Our courses cover a wide range of writing styles and experiences. Whether you’re struggling to write your first poem or have a few novels behind you, Hugo House writing classes will support and inspire you. Our classes are taught by published writers who are also stellar teachers. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. What we all have in common is a love of words.
Class Catalogs
Explore the online catalog and register for all upcoming classes here:
View online catalogClass Information
Class Formats
Most Hugo House classes include one or more of the following formats:
- Generative Writing: students create new work during class or from assignments
- Workshop: students submit work for critique from the teacher and class
- Craft Discussion: teachers and students explore essential elements of the craft
- Reading: class engages in close study of one or more works
Class lengths vary, from three-hour generative writing sessions to yearlong manuscript critiques. We offer classes online, at our Capitol Hill location, and, occasionally, other partner venues around the city. New course offerings become available once a quarter.
We currently offer classes in-person and online. Be sure to check individual listings to confirm the location of the class.
Class Levels
Most classes at Hugo House are intended for writers with all levels of experience. If a class is intended for a specific level, it will be noted in the class description.
Introductory | For anyone new to writing or the writing workshop (critique) setting who wants to expand their knowledge of craft, or any writer exploring a new genre.
Intermediate | For writers with some experience in genre-specific instruction who want to deepen their understanding and hone their craft, often featuring a workshop component.
Advanced | For writers with significant experience in writing classes or workshops who are prepared to engage in comprehensive critiques and craft discussions.
All Levels | For any writer, at any level, regardless of prior writing class experience.
Classes are meant for adults unless otherwise marked or included on our Youth page. If you are a minor who would like to attend an adult class, please contact the registrar to receive a waiver to be signed by your parent or guardian certifying that you understand adult content could be discussed in this class.
Asynchronous Classes
Classes marked as “Online Asynchronous” can be completed on your own schedule, with no live meetings.
During an asynchronous class, instructors release new lessons once per week. Students then have one week to complete that lesson and any accompanying coursework. You’ll learn as much as you would in a traditional class but with the flexibility to work at the best times for your schedule!
While there are no live sessions, asynchronous classes are still a lively and rigorous experience. Async classes are not static lessons but an adaptable and energetic community space. Be ready to work in a collaborative environment, giving and receiving feedback on your writing, participating in discussions, and growing your writing practice in a way that works best for you.
Accessibility in Classes
Our aim is for Hugo House to be a barrier-free learning environment. If you have access needs for an upcoming class, please contact us and we will do our best to assist.
Captions are available upon request for all online classes.
If you have suggestions about how we can improve, please contact us—we welcome your input.
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Refunds and Cancellations
If you need to cancel your registration for a class, the following refund schedule applies:
- Five (5) days or more before a class, a class credit will be issued less a 5% fee. Refunds will be issued less a 10% fee.
- Less than five (5) days before a class starts, no refund or credits are available.
- No refunds or credits are available after classes begin.
Click here for a video on how to request a refund or class credit.
Hugo House cannot provide refunds or offer makeup sessions for classes a student might miss. If Hugo House has to cancel a class, you will receive a full refund. Tuition credit expires in one year. Cancellations, refunds, and transfers are not available for the Writer’s Welcome Kit.
To request a refund, log in to your Hugo House account.
Payment Plans
Payment plans are available for all classes and can be purchased through our website. The following policy applies to all payment plans:
- We charge a 5% nonrefundable administrative fee for all payment plans.
- Extended payment plans up to 8 monthly installments and 16 semi-monthly installments are available upon request.
- We are unable to hold seats for prospective payment plan students. Students will be enrolled once their first installment has been paid.
- If you need to cancel, Hugo House will issue refunds according to its cancellation and transfer policies. Your 5% nonrefundable admin fee will not be refunded.
- If you withdraw from a class after it begins, you will not receive a refund and are still responsible for paying the full course tuition.
Class Pricing
Standard Pricing Model
Most classes are offered at a general and member tuition rates based on instruction hours, with Hugo House members receiving a 10% discount on classes that are eight sessions or fewer.
Learn more and become a member here
Early Bird Pricing
Early bird discounts are available during the first two weeks of registration and apply to both general and member tuition rates.
- $10 off classes that are one to three sessions
- $20 off classes that are four to six sessions
- $30 off classes that are eight sessions or more
- $100 off yearlong classes
See upcoming early bird pricing dates toward the bottom of this page.
Sliding Scale Classes
To help provide financial accessibility to our class offerings, select one-session classes quarter are offered with a sliding-scale tuition model, allowing students to pay what they can for the class. If a class is offered on a sliding scale, it will be noted in the title of the class. We encourage all registrants to pick the level of tuition that is right for them for these classes—no application required!
Sliding scale tuition starts at 30% and goes up to 110% of the standard pricing. Payments above the 100% rate help fund future accessible writing classes and programming.
Early bird and member discounts do not apply to sliding-scale classes.
Stay Informed
We offer new courses each season with a range of long-time teachers and special guests. Sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date on the newest course offerings.
Sign UpAcademic Calendar
Spring 2024
Feb. 20 | Catalog posted online
Mar. 12 | Member registration opens at 10:30 am
Mar. 19 | General registration opens at 10:30 am
Mar. 25 | Last day of Early Bird Pricing
Apr. 8–June 17 | Spring quarter classes
Summer 2024
PART 1
June 4 | Catalog posted online
June 4 | Member registration opens at 10:30 am
June 11 | General registration opens at 10:30 am
June 18 | Last day of Early Bird Pricing for Part 1 classes
July 2 – Sept. 8 | Summer quarter classes
PART 2
June 25 | Catalog posted online
June 25 | Member registration opens at 10:30 am
July 2 | General registration opens at 10:30 am
July 9 | Last day of Early Bird Pricing for Part 2 classes
July 2 – Sept. 8 | Summer quarter classes