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 Basic Skills for Adult Learners

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.

The library's Basic Skills for Adult Learners program centers on English as a second language. Schedules vary, so you should check the at the library or check the online site, which also includes information in various languages in a menu at right.
Verified 9/2025

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.