About our Course Levels: We offer Spanish classes at a full range of levels plus special short-courses for those planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country -- click the appropriate tab above. Please do read the level information that may fit for you. If you are uncertain about which one is best for you, contact us. We'll help you choose the level or class that is most appropriate for you based on your skill, experience and what you hope to learn. It's better for both of us to get you in the right class from the start.
The following information applies to all our courses except Spanish for Travelers.

We adapt the pace of each class and the subject matter covered to fit the students and their needs. As such, the levels flex to you, not the other way around. We have always been able to place students in a "good fit" class.

Our class sizes are small by design, and this allows us to tailor the class to fit students' needs while maximizing participation. Regardless of the level, you will begin speaking Spanish during the first class. Our classes are highly interactive and participatory. With a small group, you will enjoy a personal experience. As we learn your interests, we will make them part of what we teach. This makes learning more fun and more effective.

Your learning will include listening, reading, writing and speaking. We use subject matter that will introduce you to the Hispanic culture while you learn the language. A friend of ours once said that learning a new language is like learning a new culture. Indeed, the two are strongly interconnected.

While our classes include much more, course levels can to some extent be described by the progression through the verb tenses, and we do so in the level descriptions. Again, the material covered may vary as appropriate to match students needs. The Level Summary tab provides a quick view of this breakdown.

As we learn a language, we need to review and practice what we learn in order to build our proficiency. Consequently, each class level includes some review, with material generally presented in a different way. This also helps to ensure that everyone has the needed base from which to build.

We have found that adults need to learn grammar in order to speak Spanish correctly. If you only want to learn a few phrases and words for a trip to Latin America, you don't need grammar. If you want to be able to understandably speak Spanish, you will need to learn how the language works (grammar). And don't worry, our classes are fun, with a focus on getting you communicating and using the language from day one. [Click to read Is Grammar Really Best Avoided?]  Learning a language is very much about immersing yourself in it as much as possible. Toward that end, we will use as much Spanish is possible in our classes, while using English where necessary for understanding.

Did you end up in the wrong class? This happens now and then. If you wish, you are free to change to one of the other levels offered during the session.

Level Summary Table: Our classes include much more than grammar and verbs! However, verbs are very important in Spanish, and our course levels can to some extent be described by the progression through the verb tenses. We do so in the level descriptions, and the following table provides a quick view of this breakdown. Please refer to the individual level descriptions for more information. Each course will include review and practice to assure that you assimilate the material and improve your proficiency. Please try to pick the level that matches what you know. Not sure? Give us a call. We want to get you in the class that best fits your needs. All 5 levels may not be offered during every session.

Summary of Verb Tenses & Skill by Course Level
Level	Content
Beginning 1	present tense. Beginning communication.
Beginning 2	present tense, reflexive; begin preterite  and compound tenses. Basic communication.
Beginning 3	preterite, compound, imperfect, future,  conditional, imperative. Novice conversation.
Intermediate	imperative, subjunctive, build proficiency with  other tenses. Comfortable conversation.
Advanced	improve proficiency, all tenses. Improving  fluency.

If you begin a class and feel that it's not the right level for you, you may be able to change to one of the other levels offered during the session. Just let us know and we'll help assure a smooth transition.

The subject matter covered may vary somewhat, depending on each individual group.

Beginning 1: If you have no previous experience with Spanish, or just a small amount, this is the level for you. Or, if you had Spanish in school a long time ago and don't remember much. You will learn pronunciation, basic vocabulary, greetings and basic expressions, adjective-noun agreement, common verbs, and how to read and construct basic sentences. We'll cover the things you'll need in any language, from numbers to telling time to ordering at a restaurant. You will learn the present verb tense. You will begin speaking Spanish starting with the first class. If you had Spanish in school but don't remember much, this is likely the correct level for you. Our students always do better when they develop a solid foundation in the basics before advancing further. As is the case with building a house, a weak foundation is likely to lead to problems later on.

Your instructor will teach the class primarily in English, but will use more and more Spanish as you progress.

The subject matter covered may vary somewhat, depending on each individual group. Reviewing and practicing what we learn is an important part of building our proficiency. Each course level includes some review, with material generally presented in a different way. This also helps to ensure that everyone has the needed base from which to build.

Beginning 2: This course is basically a continuation of Beginning Spanish 1. Students taking this course should have already completed our Beginning 1 course or its equivalent. You should already have a good foundation in the basics such as pronunciation, gender, basic expressions, numbers, subject pronouns, some vocabulary, telling time, forming simple sentences, as well as knowing how to conjugate a verb in the present tense. If you've picked up some Spanish traveling but never had a class, you should start with our Beginning 1 course to build a good foundation in the structure and workings of the Spanish language.

Winter 2025 session: This level is not being offered during the winter 2025 session.

In this class, we'll review present tense regular verbs and then move on to irregular and reflexive verbs. You will start to learn the preterite past tense and some compound (perfect) tense usage. You'll build your vocabulary and work with sentences and beginning readings and conversation. You will start reading brief novels written for beginning readers.

Your instructor will teach the class partly in English and partly in Spanish.

The subject matter covered may vary somewhat, depending on each individual group. Reviewing and practicing what we learn is an important part of building our proficiency. Each course level includes some review, with material generally presented in a different way. This also helps to ensure that everyone has the needed base from which to build.

Beginning 3: For our continuing Beginning 2 students and new students who already have an equivalent background. You should already have learned about the present tense, reflexive verbs and started the preterite tense and be ready to move on to the imperfect (past), future, conditional and compound tenses.  We will expand your reading, writing and speaking skills beyond the basics. You'll start to converse in class. You will be reading brief novels written for novice readers. You will feel improving confidence with your communication skills.

Students should expect to be at the Beginning 3 level for more than one session before being ready to move on to the Intermediate level.

Winter 2025 session: we have a number of continuing students in this class that have completed one session at this level, so it is currently a second session Beginning 3 level. Students have completed the first exposure to the preterite and imperfect past tenses and will practice and work more with these tenses this winter. The class will also learn the future and conditional tenses.

To improve listening skills and immersion, your instructor will teach the class as much as possible in Spanish, but use English as necessary for your understanding.

The subject matter covered may vary somewhat, depending on each individual group. Reviewing and practicing what we learn is an important part of building our proficiency. Each course level includes some review, with material generally presented in a different way. This also helps to ensure that everyone has the needed base from which to build.

Intermediate: This is your level if you already reasonably capable with basic Spanish, but want to increase your proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading and writing. You should already be familiar with the present, preterite, imperfect, future, conditional, imperative and compound tenses. We will continue to work with these tenses to improve your proficiency with them. We will also work with the subjunctive mood in this level.

You will also continue to expand your vocabulary and other aspects of grammar. You will be working with more reading, writing and conversation. Intermediate students should be able to converse (errors to be expected). At this level, students should have a strong enough base to start putting things together into conversation, and doing so will be part of the class format.

Students should expect to be at the Intermediate level for two or more sessions before being ready to move on to the Advanced level.

Winter 2025 session: This class will include some returning students who have taken more than one session at this level and continue to work on their proficiency. The Winter 2025 session will focus on consolidating students' skills in reading, writing and grammar into improved conversational skills, with considerable practice during class.

Your instructor will teach the class primarily in Spanish, using English as little as possible, as necessary for your understanding.

More about the Intermediate Class....

We have found that adults at this level benefit from a mix of both grammar and conversation practice, and this class includes considerable conversation. Your instructor will plan the lessons to integrate the two and help you habitualize correct sentences and usage. Conversation will also stimulate you to begin thought>to>talk speaking where you don't translate everything in your head -- an important step toward fluency. You will find yourself thinking less about every word and becoming more comfortable and effective in conversation.

The subject matter covered may vary somewhat, depending on each individual group. Reviewing and practicing what we learn is an important part of building our proficiency. Each course level includes some review, with material generally presented in a different way. This also helps to ensure that everyone has the needed base from which to build.

Spanish for Travelers: This is a special short-course for those who plan to travel to a Spanish-speaking country and want to learn Spanish language basics for their trip. It is for beginners with little to no previous experience with the Spanish language.You will learn the things that travelers need for everyday situations, including pronunciation, greetings, asking directions, shopping, ordering at the restaurant, using public transportation and more.

Please go to the Spanish for Travelers page for more information.