1. ABC Languages
The gist. This independent Lower Manhattan school opened in 1998. It teaches English and more than 20 other languages to adults, children, and corporate groups.
What sets it apart. Beyond standard conversation and business classes, they offer niche services like dialect coaching for film and TV, plus support for International Baccalaureate programmes. If you already know some English, you can join an ongoing group class at any time under their rolling admissions policy.
Best for. This school suits students who need specific training like accent coaching or exam prep, though the once-a-week group schedule is too slow for intensive daily practice.
I started as a total beginner and was amazed at how quickly everything clicked, thanks to a patient teacher who made the lessons feel completely stress-free. The lessons gave me the confidence to pass my language assessment, and the administrative team was incredibly helpful and responsive throughout. While the teaching style itself was highly engaging, I found it quite difficult to actually schedule a make-up session when I had to miss a class.
2. Language Trainers USA
The gist. This global training company has run customised one-on-one and small group English classes across New York since 2004.
What sets it apart. Tutors travel directly to your home or office for face-to-face lessons, though you can also study online. They design courses for specific industries like healthcare, real estate, and business, and they will swap your tutor if you do not get along.
Best for. This option suits busy professionals who want workplace English lessons at their desk, rather than those looking for a traditional campus with a social calendar.
The organisation is highly professional and supportive, making the entire learning experience run smoothly. The flexible scheduling and structured materials make it easy to stay motivated and make real progress.
3. Kaplan International Languages
The gist. Located near Central Park, this Manhattan institution has taught in-person and online English courses to international students since 1941.
What sets it apart. They use their own "K+" system, which mixes books with digital tools to help you move up one level every ten weeks. They also run a separate programme on a dedicated floor for students aged 30 and over.
Best for. This is ideal for focused students preparing for university or exams, but not casual learners who want a relaxed, low-intensity timetable.
Even as an advanced C2 speaker, I found myself learning a massive amount in every single class. My teacher was incredibly patient and explained difficult concepts using simple, clear words that built my confidence. The lessons and teachers are absolutely brilliant, but the quality of the coffee on site could definitely be improved.
4. Zoni Language Centers
The gist. This large international school system started in 1991. It runs physical campuses in New York, New Jersey, and Florida, teaching English and Spanish to adults and children.
What sets it apart. They write their own textbooks and use a mix of teaching styles. The school can sponsor F-1 student visas and offers unusual courses like English for AI, teacher training, and an accredited online US high school.
Best for. This works well for international students who need help with visa paperwork and prefer structured, textbook-based lessons, rather than those looking for informal, conversation-only classes.
The visa officers are incredibly supportive and responsive, which gave me complete peace of mind while navigating the complex paperwork. I arrived with very little English and built enough confidence to start preparing for a professional medical career in the United States. The lessons can feel a bit dry because they stick strictly to the textbooks, and getting in touch with the office for refunds is quite difficult.
5. New York Language Center
The gist. Accredited by the CEA, this school has taught English in Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx since 1985, serving both local immigrants and international visa holders.
What sets it apart. Instead of standard textbooks, teachers use real-world materials like podcasts, videos, and news articles. They also host Friday workshops that focus on current events and multimedia to help you speak more naturally.
Best for. This fits people who need to balance their studies with jobs or weekend plans, though the group setup is not ideal if you want private, one-on-one tutoring.
The teachers and staff make you feel safe enough to make mistakes and improve every single day. I met amazing people from all over the world and noticed a massive improvement in my speaking skills in a very short time. The classrooms can feel a bit crowded at times, but the staff are always ready to listen and help you find a solution.
6. New York Language Center
The gist. This CEA-accredited school opened in 1985 and teaches English to international students and local immigrants across Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx.
What sets it apart. You can choose from flexible timetables, including 20-hour intensive weekly courses or single-day weekend classes. Their Friday workshops use real media like podcasts and videos to help you build practical speaking skills.
Best for. This suits F-1 visa holders and prospective university students who want strict, structured progress, but not casual learners who do not want to do homework.
My teacher was incredibly patient and used lots of repetition to give me a strong foundation in English. The school helped me progress from an intermediate level to passing the TOEFL and getting accepted into university. The school keeps a very close eye on your attendance and progress, which can feel intense if you prefer a relaxed pace.
7. DreamIT ESL
The gist. Based in Koreatown, this CEA-accredited school has offered intensive English, business English, and TOEFL prep since 2001.
What sets it apart. You can complete your 18 weekly hours through weekend blocks or evening classes, studying subjects ranging from business reports to philosophy. Long-term students who qualify also get annual vacation breaks.
Best for. This is best for classroom learners who need to pack 18 hours of study into weekends or evenings, but you will have to look elsewhere if you want online classes.
The lessons are incredibly structured and focus on real-world communication, which helped me build my speaking confidence quickly. I love that the teachers correct my mistakes in a supportive way that never makes me feel uncomfortable. The location in Koreatown is so convenient for meeting up with classmates after our interactive lessons.
8. Rennert International
The gist. Cesar Rennert founded this Midtown Manhattan school in 1973 to teach English through real-world communication and experience.
What sets it apart. They use a hands-on method that takes classes out into the city on Fridays. You can also combine your language lessons with professional training in fashion, dance, acting, or filmmaking.
Best for. This suits creative students who want to mix language learning with the New York arts scene, though it will feel too unusual if you prefer sitting at a desk doing grammar drills.
The teachers and staff made me feel like part of a family, and my English improved so much during my two months here. I loved taking my learning outside the classroom and making so many new friends during the school events. It was the perfect place to level up my professional language skills while studying fashion and business in the city.
9. Bluedata International Institute
The gist. Located in Times Square since 1997, this accredited Manhattan school focuses on English as a second language and exam prep for international students.
What sets it apart. They offer hands-on help to secure I-20 documents and F-1 visas, with timetables that cover mornings, evenings, and weekends. You can also take specific classes in public speaking, critical thinking, and accent reduction.
Best for. This works well for international students who need visa sponsorship and flexible hours to fit around life in the city, but not those who want online classes or private tutoring.
The administrative staff helped me through the entire visa application process with so much patience and care, making me feel completely supported as an international student. My speaking and listening skills improved quickly because the lessons are highly interactive, and the teachers are incredibly welcoming and professional. The TOEFL preparation classes are structured brilliantly, giving us clear strategies and practice to help us get high scores.
10. LSI New York (English language school)
The gist. This downtown school opened in 1965 inside a historic building designed by the architects of Grand Central Station. It teaches English to students from all over the world.
What sets it apart. You study with views of the Hudson River and Battery Park, using their own online system to back up your classroom lessons. They also run their own network of vetted homestays and offer niche courses like Aviation English.
Best for. This is designed for professionals who need specific industry vocabulary, like legal or aviation terms, rather than people looking for a small, casual local meetup.
The teachers are incredibly patient and supportive, and they really helped me build my confidence when speaking English. I loved the welcoming atmosphere and the fact that the school director and staff genuinely care about every student's success. The lessons are engaging and easy to follow, and they even helped arrange comfortable accommodation for my stay.
How HearSay works with language schools
A good class teaches you a lot. The hard part is finding time to practise speaking before your next lesson, which is where HearSay helps.
- We design your practice around your school's lessons, so you review what you actually covered in class instead of random topics.
- You can practise speaking hands-free on your commute or while cooking.
- Short daily sessions fit easily into the gaps between your classes.
Are you a language teacher? Join the HearSay teacher community.
Run a language school? Learn about partnering with us.
If you want to build your confidence before stepping into a classroom, or if you cannot commit to a full-time schedule, you can start with HearSay to practise English directly in WhatsApp.