Just arrived in the US? Start here.

You do not have to figure this out alone

When you are new in the US, English can affect almost every part of daily life. Work. School forms. Doctor visits. Talking to neighbors. Asking for help. It is normal to feel excited and overwhelmed at the same time.

Doorway is a free matching service. We are not a school and we do not teach classes ourselves. We help you compare English programs and connect with welcoming, accredited language schools and ESL centers near you. You choose if and where to enroll.

Many students start with simple goals:
- speak with more confidence at work
- understand everyday English
- help a child with school
- prepare for college or training later
- practice reading and writing
- study online if travel is hard

If you want to see class types first, visit ESL classes or online classes.

What to think about before you choose a class

Not every program is right for every student. A good class fits your life, not just your level.

Here are smart questions to ask:

1. What is your main goal?
Do you want conversation practice, reading and writing, workplace English, or test prep? Your goal helps you choose the right program.

2. What schedule can you really keep?
Some classes meet in the morning, evening, or weekends. If you work changing shifts or care for children, ask about flexible attendance or online options.

3. How do you learn best?
Some students want a classroom with a teacher and other learners. Others prefer small groups or online lessons from home.

4. What is your current English level?
Schools often use a short placement test or interview. That helps place you in the right class. If you are not sure what terms like beginner or intermediate mean, read English levels explained.

5. What can you afford?
Many adult ESL programs are free or low cost. Private language schools may cost more, but they may offer more schedules or faster start dates.

Before you enroll or pay, confirm the school's accreditation or licensing, total cost, class schedule, and refund policy directly with the school. You can also review these tips in how to choose a language school.

Free and low-cost options many new arrivals use

Good English classes do not always have to be expensive. In many US cities, there are free or low-cost adult ESL classes through public programs and community organizations.

Common options include:
- Libraries: often free conversation groups or beginner classes
- Adult schools: many offer low-cost ESL for local residents
- Community colleges: sometimes free noncredit ESL or low-cost placement options
- Nonprofits and community centers: often beginner-friendly and multilingual
- Faith-based organizations: may offer free classes in a welcoming setting
- Private language schools: usually paid, but may have more schedules, levels, or intensive formats

Typical examples:
- Many community-based adult ESL classes are free to under about $200
- Private language schools are often about $200-$1,500 per course or level
- Online tutoring is often about $15-$60 per hour
- Test prep courses are often about $100-$800

These are typical ranges only. Prices vary by school, city, program length, and format. Many students begin with free local classes and later move to a paid program if they want more hours or a different schedule.

If saving money is important, start with our guide to free ESL classes or compare common class formats.

If citizenship is one of your goals

Some new arrivals want English classes that also support long-term goals, including naturalization preparation. It is common to look for classes that help with basic English speaking, reading, and writing, plus practice for the US citizenship civics test and interview.

In general, citizenship prep classes may cover public information such as:
- the civics questions about US history and government
- simple interview practice
- vocabulary often used in the application and interview process
- reading and writing practice at a basic level

But this is important: English study is not immigration legal advice. Doorway does not advise on citizenship eligibility, visa status, green cards, or legal strategy. If you have any question about whether you qualify, what documents you need, or how your case may be affected, talk to a licensed immigration attorney or an accredited representative.

If you only want to learn about class options, see citizenship test prep. These classes can help you practice, but no class can promise citizenship or any immigration outcome.

Your next step with Doorway

You do not need perfect English to begin. You only need a goal and a way for schools to contact you.

Here is how to start:

1. Tell us what you want
For example: beginner English, evening classes, online study, conversation practice, or citizenship test prep.

2. Share basic contact details
We use your contact information so matching schools can reach out. We do not need sensitive records like bank information, Social Security numbers, or immigration documents.

3. Compare your options
Ask each school about schedule, location, level, price, accreditation or licensing, and refund rules.

4. Choose what fits your life
You are in control. There is no cost to be matched through Doorway.

Ready to see your options? Start here: Get matched.