Adult students gather around a table with study materials, practicing their English language skills.
Gwinnett English class students with IRC volunteer, Gabriel Howard.

Earlier this year, the IRC in Atlanta’s Adult Education team added new weekly free English classes in Gwinnett County in partnership with OneStop locations. The classes are held at OneStop Norcross and OneStop Buford and both sites have a beginner and intermediate class. Classes are offered every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10am-12pm and from 6-8pm. Registration is Monday 10am-12pm and 6-8pm at both locations. 

It’s so hard coming to a new country, but I try my best to live a better life here, so that’s why I want to learn English. — IRC Gwinnett ESL Class Student

Our English as a Second Language (ESL) classes provide a supportive environment where students can improve their English language skills through direct instruction, interactive learning, and meaningful conversation activities. We are thrilled to offer these additional classes that are fully open to the community, at no cost to participants. All learners—regardless of visa or immigration status and regardless of length of time in the U.S.—are welcome to develop their English fluency and literacy and take meaningful steps towards linguistic self-sufficiency.

In 2024, the IRC’s Adult Education team served 323 adults across our new Buford and Norcross classes. 59% of enrollees were women and 74% were native Spanish speakers. 

The IRC already serves many families in Gwinnett County, but this new partnership allows English language learners to come to in-person classes in their own neighborhoods and build community with other newcomers on their journeys toward integration and success. Across these new classes, we’ve welcomed 16-year-olds who enrolled during their summer break from school, and our oldest student turned 89 this year! Everyone actively participates in class activities and much laughter is enjoyed alongside the serious work of learning!

I come to class so I can understand everybody around me better. — IRC Gwinnett ESL Class Student

In addition to our Gwinnett County classes, the IRC in Atlanta continues to offer in-person classes in DeKalb County, with locations in Clarkston and the Northlake area, as well as weekly online classes for students who prefer to learn remotely. 

Download our Gwinnett English Class Schedule 

Download our DeKalb English Class Schedule 

To learn more and sign up, please contact our Adult Education Manager, Christopher Carpenter, at [email protected] or 770-710-8724 (call or text). All are welcome! 

A map of the Greater Atlanta Area with pins on the four locations of IRC in-person English classes.
The IRC in Atlanta offers free in-person English classes in four locations across Gwinnett and DeKalb counties.

Our Adult Education program is growing rapidly and we are actively seeking volunteers to serve as Early Childhood Education and Childcare Assistants and English as a Second Language (ESL) Class Assistants.

Email [email protected] to sign up for our next volunteer orientation.

 

To learn more about the work of the IRC in Atlanta and for information on how you can get involved with the IRC as a donor or volunteer, please contact Development Director, Heloise Ahoure, at [email protected] or 678-636-8941.  

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