English in OKC— 7 Best Academic Courses for University Success

Updated: January 1, 2022

Which English classes in Oklahoma City are the best, and which are FREE?

Learning English is easier if you choose the right course. This article is part 2 of a series. You’ll learn the 7 top places to study English for academic or university studies in this post. You can read part 1, which is about the best free places to learn English in OKC.

You can also read this article about my recommendations for the best (free) places to learn English in Oklahoma City.

There are a lot of classes offered, but not all are free. Not all will help you learn English, or help you reach your goals. Which English course in OKC is the best? I have identified 7 of the best programs (in no particular order).

English in OKC: 7 Best Courses

The majority of the free English classes in Oklahoma will not teach you academic English. They’re for adult non-native English speakers who need basic English for their day-to-day life.

If you’re an adult professional with a career (for example, a doctor, engineer, researcher, accountant, etc.), don’t choose any of the courses listed here.

Instead, the list below is what you need. I have updated the courses for 2021 as the COVID-19 global pandemic has changed things.

1. Oklahoma City University (OCU)—$$$

This university is in central OKC. The school has an undergraduate (BA) in Liberal Arts–TESOL program as well as a graduate (MA) in TESOL degree. TESOL means Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Click here to learn more. In addition, they have an Intensive English Program (IEP) for students wanting to study English for Academic Purposes (EAP), but for a fee. Furthermore, classes are only during the school year (no summer classes). I taught a few classes as a substitute last year and was impressed with the students and program.

Advice: Class sizes are small and you receive individual attention. However, it is expensive. If you want individualized attention, then choose this program.

Recap— This is a private university and its English programs are not free, but they are very good. They offer an IEP, MA, and BA programs.

Update: this program was canceled in 2020.

2. English Language Services (ELS)—$$$

ELS is very famous in the US and Canada, and around the world. It’s owned by Berlitz. They have many different types of classes, and their classes are just 4 weeks long. This is a very, very intensive English school. Unfortunately, ELS’ programs are very expensive, too. They also only offer academic English.

Advice: The program is not cheap. I think you would do better choosing a less intensive format. Hire a private tutor.

Recap—So, ELS is a private company and has 4–week long sessions. Their courses are not expensive. If money isn’t a problem for you, then go for it!

Update: This program is officially closed. this program no longer has face-to-face courses. All are online due to the pandemic.

3. Paradigm English— $

Where to learn English in Oklahoma City? With Paradigm English, that’s where! You can enroll in my fluency course for intermediate students. Or, start with some of my free course and YouTube videos. These lessons are free. Sign-up for our newsletter to get free lessons and tips to your mailbox as well as transcripts from our podcast.

Advice: You get individual attention and exactly what you need. The price is affordable and we’re in OKC. Choose this program if you are in Oklahoma City and need to learn English, or if you are planning to travel.

Recap—Paradigm English is in Oklahoma City and the courses are online.

4. Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC)—Free

OCCC, or “O-Triple C,” is probably the most well known. They have classes in many sites, and they are all free.

However, the quality of their programs and teaching are not good. In fact, many students are dissatisfied with the following: large classes, no class for beginners, class schedule, only grammar, no speaking practice, location.

Many teachers do care about their students. The institution doesn’t, though.

Also, there are no classes in the summer (May—August).

Advice: Know your goals. This program will not improve your speaking. You will not receive individualized attention. You will get what you pay for, which is nothing.

Recap: Free classes, but with many problems.

Update: All are online due to the pandemic.

Spero Project—Free English in OKC for Refugees

The Spero Project is a great nonprofit organization that is doing the Lord’s work. I enjoyed teaching Citizenship classes here.

The teachers are helpful, knowledgable, and class sizes are small. The bad part about this program is that even though their English classes are in OKC, they are just for refugees. So, in other words, if you are not a refugee, then choose a different program.

They don’t train you for academics. They can help refugees with basic English, however. After you complete those courses, they may be able to help you with your academic career.

Advice: Perfect for refugees. Only for refugees.

Recap: Only for refugees in the OKC area. Classes are small and free!

Update: It’s not clear if these classes are still going.

Community Literacy Center (CLC)—Free English in OKC

There are many classes across Oklahoma City. Classes are either in the morning or evening and for 2–hours twice (2x) a week. The problem is that they have no curriculum. Why is this a problem? Because classes may not be modern, up-to-date, or of a good quality. How do I know? Because I worked here and was disappointed in their quality.

They don’t prepare you specifically for academics. Some classes are more academic. It depends on the teacher and his/her curriculum. Just ask the teacher what you’ll learn to find out. Regardless of this, though, it’s a decent place to study English in OKC.

Advice: Do research on the site and the teacher first. Some classes are good, some are bad.

Recap: Free classes that may or may not be good quality.

Update: Classes are online due to the pandemic.

5. English Language Center of Edmond (ELC)—$$$

Okay, they’re not in OKC, but they’re close enough. Edmond is 20-30 minutes from downtown OKC.

This is a private company that has an IEP program. It is very expensive, but has small classes of less than 15 students per class. The teachers truly care about their students and are well trained/qualified. Management is terrible. I taught here and do not recommend it because of the management staff.

Some students do like the school. It’s a great community of learners. You’ll have access to the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), and many other great shops.

About the school: 4 days a week of classes. Classes from 9 AM–1 PM. No classes on Friday, unless you choose test preparation (i.e., IELTS or TOEFL). Classes are just 4 weeks, then you move to a new level (should you pass that level, that is). They prepare you to enter university studies. Well, actually, they prepare you for academia.

Advice: Avoid management, but the teaching is good. It is expensive.

Recap: Small class sizes, expensive with great teachers, but poor management.

Update: They now have classes in the classroom and online.

6. Center for English as A Second Language (CESL)—$$$

CESL is in Norman, Oklahoma—30 minutes by car from downtown Oklahoma City. They have classes spring, summer, and fall. You’ll learn with mostly people in their twenties, but there are students who are older.

The program is expensive. It’s also intensive. Class sizes are not large, however. I wasn’t impressed with their program in 2013/2014 when I visited them, but many students enjoy their programs.

The good thing about CESL is that they have many different program from which you may choose. They’ll even prepare you for the IELTS or TOEFL exams. In addition, you can choose a track that will put you on course to enter the University of Oklahoma (OU), which is a fantastic university. However, it is not a requirement for you to enroll at OU to take CESL courses.

Advice: They’re okay. I recommend them, but they’re expensive.

Recap: They’re not in OKC, but Norman. Classes are all year. They’re expensive and have online classes

Update: Classes are online and face-to-face because of the pandemic.

7. The Language Company (TLC)—$$$

TLC is also not in Oklahoma City. They’re in Edmond on UCOs campus. Frankly, the program isn’t the best. But, you’ll learn English. Teachers care about their pupils. They also have locations in Texas, Missouri, and Indiana.

This program is different because they actually have courses for children. This post isn’t about kids, however. You can read more about that program here.

You can choose private/one-to-one lessons, or group. Classes are online and/or in-person. They’re even offering a discount for both right now.

Recap: classes are online or in-person. You can have 1-to-1 lessons, or private. There is a course for children.

Update: In-person or online English classes due to the pandemic.

Educational and Cultural Interactions, Inc. (ECI)

*ECI no longer has a location in Oklahoma City.

Conclusion

So, there are many options for learning English in OKC. However, some program are free, while others are expensive. I have written another article about which places are the best. You can read that here. I’ve worked for or volunteered for many of these companies on this list over my 17 years as an English coach. Click here to read more about me. Enroll in our fluency course to finally reach your dreams!