Free Adult ESL Classes in Livingston County: Learn English, Build Confidence & Prepare for Work

Aug 22

5 min read

Free English classes. A certified teacher. Conversation practice. Individual help from trained volunteer tutors. Online learning you can use at home. And new workforce courses that can help you prepare for your next career step.

Adults looking for free adult ESL classes in Livingston County can access all of this through the LESA Adult ESL Program, with additional support from the Livingston County Literacy Coalition (LCLC).

Classes for the 2026–27 school year begin Wednesday, September 9, 2026, and continue on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00–8:00 PM in Howell.

Whether you want to communicate more confidently at work, talk with your child's teacher, prepare for a new career, continue your education, or simply feel more comfortable using English in everyday life, this program is here to help.

Free Classes Taught by a Certified Teacher

The LESA Adult ESL Program is free for learners and classes are taught by a certified teacher.

Learners receive structured English instruction while developing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.

Adults come to class with different experiences, English abilities, strengths, and goals. The classroom provides a supportive place to learn at your level while working toward goals that are important to you.

Practice Speaking English

Learning English isn't just about studying vocabulary and grammar. You also need opportunities to use English with other people.

Conversation and interaction are an important part of the class experience. Learners practice speaking English with their teacher, other adult learners, and LCLC volunteer tutors.

This practice can help build confidence for everyday conversations—talking with coworkers, asking questions at a store, communicating with your child's school, making an appointment, or meeting someone new.

Come Early for Coffee & Conversation

Learners are invited to come early for Coffee & Conversation from 5:30–6:00 PM before class.

This informal time provides another opportunity to practice speaking English, connect with other learners and volunteers, and become more comfortable using English in conversation.

Extra Help From LCLC Volunteer Tutors

One of the special benefits of the program is the additional support provided by trained LCLC volunteer tutors.

LCLC volunteers work alongside the classroom teacher to provide individualized assistance, help with small-group activities, practice conversation, reinforce new skills, and offer encouragement.

This gives learners more opportunities to ask questions, practice what they're learning, and receive extra help when they need it.

LCLC tutors are trained to recognize that every adult learner brings different strengths, experiences, and goals to the classroom. Our approach emphasizes respectful, adult-centered learning connected to practical, real-life needs.

Keep Learning With Burlington English

Learning doesn't have to stop when class ends.

Every learner receives access to a Burlington English account, providing additional opportunities to practice and continue learning outside of class.

This flexibility is especially helpful for adults balancing education with work, children, family responsibilities, and busy schedules.

Learners can reinforce classroom instruction and continue building their skills at a time that works for them.

NEW: Build Skills for Work and Future Careers

There is an exciting new benefit available through Burlington English.

Learners now have access to Burlington Workforce career-focused and foundational skills courses at no additional cost. The courses are fully online and self-paced, making it possible to build additional skills outside regular class hours.

Explore In-Demand Career Fields

Burlington Workforce Essentials introduces learners to in-demand career fields while building workplace communication skills.

Current courses include:

CDL
Manufacturing
Medical Assistants
Medical Billing and Coding
Welding

These courses create an opportunity to connect English learning with employment and career goals.

Build Digital and Financial Skills

Learners can build important foundational skills, too.

Burlington Workforce currently includes courses in Digital Literacy and Financial Literacy, with Math 1: Number Basics listed as coming soon.

These aren't just classroom skills. Digital and financial literacy can help adults navigate employment, communicate online, access information, manage finances, and become more independent in everyday life.

Earn Certificates and Digital Badges

Learners can also receive recognition for what they accomplish.

Every completed Burlington Workforce course includes a Certificate of Completion and digital badge, giving learners a tangible way to show what they have achieved.

For someone working toward employment or career advancement, these milestones provide another way to demonstrate continued learning and skill development.

And every completed course is an accomplishment worth celebrating!

What Does an ESL Class Night Look Like?

Not sure what to expect? Here's what an evening looks like:

5:30–6:00 PM | Coffee & Conversation
- Come early for informal English conversation practice. Talk with other learners and LCLC volunteers and build confidence using English in a relaxed environment.
6:00–8:00 PM | Adult ESL Class
- A certified teacher leads structured English instruction. Learners work on speaking, listening, reading, writing, vocabulary, communication, and other English skills.
During Class | Individual & Small-Group Support
- LCLC volunteer tutors provide additional help throughout the evening. Depending on the lesson and learner needs, tutors may work individually with learners, assist small groups, practice conversation, reinforce skills, or provide additional explanation.
Between Classes | Keep Learning
- Use your Burlington English account to continue practicing throughout the week and explore workforce and foundational skills courses at your own pace.

English for Work, Family & Everyday Life

Adult ESL education is about much more than memorizing vocabulary or completing a worksheet.

It's about talking with your supervisor or coworkers.

Communicating with your child's teacher.

Understanding instructions at work.

Scheduling an appointment.

Completing forms and applications.

Using technology.

Understanding everyday financial information.

Preparing for employment or a new career.

Asking questions when you don't understand.

And feeling more confident participating in the community where you live and work.

Free classes + certified teacher instruction + conversation practice + trained volunteer tutors + Burlington English + workforce courses + digital and financial literacy + continued learning outside the classroom.

Together, these opportunities give adult learners multiple ways to build the skills and confidence they need to reach their goals.

Free Adult ESL Classes in Livingston County: Fall 2026 Information

Classes begin: Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Class schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:00–8:00 PM

Coffee & Conversation: 5:30–6:00 PM

Location:Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA)1425 W. Grand River Ave.Howell, MI 48843

How to Register

Classes are free, but registration is required.

Registration and placement testing take approximately three hours. Please bring a photo ID to your registration appointment at LESA.

Ready to register?

Questions? Call 517-980-2045.

Take the Next Step

Maybe you want to speak English more confidently. Maybe you want to communicate better at work, help your children, prepare for your next job, become more comfortable using technology, or simply feel more independent in everyday life.

Whatever your reason for learning, you don't have to do it alone.

The classes are free. A certified teacher leads instruction. Volunteer tutors are there to help. You'll have opportunities to practice speaking English with others. And Burlington English gives you additional ways to continue learning outside of class.

Take the first step and register for Fall 2026.