If you are an absolute beginner, you can register for the A1.1 class. If you already know or speak some French, even if the last time was many years ago in high school, make sure to take your free placement test. You can learn more about our levels and how long it takes to learn French here.
Our policies have changed! Make sure to read them before you register.
For online learning: In the event of power and/or internet outages, here are some general tips:
– If you experience a power outage or a Zoom interruption at your home, please contact the Education Dept. via email: adultprograms@frenchlibrary.org or at (617) 912-0400. You might also want to be in touch with the teacher directly, to make arrangements to review any missed material.
– If a teacher loses connection during a class, please stay in your virtual classroom for a few minutes while the teacher logs back in. If your teacher is unable to make it back quickly, please check your e-mail for further instructions from your teacher or a member of the education team.
Find Your Class
B2+/ C1 | Advanced Conversation
Vous maîtrisez le français et vous avez envie de participer à des conversations amusantes, réelles et intellectuellement stimulantes ? Ce cours est fait pour vous ! Chaque leçon est conçue sur mesure en fonction de thèmes qui reflètent vos propres intérêts, en utilisant divers médias et activités interactives et ludiques. Vous gagnerez en confiance, améliorerez votre compréhension orale et écrite, élargirez votre vocabulaire et perfectionnerez votre grammaire en contexte, grâce aux retours personnalisés d'un enseignant natif francophone expérimenté.
B2 | Summer Review
Before the fall session starts, revisit the key concepts, grammatical structures, and vocabulary that you would like to master so that you can feel comfortable and confident enough to move on to the next level of your French studies!
B1 | French Express (Intensive Week)
Don't have the time to attend a full session this spring? Not a problem! Join us for our new French Express program! 15h of French in one week. Are you ready for the challenge? French Express is designed to connect language structures directly to real-world use, ensuring fast progress, high engagement, and immediate results in an immersive, supportive environment. PLEASE NOTE THAT REGISTRATION FOR THE SPRING FRENCH EXPRESS WILL CLOSE ON JUNE 6.
A1 French Express (Intensive Week)
Don't have the time to attend a full session this spring? Not a problem! Join us for our new French Express program! 15h of French in one week. Are you ready for the challenge? French Express is designed to connect language structures directly to real-world use, ensuring fast progress, high engagement, and immediate results in an immersive, supportive environment. PLEASE NOTE THAT REGISTRATION FOR THE SPRING FRENCH EXPRESS WILL CLOSE ON JUNE 6.
A1-1 | Beginner French 1
Are you ready to kick-start your French education? Learn to Ask for and give directions, understand an itinerary, get around using public transportation, and much more! This class is for students with limited prior experience in French.
A1-3 | Beginner French 3
Are you ready to kick-start your French education? Learn how to look for an apartment, understand a room inspection, learn about lodging regulations, draft a set of rules for shared living, and much more!
A1-2 | Beginner French 2
Give an opinion on an outfit, analyze a weather app, talk about the weather, ask for and give your clothing and shoe size, ask for the price, describe an object—all in French!
A2-1 | Advanced Beginner French 1
Time to go beyond the basics! Gain the grammar, vocabulary, and confidence you'll need to comprehend an excerpt from a piece of literature, describe a photograph, share a memory (happy or otherwise), read a tourist manual, and much more.
A1-4 | Beginner French 4
Are you ready to kick-start your French education? Learn to understand an exchange program, describe positive experiences, express purpose, describe a professional goal, indicate a wish or desire, talk about an ability or skill, understand professional tasks. and much more!
A2 | Prononciation en Action!
Master French sounds with flair! TV5MONDE’s Prononciation en action series is your go-to toolkit for leveling up your French pronunciation. Through fun, interactive videos led by phonetics expert Magali Boureux, you'll explore the rhythms and sounds of French using the verbo-tonal method. Whether you're in class or learning solo, these bite-sized lessons blend visuals, repetition, and real-life examples to help you speak more clearly and confidently. Say goodbye to tricky nasal vowels and hello to smooth, natural French!
A2+ | French through songs
Do you love French? Do you love music? Then this class is made for you! Come explore the rich world of French songs and discover talented artists while improving your language skills in a fun and engaging way. Learn, listen, and enjoy French like never before!
A2/A2+ | Advanced Beginner Conversation
Develop your conversational and communication skills through role-play, discussion of French media and other speaking activities adapted to your level.
A2-4 | Advanced Beginner French 4
This class will give you the skills to understand a tourist brochure, reserve a stay somewhere, research a destination online, express your indifference towards a situation and more!
A2-4 short track | Advanced Beginner French 4
Join us for a 6-week, online “Short Track” option for an A2-4 course! With the same 3 hours of instruction per week as our standard-length class, this new program is perfect for students who cannot make the financial or time commitment of 10 weeks of intensive learning. But just because you’re short on time, doesn’t mean you can’t live life to the fullest! By the end of our A2 Short Track program, students will feel just as confident moving into B1 as their standard language class cohort!
B1 | La Grammaire en B1
Learn elements of grammar through structured practice. Topics vary based on class needs.
A2+ | Listen Up!
Strengthen your listening skills while improving your vocabulary and grammar by engaging with a variety of fascinating audio media, including podcasts, readings, and mini role plays!
B1 | Dictées d'été
Build your vocabulary and knowledge of idioms through various creative writing techniques and activities.
B1+ | A la découverte de…Beyrouth et du Liban
Tired of staring out windows all year, but not ready to travel yet? Not an issue! Open your virtual window to the world with our A la découverte de… series! Exploring French and Francophone regions and countries is as easy as a click of a mouse, as we visit everyone’s favorite destinations, as well as some splendid spots off the beaten path. Most classes are led by locals who are thrilled to share with you the secrets of where they come from! The beautiful country of Lebanon is rich on many different levels. In this class, you will discover its capital, Beirut, its history, heritage, culture and amazing food. Class is led by Nathalie.
B1+ | Lunch Break
Come join us for this casual conversation class! Learn French in a relaxed environment during your lunch break. Sharpen your skills and discuss everything from daily activities to social issues. No homework and no required textbook.
B1+ | Listen Up!
Strengthen your listening skills while improving your vocabulary and grammar by engaging with a variety of fascinating audio media, including podcasts, readings, and mini role plays!
B1+ | A la découverte de… la Provence
Step into the sun-drenched landscapes of southern France and explore the rich tapestry of Provençal life. This immersive course invites you to uncover the region’s vibrant history—from Roman ruins to medieval hilltop villages—while savoring its world-renowned cuisine, from lavender-infused honey to bouillabaisse. Through stories, traditions, and hands-on experiences, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the art de vivre that makes Provence so enchanting. Whether you're a lover of language, food, or French culture, this class offers a journey you won’t forget. After this class, Provence will have no more secrets for you!
B1-4 | Intermediate French 4
Delve deeper into the Francophone cultures around the globe while honing your language skills: understand a scientific documentary, learn about young, francophone thinkers, explain a scientific discovery, present the pros and cons of an innovation in technology, give your opinion, imagine the future. and more!
B1-2 | Intermediate French 2
You're ready to move on to bigger and better things! Describe different behaviors, talk about and suggest outings or events, give advice, talk about family activities, go out as a group, analyze different customs and traditions, and more.
B1-1 short track | Intermediate French 1
Just because you’re short on time, doesn’t mean you can’t live life to the fullest! By the end of our B1 Short Track program, students will feel just as confident moving into B2 as their standard language class cohort! [/padded_text]
B1-5 | Intermediate French 5
Delve deeper into the Francophone cultures around the globe while honing your language skills: understand a scientific documentary, learn about young, francophone thinkers, explain a scientific discovery, present the pros and cons of an innovation in technology, give your opinion, imagine the future. and more!
B1+/B2 | Le football, un sport mondial | Online
Passionate about football and eager to boost your French? This lively class is just what you need—especially as we celebrate the excitement of the World Cup! Dive into the language through the thrilling world of football: pick up key vocabulary, practice your speaking and listening skills, and discover the cultural importance of the sport across French-speaking countries. From legendary players to unforgettable matches, you’ll discuss it all while gaining confidence in a fun, interactive atmosphere. Get ready to celebrate the game—and score goals in French!
B1 | Intermediate Coffee Talk
A relaxed environment for lovers of French language and culture to sharpen their speaking skills. Discuss everything from daily activities to social issues. No homework and no required textbook.
B1+/ B2 | La Bête du Gévaudan : mythes et réalités
Have you ever heard of the Beast of Gévaudan? Between 1764 and 1767, in a remote region of south-central France, a mysterious “wolf-like” creature carried out a series of deadly attacks, spreading fear among the population. The case became so sensational that it circulated across Europe, drawing the attention of Louis XV’s monarchy and revealing the limits of royal authority. Was the Beast a wolf, a hybrid, a human killer, or a product of collective fear? Through the lenses of sociology, religion, and politics, this course explores why the story emerged when and where it did—and what it reveals about rural life, superstition, media, and power in 18th-century France.
B2 / C1 | L'affaire des poisons: rivalités et sorcellerie à la Cour du Roi-Soleil
La seule évocation de la cour de Louis XIV évoque aussitôt un univers de faste, d’étiquette et de pouvoir absolu. Pourtant, derrière le éclat de Versailles se dissimule l’un des scandales les plus troublants de l’Ancien Régime : l’Affaire des Poisons. Dans les années 1670–1680, un réseau de devineresses, alchimistes et prétendues sorcières est accusé de vendre des poisons, pratiquer des messes noires et commettre des crimes jusque dans les cercles les plus élevés. Ce qui commence comme une simple enquête devient une crise politique majeure, touchant la noblesse et l’entourage du roi. Ce cours propose d’examiner cette affaire à la fois comme réseau criminel, scandale politique et moment clé dans la naissance de la police judiciaire moderne en France.
B2+/C1 | Literature
Améliorez votre expression orale et votre compréhension tout en lisant et en analysant des œuvres littéraires françaises issues d’une grande variété de genres. Ce cours vous invite à explorer la richesse de la littérature francophone — romans, poésie, théâtre, nouvelles — tout en développant vos compétences linguistiques. À travers des discussions guidées, des lectures approfondies et des activités interactives, vous renforcerez votre aisance à l’oral, enrichirez votre vocabulaire et affinerez votre compréhension des structures grammaticales, le tout dans un contexte culturel stimulant.