2026 Winter/Spring Term classes begin on January 20 and will go through April 17.
Registration for fall term is on Thursday, January 15 from 9:30 to 11:30 AM at Park Street Church, 1 Park St., Boston, MA 02108.
Most of our classes require in-person registration so that we can best determine through an exam (grammar, idioms, and writing sample) which level you will be in. We teach beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Please contact Karen Patschke, our ESL Coordinator, with any questions.
Did you know?
Recently the foreign-born population of the city of Boston was determined to be 177,461. Annually nearly 50,000 temporary-visa students, scholars and family members arrive in metro Boston for degree or language study, research or work. Yearly hundreds of refugees are resettled across metro Boston. Park Street Church, located in the heart of the city, is pleased to offer an English Language Program through its FOCUS program.
* As reported by the Boston Redevelopment Authority, in an annual report “Boston by the Numbers 2015.”
English Language Classes
We offer six levels of English instruction each Fall, Spring, and Summer. We also offer a ‘Language Partners’ program that pairs native speakers with learners for more individualized attention. All classes are taught by caring volunteer teachers from Park Street and surrounding area churches, and held inside the church campus at One Park Street, just across the street from Park Street subway station. Some classes are held on Zoom. Most classes have fewer than 10 students and maximum class size is 15.
Registration is required before the beginning of each session for each English Language Class. If you are a new student, please bring a state-issued photo identification card to registration. You will be given a placement test to determine which level is best for you.
Ni hao! I came to Boston as a visiting scholar at BWH. I attended the Professional Communications Workshop and learned a lot about presentations. I appreciate teacher Whay because of the well-prepared lessons, homework assignments, discussion and presentations. It was a really friendly learning experience. I strongly recommend you take this English class.
Wei
a medical doctor from China
While a research fellow at MGH, I enrolled in 2 classes: conversational English and PCW. One class provided many settings to practice English: discussing homework, touring museums, cooking, singing and more. In the communications class I learned how to present my research with confidence and in engaging ways. I had fun learning American culture with classmates from different countries.
Min
a researcher from Shenzhen
Konnichiwa! I joined the Professional Communication Workshop to practice speaking in front of people. Our instructor taught passionately and gave us many practical tips. Park Street Church offers a place where you can get out of your comfort zone and make mistakes in an affirming environment with lots of friends and caring, devoted teachers.
Ayako S.
a conference interpreter from Japan
2026 Winter/spring Classes
January 20 – April 17
CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH
For anyone seeking to learn grammar, expand vocabulary and develop confidence with everyday conversations. Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. Students are placed according to written and oral language proficiency. Cost $160 (including textbook). Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 am.
PRONUNCIATION
Learn and Practice how to: Speak more clearly, Listen to other people more efficiently, Guss the pronunciation of written words. For students with intermediate to advanced language profiency. Cost $60
QUILTING
Free! All are welcome! Tuesdays, 12:00-2:00 pm. No need to register.
HOPE FOR TODAY!
Learn about the God of the Bible…who He is…and what that means for us today. Free! All are welcome! Wednesdays, 9:00-10:00 am. Contact Karen Patschke, Park Street’s ESL Coordinator.
WHO IS JESUS? (Via Zoom)
Bible study for students who are new to God’s Word. The study will focus on various parts of the Bible, with discussions on the meaning and application of those readings. Free! All are welcome! Wednesdays, 1:00 – 2:00 pm. Contact Karen Patschke, Park Street’s ESL Coordinator.
ADVANCED LEVEL BIBLE CLASS (Via Phone)
Free! Contact Kim Watson, Instructor.
LANGUAGE PARTNERS (In Person or Virtual)
Contact Karen Patschke to be added to the waitlist. Customized, one‐on‐one learning with an English teacher. This is a great opportunity to practice English and make a new friend! Cost $60. Weekly – days and times are decided by you and your language partner. Contact Karen Patschke, Park Street’s ESL Coordinator.
5COMING IN 2026: MOVEMENT AND MUSIC
A special elective class for mothers and young children. Through guided movement, rhythm and music, students are invited to release stress, reconnect with their bodies and cultivate a sense of place and belonging. This will meet every Thursday afternoon from 12:45pm to 1:45pm Contact: Gabrielle Tong [email protected]
PARK STREET CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE
8:30 & 11:00 am
The 11:00 service is also live streamed.
PARK STREET INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP (PSIF)
Join us for small group Bible discussions in English. All international students, scholars and their families are invited. Come learn about Christianity and the Bible in a friendly and open environment, where any question is welcome. No need to register, and lunch is provided. Sundays, 12:30‐3:00 pm. Questions? Contact Polo Kim, Minister to Internationals.
SNOW DAYS
In Boston winter months often bring snow. If Boston Public Schools are closed, so are FOCU ESL classes. Please check the news or call the church at 617-523-3383.
