Question 1

Are these private lessons?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I teach private, one-to-one French lessons, in person in Brookline and Boston or online. There is no fixed course. We build the work around your goals, your level, and the way you learn.

Question 2

Where are in-person lessons?

Accepted Answer

I’m based in Coolidge Corner, Brookline, and offer in-person lessons at convenient locations in Brookline and Boston, including nearby university spaces and public libraries, depending on availability. I generally stay within about a 20-minute bike ride of Coolidge Corner. I also offer online lessons.

Question 3

Do you teach beginners and advanced learners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I work with complete beginners as well as advanced learners. Your lessons are adapted to your current level, goals, and the way you learn. For beginners, that can mean building a strong foundation step by step. For more advanced learners, we can focus on fluency, precision, conversation, writing, or more nuanced areas of French.

Question 4

Will the lesson be in French?

Accepted Answer

French is an important part of my lessons, and I adjust the level of French immersion to you: vocabulary, speaking speed, the complexity of my questions, how much I repeat, and how much I clarify in English. Even complete beginners can start using and understanding French from the very first lesson, with the right level of support.

Question 5

When are lessons available?

Accepted Answer

Lessons are generally available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). We’ll find a rhythm that works for your goals and schedule.

Question 6

How do you correct mistakes?

Accepted Answer

It depends on you and the moment. Sometimes I correct right away. Sometimes I take notes and come back to errors later so you can keep speaking. The goal is to help you become more accurate without making you afraid to speak.

Question 7

Do you give homework?

Accepted Answer

Not homework for its own sake. Written work between lessons can be very useful, because you have time to think and formulate your ideas. When it makes sense, I correct it before or at the start of the next lesson and we use those corrections as material. How much depends on your goals, your time, and what genuinely helps you.

Question 8

Do you work with university students?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I work one-to-one with university students in Boston who want support alongside their studies, from first-year French to more advanced courses.

Question 9

Do you work with bilingual children and families?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, especially when someone wants to maintain or develop French at home. It’s not my main focus, so let’s talk about it in a Discovery Session.

Question 10

What happens during the Discovery Session?

Accepted Answer

It’s a free, no-commitment conversation of about 20 minutes by phone or video call. We talk about where you are now, what you want to be able to do, your past experience with French, what has or hasn’t worked for you, how you like to learn, and practical things like your schedule.

Question 11

How often should I take lessons?

Accepted Answer

Lesson frequency is flexible. We find a rhythm that fits your goals, availability, and pace, and you schedule your next lesson as we go. If you are doing written work between lessons, I generally recommend leaving some time between sessions.

Question 12

Can I choose between 60- and 90-minute sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both 60- and 90-minute sessions are available. We can choose the format that makes the most sense for your goals, pace, and availability.

Question 13

What is included in a Journey?

Accepted Answer

Each Journey includes more than the time we spend together in lessons: we review your progress, exchange feedback, and adapt the next lessons and the wider Journey together, so each session builds on the last.

Question 14

Can I try a lesson before choosing a Journey?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After your free Discovery Session, you can book a one-time 60- or 90-minute Try-out Session. If you decide within 30 days to continue with a 5- or 10-session Journey, that session becomes your first session and you simply pay the difference.

Question 15

How do payments work?

Accepted Answer

Packages are paid in advance via Venmo or Zelle. A 5-session Journey is paid in full before the first session. A 10-session Journey can be paid in full or in two equal payments: the first before the first session and the second before the sixth session. We arrange this directly after the Discovery Session.

Question 16

Are lessons or packages refundable?

Accepted Answer

Lessons and packages are non-refundable.

Question 17

How long are packages valid?

Accepted Answer

Packages are valid for two years from the date of purchase.

Question 18

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Accepted Answer

Please provide at least 24 hours' notice to reschedule a lesson. Late cancellations and missed lessons are normally counted as used.

Question 19

What are Learning Labs?

Accepted Answer

Optional chances to use French around your interests, such as a walk, cooking, books, films, travel, sports, or everyday situations. They’re available on request and booked separately from your regular lessons.

A few things you may be wondering.

Let’s talk about your French.