About Our Classes

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 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.

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 fewer than six sessions.

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 eight sessions
• $30 off classes that are ten sessions or more

See upcoming early bird pricing dates toward the bottom of this page.

Sliding Scale Classes

To help provide financial accessibility to our class offerings, some classes each quarter are offered with a sliding-scale tuition model, allowing students to pay what they can for 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 $5 and goes up to 125% 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. Sliding-scale class registration opens on the general registration date. 

Cancellations and Transfers

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.

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. There are no cancellations or transfers available for the Writer’s Welcome Kit.

Log in to your account for cancellations

Contact us for transfers

Academic Calendar