English language classes in Metro Atlanta
Where to find ESL classes - whether you do, or do not have proof of legal residency.
285 South called and emailed around town to find out about where folks—both with legal residency documents and without—can take English language classes. This is a list that will be regularly updated as we gather more information about class offerings. Know of a class? Drop a comment below or contact 285 South via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
ESL classes that do not require legal residency paperwork
Ser Familia: Offering classes this fall at their new College Park location. Call 678-363-3079. 445 Atlanta South Parkway, Ste. 140.
Latin American Association (LAA): Offers virtual classes weekdays, and in-person classes weekdays and Saturdays. Also hosts Coffee Hour, a free language exchange program where participants meet every other Wednesday to practice Spanish and English. Contact malvarez@thelaa.org or call 404-638-1800. 2750 Buford Hwy NE.
Kennesaw State University: Offers eight-week courses through its community education program. Register for Saturday classes here, Monday and Wednesday evening classes here, or call 470-578-6765 to register. 3333 Busbee Drive, Kennesaw.
International Rescue Committee—Atlanta: Offers in-person classes and online classes Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. In-person classes meet at the IRC office and in Clarkston. Register for classes on non-holiday Mondays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at IRC office. For more information, text 770-710-8724 or email Christopher.Carpenter@rescue.org. IRC—Atlanta, 2305 Parklake Dr. NE, Ste. 100
Refugee Family Literacy: Offers Mommy and Me classes in Stone Mountain that include English learning for kids and childcare. To join the waitlist, or for more info, call or text 404-292-8818, or email contactrfl@friendsofrefugees.com. Clarkston Community Center, 965 N. Indian Creek Dr., Clarkston, and Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 5140 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain.
Friends of Refugees: Offers English classes to women through its recently launched program, Parwana. For more information, email Khatera Barati at khatera@friendsofrefugees.com. Clarkston United Methodist Church, 3919 Church St, Clarkston.
Interactive College of Technology: The college offers “Vocational English as a Second Language” both virtually, and in-person at their locations in Chamblee, Gainesville, and Morrow. Classes start every five weeks. More info here, and registration here.
ESL classes requiring proof of legal residency
Georgia Piedmont Technical College: Offers daytime and evening classes in Clarkston and Rockdale County. Free. Register here. Paul M. Starnes Center, 1085 Montreal Road, Clarkston, and Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive SW, Conyers.
Atlanta Public Schools: Free. Valid ID and copy of passport required. Call 404-802-3560 or email adulthelp@apsk12.org. Interested students must first register here to schedule a placement test and an orientation at 1757 Mary Dell Drive.
Clayton County Public Schools: Offers weekday morning and afternoon classes in Jonesboro and Forest Park. Call 770-515-7610. Perry Learning Center, 137 Spring Street, Jonesboro, and Forest Park High School, 5452 Phillips Drive, Forest Park.
Gwinnett Technical College: Offers classes this fall at locations throughout Gwinnett County, including Lawrenceville, Norcross, and Alpharetta, as well as online. Free. Pre-register here. Call 678-226-6702.
Georgia State University: Applications for fall are closed, but applications for spring 2024 are open for classes at the Perimeter College Clarkston campus. Contact rcathey1@gsu.edu.
