offices in Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, Turlock.
     

  • Catholic Charities – runs ESL and citizenship preparation.
     

 

Step 5: Online ESL Resources (Free & Accessible Anywhere)

• USA Learns (usalearns.org) – free government-supported online English lessons.
   

• Duolingo – free mobile app with English learning.
   

• BBC Learning English and ESOL Courses websites – useful for practicing grammar, listening, and reading.
   

• Great for practice if you’re waiting for in-person classes to start.
   

Tips 

• Don’t worry about immigration status – most ESL programs (especially adult schools and libraries) do not require Social Security Numbers or green cards.
   

• Bring an ID – if you have a passport, state ID, or even refugee documents, bring them to register.
   

• Ask for interpretation – many programs offer staff who speak Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Spanish, and other languages.
   

Consistency matters – even a few hours per week can greatly improve English over time.