English as a Second Language (ESL)

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Thanks to the Downtown Emergency Service Center (206-464-1570; 507 Third Ave., Seattle 98104) for much of the information on this page.

Casa Latina
206-956-0779
317 17th Ave. S., Seattle 98144

Free. No appointment necessary. For Latinos. Classes Mon-Sat 7:30 a.m. & 9 a.m., Monday evenings 6 p.m.
Verified 10/09.

El Centro de la Raza
206-329-7960
2524 16th Ave S., Seattle 98144

Introductory ESL classes. You don't have to be documented in the US. Each class lasts three months; a new class begins every three months. To register, you have to go to the "Frances Martinez" office at El Centro, open 8:30 am - 5:30 pm M-Th, 8 am - 4:30 pm Fri. Classes are Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 am - 1:45 pm or 5:30-7:45 pm.
Verified 10/09

Literacy Source
206-782-2050
720 N. 35th, Suite 103, Seattle 98103

A wide variety of free ESL classes, for all levels; also citizenship classes. Most classes are offered at their location in Fremont; there are also some classes in other locations. Call 206-782-2050 or email to ESL@literacysource.org to set up an appointment to attend a New Student Orientation, where they will connect you to an appropriate class.
Verified 11/09

Refugee Women's Alliance
206-721-0243
4008 MLK Way S., Seattle 98108

Classes for immigrants. Child care available: not free, but there are subsidies for people receiving TANF.
Verified 11/09

St. James ESL Program
206-382-4511
804 9th Ave., Seattle 98104

Individual and small-group instruction. Call for an application and an appointment to take an exam, or for information about general tutoring and citizenship tutoring. Office hours: M-F 9am-5pm.
Verified 11/09

Seattle Public Library Literacy/ESL and "Talk Time"

You do not need to be a citizen to use the Seattle Public Library. Go to any branch, and they will help you get a library card, and will help you find appropriate materials to help you learn English.

Online schedule for all ESL and literacy events at Seattle Public Libraries.

The library has free "Talk Time" ESL conversation groups; schedules vary, so you should call ahead or check the at the library or check the online "Talk Time" schedule. Locations for "Talk Time" as of November 2009:

• Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., 206-684-0849
• Beacon Hill Branch, 2821 Beacon Ave. S., 206-684-4711
• Lake City Branch, 12501 28th Ave. N.E., 206-684-7518

Language Institute at University Presbyterian Church
206-524-7300 Ext 173
4540 15th Ave NE, Seattle 98105

English classes and one-on-one tutoring for refugees and immigrants. Five levels; each class lasts 10 weeks, meeting twice a week. Day and evening classes. One-on-one tutoring is once a week. Sometimes has a waiting list. Call Mon-Thurs 9am-3pm. Also can refer for ESL classes at other locations.
Verified 10/09

Washington Academy of Languages
206-682-4463
2 Nickerson St, Suite 201, Seattle 98109

Intensive, part-time, and custom programs in English (and other languages). All levels are welcome. The academy is a private academic institution, and is priced accordingly. They do not offer scholarships, but accept most forms of financial aid. Call 8 am - 9 pm Monday through Thursday or 8 am - 5 pm Friday, or visit website for more information.
Verified 11/09

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The master of this page is http://seattlecrisis.org/esl.html.