Quick answer, the 9 best English schools in Oakland are:
- Papora
- Laney College
- Oakland Adult & Career Education
- Las Casas
- English Language Institute
- LSI Berkeley
- American Academy of English
- Kaplan International Languages
- Advance English Academy
In Oakland and the surrounding cities, you'll find some great options to help you achieve your goals, but which one should you choose?
Our experts in Papora have analyzed the qualities of the top English schools in the city so you can pick the one that best suits your needs and budget. Let's get started!
The 9 Best English Schools in Oakland
Without a doubt, the best schools are those that work with native-speaking teachers in Los Angeles and offer flexible schedules for their students. This combination guarantees a better learning process in both the short and long term.
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1. Papora - Online English School
Based on these parameters, we begin our list with the best online school currently available: Papora.
This platform was designed by native British speakers and education specialists. Its purpose is to serve as the perfect tool for your language learning.
To achieve this, the company works exclusively with native-level teachers with years of teaching experience, guaranteeing you a personalized service.
Benefits of studying with Papora
Classes at Papora are conducted in small groups, allowing teachers to adapt to each student and their learning pace, fostering conversation among students to improve their fluency in expressing their ideas.
All lessons focus on everyday topics so students can practice anytime, reinforcing their knowledge for longer.
Why choose Papora?
This online school offers unlimited classes per month and a certificate for each completed level to demonstrate your English proficiency in Oakland. This is a benefit you won't find with any other option on our list.
Finally, we must mention the flexible scheduling and self-paced course. You can choose your preferred teacher and adapt your learning to your availability. You'll master English at your own pace and without external pressure.
2. Laney College
We continue with Laney College, which offers its students and Oakland residents a basic English program covering topics such as the months of the year and household objects.
Main Features
The school's goal is to help immigrants learn the language and become more familiar with American culture. To achieve this, they offer activities outside of the classroom.
Programs and Branches
- Address: 900 Fallon St, Oakland, CA 94607, United States
- Hours: Varies depending on English level.
- Contact: 510 834 5740
- Programs: Information available at the branch.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Laney College
Their program attempts to help students develop their skills in each pillar of the language, including grammar. However, the content is very basic and does not allow students to reach a level sufficient for fluency.
3. Oakland Adult & Career Education
This school offers specialized courses to help students obtain U.S. citizenship, as well as a group class program to help them secure scholarships at California universities.
Key Features
Its system is based on providing classes with content adapted to current events, so students can connect their daily activities with their English lessons.
Programs and Branches
- Address: 2607 Myrtle St #122, Oakland, CA 94607, United States
- Schedule: Varies depending on English level.
- Contact: 510 879 1400
- Programs: Information available at the branch.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Oakland Adult & Career Education
The school's facilities are spacious and comfortable for studying, but they tend to accept many students and have annual enrollment periods, so their service is not personalized and there is often a wait to start classes.
4. Las Casas
The institution's mission is to help its users achieve their personal goals through English. To this end, they work with native-speaking teachers who have years of experience teaching the language.
Key Features
They offer an assessment service every three months, so students can receive a report on their progress in English and the skills they need to improve.
Plans and Branches
- Address: 1530 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA 94601, United States
- Schedule: Depends on English level
- Contact: 510 842 3070 / info@lascasasoakland.org
- Plans: Information available at the branch.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Las Casas
Their classes seem to be based on modern methodologies, so they use engaging materials to motivate their students. The problem is that they have very restrictive schedules and only accept a few students per course.
5. English Language Institute
This institute offers classes for young people and adults, prioritizing those with no prior knowledge of the language. Their courses begin with simple topics like sports in English and progress to more advanced subjects.
Key Features
They offer specialized intensive courses in Business English, focusing on the language for the professional world. They also help students prepare for the TOEFL exam.
Plans and Branches
- Address: One Embarcadero Center Lobby Level, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA
- Hours: Varies depending on English level.
- Contact: 415-544-0311 / info@eli.edu
- Plans: Information available at the branch.
Advantages and Disadvantages of English Language Institute
They often offer classes and special activities for students at no additional cost. However, some users point out that their facilities are not comfortable and they admit more people than advertised on their website.
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6. LSI Berkeley
Near Oakland, in the city of Berkeley, this school offers courses for both young people and adults. Its diverse options aim to meet the needs of all its students.
Key Features
Students can choose from traditional group classes, intensive courses, private lessons, and courses geared towards university preparation or career development. In all cases, native-speaking teachers are used.
Programs and Branches
- Address: 2015 Center St, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States
- Schedules: Depends on English level.
- Contact: 510 841 4695 / info@lsi.edu
- Programs: Information available at the branch.
Advantages and Disadvantages of LSI Berkeley
The study materials they use are free, and they also have areas for students to study. However, it should be noted that their teaching methods are not very dynamic, and they work with very large groups.
7. American Academy of English
This school has two branches, one in Oakland and the other in San Francisco. They offer English classes through intensive courses lasting between two and four months.
Main features
The intensive courses range from beginner to advanced levels, covering topics such as pronunciation, grammar, and writing, as well as American culture, among others.
Plans and Locations
- Locations: 212 9th St, Oakland, CA 94607 / 530 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
- Schedule: Varies depending on English level.
- Contact: 415.567 0189 / info@aae.edu
- Plans: Starting at $575 USD/month
Advantages and Disadvantages of the American Academy of English
Some users claim that their classes for passing official tests like the TOEFL are quite effective. However, it's important to note that they have annual registration fees and many complaints about their poor facilities.
8. Kaplan International Languages
This is one of the leading English language schools in Los Angeles, and it also has locations in other states. They offer classes in French, German, and, of course, English.
Key Features
Their website promises personalized service with small groups through intensive or semi-intensive courses. At the end of each course or level, students receive a progress report from certified teachers.
Plans and Branches
- Address: 149 New Montgomery St Suite 101, San Francisco, CA 94105 / 2144 Kala Bagai Wy, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States.
- Hours: Depends on English level.
- Contact: 510 254 6733.
- Plans: Information available at the branch.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Kaplan International Languages
Upon enrollment, students can take a free English level test to determine the appropriate level for their classes. However, their customer service is poor, and many students have missed the start of their classes due to a lack of information.
9. Advance English Academy
We conclude with a school whose teaching system aims to provide students with an immersive learning environment. To achieve this, they organize activities such as camps and meetings in public spaces.
Main characteristics
Their primary focus is on conversation, enabling students to confidently and fluently express their ideas. They work with small groups so that teachers can tailor the experience to each student.
Plans and Branches
- Address: 2161 Shattuck Ave. Suite 200, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States
- Schedule: Varies depending on English level.
- Contact: 415-552-1001 / info@advanceesl.com
- Plans: Information available at branches.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Advance English Academy
Students say the teachers are patient and adapt to each situation to encourage conversation. However, as with other schools on this list, their schedules are limited, and they don't allow make-up classes if you miss a session.
Why do we recommend studying English online with Papora?
The online platform combines live classes with native-level teachers, a flexible schedule that truly adapts to your availability, and unique content created by language education specialists.
In each class, you'll learn about everyday topics such as talking about emotions in English, while also covering grammar. Upon completion of the classes, you'll receive a certificate up to the advanced C1 level.
And if that's not enough, you'll have access to a self-guided course with over 300 different lessons so you can practice from anywhere.
Papora: Your partner for English in Oakland, CA
Our live classes with native-level professionals and our comprehensive self-guided course make all the difference in your learning.
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Frequently asked questions about English schools in Oakland
This depends on the course you enroll in. Some schools allow you to reach an advanced level, C1, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). However, reaching an intermediate level, B1, is sufficient to communicate your ideas confidently and fluently.
There's no set timeframe for learning English, as it depends on your dedication and the classes you take each week. Generally, courses can last between one and two years, although there are also shorter courses that focus on a specific skill.
