Please note that the best way to contact the Education Department is via email: adultprograms@frenchlibrary.org. You can also call our Reception at: 617.912.0400 Tuesday through Saturday.
ABOUT OUR CLASSES AND WAYS OF TEACHING
Start or continue your journey into the French language without the hassle of leaving home. Our online classes offer the same high-quality instruction and teachers as our in-person classes. Our immersion method and curriculum target systematic acquisition of grammar skills as a means of acquiring and using the language with immediate results.
The French Library offers a wide variety of classes to accommodate your needs, schedule and budget. You can chose to attend classes online via Zoom or in person at the French Library. Our teachers benefit from the expertise of the Alliance Française for the most effective methods of French language instruction. Our class sizes are small (10 students max online; 12 in-person) providing more opportunities for you to communicate in French, creating a lively classroom atmosphere.
Here are your options:
Language courses:
Regular track: 3h per week for 10 weeks (classes meet twice a week for 1h30)
Slow-paced track: 1h30 per week for 10 weeks (classes meet once a week for 1h30)
Short track: 3h per week for 6 or 7 weeks depending on the level (classes meet twice a week for 1h30)
Theme courses:
Classes meet 1h30 or 2h per week for 5 or 10 weeks.
Please contact us at adultprograms@frenchlibrary.org if you have any questions!
A1? A2? B1? What’s my level?
All our classes are structured according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF). The CEF is the language and fluency level scale used in the European Union. It goes from A1 to C2 and serves as the guideline for describing the level of fluency achieved by a foreign language learner. The chart below details our courses’ codification, the level progression and what a learner can do after completing a whole section. For our 10 week regular track, each level requires 30h of teaching time. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
If you have never taken a class with us, we ask that you please complete the written and oral sections of our placement test for the upcoming session to ensure you enroll in the right course level.
A1 Absolute/Beginners (4 levels: A1.1 to A1.4)
A1.1 to A1.4: can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Class material for language courses: L'Atelier + 1 for short track and Edito A1 for regular track
A2 Advanced Beginners (4 levels: A2.1 to A2.4)
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Class material for language courses: L'Atelier + 2 for short track and Edito A2 for regular track
B1 Intermediate (5 levels: B1.1 to B1.5)
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Class material for language classes: Edito B1
B2 Independent (4 levels: B2.1 to B2.4)
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Class material for language courses: Edito B2
C1 Proficient (2 levels: C1.1 to C1.2)
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
Class material for language courses: Tendances C1+/C2
C2 Proficient (1 level: C2.1)
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Class material for language courses: Tendances C1+/C2
Found 35 Results
A1 | Get Ready for the DELF TP A1! | Online
If you're planning to take the DELF A1 in June, this preparatory class is for you! Ensure your success and work on all four language skills tested on the exam.
Read MoreA1-1 | Beginner French 1 | Online
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.
Read MoreA1-2 | Beginner French 2 | Online
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!
Read MoreA1-3 | Beginner French 3 | Online
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!
Read MoreA1-4 | Beginner French 4 | Online
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!
Read MoreA1+ | La Grammaire en A1 | Online
Learn elements of grammar through structured practice. Topics vary based on class needs.
Read MoreA1+ | Prononciation en Action! | Online
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!
Read MoreA2 | Get Ready for the DELF TP A2! | Online
If you're planning to take the DELF A2 in June, this preparatory class is for you! Ensure your success and work on all four language skills tested on the exam.
Read MoreA2 | La Grammaire en A2 | Online
Learn elements of grammar through structured practice. Topics vary based on class needs.
Read MoreA2-1 | Advanced Beginner French 1 | Online
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.
Read MoreA2-2 | Advanced Beginner French 2 | Online
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.
Read MoreA2-2 | Advanced Beginner French 2 | Online
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.
Read MoreA2-3 | Advanced Beginner French 3 | Online
Keep building your language skills and awareness. In this class, you will learn how to interpret a chart about names, speak to someone’s character, describe someone, talk about your emotions and much more!
Read MoreA2-4 | Advanced Beginner French 4 | Online
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!
Read MoreA2-4 short track | Advanced Beginner French 4 | Online
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!
Read MoreA2/A2+ | Advanced Beginner Conversation | Online
Develop your conversational and communication skills through role-play, discussion of French media and other speaking activities adapted to your level.
Read MoreA2/A2+ | Dictées de Printemps | Online
Build your vocabulary and knowledge of idioms through various creative writing techniques and activities.
Read MoreB1 | Get Ready for the DELF TP B1! | Online
If you're planning to take the DELF B1 in June, this preparatory class is for you! Ensure your success and work on all four language skills tested on the exam.
Read MoreB1-1 | Intermediate French 1 | Online
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!
Read MoreB1-3 | Intermediate French 3 | Online
Keep looking forward and making progress! Learn how to talk about your career path, express enthusiasm for a professional project, understand and give advice for an interview, take risks, describe your typical workday and more.
Read MoreB1-3 | Intermediate French 3 SLOW PACE PART 1 | Online
Keep looking forward and making progress! Learn how to talk about your career path, express enthusiasm for a professional project, understand and give advice for an interview, take risks, describe your typical workday and more.
Read MoreB1-4 | Intermediate French 4 | Online
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!
Read MoreB1-5 | Intermediate French 5 | Online
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!
Read MoreB1+ | A la découverte de la Francophonie | Online
This course offers an introduction to the rich diversity of the Francophone world. Over several weeks, students will explore the history, geography, and cultural traditions of French-speaking regions across Europe, Africa, the Americas, and beyond. Through texts, media, and interactive discussions, the class examines how language connects communities and shapes identities, highlighting the global influence of French in literature, art, and everyday life. Join Julien on this virtual tour of some of the French-speaking-world's greatest places!
Read MoreB1+ | Contes et légendes de Bretagne | Online
Brittany is one of the few French regions which has managed to preserve its own culture, identity, and character to this extent. Indeed, the Celts know no equal when it comes to imagination and fantasy. At the crossroads of paganism and Catholicism, Breton tales and legends take us to an unrivaled magical realm.
Read MoreB1+ | Conversation: Tout sur le festival de Cannes! | Online
Experience the dazzle of the world’s most iconic film festival! This dynamic B1-level course invites you behind the velvet ropes of the Cannes Film Festival—its myths, red‑carpet moments, emerging stars, and insider stories. Through hands-on activities, authentic festival clips, role‑plays, and creative projects, you’ll strengthen your French while immersing yourself in the magic of the Croisette. Ideal for culture enthusiasts, film lovers, and curious learners looking for a splash of French Riviera glamour.
Read MoreB1+ | Illuminating Geniuses: 72 Women and the Eiffel Tower | Online
Step into a vibrant French-learning experience that blends cultural discovery with hands-on communication. You’ll decode real articles, practice listening through engaging audio prompts, and dive into lively role-plays ranging from guided tours to radio-style interviews. Each session gives you the chance to speak more, understand more, and create more—all while exploring the extraordinary women whose names will soon illuminate the Eiffel Tower. Perfect for learners who want a modern, interactive, and empowering way to improve their French.
Read MoreB1+ | Lunch Break | Online
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.
Read MoreB1+/ B2 | Women Photographers: From Early Pioneers to Contemporary Practices | Online
This B1/B2 French course introduces students to the work of French women photographers, from 19th‑century pioneers like the “Nadarines” to leading contemporary artists such as Valérie Belin and Bettina Rheims. Along the way, we’ll explore key movements—from the surrealism of Dora Maar and Claude Cahun to the humanist photography of Sabine Weiss—and discover how these women have used photography as a space for artistic innovation, self‑expression, journalism, fashion, and feminist engagement.
Read MoreB2 | Get Ready for the DELF TP B2! | Online
If you're planning to take the DELF TP B2 in June, this preparatory class is for you! Ensure your success and work on all four language skills tested on the exam.
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