About our Course Levels: We offer Spanish classes at a full range of levels plus special short-courses for those planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country -- click the appropriate tab above. If you are uncertain about which one is best for you, contact us. We'll help you choose the level or class that is most appropriate for you based on your skill, experience and what you hope to learn.

We adapt the pace of each class and the subject matter covered to fit the students and their needs. As such, the levels flex to you, not the other way around. We have always been able to place students in a "good fit" class.

Our class sizes are small by design, and this allows us to tailor the class to fit students' needs while maximizing participation. Regardless of the level or class, you will begin speaking Spanish during the first class.

And if you wish, you are free to change to a different level during the session. Your learning will include listening, reading, writing and speaking. We use subject matter that will introduce you to the Hispanic culture while you learn the language.

Course levels can to some extent be described by the progression through the verb tenses, and we do so in the level descriptions. Again, the material covered may vary as appropriate to match students needs.

Beginning 1: If you have little or no previous experience with Spanish and need to start at the beginning, this is the level for you. You will learn pronunication, basic vocabulary, greetings, common verbs, and how to read and construct basic sentences. We'll cover the things you'll need in any language, from numbers to telling time to ordering at a restaurant. You will learn the present verb tense.

Your instructor will teach the class primarily in English, but will use more Spanish as you progress.

The subject matter covered may vary somewhat, depending on each individual group.

Beginning 2: Many of our students tell us they had Spanish in high school or college and still remember the basics. If you know some Spanish but want to review the basics and move on from there, then this is your level. If you can't remember much from your prior coursework, Beginning 1 is probably a better choice. Your are free to switch classes if after beginning, you feel that you are in the wrong class.

This course is basically a continuation of Beginning Spanish 1, so you should be familiar with the basics such as pronunciation, gender, basic expressions, some vocabulary and present tense regular verbs. You'll build your vocabulary and work with sentences and beginning readings and conversation. We’ll review the present tense, especially irregular verbs, and you will learn the preterite (past tense).

Your instructor will teach the class partly in English and partly in Spanish.

The subject matter covered may vary somewhat, depending on each individual group.

Beginning 3: For our continuing Beginning 2 students and for new students at the same level, Beginning 3 is for those who are already reasonably comfortable with the basics. This level is for students who have already learned about reflexive verbs and the preterite tense and are ready to move on to the imperfect (past) and future tenses. You will expand your reading, writing and speaking skills beyond the basics.

Students should expect to take Beginning 3 for two sessions before being ready to move on to the Intermediate level.

Not to overlook listening skills, your instructor will teach the class as much as possible in Spanish, but use English as necessary for your understanding.

The subject matter covered may vary somewhat, depending on each individual group.

Intermediate: This is your level if you already have a reasonably good knowledge of basic Spanish, but want to increase your proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading and writing. You should already be familiar with the present, preterite, imperfect and future tenses. You will improve your proficiency with these tenses and move on to cover verb tenses including the conditional, imperative and subjunctive mood.

You will also continue to expand your vocabulary and other aspects of grammar. You will be working with more reading, writing and conversation. Intermediate students should be able to converse (errors to be expected). At this level, students should have a strong enough base to start putting things together into conversation, and doing so will be part of the class format.

Students should expect to be at the Intermediate level for two sessions before being ready to move on to the Advanced level.

Your instructor will teach the class primarily in Spanish, using English as necessary for your understanding.

More about the Intermediate Class....

We have found that adults at this level benefit from a mix of both grammar and conversation practice, and this class includes considerable conversation. Your instructor will plan the lessons to integrate the two and help you habitualize correct sentences and usage. Conversation will also stimulate you to begin thought>to>talk speech where you don't translate everything in your head -- an important step toward fluency.

The subject matter covered may vary somewhat, depending on each individual group.

Spanish for Travelers: This is a special short-course for those who plan to travel to a Spanish-speaking country and want to learn Spanish language basics for their trip. It is for beginners with little to no previous experience with the Spanish language.You will learn the things that travelers need for everyday situations, including pronunciation, greetings, asking directions, shopping, ordering at the restaurant, using public transportation and more.

Please go to the Spanish for Travelers page for more information.