Immigration & Language · Surprise rank #183
Need English, HSE/GED or Adult Literacy Help? Search NY’s Publicly Funded Adult-Education Programs
NYSED maintains a statewide directory of adult-education providers offering programs such as ESOL, adult basic education and high-school-equivalency preparation.
Who
Adults seeking basic literacy, English-language, high-school-equivalency or related adult-education services.
What to do
Start here: Use NYSED’s Find an Adult Education Program directory and contact the nearest provider to ask about current classes, cost, schedule and enrollment.
Eligibility: Program age, residency, education-level, language and intake requirements vary by provider and funding source.
What you get
State-supported adult education includes Adult Basic Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages, Adult Secondary Education/HSE preparation and related workforce or literacy services through many types of local providers.
Benefit: Access to publicly funded adult-education services that are often free or low cost, depending on the provider and funding stream.
Possible value: Tuition savings vary by provider; many programs are publicly funded, but fees and materials policies can differ.
Good to know
Important: The original idea “free at public libraries” was too broad. Providers include BOCES, school districts, colleges, community groups, libraries and others, and not every local program is free or offers every service.
Availability: Active statewide directory; local classes and seats vary.
Why people miss it: People search only their nearest library or school and may not know NYSED maintains one cross-provider directory for adult education.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026