Oh boy. What can I say about SLC? I don't think I have the words to explain how amazing this place is, but I'll try. I'd always wanted to learn ASL, even as a child, but I was never in one place long enough to do so. When I moved to NYC and found myself with some free time, I thought it was the perfect time. I looked up different schools and places for me to learn ASL. I compared prices. I read reviews. I did my research. SLC was and is the best option. It's located in midtown so it's super convenient. They have classes throughout the week and on weekends to accommodate every schedule. If you divide the price by the amount of hours, it's the best deal. But best of all, the teachers are AMAZINGGGGG! I absolutely LOVE the teachers at SLC. They are all fantastic! For levels 1&2, I had Alan Abrams. He's an excellent teacher to have in the beginning levels because he voices and writes a lot so you really understand what he's talking about. He signs really slowly for everyone. He makes triply sure that everyone understands before moving on. I honestly think he spoiled us with how slow he went. Lol. We just all understood him so well. He also encourages participation by asking each person questions. And he's really funny. Alan is such an entertainer. He really tries to make us all laugh and keep us all entertained. He's really goofy and kind of crazy. I actually really wanted him as my teacher for all the levels and was nervous to leave him. My level 3 teacher, J.W. gave me nothing to worry about. He's also silly and goofy, but not in a crude Alan way. Lol. J.W. hosts the monthly ASL Slams and is really comfortable teaching. He signed faster than Alan, but still at an understandable pace. I had a lot of fun in his class as well and wanted him to teach my level 4 class, but alas, that was not to be. J.C. aka John Colons taught my level 4 and 5 classes. He's hilarious and loves to tease his students. You can tease him back. He can take it. He shares his personal stories with the class and encourages us to do the same. He likes to fingerspell with style so he'll teach you to do the same. I had too much fun in that class! I would have loved if he taught my level 6 as well (are you seeing a pattern here?), but I knew that we had hit our limit. So sad. Robert Parcels taught my level 6 class. He likes to start class off with people sharing any news they've come across. He pushes everyone to participate and really tries to prepare you for conversation class. (dun dun dun!!!) He is an excellent teacher, knowledgeable and easily understood. Crossing my fingers I have him for conversation class!! So the rule here is that you can only have any one teacher for a maximum of two classes. Why? So you get to experience different signing styles and accents. When I first found out I could no longer have Alan teach me, I was a petulant child about it. I whined and pouted. I was so comfortable with Alan. I understood him. He understood me. We had a good thing going. Why mess with that? But Alan Roth, the director, assured me that J.W. was one of the best teachers at SLC. And of course, he was right. J.W. was awesome. They are all awesome. Come here. You will not regret it. read more

It seems almost impossible that there is only one place in NYC (other than LaGuardia, but that's a college so that's a different story) that teaches ASL - American Sign Language. I was looking for one on Yelp and there was only 1 review at the time for this place. But then I remembered a conversation with a dear friend years ago when I expressed interest, and it just so happened that he took classes here before and highly recommended it. If you: 1) want to learn something different 2) want to learn how to sign so you can talk about people in front of them without actually talking 3) want to learn about "deaf culture" (all I can say is WOW! It is totally a completely different culture) 4) want to learn ASL but aren't looking to earn credits 5) want to be a better person Then this is for you. Once a week (2.5 hour classes with a 15-min break in between) for 6 weeks per level. If you can't make a class on a certain day, you can ask to make up a class on a different day. *Unless they cancel the class, which actually happened to me... so I lost a class and couldn't get a refund. As for the classes -- they are fun! We make up skits to learn how to sign without speaking and play lots of games. We go around to answer questions and end up getting to know each other. We laugh through the entire class... it's pretty much the most fun you can have in a classroom setting. I can only hope to advance to conversational level one day and be able to communicate fluently and beautifully like everyone here! It truly is a beautiful language. All the teachers are friendly and funny. I almost didn't want to write this review because I wanted to keep this place all to myself!! read more

I am taking a Level 1 Group class. My instructor, Brian is engaging, informative, and approachable. I love the fact that we aren't allowed to use our voice in class, a PowerPoint and white board is used to break down rules and words, and notes are given in order to practice what was learned in class. Whether you are a complete novice or not, everyone has something to gain from this center. This class is so much fun and I highly recommend it. read more

I can't say enough about the Sign Language Center. I've been telling people about this place even before I started attending classes. This is the best spot to learn sign language in a fun and creative environment. Alan Roth, the guy in charge, is always available to help or answer a question. The teachers at the center are not only great at what they do, but they are a special breed of humans. I have never laughed so much while taking a class! A bunch of my friends went to level 5 and I've signed up all the way to conversational. I recently heard that they're thinking about adding some type of certification once you've taken all the levels. If I could, I would give this place 10 stars. read more

Sign Language Center - Language Schools Near Me - New York, New York

Disappointed. ---- I really wanted to continue training with SLC...I started taking classes a while back in NYC and fell in love with learning ASL. However, I was quite disappointed with how one instructor, Shelley...failed to follow up with the concerns I had, while taking classes via Zoom. I was already taking Level 3 for a 2nd time. During one of my last classes of the session, what was extremely disappointing was how I shared with Shelley that I would still be IN class, but my video would be set to image (I had a hurt hand this particular day and wanted to still learn) - my messages were ignored and I ended up leaving the class bc I was the only one not placed in the breakout rooms. After the fact, no follow up was given. I expressed my concerns with one of the directors: Alan and it just appeared that he only wanted to pacify me with what he offered, but he never really dealt with the situation at hand: a client being disappointed with a 'top teacher.' And he never encouraged Shelley to reach out to me directly. ---- As a 16 year dance educator myself...I understand how to "read the room," more importantly, follow up with student concerns, etc, but this genuine care and concern wasn't offered to me. In my opinion, the focus was only on those who was at the level that Shelley wanted them to be. --- On another note, the material in this particular level...was like a rollercoaster. Waaaaaaaayyyyyyy too many things to address in just a short segment of time. The overall lessons are good, but it's the key details that we, as students need to finesse. ___ And the main reason that I needed to take level 3 a 2nd time, was due to another male instructor not doing a good job in his class awareness. Isn't this what we fill out class surveys for? For the administration team to actually listen... ---- The teacher I began my studying with (Level 1 and 2): Kristin, wasn't asked back to SLC...and this was a teacher who got me, as well as many others excited about learning not only the language, but made learning ASL fun; she showed much genuine care. A highlight for me was when a classmate and I had lunch with Kristin & her friend - helping us to use ASL in a restaurant setting - it forced us to immerse ourselves in the deaf lifestyle, for that moment; Moreover, till this day, Kristin has stayed in touch with me and that means a lot. ---- Long story short, Alan and Shelley could have handled this situation better and it makes me sad that I have to find another place to continue my learning. read more

SLC is the number place for ASL learners in NYC, beginners in particular, as they would be amazed at the engaging class dynamics and the welcoming, committed teachers immediately. Every teacher has their unique soulful way to showcase the charm of ASL and share their rich knowledge of Deaf culture: Brian is loving and encouraging, Alan Abrams hilarious and daring, Tanya incredibly expressive and communicative, Sheryl so diligent, precise, and positively demanding, J.W. with profound knowledge of deaf arts, and Robert who is truly an artistic guru... Director Alan Roth organizes the school with vision and passion, which makes SLC an ideal place to hang out and meet new friends with common interests. I highly recommend it with no reservation. read more

All it took was one class for me to be a believer in the Sign Language Center. Coming in with little to no ASL knowledge, I was quite nervous for my first class. The teachers (all of them!), however, really put me at ease. In fact, the teachers are AWESOME! They really get you comfortable with signing in front of others quickly, keeping you involved and interested throughout the class. They're quick to make jokes and quick to laugh with you. They are VERY patient with all levels of students and encourage students to ask questions. One thing that really stood out to me early on with SLC was their flexibility. For example, can't come to class on a Thursday one week? They'll let you come on a Tuesday that week so you don't miss a class! They're in the business of teaching ASL and will do whatever they can to make sure you get a chance to learn it. Kudos! SLC made such a positive impression on me during my first set of classes that I signed up for Level 2 and plan on taking even more classes with them in the future. I would recommend them to ANYONE who is looking to take ASL classes in the city. Hands down. read more

I just finished Level 1 & almost the entire class is moving on to Level 2, which I suspect is unusual. (That is to say, I expect people test it out & then drop it for many possible reasons, which might include time requirements, finances, etc.) To be honest, I'm a bit of a quitter & have a tendency to start things & not follow through. My classmates were very firm that I ought to continue! This is, I think, a function of the culture of the classes: acceptance, patience & teamwork. When we were told that our instructor, Brian, was also going to be our instructor for Level 2, the class broke into spontaneous "applause". He is enormously popular for his humor, intelligence, patience & ... quite frankly ... his kindness in the face of our at times hapless efforts to communicate! I paid the extra $25 for the "eNotes", but I really think they should just be part of the class purchase, even it means raising the price. I can't imagine prepping for the coming week's class without the videos in the eNotes. The videos, btw, include vocabulary signed by 2 different people, which is very helpful. I can compare it to learning any spoken language & the value you derive from hearing different people say the same thing. I wish more people would learn other languages, including ASL. It really is true that you can learn so very much about a person by speaking his language. OK, stepping off my soapbox now! :-) read more

Multiple people recommended the SLC to me, and they were spot on. The facility is convenient and easy to get to. The classrooms are clean and comfortable. The amazing teachers are also accomplished professionals in related areas such as the performing arts. I only planned to take an introductory class, but I feel so good about my progress I have decided to continue. read more

Amazing instructors and customer service!!! I am moving on to Level 3 soon and have nothing but good things to say about this center. I have learned so much and the environment is a very comfortable one. I have gotten to take classes with multiple teachers because I have had to make up a few classes, so can tell you that if for some reason you are not feeling your instructor there is someone there for you. I have loved them all so far and am exited to continue. It may be overwhelming at first, especially if this is your first time ever practicing ASL, but you will notice the difference in a few weeks. You learn a lot, and the students are very friendly and exited to practice with you. Make sure to download some ASL apps and/or purchase the e- notes so that you get some practice in. I am so thankful for this place. read more

Well organized classes with a lot of material covered. Great instruction! Class sizes are small. All classes taught by deaf.

I don't even know where to begin with the Sign Language Center! All of the teachers, including Alan and Brian are exceptional. I've never walked away from a class feeling anything other than pure happiness at my experience. They provide a truly safe and low pressure environment for learning ASL and yet, still challenge you and push you to be your best. I started here at level 2 and now am on my 4th semester of conversational. Each conversational class teaches me something different and equally valuable, and Alan is great at switching up the teachers to ensure that the students get an array of accents and styles. Don't go to SLC expecting to just learn a language, go with an open mind and you will walk away with a glimpse into the incredible culture of deaf people. read more

I am so thankful for Sign Language Center and all it has taught me. I have studied sign language on and off for years, but I never attempted to really learn it until I started at SLC. I have been attending weekly classes for over a year, beginning at Level 1 and am now into my third Conversational course. Alan Roth and all the teachers are incredible. They are endlessly patient, classes are funny and entertaining, and I have learned so much. (Additionally, their classes are incredibly affordable, especially if you purchase them all upfront.) There is a good balance between learning ASL and also Deaf culture. In addition to class I have visited Gallaudet University on an SLC field trip, attended their monthly social gatherings, and attended a wonderful fingerspelling workshop. Each time I go to class I learn something new and reinforce the skills I have. I may never become fluent in ASL, but that is not for lack of trying on SLC's part! For every blunder I make they are always helpful, guiding me to where I need to be! If you have ever considered learning ASL, do yourself a favor and enroll at SLC. You won't regret it. read more

Sign Language Center is wonderful. I'm just finishing up level three and going to take level four. The teachers there are fantastic! They care about you and how much your learning. They find ways to help you develop sign language skills and learn the language in the best way possible for you. If you're hoping to learn a new language, this is the place to do it! It's a wonderful place! read more

I'm now in level 2, and every class I go to makes me want to keep doing more classes! I signed up not having many expectations, just wanting to be able to communicate more effectively with the deaf community with whom I already feel a strong connection (my parents are deaf, but orally educated, so don't sign). I've been blown away by the openness, and warmth of the teachers, so because of them I'm going to do whatever I can to make it to level 6! Highly recommend!! read more

I highly recommend taking classes at Sign Language Center. The teachers are funny and brilliant. Their signing is, of course, terrific, but they are really good at meeting you where you're at: if you're just beginning, then Level 1 will work out really well for you. If you can sign your way through a long chat, perhaps you're ready for Conversation Level. I have taken each level at SLC and am back for more because I like the practice and I am always learning something new there. read more

This place is amazing. You're greeted by nothing but smiles every time you walk in. I never expected to learn as much as I did in 6 short weeks. I was excited for every class and we're always learning something new. Alan is absolutely amazing. He made the class laugh all the time and was so patient with everyone and was constantly reviewing everything to help you not forget. I can't wait to continue and go on to the next level. read more