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English & interpreters

Free English classes, your right to an interpreter, and citizenship test prep

By J&H Digital Services LLCChecked Oct 23, 202610 sources

In short

The College of Western Idaho and Learning Lab both teach English to adults for free, and local libraries host free conversation groups. If your English is limited, hospitals and clinics that take federal funds must give you an interpreter at no cost, and Idaho courts must appoint one for your hearing. The citizenship civics test asks 20 questions and you must answer 12 correctly (applications filed since Oct 20, 2025).

Free classes
College of Western Idaho (Boise and Nampa) and Learning Lab (Garden City)
Practice speaking
Free conversation groups at Boise and Meridian libraries
Medical interpreter
Free at hospitals and clinics that take federal funds; ask when you book
Court interpreter
Ask the court clerk as early as possible before your hearing
Citizenship test
20civics questions, 12 correct to pass (applications filed since Oct 20, 2025)
01

Where can adults take English classes?

College of Western Idaho: English Language Learners

Free adult English classes

Best for: Structured classes at every level, in Boise or Nampa

More
Hours
Morning 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. or evening 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., in 8-week sessions
  • Free
  • Morning and evening classes
  • Book an enrollment appointment online
  • Open to U.S. citizens and people with documented lawful status; you must show papers to enroll
  • Ages 16 and up who are not in public school
  • Does not meet F-1 student visa rules

Classes meet at the Boise Community Learning Center (Ada County Center, Mallard Building) and the Nampa Community Learning Center (Canyon County Center).

Website ↗Call
02

Where can I practice English for free?

03

Do I have a right to an interpreter?

Do I have to pay for a medical interpreter?

No. Under two federal laws, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, health programs that receive federal money must give language help free of charge. That covers nearly all hospitals and most clinics, including St. Luke's and Saint Alphonsus. Ask for an interpreter in your language when you book and again when you arrive. The interpreter may be in person, by video or by phone.

Can my child or a friend interpret for me?

You can ask for a trained interpreter instead, and you should for anything serious. Medical words are hard, and a family member may miss or soften bad news. Children should not interpret for medical visits.

What if a hospital refuses?

Ask for the patient advocate or language services office. You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.

Will the court give me an interpreter?

Yes. Idaho Code 9-205 says the court shall appoint a qualified interpreter for anyone in a legal proceeding who cannot understand or speak English, and the county court fund pays the interpreter. Contact the clerk at the courthouse holding your hearing and ask as early as you can, or the hearing may be delayed. The Idaho Supreme Court Language Access Office answers questions at (208) 947-7554.

What about schools and state offices?

Public schools and many state and county offices also get federal funds and offer interpreters or translated forms. Ask at the front desk. For school, see our K-12 guide.

04

Where can I prepare for the citizenship test?

Keep reading

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Sources (10) · Checked Oct 23, 2026

Fees, rules and providers change. Confirm with the official source before you go.

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