About Classes

LVGH prides itself on offering a strong sense of community. Our classes are perfect for anyone who might not be comfortable in a large group institutional setting or prefers more individualized attention. Small-group instruction allows tutors to best accommodate the needs of their students. That means you might find classes going through today’s newspaper headlines, practicing filling out applications, or in the Computer Lab looking for directions to the grocery store. Students benefit from learning not only from their tutors, but from each other.   To take a virtual tour of our Hartford Literacy Center, click here!

Have a question about our classes?  Contact our Program Development Director, Mark Briggs at (860) 233-3853 Ext. 14 or mark.briggs@lvgh.org.

Class Structure
Classes are small, generally four to six students placed according to their reading and/or language skills. Taught by trained volunteer tutors, all groups follow a standard curriculum, which incorporates English literacy along with life skills. Students and teachers each receive copies of the standard textbook.

Course Offerings
Literacy Volunteers provides small-group instruction in:

• Basic Literacy (Reading and Writing for native English speakers)
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
• Computer Literacy
• Math Literacy
• Theresa Fiondella Pre-GED
• GED
• Citizenship
• Job Readiness
• Writing
• Conversation

We can also help connect students to the National External Diploma Program (NEDP), an alternative to high school completion for students who may not be a good fit for the GED.  Ask a staff member for more information.

Class Schedule
Classes are offered during three terms beginning in August, November, and February. The regular school year ends in June, with a summer session in July. Registration closes two weeks after the term begins (see class schedule).  We offer classes in Hartford, East Hartford, and Bloomfield.

Educational Technology
Our Educational Technology program provides students the opportunity to work independently in the Computer Lab with help from volunteers. Educational software is available to supplement classroom instruction. Individualized tutoring is also available on topics of interest to students including basic internet navigation, setting up an email address, obtaining a driver’s license, job searches, and word processing (see Computer Lab hours).