English Language Learning Answers
Transparent Languages
Learn English for free with this interactive database that provides step-by-step lessons. English lessons are available in 36 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Dari, Farsi, Hindi, Pashto, Spanish, Tagalog, Turkish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. There is also an immersion option to learn English in English, and a KidSpeak option that is more friendly for children. You can download the mobile app for Android or iPhone or iPad. You will need your CRRL card number to access this resource.
Kanopy Streaming Video English lessons
Kanopy has educational videos and documentaries, as well as classic and foreign films. Once registered and signed on with your library card, go to ESL & Languages. You can watch up to ten Kanopy videos per month with each library card in your family.
Mango Languages
Learn English for free with this interactive database that provides step-by-step lessons. Lessons are available for Arabic, Armenian, Bengali, Cantonese, Mandarin, French, German, Greek, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish (Latin American), Turkish, and Vietnamese speakers. You can download the mobile app for Android or iPhone or iPad. You will need your CRRL card number to access this resource.
Universal Class
Over 500 online education courses on subjects ranging from accounting to crafts & hobbies to improving writing skills. Register for free with your library card number. Search for English classes.
English Conversation Group at Porter, part of a series
English Conversation Group at Cooper, part of a series
English Language Basics for Beginners, part of a series
ELL Resources on Demand, part of a series
English Conversation Group at Porter, part of a series
English Conversation Group at Cooper, part of a series
English Language Basics for Beginners, part of a series
ELL Resources on Demand, part of a series
Your Library Website in Translation
Making Gale Databases Work For You
English Language Learning for New Americans
Your Library Website in Translation
Making Gale Databases Work For You
English Language Learning for New Americans
Classes Taught by Professional Instructors
- Rappahannock Area Regional Adult Education (RARAE), opens a new window
- At this time, all Adult Education programming at RARAE is paused. Visit the RARAE website for updates.
- Germanna Community College- Adult ESOL Courses, opens a new window
- ESL 31: Composition I
Develops writing fluency and grammar skills through guided practice in the writing process. - ESL 32: Reading I
Builds reading comprehension and vocabulary to support success in ESL 42 and college-level courses. - ESL 33: Oral Communication I
Improves listening and speaking skills for functioning successfully in academic, professional, and personal settings. - ESL 41: Composition II
Advances writing skills with a focus on structure, grammar, and writing strategies. - ESL 42: Reading II
Enhances reading skills for academic success in ESL and college coursework.
- ESL 31: Composition I
- Northern Virginia Community College, opens a new window: The (ACLI) serves local residents, visitors to Virginia, and international students. ACLI has both Intensive English and part-time class options which help students improve their English skills for life, study, and work. ACLI offers English classes online via Zoom and Canvas and at most NOVA campuses. This is not a low-cost program, but it is intensive for those interested.
- YMCA International Language School (virtual classes)
- Placement Test + $20 registration fee
- Adult English Courses - https://ymcalanguages.com/
- General English Course: 5 days per week for 4 weeks, total of 70 hours, $990.
- Specific Topics English Courses (Conversation, Pronunciation, Reading & Writing, English at Work): 16 hours per course, $300 per course.
- English as a Second Language and Immigrant Ministries (ESLIM)
- 703-841-0292, ESLIM.org
- Offers English classes for adult learners from beginning, intermediate, and advanced in Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Ashburn, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax, Falls Church, Leesburg, Manassas, Reston, Springfield, Vienna, and Washington, D.C.
- Meets twice per week for two hours, taught by trained volunteer teachers.
- Small fees, but offers many scholarships for those unable to pay.
Church-based Classes
The following local churches offer English classes on the indicated days and times. Contact the church at the listed phone number for more information.
Blend Fredericksburg, opens a new window
Tuesdays & Thursdays
200 Prince Edward Street
Fredericksburg VA 22401
(540) 300-1334 - Call to register
Chancellor Baptist Church, opens a new window
Wednesdays, 6:15-7:30pm
11324 Gordon Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
(540) 786-6927
- Beginning to advanced levels
- Contact: Pastor Larry Jimenez at larry.jimenez@chancellorbaptist.org, opens a new window
New Life in Christ Church, opens a new window
Mondays 6:30 - 8:00pm
11925 Burgess Lane
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
(540) 786-4848
- Multi-level classes
- Childcare available
Citizenship Study Groups/ Resources
- USAHello Citizenship Guide: Prepare for Naturalization, opens a new window
- USA Learns, opens a new window now has a free U.S. Citizenship course to help you prepare for your citizenship or naturalization interview. The course has four units:
- Unit 1: Steps to Becoming a U.S. Citizen
- Unit 2: N-400 Interview Practice
- Unit 3: Civics, Reading and Writing Practice
- Unit 4: Your Interview and New Citizenship
📝 Proficiency Testing Resources
Please note we are providing the following links as a courtesy. These are not associated with our library, and there may be fees associated with the tests.
Duolingo English Proficiency Test
The Duolingo English Test is a modern English proficiency assessment for today’s international students and academic institutions. The test is available online, on demand. You don’t have to make an appointment or travel to a test center—you can take the test from your home via a computer and webcam. Check with your academic organization to make sure they accept the Duolingo English proficiency test. There is a fee for this test.
EF Standard English Test
Get an accurate assessment of your English level from home. Objectively scored standardized English tests for all level learners - from beginner to advanced. Receive a free personalized online English certificate.
TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT® test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test. The test is identical in content, format and on-screen experience to the TOEFL iBT test taken at a test center. It is taken on your own computer at home and is monitored by a human proctor online through ProctorU®. At home administrations are currently available around the clock 4 days a week. There is a fee for this test.
Navigating Immigration Resources for Our Community
If you're looking for legal guidance or trustworthy information regarding immigration, here are some resources that can help. This page provides a variety of national, state and local resources to help individuals and families navigate the immigration process.
National Immigration Resources
American Immigration Council
Provides research, policy analysis, and educational resources on immigration.
Immigration Advocates Network
A nonprofit directory to help find free or low-cost legal services nationwide.
National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
Focuses on defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
The official government site for immigration forms, application processes, and policy updates.
Rappahannock Area Resources
Catholic Charities: Diocese of Arlington – Migration and Refugee Services
Supports immigrants and refugees with legal services, education, and resettlement assistance.
Legal Aid Works (Fredericksburg Office)
Provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals in Fredericksburg and surrounding areas. Income limits apply.
Lucha Ministries
LUCHA Ministries helps meet the needs of immigrants as they settle into life in the United States.
Virginia Statewide Immigration Resources
Legal Aid Justice Center
Provides legal services for immigrant communities, focusing on human rights, employment rights, and deportation defense.
Virginia Department of Social Services: Immigration Websites and Resources
Information on education, employment, and other state resources for new Americans.
Additional Support & Know-Your-Rights Resources
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Provides “Know Your Rights” information for a variety of scenarios.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
Provides "Know Your Rights" materials in multiple languages.
United We Dream
Youth-led organization offering resources for undocumented individuals, including DACA updates and deportation defense guides.
For more information, visit CRRL's Law Answers page.
Immigration Booklist
Immigration: Recommended Reading
From the web
English Club
A free website designed to help you learn English online. You can make your own English page with blogs, photos, videos, music, groups and friends, test your level in English and get help with English grammar, study English grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, play English games and do English quizzes online, chat in English with other students and teachers, find schools where you can learn English at home or abroad, find penpals for English practice.
Learning English Online: Grammar, Vocabulary, Exercises, Tests, & Games
You will find a lot of information about the English language on this site. You can learn English words, practise grammar, look at some basic rules, prepare for exams, do tests or just have fun playing games. Enjoy yourself with more than 1,000 exercises online.
Randall’s ESL Cyber Listening Lab
Online English listening comprehension focus on everyday English comprehension skills at three levels based on content, voices, vocabulary, and natural speed.
Rong-Chang’s ESL: English as a Second Language
Free English learning resources. A starting point for ESL (English as a Second Language) learners who want to learn English through the World Wide Web. Links to English listening and speaking, grammar, reading and writing, ESL course information, bilingual dictionaries, ESL learners' home pages, and other ESL sites.
USA Learns English and Citizenship Courses
USA Learns has four English courses to help you learn beginning and intermediate English. The courses include videos and interactive learning activities to help you practice and improve your English skills in listening comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, spelling, pronunciation, reading, writing, speaking and life skills. USA Learns now has a U.S. Citizenship course to help you prepare for your citizenship or naturalization interview and will help you with the information and language you need to become a U.S. citizen.
Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center
The Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center (VALRC), provides adult education and literacy resources, publications, and training for adult education practitioners in Virginia.
Voice of America News for English Learners
Learning English is VOA’s multimedia source of news and information for millions of English learners worldwide. Free and no registration is required.
