Whether you want to learn Spanish for work, pick up American Sign Language as a family, help your kids get a head start on a second language, or improve your English after moving to North Carolina, the Triad has more language-learning options than you might expect. From free ESL classes at local community colleges and libraries to kids’ Spanish enrichment, ASL classes, private tutoring, and university language courses, there’s a program for every age, schedule, and budget.

We’ve gathered language classes and language-learning programs across Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Burlington, Kernersville, and the surrounding Triad into one easy directory. Browse by city to find ESL and ESOL classes for adults, Spanish lessons for kids and adults, ASL classes, and programs in French, Italian, Russian, Arabic, Latin, Ancient Greek, and more. Many programs are free or low cost, and several offer online options, too.

Schedules and registration periods change often, so be sure to contact each program directly to confirm current class times, eligibility, and enrollment details.

Find Language Classes by Language

Free ESL and English classes for adults

Alamance Community College, Alamance Dream Center, American Language Academy, FaithAction International House, GTCC (Greensboro and High Point), INTERLINK at UNCG, New Arrivals Institute, Reading Connections, Forsyth Tech, Open Arms Community, YMCA of NWNC Literacy Initiative, Randolph Community College, and Rockingham County Public Library (Eden).

Spanish classes for adults

Alamance Community College, GTCC, Listen and Learn, Vecino Center, We Know the Language, and My Tutor and Mentor.

Spanish classes for kids

Kinderspanish / Spanish 4 Kids in Greensboro and Future Linguists in Winston-Salem.

American Sign Language (ASL) classes

Communication Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (CSDHH), Hands That Speak, City of Greensboro Parks & Recreation, UNCG, and Triad Baptist Church in Kernersville.

Other languages

French and Italian at Vecino Center; Russian at Russian 4 Everything; Arabic at My Tutor and Mentor; French, German, and Japanese at UNCG; Latin and Ancient Greek at UNCG; and many more through Listen and Learn.

Free self-paced language learning

Greensboro Public Library cardholders can use Transparent Language Online for free through NC LIVE.

Burlington Language Classes
Greensboro Language Classes
High Point Language Classes
Kernersville Language Classes
Winston-Salem Language Classes
Surrounding Areas

Burlington Language Classes

Alamance Community College

Address: 1247 Jimmie Kerr Rd., Graham, NC 27253
Website: Alamance Community College
Contact: Yholima Vargas Pedroza, Coordinator, English Language Acquisition, College and Career Readiness | (336) 506-4300
Description: Offers English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction for adults, Spanish courses focused on conversational and career-related skills, and online language courses through Continuing Education. Programs support personal, educational, and professional development.

Alamance Dream Center

Address: 1423 N. Church St., Burlington, NC 27217
Website: Alamance Dream Center
Contact: (336) 438-1463 | info@alamancedreamcenter.com
Description: Community organization offering programs for immigrant and Spanish-speaking residents, including adult English learning and English/Spanish language practice.

Greensboro Language Classes

American Language Academy

Address: 437 W. Friendly Ave., Suite 135, Greensboro, NC 27401
Website: American Language Academy
Contact: (336) 285-7318 | info@ala.edu
Description: English-language school offering intensive English instruction for international and U.S. resident adult learners. Programs are available on campus and online and can support academic, professional, and social English-language goals.

City of Greensboro Parks & Recreation

Address: Various Greensboro locations
Website: Greensboro Parks & Recreation
Contact: (336) 373-2558
Description: Periodically offers introductory American Sign Language (ASL) classes that teach basic signs in a fun, interactive environment. These beginner-friendly programs welcome participants of all ages. Check the current program guide for upcoming classes, locations, and registration details.

Communication Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (CSDHH)

Address: 1175 Revolution Mill Dr., Suite 15, Greensboro, NC 27405
Website: CSDHH ASL Classes
Contact: (336) 275-8878 | classes@csdhh.org
Description: Offers structured American Sign Language classes in person in Greensboro and live online. Classes include progressive levels and emphasize conversational ASL and interaction with the Deaf community. Classes are designed primarily for adults, although students ages 12+ can participate under specified conditions.

FaithAction International House

Address: Greensboro, NC
Website: FaithAction Immigrant Assistance Center
Contact: contact@faithaction.org
Description: FaithAction’s Immigrant Assistance Center serves immigrants and refugees in the local community. Existing clients are eligible to participate in FaithAction’s free beginning-level English class, depending on program capacity and individual eligibility. The English class is marketed to existing FaithAction clients rather than being offered as an open-enrollment community class.

Greensboro Public Library System

Address: Various locations
Website: Greensboro Public Library
Contact: (336) 297-5000
Description: Free language-learning resources are available through the Greensboro Public Library system. Library cardholders can access Transparent Language Online, a self-paced language-learning database available through NC LIVE. Additional language resources are available through the Central Library Reference Department. The library does not currently offer language classes, but its free online resources can supplement formal language instruction.

Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC)

Address: 3505 E. Wendover Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405
Website: GTCC ESOL | GTCC Foreign Languages
Contact: (336) 334-4822 | adulted@gtcc.edu
Description: Offers free ESOL from beginning through advanced levels in Greensboro and High Point, plus citizenship preparation. Continuing-education offerings can also include foreign-language courses such as Spanish.

Hands That Speak American Sign Language Services

Address: P.O. Box 1556, Greensboro, NC 27402
Website: Hands That Speak
Contact: Tabitha Allen-Draft, (704) 241-2287 | handsthatspeakasl@gmail.com
Description: Hands That Speak provides professional American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services, ASL education, and communication support throughout the Triad and surrounding communities. Founded by Tabitha Allen-Draft, a longtime ASL user, Deaf community advocate, and Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), Hands That Speak is committed to creating meaningful communication and connection between the Deaf and hearing communities. Services include interpreting as well as ASL classes and educational workshops for children and adults.

INTERLINK International Institute at UNCG

Address: 1010 Administration Dr., Greensboro, NC 27412
Website: INTERLINK at UNCG
Contact: admissions@interlink.edu
Description: Intensive English-language program based at UNCG. Classes emphasize academic and communicative English and are particularly useful for international students and others seeking intensive English instruction.

Kinderspanish / Spanish 4 Kids

Address: 405 Battleground Ave., #202, Greensboro, NC 27401
Website: Kinderspanish
Contact: (336) 423-3592
Description: Children’s Spanish-language enrichment using age-appropriate activities and cultural exposure. Geared particularly toward younger children.

Listen and Learn

Address: Private/online instruction serving Greensboro and Winston-Salem
Website: Listen and Learn
Contact: Barbara Clark | barbara@listenandlearnlanguages.com | 1-877-566-9299 ext. 502
Description: Listen and Learn provides personalized private and closed group language courses for individuals (adults and children), professionals, and corporate teams. They offer in-person and online training in a wide range of languages, with qualified native-speaking trainers and flexible schedules tailored to each client’s needs.
Special Offer: Use promo code ID1138973 when booking any course to receive 10% extra lessons at no additional cost.

New Arrivals Institute

Address: 2714 W. Market St., Greensboro, NC 27403
Website: New Arrivals Institute
Contact: (336) 937-4701 | info@newarrivalsinstitute.com
Description: Greensboro nonprofit serving immigrants and refugees with English-language education and additional programs supporting self-sufficiency, employment, cultural orientation, and adjustment to life in the United States.

Reading Connections

Address: 415 N. Edgeworth St., Suite 130, Greensboro, NC 27401; also serves High Point
Website: Reading Connections
Contact: (336) 230-2223 | info@readingconnections.org
Description: Nonprofit adult-literacy organization providing free English-language learning, literacy instruction, and related educational programs in Guilford County. Programming serves Greensboro and High Point and includes both in-person and remote instruction.

UNC Greensboro – Ancient Mediterranean Studies & Archaeology

Address: 1104 MHRA Building, UNC Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
Website: UNCG – Ancient Mediterranean Studies & Archaeology
Contact: (336) 334-5214 | amsa@uncg.edu
Description: Offers undergraduate courses in Latin and Ancient Greek, alongside studies in classical civilization and archaeology. Students can study these languages as part of UNCG’s academic programs. Contact the department for current course offerings and enrollment information.

UNC Greensboro – Languages, Literatures & Cultures

Address: 2321 MHRA Building, Greensboro, NC 27402
Website: UNCG Languages, Literatures & Cultures
Contact: (336) 334-5655 | llc_info@uncg.edu
Description: Offers academic study in numerous languages, including ASL, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. Courses are primarily designed for enrolled UNCG students. Those who are not currently enrolled at UNCG should contact the university to ask about non-degree or visiting-student enrollment options.

High Point Language Classes

Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) – High Point Campus

Address: 901 S. Main St., High Point, NC 27260
Website: GTCC ESOL | GTCC Foreign Languages
Contact: (336) 334-4822 | adulted@gtcc.edu
Description: Offers free ESOL from beginning through advanced levels in Greensboro and High Point, plus citizenship preparation. Continuing-education offerings can also include foreign-language courses such as Spanish.

YWCA High Point – Latino Family Center

Address: 155 W. Westwood Ave., High Point, NC 27262
Website: YWCA High Point – Latino Family Center
Contact: (336) 882-4126 | info@ywcahp.com | Laura Godinez Arce: lgodinezarce@ywcahp.com
Description: Provides language support for Latino families through its El Pueblo program, including document translation and interpretation when accessing healthcare, education, social services, and legal systems. Also offers educational programs, youth mentoring, family support, and community-resource guidance.

Kernersville Language Classes

Triad Baptist Church

Address: 1175 S. Main St., Kernersville, NC 27284
Website: Triad Baptist Church
Contact: (336) 996-7573 | office@tbcnow.org
Description: Offers a beginner ASL class through its Deaf Ministry. The church also offers an ASL Bible study. Current class schedules should be confirmed with the church.

Winston-Salem Language Classes

Forsyth Tech Community College – ESL

Address: 2100 Silas Creek Pkwy., Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Website: Forsyth Tech ESL
Contact: Claire Gimble | cgimble@forsythtech.edu
Description: Free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are available to residents in the Winston-Salem area. Classes are offered at Levels 1–6, from beginner through advanced, to help students improve their English language skills for everyday life, work, higher education, and community participation. Registration is offered twice each year, with morning, evening, and online class options available. Students are expected to attend regularly and meet program attendance requirements. Placement testing is used to determine the appropriate class level for each student.

Future Linguists

Address: Hanes Baptist Church, 4210 Sabrina Lake Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27127
Website: Future Linguists
Contact: (803) 630-1605 | info@futurelinguists.com
Description: Specializes in Spanish instruction for K–12 students and beyond, including classes, tutoring, enrichment, and seasonal/summer programming.

My Tutor and Mentor

Address: Winston-Salem area / online
Website: My Tutor and Mentor
Contact: (434) 906-9425
Description: Private tutoring service offering language instruction from beginner through advanced levels. Language offerings include ESL/English, Spanish, and Arabic, with additional languages potentially available by request.

Open Arms Community

Address: 437 E. Sprague St., Winston-Salem, NC 27127
Website: Open Arms Community
Contact: (336) 724-0850 | office@openarmsumc.org
Description: Community/church-based organization offering adult English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Contact the organization to confirm current schedules and registration details.

Russian 4 Everything

Address: 7830 North Point Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Website: Russian 4 Everything
Contact: (336) 970-7714
Description: Offers Russian lessons from beginner through advanced, including private and group instruction both in person and online. Also provides Russian cultural education, translation services, and English as a Second Language instruction.

Vecino Center for Language and Culture

Address: 3477 Myer Lee Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Website: Vecino Center
Contact: info@vecinocenter.com
Description: Local language school offering speaking-focused, play-based language instruction to adults. Regular offerings include Spanish, French, and Italian, with additional languages offered in rotation. Private lessons are available virtually.
Special Offer: Use code GREENSBOROINSIDER for 10% off a group class or pack of private lessons.

We Know the Language

Address: 3357 Myers Court, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Website: We Know the Language
Contact: (336) 671-7163 | (336) 655-3553 | solutions@weknowthelanguage.com
Description: Offers customized Spanish lessons for individuals, small groups, and large groups, with instruction tailored to participants’ needs and professional fields. Classes help learners communicate with Spanish-speaking customers, coworkers, and clients, including industry-specific instruction for medical, financial, retail, government, and law-enforcement settings. Speaking- and writing-intensive options are also available.

YMCA of NWNC Literacy Initiative

Address: 3474 Robinhood Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Website: YMCA of NWNC Literacy Initiative
Contact: ESL Coordinator: Diana Vásquez – d.vasquez@ymcanwnc.org | ABE Coordinator: Gitte Sato – g.sato@ymcanwnc.org | Program Director: Angelica Leonides – a.leonides@ymcanwnc.org
Description: The YMCA Literacy Initiative offers free programs that help adults build the language and literacy skills they need for work, family, and everyday life. English as a Second Language (ESL) learners can join group classes or receive one-on-one tutoring to strengthen their speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Through Adult Basic Education (ABE), native English speakers work one-on-one with a tutor to improve their reading and writing. The supportive instructors and volunteer tutors meet learners where they are and help them reach their goals. Programs are open to adults living in Forsyth or Yadkin counties.

Surrounding Triad Language Classes

Randolph Community College

Address: Asheboro and Archdale locations, with additional community sites
Website: Randolph Community College
Contact: ESOL Coordinator: Katerine Newton | (336) 633-0107 | kgnewton@randolph.edu
Description: Provides adult English for Speakers of Other Languages instruction, including English conversation and citizenship-related learning, with programming in Asheboro, Archdale, and other Randolph County communities.

Rockingham County Public Library – Eden Branch

Address: 598 S. Pierce St., Eden, NC 27288
Website: Rockingham County Public Library
Contact: Rebecca Smith, Branch Manager | (336) 623-3168 | rsmith@rockinghamcountync.gov
Description: Offers free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and English conversation programming. Contact the Eden Branch or check the current library calendar for available classes and conversation opportunities.

Language Classes in the Triad: FAQ

Where can I take free ESL classes in Greensboro?

GTCC offers free ESOL classes from beginner through advanced levels in Greensboro and High Point. Reading Connections and New Arrivals Institute also offer free English-language programs in Greensboro.

Are there free English classes for adults in Winston-Salem?

Yes. Forsyth Tech offers free ESL classes at levels 1 through 6, with morning, evening, and online options. The YMCA of NWNC Literacy Initiative and Open Arms Community also offer adult ESL classes.

Where can I take ASL classes in the Triad?

CSDHH offers in-person ASL classes in Greensboro and live online classes. Hands That Speak, Greensboro Parks & Recreation, UNCG, and Triad Baptist Church in Kernersville also offer ASL instruction.

Where can kids learn Spanish in Greensboro or Winston-Salem?

Kinderspanish / Spanish 4 Kids in Greensboro offers Spanish enrichment for young children, and Future Linguists in Winston-Salem offers Spanish classes, tutoring, and summer programs for K–12 students.

Are there Spanish classes for adults in the Triad?

Yes. Options include Alamance Community College, GTCC continuing education, Vecino Center, We Know the Language, Listen and Learn, and private tutoring through My Tutor and Mentor.

Can I learn a language online for free?

Greensboro Public Library cardholders can access Transparent Language Online, a free self-paced language-learning program, through NC LIVE.

Are there language classes for professionals?

We Know the Language offers Spanish tailored to medical, financial, retail, government, and law-enforcement settings, and Listen and Learn offers corporate language training.

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