Depending on where you live, you may be able to find free classes to help you improve your English. Many classes are more informal if they are free, but they may also be very structured. Their content and structure will vary depending on who is providing the classes. It is also important to understand that many free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes will be taught by volunteer teachers. While these volunteer teachers likely have gone through some type of formal training, they may not be teachers with ESL teaching certificates or degrees. Classes at adult education centers that are part of a public education system will most likely have certified ESL teachers.

Adult Education
The best place to find free English classes in many mid-size to large communities is at the community's adult education center. This center is usually a part of the school district, though some colleges also have adult education centers.

Classes to earn a GED or high school diploma are usually also offered in the same location. Some states completely fund English as a Second Language courses so that students do not have to pay anything for the classes. Other states do not fully fund the program, and students have to pay a nominal fee for the classes.

Places of Worship
Churches, synagogues and mosques may also offer free English classes. These programs will vary in the formality of their structure. They often are not as well equipped or staffed as adult education courses. The programs may be in the form of a volunteer teacher partnering with an English language learner on an individual basis, or a volunteer teacher who leads a small-group class.

Colleges
Some colleges may offer adult ESL courses for free. Both community colleges and universities may offer community ESL courses in addition to their more academically-based ESL curricula for which students must pay. Colleges may also offer a volunteer English mentor/teacher program to help individual students learn English. Contact the school's international student department or ESL department for more details on classes. Some colleges may have free ESL tutoring available from students who are training to become ESL teachers, as well.

Community Organizations
Refugee resettlement agencies often offer free English language lessons in addition to referring refugee clients to the local adult education center. Volunteer teachers may teach refugees in their homes, or the resettlement agencies may have a trained ESL teacher on staff. Other organizations, such as cultural community centers may also offer free English classes.