Our free English classes teach adult refugees, immigrants, citizens and asylees all levels of English from literacy to pre-college readiness. Students of all immigration statuses are welcome.
Classes are offered in-person and online. See our list of classes and schedules below. To join online classes, you will need a computer with internet or a smartphone with the Zoom app and to attend in-person registration. To join in-person classes, you will need proof of vaccination for Covid-19.
MFIP or school verification question? Contact the Languages Program Manager, Stacy.
Register for English Class
Who can take classes?
- Students must be:
- adults (17+)
- living in Minnesota
- not enrolled in high school
- vaccinated for COVID-19 (in-person class)
How do I register for class?
- Mondays:
- Walk-in, no appointment needed
- Come to the Institute anytime between 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
- Meet with intake staff to test and register
- Tuesdays:
- Click here to make a special appointment
- Come to the Institute at your appointment time
- Meet with intake staff to test and register
English Class Schedule
ENGLISH CLASSES
Core Classes:
English AB (in-person)
When: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Teacher: Mary Ellen
Delivery: in-person
English AB (online)
When: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Teacher: Dani
Delivery: online (zoom)
English C
When: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Teacher: Liz
Delivery: in-person
English D
When: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Teacher: Quyen
Delivery: in-person
Foundational Classes:
Verb Tenses
Practice using the various English verb tenses in a grammar focused setting.
When: Wednesdays & Thursdays 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Teacher: Volunteer Shirley
Delivery: online (zoom)
Writing Strong Sentences
Learn writing skills to grow from word to sentence to paragraph.
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Teacher: Stacy
Delivery: in-person
Writing Strong Paragraphs (paused)
Learn writing skills to grow into an academic writer.
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Teacher: Liz
Delivery: in-person and online (zoom)
Advanced Reading & Discussion
(paused)
Advanced Pronunciation
Practice speaking clearly.
When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Teacher: Sarah
Delivery: online (zoom)
Listening & Speaking In-Person
Practice focused on listening skills needed for daily life.
When: Mondays & Wednesdays 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Teacher: Quyen
Delivery: in-person
Listening & Speaking Online
Practice focused on listening skills needed for daily life.
When: Mondays & Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Teacher: Abdel
Delivery: online (zoom)
Conversation In-Person
Practice your speaking skills with native speakers of English.
When: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Delivery: in-person
Conversation Online
Practice your speaking skills with native speakers of English.
When: Mondays, Tuesdays 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Delivery: online (zoom)
Are you ready for College or University?
See our College Readiness Academy program page.
SKILLS CLASSES
Computers for Work
Learn the skills and programs needed to apply, interview, and communicate in a US workplace.
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Teacher: Abdel
Delivery: in-person
Work Readiness
Learn skills to find and gain employment: resume writing, job searches, applications, interviews, workplace communication, and American office culture.
When: Fridays 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Teacher: Abdel
Delivery: online (zoom)
Citizenship
Citizenship class is designed for those preparing for the Citizenship test. Learn about US History, Government, and practice the Citizenship interview.
When: See Citizenship site
Teacher: Dani
Delivery: in-person and online (zoom)
Community Orientation Workshops
Community Orientation Workshops teach about life in the United States.
Teacher: Kaija & Carrie
Delivery: in-person and online (zoom)
Driver’s Education In-Person
Learn about the permit test.
For the adapted Minnesota Driver’s Manual click here.
When: Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Teacher: Volunteer Bill
Delivery: in-person
Driver’s Education Online
When: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Teacher: Volunteer Nick
Delivery: online (zoom)
Are you looking for job training?
See our Hospitality Career Pathway or Nursing Assistant Training Program.
English for Work Overview
The English for Work program provides a context for all students to learn English skills that will increase life opportunities, employability, and a sense of belonging. Our teachers emphasize language needed for success in work, society, and daily life. Our program provides participants with a stimulating, student-centered environment that promotes student engagement and production of language.
