Open the door to English — and find a class that welcomes you.
Honest information about ESL, citizenship-test prep, conversation, business English, and TOEFL/IELTS — and a free way to get matched with welcoming, accredited language schools near you, in your language.
Doorway is a free matching service, not a school. You compare programs and choose where to enroll.
ESL from your first words to fluent
Most schools place you by level, from absolute beginner to advanced. You don't need to know your level yet — a free placement chat finds it for you.
Find the class that fits your goal
From your first words in English to a citizenship test, a better job, or a university application — there's a class for where you are.
ESL classes — beginner to advanced
How adult ESL classes work, from absolute beginner to advanced — what the levels mean, how placement works, where to find free and low-cost classes, and how to choose a school.
Learn more ProgramsCitizenship & civics test prep
Classes that help you prepare for the US naturalization interview and civics test — the English and civics you practice, how classes are scheduled, and what to expect. Not immigration legal advice.
Learn more ProgramsConversation & accent classes
Classes focused on speaking with confidence — everyday conversation, pronunciation, and clearer speech for work and daily life.
Learn more ProgramsBusiness & workplace English
English for the workplace — emails, meetings, interviews, and the language of your industry — for professionals and job seekers.
Learn more ProgramsEnglish classes for kids & teens
After-school and weekend English classes for children and teenagers, including newcomers — how they work and what to look for in a program.
Learn more ProgramsTOEFL & IELTS test prep
Classes that prepare you for the TOEFL and IELTS English exams for university or work — the sections, the scoring, and how courses are usually structured.
Learn moreWhat classes cost and how they're scheduled
Typical ranges depend on the school, the program, the format, and your city. Many adult ESL classes are free or low-cost. These are examples, not quotes.
| Type of class | Typical cost | How it's usually scheduled |
|---|---|---|
| Community / nonprofit ESL | $0 – $200 | Often free or very low-cost, evenings & weekends |
| Private language school | $200 – $1,500 | Per course or per level, daytime or evening |
| Online classes & tutoring | $15 – $60 / hr | Flexible, often billed by the hour or month |
| Citizenship / TOEFL / IELTS prep | $100 – $800 | Short courses tied to a test date |
Costs are typical examples, not quotes or guarantees. Always confirm the price, schedule, and refund policy directly with the school. Many free adult ESL classes exist through libraries, community colleges, and nonprofits.
In person, online, or both
Pick the format that fits your week. Many schools offer all three.
In person
Classroom classes near you — best for practice, friends, and routine.
Online
Live classes from home — flexible hours, no commute.
Hybrid
Some in person, some online — the best of both.
How Doorway works
Four simple steps — and you choose where to enroll.
Tell us your goal and level
What you want to learn, roughly where you are, your area, and how to reach you. Goal and contact details only — never financial account numbers or sensitive records.
Get matched, free
We connect you with accredited language schools and ESL centers near you, at no cost. You'll usually hear from more than one, so you can compare.
Compare programs & schedules
Look at the level, the schedule, the format, and the cost. Ask about a free placement test and a trial class. Confirm the school's accreditation and refund policy.
You choose where to enroll
You decide which school fits your week and your budget. Nothing is automatic, and the cheapest class isn't always the right one.
Plain-language guides
What the levels mean, how to find free classes, how the citizenship test works, and how to choose a school you can trust.
Learning in a new country is brave
Whatever language you speak today, there's a class that meets you where you are — and people who want you to succeed.
How we are paid
Doorway is free for students. The language schools we match you with pay a flat fee to receive your request. We never charge you to be matched, and we never take a cut of your tuition.
Choose with open eyes
Always confirm a school's accreditation and licensing, its prices and refund policy, and what the class actually covers before you enroll or pay. We can't promise fluency, a test score, or any visa or immigration outcome.
Find a welcoming language class — free
Tell us your goal, your level, and your area. We connect you, at no cost, with accredited language schools and ESL centers near you. You compare and choose where to enroll.