Free classes & tutoring

The Broadway Bubble, 718 Broadway, Kingston, offers free classes in English and Spanish. For details visit their website, call 845-750-1668 or 845-750-1369, email enma@kingstonmidtownrising.org, or check their Facebook page or Instagram.

Ulster Literacy Association offers free one-on-one English tutoring, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for ages 16 and up, and help with high school equivalency studies in Kingston, New Paltz, and Saugerties. To request tutoring, get updates on classes, or  for other information, call 845-331-6837 or email Amy@UlsterLiteracy.org or Giuditta@UlsterLiteracy.org.

Ulster BOCES, free classes for those 18 and older. Call 845-331-5050, ext. 2243, with questions. Register at any session. Schedule as of March 2025:

  • Kingston, Ulster Literacy Association, 480 Aaron Court, Mondays and Wednesdays, 6-8:30 p.m.
  • New Paltz Middle School, 196 Main Street, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.
  • Port Ewen, BOCES CTC, 319 Broadway, Route 9W, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Ellenville Adult Learning Center, 104 Center Street, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30-4:30 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.
  • Saugerties Junior/Senior High School, 310 Washington Ave. Ext., Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30-8:30 PM

Literacy Connections of the Hudson Valley offers small group classes where learners practice conversational skills while learning English, sharing experiences, and gaining confidence. One-on-one tutoring sessions may also be available. They welcome learners regardless of literacy level. Email info@literacyconnections.org or click here. Locations:

  • Hudson Area Library, 51 North 5th Street, 518-828-1792, Ext. 104.
  • Literacy Connections office, 504 Haight Avenue, Poughkeepsie, 845-452-8670.
  • Newburgh Free Library, 124 Grand Street, call 845-232-0734.

Episcopal Church of the Messiah in Rhinebeck has free virtual classes for beginning and intermediate English language learners on weekday evenings. June through August classes are replaced with Fun & Free in the Hudson Valley — trips and social events. Interested? Call or text Liz Schembri, 845-242-1199, or email Rhinebeck.episcopal@gmail.com.

Free online classes

Neighbors Link offers free online classes in English as a Second Language (ESL) and U.S. Citizenship classes. See the latest schedule here. For details email esl@neighborslink.org or call 914-666-3410.

Free English-learning app

Public libraries in Ulster County and throughout the Hudson Valley offer Transparent Language, an app available free to anyone with a library card. It can be used to study more than 110 languages. Library cards are free at any public library or online.

The app allows users to learn with a computer, phone, or  tablet and allows people to start at the very beginning with a language and build on their skills by talking into the speaker on their phone or computer and getting immediate feedback.

Low-cost classes

Dutchess BOCES logo

Dutchess BOCES has English as a Second Language and literacy classes in Poughkeepsie and other locations in Dutchess County. High school equivalence classes are offered in person and online. There is a one-time $10 registration fee for classes. For more information or to register call 845-483-3640, ext. 6127. Students of all languages and backgrounds are welcome.

Dutchess Community College offers 90 hours of English as a Second Language ($25 plus textbooks) and high school equivalency classes ($20) classes are in English or Spanish, online or in-person in Dutchess County. See schedule. New classes begin every few months. Questions? ESL@SunyDutchess.edu or 845-790-3590.