Starting next week free English as a Second Language, or ESL, classes will be held in Washington. The Kirkwood Washington Regional Center is again hosting the classes free of charge to community members. Tera Pickens, director of the center explains the class is held two nights each week from August 17th to October 9th. Pickens explains the course can be a critical first step in helping people learn English to open up doors in life, including employment.

Registration should be done by Thursday and a placement exam will be held Thursday evening starting at 6 p.m. There are two levels to the course. To enroll in the free ESL classes contact the regional center.