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 38 Results
A1-1 | 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 MoreA1-2 short track | Beginner French 2 | Online
You don't have time for a 10-week class? No worries! We have you covered. Our A1-2 “Short Track” option is your course! With the same 3 hours of instruction per week as our standard-length class, this 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.
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 MoreA1-4 short track | Beginner French 4 | Online
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.
Read MoreA2 | La Grammaire en A2 | Online
Learn elements of grammar through structured practice. Topics vary based on class needs.
Read MoreA2 | Listen Up! | Online
Are you strong on the page but weak when it comes to oral comprehension? Do you find you are constantly asking your teacher to repeat herself? Then this class is for you! Learn to capture those words the first time around in this class that emphasizes oral comprehension while at the same time building the fundamental skills for success in French.
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 MoreA2-1 short track | Advanced Beginner French 1 | Online
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 MoreA2-2 | 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+/B1 | Between Memories and New Discoveries: Conversation for Seniors | Online
Suitable for senior learners at the A2+/B1 level, this class offers a relaxed and engaging space to expand vocabulary, improve conversational skills, and gain greater confidence speaking French. Whether sharing personal anecdotes, exchanging opinions, or discovering the experiences of others, you will enjoy meaningful interactions while continuing your language-learning journey.
Read MoreB1 | Dictées d'automne | Online
An essential component of primary education in France, Dictée (dictation) is an excellent exercise to improve vocabulary, spelling, and memory for native French speakers and learners alike. In the French Library’s take on classic Dictées, you will work with a variety of interesting and entertaining texts ranging from science to culture, history and society that will challenge you and build your confidence as a French speaker and writer.
Read MoreB1 | Key Figures in French History | Online
In this B1-level course, participants will discover five major historical figures through authentic materials, guided discussions, collaborative activities, and debates. Each session is designed to develop both listening and speaking skills while expanding participants’ cultural and historical knowledge.
Read MoreB1 | Listen Up! | Online
Are you strong on the page but weak when it comes to oral comprehension? Do you find you are constantly asking your teacher to repeat herself? Then this class is for you! Learn to capture those words the first time around in this class that emphasizes oral comprehension while at the same time building the fundamental skills for success in French.
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 MoreB1-1| Edito Pro SLOW PACE Part 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 MoreB1-2 | Intermediate French 2 | Online
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.
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 MoreB1-4 | 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+/ B2 | Founding Myths: Why Do We Still Need Heroes? | Online
If you love stories, history, culture, and big ideas, this class is for you. Join us for an engaging exploration of founding myths and heroic figures, from ancient legends to modern icons. As you strengthen your French through lively discussions and authentic cultural content, you'll reflect on the role heroes play in shaping societies, inspiring individuals, and helping us make sense of the world. A rewarding blend of language learning and cultural discovery, this course examines one timeless question: Why do we still need heroes?
Read MoreB1+/ B2 | Mystères de Paris | Online
Paris is a city of beauty, history... and mysteries. From the famous phantom said to haunt the Opéra Garnier to the labyrinth of underground catacombs, the French capital is filled with legends, unsolved enigmas, and fascinating historical secrets. In this five-week conversation and culture course, students will explore some of Paris's most intriguing stories while developing their French through discussions, authentic documents, short videos, historical accounts, and cultural debates. Along the way, participants will discover iconic monuments, hidden corners of the city, famous historical figures, and the legends that continue to shape the Parisian imagination. Ideal for Francophiles, travelers, and lovers of history, architecture, and mystery, this course offers a captivating journey through the darker and more mysterious side of Paris.
Read MoreB1+/ B2 | Mystères français : enquêter sur l'histoire | Online
Can you solve a mystery in French? In this interactive conversation course, students become detectives, examining clues, questioning suspects, analyzing evidence, and proposing theories on actual 5 great mysteries that happened in France. Each week features a new investigation inspired by mysteries, crime fiction, and French culture. Through collaborative problem-solving, learners develop speaking confidence while practicing narration, hypothesis, description, and argumentation.
Read MoreB1+/B2 | René Goscinni: l'humour au service de la société | Online
Meet René Goscinny, one of France's most beloved writers and storytellers. Through his iconic characters and humorous writing, students will discover French culture, society, and everyday life while strengthening their language skills through discussion, analysis, and creative activities.
Read MoreB2 | Ateliers de Grammaire: maîtriser les points les plus difficiles du français | Online
Idéal pour les apprenants de niveau B2 souhaitant consolider leurs acquis et franchir un cap dans leur maîtrise du français, cet atelier combine rigueur grammaticale et pratique communicative pour transformer les règles complexes en outils réellement utiles au quotidien.
Read MoreB2 | L'art français dans les collections du Massachusetts | Online
Ce cours vous propose un voyage à travers l’histoire de l’art français à partir des œuvres conservées dans le Massachusetts. Du classicisme au néoclassicisme, du réalisme à l’impressionnisme et au postimpressionnisme, nous explorerons les grands mouvements artistiques, leurs contextes historiques et les artistes qui les ont façonnés.
Read MoreB2 | L'humour francophone | Online
From irony and satire to stand-up comedy and social commentary, humor plays a central role in French culture. In this engaging B2+ course, you'll explore the many faces of French and Francophone humor through authentic media, discussions, and performances. Improve your listening and speaking skills while discovering what makes French audiences laugh and what comedy can reveal about society. Perfect for advanced learners who enjoy culture, current events, and lively conversation.
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