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Learn English at the CLC

Human Service Programs

two male students look at a workbook that their teacher is pointing to

You can learn how to read, write, and speak English better at the Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC). We have free English classes for people living in Cambridge. We have more than 20 classes as part of our English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program.

Students from more than 65 countries take English classes at the CLC. We welcome all people living in Cambridge, regardless of immigration status.

Our program has:

Six levels of English classes, from basic literacy to high intermediate. We do not have advanced level English classes
Two locations: Central Square and North Cambridge
Extra conversation classes and computer classes

Information sessions and placement test

Come to an information session to learn more about our program.

To study English at the CLC, you need to live in Cambridge. When you come to an information session, please bring a document that shows your Cambridge address.

Bring one of these:

Any piece of mail you received in Cambridge
A lease
A driver's license
A shipping label received at your Cambridge address
A letter from a homeless shelter in Cambridge

Class schedule

We have classes from September - June. Some optional summer classes are available.

Morning classes are two days a week from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Evening classes are two times a week from 6:15 - 9:15 p.m.

Locations

Central Square

Community Learning Center
5 Western Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139

Hours
Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

North Cambridge

Community Learning Center
286 Rindge Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02140

Hours
Monday: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 5 - 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 5 - 8:30 p.m.
Friday: Closed

North Cambridge Community Learning Center location

Questions and Answers

When do classes start?

Our classes are from September to June. The classes are popular, and most of our English classes are full. There is a waiting list. Come to an information session to get on the waiting list. New students start class when there is space available.

While you are waiting for class with us, we suggest going to the classes offered by the Literacy Project of The Cambridge Public Library. The classes are free. There is no registration and no commitment. More information about the classes is available on the Library's website.

Do you have online classes?

No. All of our classes meet in-person in Cambridge, MA. Some of our classes meet online also. We believe most people learn English better in-person.

If you need online English classes, MassLINKS Online Academy is a free program that is part of Public Education of Massachusetts. It is for people who live anywhere in Massachusetts. They have a waitlist. Learn more on the MassLINKS website.

Do I need to be a citizen to take English classes?

No. We welcome all people living in Cambridge, regardless of immigration status. You need to live in Cambridge to take English classes at CLC.

I want to practice speaking English. Do you have conversation class?

No. In our classes, students read, write, speak, listen, and practice grammar.

If you need practice with only conversation, we suggest volunteering in the community or taking conversation class at another program in the area. The Cambridge Center for Adult Education has many different classes for pronunciation and speaking only.

Who is eligible to take English classes at the CLC?   

Any adult over the age of 18 that lives in Cambridge can apply for English classes.
We do not ask about immigration status.

Learning English takes time. Our classes meet for 10 months. If you plan stay in the U.S. for a short time, we recommend taking classes at another program.

After I’m on the waiting list, how soon can I start English class?

It depends on your situation. We have a limited number of spaces available. We give priority to learners who have high needs and meet priority criteria.

You have priority if at least one of these describe you:

You did not graduate from high school or university.
You have a low income. You get public benefits like MassHealth Insurance, SNAP, or Section 8.
You live in a building of the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA), or other public housing.
You are experiencing homelessness.
You are a parent or primary caregiver for children in your family.

If you do not have priority, you should still apply for our English classes! We cannot guarantee a space in classes at CLC.