Asian American Community Services
・Address: 4700 Reed Road, Suite B, Upper Arlington 43220
・Website: aacsohio.org/community-education
・Contact: Hsichi Huang; hhuang@aacsohio.org (email); 614-220-4023, ext. 233 (telephone)
・Classes: The “English Can Be Fun” ESL program offers help with reading, writing, listening and speaking from basic to advanced. Classes are offered year-round, Monday-Thursday, 10 am-noon. Contact AACS for class schedule and registration information. Registration required.
The Bridge Community Center Adult Education
・Address: 3750 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus 43228
・Website: thebridge.io
・Contact: info@thebridge.io (email); 614-272-2949 (telephone)
・Classes: Classes are led by volunteers at The Bridge and are offered Monday-Thursday, 9:45-11:45 am. The program is designed to help those who desire to reach GED level English and math. Classes also help students understand cultural differences and expectations. Some classes review practical conversational and written English: what to say or ask at the doctor’s office, how to fill out forms and applications, where to look for items at the grocery store, navigating healthcare, what to ask a pharmacist and more. Conversation classes meet on Mondays; literacy classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and citizenship classes meet on Wednesdays. Registration required.
Columbus Literacy Council
・Address: 92 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus 43215
・Website: columbusliteracy.org
・Contact: studentservices@columbusliteracy.org (email); 614-282-7661, choose option 1 (telephone)
・Classes: English to Excel (E2E), for individuals who are learning or improving English as a second language, focuses on functional literacy skills for everyday life. English for Occupations (E4O) is for those who need work and life skills to obtain self-sufficiency. Columbus Literacy Council (CLC) offers day, evening, weekend and weekday classes taught by volunteers at many locations in the Columbus area. CLC also offers computer-assisted learning and one-on-one tutoring, in addition to classroom instruction. Advance registration is required; you may do so online. You must register and attend student orientation before starting class. Orientations are held several times each month and last 2-3 hours.
Columbus Public Schools Adult & Community Education
・Address: Adult and Community Education Center, 2323 Lexington Avenue, Columbus 43211
・Website: ccsoh.us/ace.aspx
・Contact: 614-365-6468, ext. 261 (telephone); tharry2373@columbus.k12.oh.us (email)
・Classes: Certified English teachers lead classes from beginning to advanced. Classes, which meet at a variety of locations throughout the city, include listening, speaking, reading, writing and basic citizenship. Classes begin in September and new students are accepted monthly thereafter. You must attend an orientation session before starting class; contact the Adult and Community Education Center for dates and times.
Columbus State Community College Language Institute
・Address: Center for Workforce Development, 315 Cleveland Avenue, Room 1090, Columbus 43215
・Website: cscc.edu/community/language-institute/basic-english.shtml
・Contact: 614-287-5858 (telephone); cewdreg@cscc.edu (email)
・Classes: Columbus State offers non-academic-credit, Basic English as a Second Language at nine levels from low beginning to high intermediate. In each course, students work on reading, writing, vocabulary, listening and speaking skills. Classes, which are led by paid faculty, meet at both the Columbus and Delaware campuses for 6 hours every week. New students must take a placement test ($15, payable by check or money order) before registering for classes. Contact the Non-Credit Registration Office for testing dates and times.
Conversational English Group
・Address: Indianola Presbyterian Church, 1970 Waldeck Avenue at East 18th Street (near the OSU campus), Columbus 43201
・Contact: Barbara Groseclose; groseclose.1@osu.edu (email)
・Classes: Conversational English Group provides opportunities to practice conversation and improve proficiency speaking and listening to American English among international members of the Columbus community. The group meets year-round on Thursdays from 5-7 pm. No registration required. Join the group at any time.
Crossing Community Church
・Address: 4770 Britton Parkway, Hilliard 43026
・Website: crossingcommunity.org
・Contact: Debra Oliphant; debraoliphant@sbcglobal.net (email)
・Classes: Beginning, intermediate and advanced classes are offered on Sunday from 9:30-10:30 am. Bible-based English lessons begin at 11 am on Sundays. Debra Oliphant is certified by the state of Ohio to teach ESL to Pre K-12th grade. No registration required. Join the group at any time.
Delaware Area Career Center
・Address: 4565 Columbus Pike, Delaware 43015 Classes meet at the Delaware County District Library – Orange branch, Vineyard Community Center in Westerville, Delaware Area Career Center – south campus and the Delaware City Schools Resource Center
・Website: delawareareacc.org/adult-education/ablegedesol/class-schedule-and-locations
・Contact: 740-203-2267 (telephone)
・Classes: Credentialed teachers offer classes at four different locations in Delaware and Franklin counties. An online ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) class is available 24/7 for students with Internet access. In order to attend classes or study online, you must complete an orientation. They are held every 6 weeks. Call the Delaware Area Career Center ABLE Office for a convenient date and time; the information can also be found on their website.
Dominican Learning Center
・Address: 1111 E. Stewart Avenue, Columbus 43206
・Website: domlearningcenter.org
・Contact: 614-444-7330 (telephone); lmendoza@oppeace.org (email)
・Classes: Volunteers for the Dominican Learning Center offer one-to-one or small-group English tutoring at many locations, including area libraries. Times and locations are arranged by students and their tutors. New students need to sign up for a free, one-hour assessment of their English skills before being assigned to a tutor. Contact the Dominican Learning Center to schedule an assessment.
Dublin City Schools Community Education
・Address: Indian Run Elementary School, 80 W. Bridge Street, Dublin 43017. Meet in the school library.
・Website: dublinschools.net/communityeducation.aspx
・Contact: 614-760-4362 (telephone)
・Classes: “ESL for Adults:” A certified ESOL teacher helps advanced-beginning and intermediate-level adult students improve their English listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar in a relaxed setting. Topics include health, shopping, housing and food. Classes meet during the school year on Wednesdays from 6:30-8 pm. Registration required. Call for the current class schedule.
Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools
・Address: Classes meet at the Eastland Career Center, Whitehall-Yearling High School and the Adult Workforce Development Center in Groveport
・Website: eastland-fairfield.com
・Contact: 614-836-4541 (telephone)
・Classes: Daytime and evening classes, which meet for 5 hours per week, are offered mid-August through the end of June. All teachers have bachelor’s degrees and professional development in ESOL. Please call for class sign-up dates and orientation schedule. You must register and attend an orientation in order to attend classes. Call for registration dates and locations.
Faith Community Church
・Address: 5762 Wilcox Road, Dublin 43016
・Website: fccdublin.com/ministries/english-conversation
・Contact: Amy Bachmeier; 614-599-7729 (telephone); amybachmeier@outlook.com (email)
・Classes: “English Conversation through the Bible” meets from 1:30-3 pm on Thursdays at the church. This women-only Bible study and discussion group offers conversation, knowledge of American culture and friendship. You may join the group at any time, but call or email to register first.
Family ESL Program, Serving Our Neighbors (SON) Ministries
・Address: Classes meet at The Church at Mill Run (Upper Arlington Lutheran Church), 3500 Mill Run Drive, Hilliard 43026
・Website: son-ministries.org
・Contact: Alison Rooney; 614-586-7939 (telephone); info@son-ministries.org (email)
・Classes: Family ESL serves children and adults: infants from 3 months-old through high school students to adults. This all-inclusive program offers childcare for ages 2 and under; early literacy activities for pre-kindergarteners; a kids’ club with indoor recess, gymnasium and arts & crafts activities as well as academic and homework help for K-7 students; internships for teens to volunteer within the program; and adult English classes taught by qualified ESL instructors. SON Ministries is a nonprofit Christian organization. Classes meet from 6-8:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, October through April. Call for dates when new families can begin the program.
Godman Guild
・Address: Classes meet at three locations: DeVry University, 1350 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus 43209 Somali Senior and Family Services Center (classes are open to all), 2706 Crossroads Plaza Drive, Columbus 43219 Godman Guild Sixth Avenue Building, 303 East 6th Avenue, Columbus 43201
・Website: godmanguild.org
・Contact: 614-294-5476 (telephone)
・Classes: The Godman Guild offers morning ESOL courses along with adult literacy classes for those testing out of ESOL coursework. All teachers are ESOL-certified. Classes, designed to be self-paced and tailored to meet the individual needs, focus on instruction in reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Students also receive lessons on American culture. Prospective students must first attend an informational orientation session at their preferred class location, where they can then enroll. Orientations are held monthly. Check the website or call for dates, times and locations. You must register at an orientation session before attending classes.
Grace Church of Powell
・Address: 7600 Liberty Road North, Powell 43065
・Website: gracechurchpowell.org
・Contact: Sandy Farner; 614-638-3137 (telephone)
・Classes: English classes from beginning to advanced meet on Mondays from 7-9 pm. Childcare provided. No registration required. Join a class at any time.
INCH (International Neighborhood Coffee House)
・Address: University Baptist Church, 50 W. Lane Avenue, Columbus 43201
・Website: inchcolumbusesl.org
・Contact: 614-294-6333 (telephone); inchcolumbus@gmail.com (email)
・Classes: INCH offers small-group ESOL conversation and classes for women only. The program is staffed by volunteers who provide tutoring at the right level. Classes meet on Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 am, from the last week in August through the last week in May. Preschool children are welcome. Registration is not necessary. Join the group at any time.
Ohio Hispanic Coalition
・Address: Classes meet at 3556 Sullivant Avenue, Suite 107, Columbus 43204
・Website: ohiohispaniccoalition.org
・Contact: 614-840-9934 (telephone)
・Classes: Basic English classes, which meet on Saturdays for 8 weeks from 11:30 am-1 pm, also cover material used in U.S. citizenship tests. Registration is required.
South-Western City Schools Adult Basic Education
・Address: Classes meet at South-Western Career Academy and Westland Area Library
・Website: swcsd.us/departments/adult-and-community-education
・Contact: 614-801-3477 (telephone)
・Classes: Classes meet twice a week during the school year. New classes begin approximately every 6 weeks. Students are accepted only at the beginning of each 6-week session. You must register and attend an orientation in order to attend classes. Call for session calendar and for registration dates and locations.
St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church
・Address: 10700 Liberty Street, Powell 43065
・Website: stjoanofarcpowell.org/literacy-ministry
・Contact: 614-761-0905 (telephone)
・Classes: St. Joan of Arc offers one-on-one tutoring or small- group tutoring for up to 4 students at the same level of fluency. Students are placed with a tutor who is available one hour per week on the days and
times the student can meet at the church. Students with more English fluency can spend an additional hour per week with “conversation buddies.” Tutors are trained volunteers; many are retired teachers. Class dates and times are flexible. Please contact the church and request that your contact information and email address be forwarded to Bev Bucher. She will get back to you to answer your questions and schedule an initial skills assessment.
Tolles Career and Technical Center
・Address: Classes are offered at Horizon Elementary School, Hilliard Station Sixth Grade School and the Hilliard branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library
・Website: tollestech.com/adult-education/able-esol-ged
・Contact: 614-873-4666, ext. 4248 (telephone)
・Classes: Certified teachers help adults improve their skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening in English. Classes are taught at the basic, intermediate and advanced levels. You must attend an orientation before attending class; call for dates.
Upper Arlington Public Library – Main Library
・Address: 2800 Tremont Road, Upper Arlington 43221
・Website: ualibrary.org
・Contact: 614-486-9621 (telephone)
・Classes: Volunteer Vivian Harvey leads a weekly discussion about current news events for non-native English speakers to help develop speaking and reading comprehension skills. The ESOL Current Events Discussion Group meets in the fall and spring at 10 am on Tuesdays. Registration required; call the library or register online.
Upper Arlington Public Library – Lane Road Branch
・Address: 1945 Lane Road, Upper Arlington 43220
・Website: ualibrary.org
・Contact: 614-459-0273 (telephone)
・Classes: “Let’s Speak English” meets on Wednesdays from 1-2:30 pm. ESOL-trained volunteers help adults practice speaking English in small groups. No summer classes. No registration required.
Vineyard Community Center – Vineyard Church of Columbus
・Address: 6000 Cooper Road, Westerville 43081
・Website: vineyardcommunitycenter.org
・Contact: 614-259-5500 (telephone)
・Classes: Volunteers lead classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10-11:30 am. Evening classes meet on Tuesdays from 7-9 pm (free childcare is available). No summer classes. Note: The Delaware Area Career Center (DACC) also offers classes at this location, with different teachers and curriculum. Please see the DACC listing for more information. Registration required; call the Vineyard or register online.
Worthington Libraries
・Address: Old Worthington Library, 820 High Street, Worthington 43085
・Website: worthingtonlibraries.org
・Contact: 614-807-2626 (telephone); jmaier@worthingtonlibraries.org (email)
・Classes: English Conversation Group participants work with library staff to improve their understanding and fluency in spoken American English. Opportunities to discuss a variety of topics are supplemented with brief listening and pronunciation practice. Join the group at any time to meet new friends and talk about cultural differences in an informal setting. Sessions meet year-round with short breaks in December, late May and late August. No registration required. Join the group at any time.
