About Our Classes
For nearly 40 years, people have been coming to The Learning Center for the Deaf to learn American Sign Language (ASL). While some may have a deaf family member, many simply love languages and want to learn ASL. Whatever your reason for enrolling, we promise a dynamic and engaging learning experience led by instructors who are Deaf and fluent ASL users. Our classes are small and encourage full participation in a fun and conversational setting. While you work to develop an ASL vocabulary and understanding of the language, you will also be learning about Deaf culture and history.
We currently offer community classes for ages 16 and older, as well as a few introduction to ASL classes for younger kids throughout the year. The format (in-person, hybrid or virtual) will depend on demand and instructor availability. Classes do fill quickly, so we encourage those who are truly interested to register as soon as possible when we announce it. Please see course descriptions below and view the FAQs at the bottom of this page for additional information regarding pricing, etc.
About our Community Classes:
Each six-week course is $195. Classes are scheduled over six weeks, but some adjustments may be made due to holiday, weather, or instructor conflicts. Registration links will post under each session as enrollment opens. Be sure to join our ASL Email List to receive an alert when each session is available!
There are no required text books or supplemental materials for for class. TLC encourages the use of a TRUE+WAY ASL online account to support your learning and class curriculum to support our students. Please note: Should you choose to register for an account, there is a small fee, and students are responsible for that additional cost.
ASL Classes for Kids:
We offer a beginner ("Into to ASL") and an advanced ASL class for children and young teens:
- Intro to ASL (Beginner): Students learn their ABCs, numbers, colors, animals, and basic communication signs. We ask that your child be age 5 or older by the first class; parents and caregivers are required to accompany their child to each class.
- Advanced: Students will review basic signs and build on conversational ASL
Our classes are held in-person once per week for 90-minutes in Framingham, MA, unless otherwise specified. See upcoming schedules below.
Classes Open for Registration:
Winter II
February 24, 2025 - April 8, 2025
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Level 1 (remote) : Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 PM
Level 1 (in-person) : Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 PM
Level 2 (remote) : Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Level 2 (in-person): Wednesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Level 3 (in-person): Mondays, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Level 4 (remote) : Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Level 5 (in-person) : Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Intro to ASL for Kids
February 24, 2025 - April 8, 2025
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Wednesdays, 6:00 to 7:30 PM
63 Fountain Street, 5th Floor, Framingham, MA
Course Descriptions:
- Level 1: Basic ASL vocabulary, fingerspelling, and ASL grammar to construct simple sentences
- Level 2: More sign language gestures, fingerspelling, ASL grammar, and vocabulary to express complex ideas and sentences
- Level 3: Intensive vocabulary building, ASL sentence construction, and telling short stories for conversations in ASL
- Level 4: Further developing vocabulary and building confidence in signing sentences and conversing in ASL
- Level 5: Descriptive phrases, employment, giving directions, chores/household conversations, money
- Intro to ASL for Kids: Designed to be interactive and fun for the whole family! A five-day class to provide an introduction to basic American Sign Language, geared toward younger children.
Individual, Small Group and Private Classes Available!
We are happy to accommodate special requests for private or small group classes for local businesses, community members, or even families who wish to strengthen and develop their ASL skills in a quieter setting. Please complete an inquiry form below so we can learn more about your request!
Current TLC Families
Is your child/family currently enrolled at Marie Philip School, Walden School, or Walden Community Services? In addition to supporting our students inside the classroom, we offer basic ASL classes for students' primary caregivers at no charge to support language development and social emotional wellbeing in the home. Classes are offered in the fall, winter, spring and summer. Registration is communicated through our family newsletters; you are also welcome to reach out to us at any time to request more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am learning ASL so that I can be a better communicator with my deaf and hard of hearing coworkers. In addition to strengthening my ASL skills, I have loved learning the origins of some ASL signs, and also about Deaf Culture.