Language Learning Resources in DC

Free or Low-Cost

Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School

Carlos Rosario has two locations in DC, and since the pandemic, also offers courses online. They offer classes in the areas of ESL, GED, career training, and citizenship preparation. They also partner with the DC Public School system (DCPS) to offer ESL for families; classes take place in public schools and family members learn English as well as gaining tools to support their children academically.  Carlos Rosario also offers holistic student services, including case management, counseling, job seeking, college/vocational prep and support.

CentroNía

CentroNía was founded as a multicultural, affordable early childhood education center serving children from birth to age five. They have historically served predominantly immigrant and low-income families, and in addition to early childhood education they offer services such as family support, parenting workshops, counseling, skill-building classes, before and after care, school break programming, and food and wellness programs. 

Community of Hope

Community of Hope is a community health organization with locations throughout the District. In addition to wraparound health services, they also provide refugee health services, including care coordinators and a variety of workshops.

DC Black Deaf Advocates

This advocacy organization seeks to support DC area deaf and hard of hearing people by promoting leadership opportunities, working for equality, and taking care of the welfare and education of Black deaf and hard of hearing people.

DC Public Libraries

The DC Public Libraries offer several resources to users, such as access to online programs and in person/virtual programming. The majority of these programs are available to anyone with a library card, which includes reciprocity with neighboring Maryland counties.

• Mango Languages is a mobile app which provides lessons in language and cultural skills.
• BookFlix is a web-based service with children’s video storybooks and factual e-books, plus games to build early reading skills. They offer some Spanish language titles, but most titles are in English.
• Tumblebooks is another web-based service with animated picture books in English, Spanish, French.
• Books From Birth is a program through a partnership DCPL has with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to provide one free book per month from birth to age five (titles in English). This program is available to DC residents only. 
• American Sign Language classes are offered for free at several DCPL locations. 
• Adult Learning program offers a variety of supports, including GED classes, reading classes, English tutors, career coaching, and ESL Conversation Circles.

DC Public Schools 

DCPS has several varieties of programs to support multilingual learners within the school district. These include content-based ESP programs, over 10 public schools with dual language programs, a literacy program to prepare immigrant students with little prior formal education, and sheltered instruction programs. 

Georgetown University

Georgetown offers English classes on evenings and weekends to support working adults seeking to improve their language skills. These courses cost approximately $500-600 for a three-month course.

The Next Step/El Próximo Paso Public Charter School

Next Step, like Carlos Rosario, is also a public charter school with free course offerings. They provide courses in GED, ESL, and life skills. They also provide student support services, including case management, bullying prevention, dialogue circles, college & career readiness, and tutoring.

Washington DC Area Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (WATESOL)

This organization serves the local TESOL community by providing professional development for member educators, engaging in local advocacy, and offering a community of support for educators.