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
A2-1 short track | Advanced Beginner 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 A2 Short Track program, students will feel just as confident moving into B1 as their standard language class cohort! [/padded_text]
A1-4 short track | Beginner French 4
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.
A2+ | Mes vacances en Bretagne
Join Marine to learn all about Brittany. Discover the region's towns and cities, history, music, cuisine, and cultural events.
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 | Pop Culture
Discover cult movies and TV shows, the most popular brands, traditions, etc. Basically, everything that makes France what it is!
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.
A2-2 | Advanced Beginner French 2
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.
B1+/ B2 | Peindre l'été: French Painting in Summer Colors
Learn how to see a painting and discuss it: Enhance your vocabulary and expressions for analyzing and appreciating art, while also improving your understanding of grammar. Master the key artistic movements, such as Impressionism, Divisionism, Nabis, and Fauvism, in the relaxed atmosphere of a summer evening art talk.
B1+ | Cuisine et gastronomie | In Person
Did you know the word “repast,” the first English word for meal, derives from the ancient French "past,” the collection of dishes served and eaten at regular hours? Food has always been central in French culture. The French have always celebrated their unique local dishes, their history of great chefs, and their diversity of culinary style and technique. In this class, we invite you to join us and travel through time and rediscover and discuss famous dishes and cultural staples created by famed chefs. From Carème to Ducasse and Bocuse and Alix Lacloche, and from profiteroles to slow fooding, vous en aurez l'eau à la bouche! Taught by Isak and intended for intermediate + to advanced students.
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.
B1 | Découvrir le monde avec Echappés Belles
Get a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world's cultural tapestry, encouraging open-mindedness and global awareness. Through interactive activities, engaging discussions, and multimedia presentations, you'll gain insights into how people live, celebrate, and connect across continents.
B2 | French with Geopolitis
Chaque semaine, la rédaction de Geopolitis décode les affaires mondiales en collaboration avec des experts renommés et des observateurs des relations internationales. Dans ce cours, vous serez exposé à divers sujets intégrant des idées stimulantes tout en développant vos compétences interpersonnelles et de communication en français en utilisant divers idiomes médiatiques, éveillant votre sens du jugement analytique et de la méthodologie à la française.
A2+ | Scènes de Ménages / Family Life
Learn everyday life vocabulary and French ways of life while watching and working with clips from the famous French series, Scènes de Ménages. Class is taught by Marine!
B1 | Ateliers de Grammaire | In Person
Learn elements of grammar through structured practice. Topics vary based on class needs.
B1/B2 | Ateliers de Grammaire
Learn elements of grammar through structured practice. Topics vary based on class needs.
B1+/B2 | Love is in the Arts !
Love is more than just a word. It’s a look, a smile, a message, a gesture. It can be romantic, familial, or friendly. It exists in all cultures, in all languages… but in French, it has a special flavor! With Loic as your guide, discover how some of France's most iconic artists have expressed their vision of love.
B2 | Focus Series : Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques - Ethics and Principles speak!
🎯 FOCUS Series: Spotlight on the Institut de France The Institut de France — a cornerstone of French intellectual life — was founded in 1795 with a bold mission: to unite the nation’s brightest minds in science, literature, and the arts. Its goal? To advance knowledge, foster independent thinking, and advise public authorities. No wonder it’s often called the “Parliament of the Learned World.” Located on the banks of the Seine, under the majestic dome of the former Collège des Quatre-Nations in Paris’s 6th arrondissement, the Institut operates under the patronage of the French President. 🏛️ Five Academies, One Vision At the heart of the Institut are five prestigious academies, each a guardian of excellence in its field. Their formal gatherings — held under the iconic dome — are steeped in tradition, with members donning the famous green ceremonial attire. Here’s the lineup: Académie Française – 40 members dedicated to the French language and its legacy. Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres – 55 members exploring history, archaeology, and classical studies. Académie des Sciences – 250 members under 75 (plus senior members), pushing the frontiers of scientific discovery. Académie des Beaux-Arts – 67 members shaping the future of visual and performing arts. Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques – 50 members reflecting on philosophy, law, economics, and politics.
B2 | Narrative craft: creative writing in French
Join Loic to reveal your own voice and unlock your hidden creativity!
B1 | Morning Chat
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.
B2 | Focus Series : Académie des Beaux-Arts: Fine Arts speak!
FOCUS Series: Spotlight on the Institut de France The Institut de France — a cornerstone of French intellectual life — was founded in 1795 with a bold mission: to unite the nation’s brightest minds in science, literature, and the arts. Its goal? To advance knowledge, foster independent thinking, and advise public authorities. No wonder it’s often called the “Parliament of the Learned World.” Located on the banks of the Seine, under the majestic dome of the former Collège des Quatre-Nations in Paris’s 6th arrondissement, the Institut operates under the patronage of the French President. Five Academies, One Vision At the heart of the Institut are five prestigious academies, each a guardian of excellence in its field. Their formal gatherings — held under the iconic dome — are steeped in tradition, with members donning the famous green ceremonial attire. Here’s the lineup: Académie Française – 40 members dedicated to the French language and its legacy. Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres – 55 members exploring history, archaeology, and classical studies. Académie des Sciences – 250 members under 75 (plus senior members), pushing the frontiers of scientific discovery. Académie des Beaux-Arts – 67 members shaping the future of visual and performing arts. Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques – 50 members reflecting on philosophy, law, economics, and politics.
B1-1 | Intermediate French 1
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!
C1-1 | Proficient French 1
In this class, you will learn how to make intercultural comparisons, analyze a provocative article, and analyze classic theater. Culturally, you will explore new technologies, family, education, and life expectancy.
B2-1 | Advanced French 1 | In Person
Build upon your French skills by studying advanced grammar concepts and performing challenging tasks. Talk about fashion and trends, talk about food fads, look at different travel trends 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]
B2 | Focus Series : Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques - Ethics and Principles speak! | In Person
FOCUS Series: Spotlight on the Institut de France The Institut de France — a cornerstone of French intellectual life — was founded in 1795 with a bold mission: to unite the nation’s brightest minds in science, literature, and the arts. Its goal? To advance knowledge, foster independent thinking, and advise public authorities. No wonder it’s often called the “Parliament of the Learned World.” Located on the banks of the Seine, under the majestic dome of the former Collège des Quatre-Nations in Paris’s 6th arrondissement, the Institut operates under the patronage of the French President. Five Academies, One Vision At the heart of the Institut are five prestigious academies, each a guardian of excellence in its field. Their formal gatherings — held under the iconic dome — are steeped in tradition, with members donning the famous green ceremonial attire. Here’s the lineup: Académie Française – 40 members dedicated to the French language and its legacy. Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres – 55 members exploring history, archaeology, and classical studies. Académie des Sciences – 250 members under 75 (plus senior members), pushing the frontiers of scientific discovery. Académie des Beaux-Arts – 67 members shaping the future of visual and performing arts. Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques – 50 members reflecting on philosophy, law, economics, and politics.
B2 | Narrative craft: creative writing in French | In Person
Join Flora to reveal your own voice and unlock your hidden creativity!
B1 | Le Monde de la Santé - Medical French
Learn the basics of medical terminology in French, from the vocabulary one would need to go to the doctor, communicate symptoms, and understand a hospitalization report in a French-speaking country to the particular jargon used by medical professionals to describe disease transmission and various procedures.
A2+ | Advanced Beginner 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.
B2+/C1 | Literature: summer reading
Improve speaking and comprehension while reading and analyzing French literary works from a wide variety of genres.
A1-3 short track | Beginner French 3
Join us for our 6 week, online “Short Track” option our A1-3 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.