ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) Education Program

For immigrants arriving in the United States, learning English is a huge step toward building a new life and contributing to the economic and cultural vitality of our communities. English proficiency brings economic opportunity, social integration, access to essential services, and personal confidence. In addition to learning grammar and vocabulary, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) education provides a comprehensive support system designed to help English Language Learners (ELL) navigate their new environment and achieve their full potential.

OIRA’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program offers ESOL classes  (Level 1 - Level 3) with accompanying digital literacy curriculum to low-income ELL.

If you need additional help getting a job and learning English, please check out the Ready to Work Program for more information.

Eligibility for students:

  • Live, work, or own businesses within Seattle city limits.
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have an income of 80% or less of Seattle’s area median income.  

Contact our ESOL partner organizations:

Casa Latina

Program name: Intensive English for Speakers of Other Languages

Casa Latina is offering 10-Week Intensive ESOL courses, with multiple levels available. See below for more information on program requirements and eligibility. 

  • 2X/week for 10 weeks (30 hours total)
  • Tues./Thurs.(Level 0-1 classes) or Wed./Fri. (Level 2-3 classes)
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Registration and placement test required each quarter
  • Class sizes are limited
  • Must attend all classes                                                                                                                                 

Registration and contact info:

  • Address: Classes are taught in-person at 317 17th Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98144
  • The contact email to learn more about our all of Casa Latina’s classes and to register for the ESOL Intensives, reach out to: learning@casa-latina.org 

Kandelia

Program Name: Empowering Immigrant and Refugee Caregivers

Kandelia provides free virtual Beginner English, Intermediate English, and English Conversation classes for parents and guardians of students in Seattle Public Schools. 
 
Registration and contact info:  

East African Community Services

Program Name: Workforce ESOL & Digital Literacy Program

Free English Classes for Adults with digital literacy and focused on employment and career English. Class time options are mornings and evenings.  

Registration and contact info:

Chinese Information Service Center 

Program Name: Connection to Opportunities Program

The Connection to Opportunities Program provides a 12-week ESL training course for+ Chinese-speaking immigrant adults at ESOL Levels 1–3, with class placement based on an initial language assessment. The program combines English language instruction with employment readiness, digital literacy, and life skills training, helping participants build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workplace, navigate daily life, and achieve greater economic stability, self-sufficiency, and long-term resilience. 

Instruction and participant support are offered in Chinese to ensure accessibility and effective learning.

Registration and contact info:

  • Call (206) 887-4931 to inquire about registration.
  • Language support available in: Cantonese, Mandarin, Toishanese and English.

Refugee Women's Alliance (ReWA)

Program Name: Workforce ESOL and Employment Pathway Program

ReWA offers free ESOL classes (Level 1-3) for eligible immigrants and refugees in Seattle. Our ESOL program helps adults improve their English skills for everyday communication, employment, and greater independence. Classes focus on speaking, listening, reading, writing, and digital literacy. 

Registration and contact information: 

ESOL classes are located at two Seattle locations: Flourish on Rainier at 7930 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118 and Nichols Court at 7544 Martin Luther King Jr Way S, Seattle, WA 98118. Classes combine in-person instruction with online learning.

To register for classes, complete ReWa’s online form.

Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

Oksana Bilobran, Interim Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 1616, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94573, Seattle, WA, 98124
Phone: (206) 727-8515
OIRA@seattle.gov

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The mission of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs is to improve the lives of Seattle’s immigrant and refugee communities by engaging them in decisions about the City of Seattle’s future and improving the City’s programs and services to meet the needs of all constituents.