Group French lessons in Northampton, USA or online
Our welcoming French group language classes place you together with students at a similar language level.
Depending on the option you select, you’ll study either once or twice a week for a total of 18 hours.
Program Details
Face-to-face, Small-Group French lessons in Northampton or online
At ILI, we’re all about creating vibrant connections.
Step into the world of our Group French classes and experience real-time interactions guided by our passionate, highly qualified French instructors.
We’re committed to making learning accessible to everyone, offering the flexibility of both live online and in-person classes, ensuring an engaging learning journey that suits your needs.
Our classes maintain an intimate atmosphere with an average of just six students per group, fostering a dynamic and personalized learning environment.
Program Info
Tuition Fees$469 – $499 for 6 or 12 weeks (18 hours)
Language levelsBeginners and up
Location
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X
Online
Taking classes online means receiving live lessons with your ILI teacher via a video call at a pre-scheduled time.
In-person
In-person lessons take place at our campus in downtown Northampton, MA and require your physical attendance.
Online / In‑person
Minimum age17
FrequencyOnce/Twice per week
Group Size
Average6
Maximum12
Course Timings
Duration6 and 12 weeks
Study time18 hours
Schedule
Our group French classes meet in person at our welcoming school in downtown Northampton or online.
We have two options which run on different dates throughout the year.
12-week program, with one class of 1.5 hours per week in Spring and Fall
6-week intensive program, with two classes of 1.5 hours per week in Summer and Winter
Class times and days depend on your level of French. Your instructor with be doing an informal assessment to make sure everyone is in the right level on the first day of class. You will receive a confirmation email the week before class starts.
For details on start dates and cost, please click on the Schedule & Cost tab.
Benefits
Group French classes are a great way to:
Experience the power of collaborative learning in a close-knit small group setting
Have plenty of opportunities to speak and practice your French skills with others
Enjoy a variety of speaking, listening, reading and writing
Gain confidence with well-paced and structured lessons
Join a vibrant community with people who shared the same goal.
Our teachers
ILI’s French teachers have many years of experience delivering creative and engaging lessons in a safe environment where students feel free to take risks in learning Italian while having fun with their classmates.
We offer group French programs four times a year, both ONLINE and IN-PERSON:
Winter Program
January 20 – March 4, 2026$469 until Dec. 15 then $499Two classes per week, 6-week Winter term (No classes 1/19 & 2/16)
Spring Program
March 30 – June 18, 2026$469 until Feb. 23 then $499One class per week, 12-week Spring term (No classes 4/20 & 5/25)
Summer Program
July 6 – August 13, 2026$469 until June 8 then $499Two classes per week, 6 week intensive Summer program
Fall Program
Sept. 14 – Dec. 17, 2026$469 until Aug. 10 then $499One class per week for 12-weeks (No Classes Oct. 12, Nov. 11, 25, 26 & 27)
WINTER French Program levels, days and times
Below you’ll find details of all the class times and days for our IN-PERSON French classes in school. The times and days of your French courses in Northampton depend on your current level of French.
You can use our level descriptions to calculate your level and check what time your lessons will take place.
Don’t worry if you’re not 100% sure of your level, you can request a level assessment below.
Level 6: A Tale of Immigration: A New life & Language
Thursday 9:00am – 10:30am
Level 7: The French Paths of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle
Cancelled
Level 7/8: French Outsider Arts & Artists
Tuesday 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Level 8: Contemporary Female Singers
Thursday 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Level 8/9: (FULL) Advanced French Film & Discussion
Wednesday 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Find out as soon as new dates are posted
More days, dates and class times will be published later in the year. Please sign up to our newsletter below or follow us on Instagram and we’ll update you as soon as the new dates are released.
This course is designed for adult learners who have already studied some French and want to build confidence before moving to the next level. Through practical review and targeted practice, students will fill in gaps in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar to strengthen their foundation and feel more comfortable using French in real-life situations.
Activities focus on essential communication skills—introducing yourself, asking and answering questions, describing daily routines, and expressing likes and dislikes—while reinforcing key grammar points such as articles, gender and number agreement, regular verb conjugations, and basic sentence structure.
By the end of the course, students will feel more fluent and prepared to advance to the A2 level with solid, refreshed knowledge and greater ease in conversation.
De la Manche à l’Atlantique: Exploring Western France (Level 6)
Embark on a cultural journey along France’s western coast in this engaging Level 6 French class. From the windswept cliffs of Normandy and the rugged charm of Brittany (la Bretagne) to the vibrant traditions of the French Basque Country and the elegant vineyards of Bordeaux, you’ll explore the rich diversity of this fascinating region. Through readings, discussions, and multimedia activities, you’ll deepen your understanding of the culture, history, landscapes, and gastronomy that define each area. Along the way, you’ll continue to build your French communication and grammatical skills while discovering how geography and tradition shape the identity of Western France.
The History and Evolution of the French Language (Level 7)
Travel through time to discover how the French language has evolved from its Latin origins to the modern form we know today. This course explores the linguistic, cultural, and historical influences that have shaped French—from Vulgar Latin to the Gallo-Roman dialects, Old French, Middle French, and finally, contemporary standard French.
Students will analyze authentic excerpts (texts, songs, literary quotes, and audio recordings) from different periods to understand how sounds, grammar, and vocabulary have changed over time. Guided discussions will highlight the richness and diversity of French as it is spoken throughout the Francophone world.
Reading and Conversation through Literature (Level 7/8)
In this French 7/8 class, students will dive into a carefully selected contemporary French novel, exploring its themes, characters, and cultural context through guided discussion. Each session blends literary analysis with targeted grammar review and practice, helping students strengthen accuracy, expand vocabulary, and express complex ideas with nuance. By reading, reflecting, and conversing in French, participants will deepen both their linguistic and cultural fluency in an engaging, collaborative environment.
Montmartre: From Village to Legend (Level 8/9)
Once a quiet village on the outskirts of Paris, Montmartre became the beating heart of art, music, and bohemian life. In this Level 8/9 French class, trace its evolution from its annexation in the 1860s to the vibrant neighborhood it is today. Through the works and stories of artists like Toulouse-Lautrec and Picasso, writers such as Marcel Aymé and Max Jacob, and figures like Aristide Bruant, you’ll explore the area’s creative spirit. Discover its cabarets—Le Chat Noir, Le Moulin Rouge—its charming vineyard, museums, and distinctive atmosphere that continues to inspire generations.
L’amour à l’écran: Love and Relationships in French Cinema (Level 9+)
After exploring classics from the 1930s, this advanced French film class turns its lens to more modern portrayals of love and relationships in French cinema. Through four to five films—from Roger Vadim’s Et Dieu créa la femme (1956) with Brigitte Bardot to Matthieu Kassovitz’s Métisse (1993) and Claude Sautet’s César et Rosalie (1972)—students will examine evolving views on romance, gender roles, and society. After exploring classics from the 1930s, this advanced French film class turns its lens to more modern portrayals of love and relationships in French cinema. Through four to five films—from Roger Vadim’s Et Dieu créa la femme (1956) with Brigitte Bardot to Matthieu Kassovitz’s Métisse (1993) and Claude Sautet’s César et Rosalie (1972)—students will examine evolving views on romance, gender roles, and society through discussions and analyses.
face-to-face group classes you attend in our school in Northampton, or
live online group classes which take place on Zoom.
In-person, Face-to-Face Group French classes in Northampton, Massachusetts
Come into our school in downtown Northampton for your French class, and you’ll soon be a part of our friendly community of language learners and teachers.
We’re just a few minutes’ walk from the Roundhouse parking lot and the Peter Pan Bus Terminal (Peter Pan line, R42, R44).
Online Group French classes with ILI
Our online classes will also be with a real humans, in real time. The lessons will work in just the same way as with the in-person option, and we’ll make sure you progress just the same too.
One big benefit of online classes is that it saves you the logistical hassle of getting to and from the school each lesson. If you’re a very busy person, you also save time by just logging in and out for your lesson.
Northampton, Massachusetts is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET) and observes daylight saving time (DST). You can join our online group French lessons from anywhere in the world, so long as you’re comfortable with the regular times the classes run. You can check out the compatibility of your time zone here.
If you’re not sure which option is best for you, please contact us and we can discuss this with you.
We assign optional homework as many of our students are working adults with very busy schedules. However, we encourage our students to practice outside of class as much as possible.
Some of our teachers are native speakers and others have native and near native fluency.
Yes! ILI is an approved provider of Professional Development Points for Massachusetts.
We do not allow this as we have found that it is disruptive to the class as they build a trusting community that enables students to take risks in learning. It’s also difficult for teachers to have students come and go.
We do not currently offer scholarships in the World Language program.
No, there is no financial aid for language classes. However, Career counselors at MassHire Career Centers can help you apply for an Individual Training Account (ITA), which provides financial support to job seekers who need occupational skills training in order to successfully re-enter the workforce. Eligible individuals choose from a pre-approved list of training courses, which include English teacher training courses and TESOL course distance learning, and tuition costs are paid directly out of the ITA. To find out if you are eligible for an ITA for your TESOL Certificate cost, please contact a MassHire Career Center.
Our students in the World Language Program tend to be aged anywhere between 17 and 88 years old.
Having a hard copy of your class book can be a real help. You can pick one up at our school in Northampton. Just give us a heads up when you can drop by so that we have one ready for you.
Take a little time before class to get your online learning environment ready. We recommend having good lighting and being within 2-3 feet of your computer camera. This way the teacher and other students can have a more visual feel for how students are reacting to lessons and activities. Have a notebook and something to write with.
Read the 7 Strategies for Success in your ILI workbook.
We always recommend that students take a little time before and or after your class to review the lessons.
Yes, we are happy to help you to enroll in the class that’s best for your level. Assessment are painless and are done via phone and take about 10-15 minutes. Simply fill out the assessment request form and we will be in touch shortly.
Policy applies to classes that are paid in full. In case the class is cancelled a full refund will be issued within 30 days.
If you withdraw…Refund
Before class begins100%
Before midpoint of your class50%
After midpoint of your classno refund
Complaint Procedure
Students are encouraged to voice their opinions during feedback in class and directly to the instructor. If a student has further concerns about the class or program, World Language students should contact the World Language Coordinator, Heather Hall, by email. Further concerns should be brought to the attention of the Executive Director, Caroline Gear. Contact information is below. Students will receive a confirmation of receipt of complaint within 7 days. The final step in resolving a complaint is to contact ACCET, the agency that accredits the school. You can find the ACCET complaint procedure here.
ILI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical handicap, political belief or affiliation, membership or non-membership in any organization, or veteran status in any aspect of the administration or treatment of students or in employment. ILI is committed to ensure that all of its services are accessible to qualified persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
ILI is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training and the International Association of Language Centres and a member of the American Association on Intensive English Programs
Our Private French lessons online or in-person allow you to shape your learning around your busy life. You choose the times, days and topics, we’ll do the rest!
For the ultimate French language learning experience, head to a French-speaking country! We can assist in finding a program and location to fit your needs.
David studied French at ILI Retired Superintendent
