Quick answer, the best schools to learn English in Tennessee are:
- Papora
- Tennessee Language Center
- ELS
- English Language Institute
- American Cultural English
- Intensive English for Internationals
- Connect Language Center
- Center for English
- Center for Accelerated Language Acquisition
- Chattanooga School Language
- Su Casa Family Ministries
- Foreign Language Academy
- Nashville Adult Literacy Council
Learning English in Tennessee can be an attractive choice for several reasons. First, Tennessee is known for its clear, neutral accent, which makes it easier to understand and learn the language.
That's why at Papora, we want to provide you with a list of the best schools in this great state so you can start changing your life by learning English.
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1. Papora - Online English School
Papora is an online platform created by native-level teachers who have developed innovative and exclusive materials to improve your communication skills. Here you'll learn how to ask for the check in English, for example.
At Papora, we'll help you master the four fundamentals of the language: writing, reading, speaking, and listening, through unlimited live classes with teachers and our self-guided course with over 300 interactive lessons.
Benefits of studying with Papora
Papora goes beyond conventional grammar rules. Its teachers use a variety of audiovisual resources, such as audio, images, memes, videos, and emojis, to stimulate the learning process.
Furthermore, they promote interaction and active participation, allowing you to communicate in English from the very first lesson. You could start with dates in English and any other everyday content.
Why choose Papora?
Study groups are small (maximum 6 people), allowing tutors to offer personalized instruction and adapt to each student's individual pace. Furthermore, classes are unlimited, providing flexible scheduling and the freedom to learn without pressure.
Classes are designed for both young people and adults, covering everything from basic concepts like the use of "make" and "do" to more complex grammar.
2. Tennessee Language Center (TLC)
The TLC is an entity of the University of Tennessee's Institute of Public Service dedicated to language instruction for the public sector, community businesses, and individuals to facilitate intercultural communication.
Key Features
This school offers general English classes, a specialized course for refugees, and corporate training for business professionals. It also offers teacher and translator training.
Courses and Locations
- Address: 220 French Landing Drive, Nashville, TN 37243, USA
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Contact: 615-741-7579 / info.languagecenter@tennessee.edu
- Tuition: Each course cycle (12 per level) costs $195 USD plus $30 USD for materials; or a $1850 USD registration fee for TESL.
Advantages and Disadvantages
These courses are very useful for the community, as they help connect its members, but there have been complaints about the quality and the costs seeming a bit high.
3. ELS
This company, with over 60 years of experience, provides English language courses to students at universities in the United States.
Main Features
It offers intensive and semi-intensive English courses, as well as vacation courses, certification programs, and youth programs. Accommodation options include on-campus or homestay options.
Programs and Locations
- Address: 820 Fairview Avenue, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 37130, USA
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Contact: (615) 898-2980 / nsh@els.edu
- Programs: Costs range from $4,500 to $21,600 USD; additional costs apply for accommodations, meals, etc.
Advantages and Disadvantages
ELS offers excellent programs for its courses, where the immersive technique is very effective. However, the costs are high and the schedules are not very flexible, as students must adhere to the school's schedule.
4. English Language Institute, University of Tennessee
The ELI was founded in 1978 to provide intensive English courses to students planning to study at the University of Tennessee, as well as to visitors and professionals.
Key Features
They offer three types of courses: Intensive English (aimed at the academic community), Part-Time English (for those who want to improve their language skills), and Evening and Weekend English (certification preparation).
Programs and Branches
- Address: Conference Center Building, Suite 120, 600 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Contact: 1-865-974-3404 / eli@tennessee.edu
- Programs: Intensive Course, $3,080 USD; Part-Time, $2,150 USD
Advantages and Disadvantages
It's worth noting that the school offers courses for its students and for the general public; however, the schedules are inflexible and the costs are somewhat high.
5. Tennessee Tech: English as a Second Language Center
This program at Tennessee Technological University offers intensive English courses for international students seeking to improve their language skills.
Key Features
Students take 20 hours of classes per week, focusing on areas such as reading, vocabulary, writing, and more. The program also includes exam preparation and offers five levels of study.
Programs and Locations
- Address: 240 Mayfield Dr #204, Smyrna, TN 37167, USA
- Schedule: Varies by semester
- Contact: +1 931-372-3634 / intl_adm@tntech.edu
- Tuition: $2400 USD per session
Advantages and Disadvantages
This school offers a method for learning American culture from the inside out, but its curriculum is very intensive and its costs are very high.
6. Intensive English for Internationals
The IEI, at the University of Memphis, has a rigorous academic focus to prepare students for undergraduate and graduate programs in the U.S. This program also offers courses for international professionals residing in the Memphis area.
Key Features
The program includes five sessions over eight weeks, in small groups, focused on academic English. Three levels are offered, and students are placed in the appropriate course based on their proficiency. Evening classes are also available.
Programs and Locations
- Address: 3720 Alumni Ave, Memphis, TN, Tennessee, USA
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Contact: 1-901-678-2000 / socialmediateam@memphis.edu
- Programs: Programs start at $4,000 USD.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The academically focused programs are quite effective, but regardless of the course chosen, prior knowledge of the language is required; furthermore, the costs are quite high.
7. Connect Language Center of World Relief
World Relief is a global humanitarian organization with Christian roots, whose main goal is to empower the local church community to assist those in vulnerable situations.
Key Features
This center offers quality education (with qualified teachers) and accessible courses in the morning and evening. Its primary focus, however, is on community integration through English language courses for non-speakers.
Plans and Locations
- Address: 5340 Quince Rd, Suite A, Memphis, TN 38119, USA
- Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Friday, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Contact: (901) 295-8874 / kmora@wr.org
- Plans: Courses range from $200 to $480 USD per month.
Advantages and Disadvantages
As a community organization, the association does a great job bringing English courses to the community. However, the costs are still somewhat high, and the number of spaces available in each course is not publicly available.
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8. Center for English
The Center for English began as a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching English and developing life skills. They focus on helping mothers attend lessons by providing transportation and childcare.
Key Features
They offer basic English courses as well as TOEFL preparation courses and are committed to providing comprehensive support to their students.
Plans and Locations
- Address: 2720 Dayton St, Knoxville, TN 37921, USA
- Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Contact: 865-264-3578 / sandra@centerforenglish.org
- Plans: Depends on the course requested.
Advantages and Disadvantages
It's worth highlighting the great work this organization does with community members, especially mothers. The problem is that we don't know the course start dates or the enrollment limits for each course.
9. Center for Accelerated Language Acquisition
CALA is the official language training center of the Honors College at Middle Tennessee State University. They use research-based methodologies on brain activity.
Key Features
They primarily use two techniques: TPR (Total Physical Response) and TPRS (Teaching Mastery Through Reading and Storytelling), which make lessons natural and engaging experiences.
Plans and Locations
- Address: Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Bldg, 1737 Blue Raider Dr, Murfreesboro, TN 37132, USA
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Contact: 865-264-3578 / sandra@centerforenglish.org
- Plans: The first class costs $300 USD; subsequent classes, $185 USD.
Advantages and Disadvantages
While the system sounds quite innovative, the prices are still high. We also don't know the registration periods or the class sizes at this school.
10. Chattanooga School of Language
This language school offers high-quality instruction in 10 different languages to people of all ages and levels through small groups, flexible schedules, and cultural immersion.
Key Features
This school uses an immersive, experience-based approach, encouraging students to learn languages through real-world interactions. For example, they practice English by greeting and speaking with others in everyday settings.
Plans and Locations
- Address: 3800 St. Elmo Avenue, Suite 329, Chattanooga, TN, USA
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Contact: 423-802-2040 / info@chattanoogalanguage.com
- Plans: Depends on the course selected.
Advantages and Disadvantages
This school is highly respected in the community, and its students speak very highly of it. However, we don't know the registration periods, when courses start, or, specifically, what their teaching methods are.
11. Su Casa Family Ministries
This school belongs to a religious organization that seeks to connect and empower non-English-speaking Latino immigrants in their community for the benefit of the people and the local area.
Key Features
Classes are designed for adults 18 and older to learn English. Lessons are taught by volunteer teachers who navigate five learning levels and understand the time it takes to learn English.
Programs and Locations
- Address: 1302 N Graham St, Memphis, TN, Tennessee, United States
- Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:15 to 10:45 AM and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:00 PM
- Contact: 901-320-9833 / contact@sucasamemphis.org
- Programs: Semesters (4 months) cost $125 USD.
Advantages and Disadvantages
This organization focuses on teaching conversational English to Latino immigrants. They do not offer certifications or degrees, so if you are looking to obtain one, this is not the right option.
12. Foreign Language Academy
This company has over 30 years of experience providing translation and interpreting services in the state. They also teach a wide range of languages other than English.
Key Features
Their classes are tailored to students' needs, based on their English level, learning objectives, and learning style. They offer group and individual classes for people of all ages.
Plans and Locations
- Address: 220 S Peters Rd #209, Knoxville, TN 37923, USA
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Contact: 1-865-694-8880 / foreignlanguageacademy.org
- Plans: Individual classes $475 USD for 10 lessons; group classes $300 USD for 10 lessons.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The system is very practical and effective, but they have occasionally received complaints about not providing information when requested by potential clients. They have also received complaints about the attitude of the administrative staff.
13. Nashville Adult Literacy Council
This nonprofit English language school in Nashville opened in 1982 and has since been dedicated to teaching English and promoting literacy in the community. Their teaching methods are designed for easy and quick learning.
Key Features
Their program is geared towards adults over 18 who have not been able to advance their English beyond the eighth grade. They have received national and regional awards for their community service.
Programs and Locations
- Address: 4805 Park Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209, USA
- Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Contact: 1-615-298-8060 / info@nashvilleliteracy.org
- Programs: Free, but materials must be purchased.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Their service in the city is undoubtedly remarkable. However, there aren't many class times to choose from because the teachers are volunteers; furthermore, spaces fill up quickly.
Why do we recommend studying English online with Papora?
Their platform offers a wide range of schedules for unlimited live classes with native-level instructors. You'll have the opportunity to study from anywhere with internet access.
Each lesson focuses on everyday topics. This approach will help you think in English and increase your confidence when speaking.
In addition, depending on the plan you choose, you'll have access to a self-guided course with over 300 exclusive lessons to practice from anywhere.
All of this comes at one of the most competitive prices and includes a certificate you can add to your CV upon completion of your studies.
Learn more about English schools in the United States by reading our articles about Indianapolis and Sacramento.
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Frequently asked questions about English courses in Tennessee
This choice will depend on your goals and preferences. While it's true that in-person learning offers more interaction with teachers and classmates, this experience can't match the scheduling freedom and flexibility that online schools provide.
Most standard courses last from one to two years, depending on the frequency of classes each week. Intensive courses are also available, focusing on specific aspects of English and lasting from two to four months.
