Quick answer, the 13 best schools to learn English in San Diego are:
- Papora
- College of English Language
- English Language Academy: University of San Diego
- Connect English
- LSI Education
- Q International School
- Converse International School of Languages
- EC English San Diego
- California Language Academy
- International Academy of English
- ESL – San Diego College of Continuing Education
- American Language Institute – San Diego State University
- UC San Diego Extended Studies
Do you want to learn English in San Diego and improve your professional and employment opportunities? If that's your goal, at Papora we can help you find outstanding schools that adapt to your needs so you can fulfill your dream of mastering this language like a native.
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1. Papora - Online English School
Papora is an online English teaching platform where you'll learn the language effectively thanks to its modern, interaction-based methods.
With Papora, you'll have the opportunity to develop your speaking, reading, speaking, and listening skills through both its self-guided course available 24/7 and its unlimited live classes with teachers.
Benefits of studying with Papora
All teachers at this school are native speakers and teach classes in English and Spanish, using dynamic techniques and understanding your needs.

The lessons include audiovisual materials such as audios, videos, images, emojis, memes, and conversation activities where you'll learn everything from the basics to more complex topics like phrasal verbs.
Why choose Papora?
Unlike other schools, at Papora you study all the pillars of the language simultaneously. You can access unlimited group classes of up to 6 people and choose your preferred schedule to learn at your own pace.
When you complete each level of the course, you'll receive a certificate to attach to your CV or LinkedIn to validate your knowledge.
2. College of English Language
College of English Language is an educational institution founded in 1981. It currently has three locations in California, located in San Diego, Pacific Beach, and Los Angeles. It is also a member of the Association of Language Travel Organizations and EnglishUSA.
Main Features
It offers general English courses consisting of six levels, private lessons, and English and surfing. It also offers TOEFL and Cambridge exam preparation programs throughout the year.
Plans and Locations
- Address: 233 A Street, Suite 400, 4th floor, San Diego, CA 92101, USA / 919 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Contact: info@englishcollege.com
- Plans: Information available upon contact
Advantages and Disadvantages
One of its great advantages is that all its courses are accredited by the English Language Accreditation Commission. However, it admits up to 12 students per class, which means that the training is not exactly personalized and participation can be difficult.
3. English Language Academy: University of San Diego
English Language Academy is part of the University of San Diego, one of the most attractive campuses in the United States. It provides high-quality instruction to non-native speakers to improve their English language skills.
Main Features
Courses are designed to suit various ages, levels, and objectives, ranging from general English to intensive programs that equip students aged 18 and above for university success. A standout feature is its international summer program for students between 13 and 17 years old.
Plans and Locations
- Address: 5998 Alcala Park Building 5374, San Diego, CA 92110, United States
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Contact: +1 619 260 4585
- Plans: Starting at $3,285 USD/7 weeks
Advantages and Disadvantages
The academy's instructors have postgraduate degrees in English language teaching. However, they don't offer online courses, so you'll always have to travel to the main location to attend classes and learn to express your emotions in English.
4. Connect English
This school is based on the vision that language learning, travel, friendships, and academic experience are connected. This means it promises fun and dynamic language programs.
Key Features
The following programs are available: General English for all levels, Business English for students with intermediate English proficiency and a command of English verb tenses, TOEFL for test preparation, and College Pathway for students with academic goals.
Plans and Locations
- Address: 4560 Alvarado Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92120, United States
- Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. / Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Contact: +1 619 283 2811 / info@connectenglishsandiego.com
- Plans: From $530 USD/4 weeks
Advantages and Disadvantages
It constantly updates its teaching methods and incorporates new technological tools. However, it does not offer unlimited classes like Papora does.
5. LSI Education
LSI Education is a language school located in the heart of San Diego, with restaurants, shops, and transportation links nearby. So if you enjoy the city's vibrancy, this may be a good option.
Main Features
It offers a wide variety of courses, including: general and intensive English courses, courses for young people, premium courses, academic courses, university preparation, and English for work.
Plans and Locations
- Address: 1706 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Contact: +1 619 234 2881 / info-san@lsi.edu
- Plans: Available at the location
Advantages and Disadvantages
You have the option of staying with a private tutor in San Diego and receiving instruction in a local setting. However, users comment that the prices are quite high compared to other academies offering the same services.
Advance your English with the flexibility of Papora in San Diego
Explore the world of English with Papora: unlimited live classes, multimedia content, and certification upon completion of each level. Learn at your own pace with Papora!
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6. Q International School
Q International School is a student-centered institution focused on inspiring students to achieve academic excellence through learning a new language and achieve their professional goals.
Key Features
It offers programs in General English, Business English, Vacation English, Academic English, private lessons, group classes, and preparation for the TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, and GMAT exams.
Plans and Locations
- Address: 1770 Fourth Ave 1st Floor, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Contact: +1 619-450-2224 / info@qschool.edu
- Plans: Available upon request
Advantages and Disadvantages
In addition to classroom instruction, the school schedules cultural excursions, volunteer opportunities, and student activities to promote language immersion and help you learn more than just greeting people in English.
However, you don't have the freedom to choose your schedule because class hours are already set and strict.
7. Converse International School of Languages
Converse International School of Languages has over 45 years of experience and is internationally recognized as a leader in effective language teaching.
Key Features
The San Diego campus offers English as a Second Language programs and courses, as well as TOEFL, Cambridge exam, and IELTS preparation classes. It also offers English for Academic Purposes and an academic year abroad program.
Plans and Branches
- Address: 636 Broadway # 210, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Contact: +1 619 239 3363 / info@cisl.edu
- Plans: Information available at the branch
Advantages and Disadvantages
It guarantees a maximum of 8 students per class, which gives each student more attention from the instructor. However, its academic offerings do not include intensive courses for those who want to learn more quickly and move, for example, from theory to practice in a short time.
Other English Schools You Can Consider
Now we want to briefly tell you about other schools you can consider if you want more options for learning English in San Diego.
Schools | Characteristics | Address | Contact |
---|---|---|---|
EC English San Diego | General English courses, English in the city, English for the workplace, and preparation for Cambridge exams | 1225 Prospect St, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037, United States | +1 858 449 3758 |
California Language Academy | English programs for young people and adults structured in small, personalized classes | 444 West C St STE 420, San Diego, CA 92101, United States | +1 619 955 5528 |
International Academy of English | Classes for both beginner and advanced levels | 1729 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States | +1 619 232 8768 |
ESL – San Diego College of Continuing Education | English courses for all ages. Offers special classes for obtaining U.S. citizenship and English as a second language | 4343 Ocean View Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92113-1915, United States | +1 619 388 4956 |
American Language Institute – San Diego State University | They teach not only English, but also about American society and culture | 5250 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-1914, United States | +1 619 594 5907 / ali@sdsu.edu |
UC San Diego Extended Studies | Full-time or part-time English as a Second Language course for adults | 6256 Greenwich Drive, San Diego, CA 92122, United States | +1 858 534 3400 |
Why do we recommend studying English online at Papora?
There are many English language schools in San Diego with different teaching methodologies, but you'll be hard-pressed to find a platform as comprehensive as Papora to fulfill your language goals educationally.
At Papora, you can choose between their self-guided course or their classes with live teachers, which are unlimited per month for a single monthly fee.
Additionally, lessons are taught by experienced teachers who adhere to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and base each class on real-life situations.
If you'd like to learn more about English language schools in the United States, we invite you to check out our lists of English language schools in San Francisco, Maine, and Tulsa.
Find your way to perfect English with Papora in San Diego
Papora offers personalized classes, certifications, and flexible scheduling. Discover the platform that will guide you toward English proficiency in San Diego.
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Frequently Asked Questions about English Schools in San Diego
Learning English proficiently will depend on your discipline and the number of hours you practice each week. If you're consistent and enroll in a quality school, it could take you between two and five years to master the language like a native.
Both options have their advantages. At a face-to-face school, you have direct interaction with teachers and classmates. However, at an online school like Papora, you can choose the schedule you prefer and learn through innovative teaching methods, also accompanied by teachers.