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 does it take to learn French here.
Our policies have changed! Make sure to read them before you register.
It’s winter in New England! The following will be applied in case of a snowstorm or extreme weather:
For in-person learning, adults and teens classes will switch to an online format. Kids’ classes will be canceled and rescheduled. Please look for an email from your teacher or the Education Department for guidance and zoom links.
For online learning, classes will continue to be in session during a projected storm. Unless we announce otherwise, please assume classes are in session. 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
A1-1 short track | Beginner French 1
Long story short … the French Library is now offering a 7 week, online “Short Track” option our A1-1 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 A1 Short Track program, students will feel just as confident moving into A2 as their standard language class cohort! Two things to know before registering: 1. This short track program requires that you spend time outside of time class to work on homework and 2. you cannot transfer from/to short track to/from regular track.
B2 | Portraits d'Auteurs | In Person
The ultimate reward of the patient effort of learning a language might be the ability to enjoy its literature. What better way to grasp a culture’s facets and essence than by reading the masterpieces that both expressed and shaped it? In this class, you will immerse yourself in the life of one different author each week : from the main features of their biography and works, naturally, to the historical and cultural contexts of their time, to revealing samples of their production which we will explore in terms of style and literary resonance. This voyage includes star destinations of French literature: Gustave Flaubert, Renaissance icon Pierre de Ronsard, and 20th-century Marguerite Yourcenar. But we will also discover two lesser-known figures: Choderlos de Laclos, author of the one-hit-wonder Les Liaisons Dangereuses, and the memorialist Comtesse de Rémusat, whose exquisite first-hand observations transport us on a riveting journey to the court of Napoléon...
B2 | Je ne sais queer… French History with a queer eye!
Forget about Louis XIV or Napoléon! While such figures were busy conquering the world and making official history, a few fascinating individuals were revolutionizing the fronts of sexuality and gender norms. Through a gallery of five colorful portraits, discover that l’Histoire de France is painted in many more shades than just Bleu, Blanc, Rouge!
B1 | Ateliers de Grammaire
Learn elements of grammar through structured practice. Topics vary based on class needs.
B2+/C1 | Literature
Improve speaking and comprehension while reading and analyzing French literary works from a wide variety of genres.
A2-1 | French for Professionals | In Person
Focus on specific areas of real-life professional situations such as résumés, business presentations, reports, surveys and more in this course.
A1-1 | French for Professionals | In Person
Focus on specific areas of real-life professional situations such as résumés, business presentations, reports, surveys and more in this course.
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.
B1+ | One Day Immersion
Looking to improve your language skills as quickly as possible? Can’t commit to a whole course session? Intensive immersion programs offer an exciting and effective way to learn a new language. Our One Day Immersion and Intensive One Week programs immerse you in the target language, allowing you to speak, think, and even dream in it! Unlike traditional grammar-focused classes, immersion programs emphasize practical usage and meaningful communication. During our One Day Immersion program, you will get 6h of French classes plus a lovely lunch (included in registration fee) with classmates and teachers!
A2+ | One Day Immersion
Looking to improve your language skills as quickly as possible? Can’t commit to a whole course session? Intensive immersion programs offer an exciting and effective way to learn a new language. Our One Day Immersion and Intensive One Week programs immerse you in the target language, allowing you to speak, think, and even dream in it! Unlike traditional grammar-focused classes, immersion programs emphasize practical usage and meaningful communication. During our One Day Immersion program, you will get 6h of French classes plus a lovely lunch (included in registration fee) with classmates and teachers!
A1+ | One Day Immersion
Looking to improve your language skills as quickly as possible? Can’t commit to a whole course session? Intensive immersion programs offer an exciting and effective way to learn a new language. Our One Day Immersion and Intensive One Week programs immerse you in the target language, allowing you to speak, think, and even dream in it! Unlike traditional grammar-focused classes, immersion programs emphasize practical usage and meaningful communication. During our One Day Immersion program, you will get 6h of French classes plus a lovely lunch (included in registration fee) with classmates and teachers!
B2| Intensive Week
Don't have the time to attend a full session this fall? Not a problem! Join us for our intensive week! 15h of French in one week. Are you ready for the challenge?
B1 | Intensive Week
Don't have the time to attend a full session this fall? Not a problem! Join us for our intensive week! 15h of French in one week. Are you ready for the challenge?
A2 | Intensive Week
Don't have the time to attend a full session this fall? Not a problem! Join us for our intensive week! 15h of French in one week. Are you ready for the challenge?
A1 (absolute beginner) | Intensive Week
Don't have the time to attend a full session this winter? Not a problem! Join us for our intensive week! 15h of French in one week. Are you ready for the challenge?
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!
A1-3 | Beginner French 3 | In Person
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!
A1-4 short track | Beginner French 4 | In Person
You don't have time for a 10-week class? No worries! We have you covered. Our A1-4 “Short Track” option is your 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 A1 Short Track program, students will feel just as confident moving into A2 as their standard language class cohort! Two things to know before registering: 1. This short track program requires that you spend time outside of time class to work on homework and 2. you cannot transfer from/to short track to/from regular track.
A1-4 | Beginner French 4 | In Person
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!
A2-1 | 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.
A1-3 SLOW PART 1 | Beginner French 3 | In Person
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!
A2-2 | Advanced Beginner French 2 | In Person
Do you want to discuss jobs of the future, describe the future, highlight the utility of an object, express intent or remind someone of something? Do you want to do all of that in French? You can! Plus you'll improve your grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation skills at the same time.
A2-4 short track | Advanced Beginner French 4 | In Person
Long story short … the French Library is now offering 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/B1+ | Ateliers de Grammaire | In Person
Learn elements of grammar through structured practice. Topics vary based on class needs.
B1-1 | Intermediate French 1 | In Person
Identify criteria for something, be cautious or aware of something, express your wishes and intentions, ask politely for something, talk over the phone, give advice, outline a hypothetical situation, describe a memory, a place, a visit to a foreign city and more!
B1-2 | Intermediate French 2 | In Person
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.
B2+/C1 | Advanced Conversation: la parole est à vous!
You are proficient in French and eager to enjoy the rewards of fun, real-life and intellectually stimulating conversations? This class is for you! Each lesson is custom-made based on themes that reflect your own interests, using various media and interactive activities and games. You will gain confidence, improve your speaking and listening comprehension, expand your vocabulary and polish your grammar in context, thanks to the personalized feedback of an experienced native French-speaking teacher.
NEW! | Who are the French?
Join us for our new series of English classes on French topics! For this session, discover who the French are in this cross cultural dialogue.
NEW! | Chat it up!
Join us for our new English classes! Designed for students learning English as a foreign language at the A2+/B1 level.
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!