7 Best French Classes in Atlanta

Looking for French tutoring nearby or detailed French lessons in Atlanta? You’ll find plenty of great choices. Elite French Tutoring, an 11-year-old institution, shows Atlanta’s steadfast dedication to French education with over 757 successful students since 2012. Students of all ages and skill levels can learn French through public schools or private tutoring centers in a variety of settings.

We’ve assessed the top 7 French learning options in Atlanta to help you choose what works best. In this piece, we take a closer look at each program’s teaching approach, costs, and special features that will match you with your ideal learning environment.

Table of Contents

1. Elite French Tutoring: Personalized Learning Experience

Elite French Tutoring leads the vanguard of tailored French education in Atlanta. Students of all ages and proficiency levels can benefit from custom language instruction.

This premier language service starts with a complete consultation to understand your goals before creating your learning plan.

Elite French Tutoring Teaching Methodology

The life-blood of Elite French Tutoring lies in their tailored level assessment. Expert native French tutors spend 10-20 minutes with each student to assess their current proficiency. Your program will match your needs perfectly—from basic travel conversation to specialized professional vocabulary.

Their approach includes five key language skills:

  • Conversation: Lessons emphasize practical communication in real-life scenarios like café orders or professional discussions
  • Comprehension: Students build listening skills through varied French materials, from casual talks to formal speeches
  • Reading: Authentic materials range from newspapers and short stories to novels and films
  • Writing: Students learn different text types, from business letters to creative stories
  • Test Preparation: The curriculum matches the CEFR framework for standardized tests

On top of that, students immerse themselves in French culture through literature, music, art, and history to better understand the language’s context.

Elite French Tutoring Class Structure and Pricing

Their service structure builds on flexibility. Class duration spans 40 minutes to 2 hours based on your schedule and goals. Beginners should take weekly hour-long sessions for best results.

Students can choose from multiple class formats:

  • Private in-person lessons at your home or chosen location in Atlanta
  • Online sessions through Zoom, Google Meet, or your preferred platform
  • 40-minute sessions: $100
  • One-hour lessons: $125

Elite French Tutoring caters to three main groups:

  1. Adults: College students and professionals learn practical French for daily use
  2. Children: Programs start at age 3 with fun games, songs, and activities
  3. Corporate: Businesses, NGOs, and public organizations receive custom training with field-specific vocabulary

Elite French Tutoring Student Success Stories

Student testimonials showcase Elite French Tutoring’s exceptional results. 

  1. Raúl Cuza, whose child studies with them, says: “Andrei is an excellent French tutor. He works with our 10-year-old weekly. Our child looks forward to seeing Andrei and gets a lot out of each lesson”.
  2. Tonya Juge adds: “Andrei is a serious and focused French tutor. He’s also a nice guy. He pushed me to improve my French language skills and his lessons are still with me today”.

Elite French Tutoring Location and Accessibility

Elite French Tutoring operates from New York but teaches students worldwide through their online platform. Atlanta residents can connect with experienced native French teachers from anywhere.

Students who prefer face-to-face learning can find french tutoring near me options with tutors coming to their homes or meeting spots. Classes run throughout the week, including weekends, mornings, afternoons, and evenings.

Elite French Tutoring stands out as the top choice for dedicated language learners seeking quality French classes in Atlanta. Their mix of flexible scheduling, tailored instruction, and proven methods sets them apart.

2. Atlanta International School: Immersive Bilingual Education

Atlanta International School (AIS) gives students one of the most complete French immersion experiences in the city. Students from 3K through Grade 12 become fluent in a multicultural environment.

AIS will give a full educational trip that goes beyond typical French classes in Atlanta. Students can become bilingual or maybe even trilingual through the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.

Atlanta International School French Curriculum

The youngest learners start with full language immersion at AIS. Children in the Early Learning Center can choose French as their focus language in one of four immersion programs.

Primary school brings a unique dual-language approach. Students split their time equally between English and French instruction.

They alternate between full English days (A days) and full French days (B days). This helps students learn the language naturally through regular academic subjects.

Middle School students (Grades 6-10) continue learning through the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. The curriculum offers several paths:

  • Language acquisition classes based on skill level (beginner to advanced)
  • Literature or Individuals & Societies classes in French for fluent speakers
  • Students can learn other languages along with French

Students in the Diploma Program (Grades 11-12) can earn a bilingual or trilingual IB Diploma. Many seniors graduate with these improved qualifications. The French Ministry of Education has given partial recognition to AIS’s French program for Pre-K to 5th grade classes.

Atlanta International School Teaching Staff

AIS’s language instruction quality comes from its strict faculty requirements. French teachers must be native speakers or have bilingual skills.

This helps students learn authentic pronunciation, cultural nuances, and natural conversation. Teachers come from various French-speaking regions across Europe and beyond. They bring the language to life through their personal and cultural connections.

Atlanta International School Cultural Programs

Learning at AIS goes beyond classrooms with 90 nationalities and 60 languages represented. This mix creates natural chances for cultural exchange and language practice. Students who learn French can join annual exchange visits with partner schools. These trips are a great way to get real-world experience in French-speaking regions.

AIS sees language as key to identity. The school hosts cultural celebration events that promote an environment where students develop real intercultural skills. Students learn that language opens doors to cultural understanding and global citizenship.

Atlanta International School Admission Process

You can apply to AIS any time during the year for available spots. This works well for international families moving to Atlanta.

After your original inquiry, you’ll get access to the myAIS Admissions Portal. There, you can complete your application and upload required documents.

AIS now takes applications for 2025-26 at both their Buckhead campus and new Sandy Springs location. The Sandy Springs campus will offer more IB course options. The core team includes Secondary School Enrollment Managers for each campus.

3. Alliance Française Atlanta: Authentic French Cultural Center

Founded in 1912, Alliance Française Atlanta ranks among the city’s oldest French cultural institutions. Students can learn the language and experience authentic French culture here.

The organization operates as a member-supported 501(c)(3) non-profit that promotes French language and francophone cultures through educational and cultural programs.

Alliance Française Atlanta, Elite French Tutoring, and Atlanta International School are the top three French learning resources in Atlanta for students who want quality language education with cultural context.

Alliance Française Atlanta Course Offerings

Alliance Française Atlanta delivers detailed French language instruction in various formats. Their course catalog has options for students at every level, from beginners to advanced speakers preparing for the 2024 Olympic Games. Students can pick from:

  • In-person classes at their Downtown Peachtree Center or Roswell locations
  • Online virtual classes for remote learning flexibility
  • Group classes with small sizes of 5 to 14 students

The school uses the internationally recognized Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) system with levels from A1 (elementary) to C2 (near native).

This well-laid-out approach helps students prepare for official DELF-DALF diplomas that certify French language proficiency worldwide. Students unsure about their level can take Ev@lang, an adaptive placement test from France Education International that determines their French competency accurately.

Alliance Française Atlanta Cultural Events

Alliance Française goes beyond language classes to excel at cultural immersion. Their French Cinéclub meets every third Wednesday and shows French classics and new releases from francophone countries with English subtitles. Events start at 7:00 PM with screenings at 7:30 PM. Members get in free while non-members pay $10.

The cultural calendar features many activities:

  • French wine tastings by credentialed sommelier Ismail Ibn Conner
  • Culinary events that celebrate francophone cuisine
  • Art exhibitions of French and francophone artists
  • Concerts with French musicians
  • Literary events and debates

These programs happen at their centers and across the city through collaboration with cultural and educational partners. This creates a vibrant French-speaking community in Atlanta.

Alliance Française Atlanta Teaching Approach

Small learning environments help students build practical language skills. Classes stay between 5 and 14 students so teachers can give individual attention and foster peer interaction. This creates a friendly, supportive atmosphere for learning the language.

Alliance Française teaches French as a Foreign Language (FLE) designed specifically for non-native speakers. The curriculum emphasizes practical communication skills over grammatical theory.

Students don’t take formal exams, but the teaching methods prepare them for international certifications if they want them.

Spring session usually starts in early April. Early birds get discounts when they register ahead of time. The organization’s non-profit status keeps class prices lower than many for-profit language schools.

Alliance Française Atlanta Membership Benefits

Members of Alliance Française get several great perks:

  • Discounted or free admission to cultural events, including the monthly Cinéclub
  • Reduced rates on all Alliance Française classes
  • Unlimited access to Culturethèque, their online digital library of French resources
  • Community connection with Atlanta’s French-speaking population
  • Supporting the mission of promoting French language and culture in Atlanta

The Franco-German Cultural Center in Peachtree Center downtown Atlanta houses Alliance Française alongside Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta.

This creates North America’s only joint Franco-German cultural center. Members benefit from this exceptional partnership through access to a well-stocked library with digital and printed materials.

4. French School Atlanta

French school Atlanta stands out as a perfect solution for families looking for quality French classes in Atlanta on weekends.

The school ranks among Atlanta’s top three French learning centers with Elite French Tutoring and Alliance Française. Students can immerse themselves in French language every Saturday morning at the North Fulton Drive location.

French school Atlanta Program Structure

Students attend classes on Saturday mornings during school terms in an immersive French environment. The immersion method guides all activities inside and outside the classroom, which are conducted entirely in French. Students learn better because they’re fresh and focused, unlike after a full day of regular school.

The school launched “Ecole du Samedi Plus” to help students supplement their weekend studies. This virtual program lets children catch up on missed classes or enhance their French language skills during the week.

A free library of French books, DVDs, and tapes welcomes students every Saturday morning from 9:45 am to 11:40 am. Registration comes with a free membership for families. Borrowing limits depend on family size – four items for single-child families and six items for families with two children.

French school Atlanta Age-Appropriate Learning

The school welcomes children from 18 months through 16 years old. Programs adapt to different developmental stages. The youngest students start with “Bébé & Moi” and “Bout’chous” classes that feature age-appropriate activities.

Students visit the library with their teachers during recess as part of a rotation system. They pick books that match their age and level. This approach helps children take ownership of their learning at L’École du Samedi.

The school’s book subscription program through L’École des Loisirs gives students eight French books throughout the year at group discount rates.

French school Atlanta Community Events

The school builds community spirit through cultural celebrations all year:

  • “À la Fortune du Pot”: A community potluck showcasing Francophone cuisine
  • “Fête de fin d’année”: Fall semester ends with student performances and Papa Noël’s visit
  • “La Chandeleur”: The beloved French crêpe day
  • “La Kermesse”: Spring fair filled with games and outdoor activities

“Rencontres du Samedi” brings French authors, artists, local French businesses, and bilingualism forums to the community. These gatherings create lasting connections for families searching for french tutoring near me in a supportive cultural setting.

5. The GLOBE Academy: Public Charter French Option

The GLOBE Academy joins Elite French Tutoring and Alliance Française as one of Atlanta’s premier French learning institutions. This tuition-free public charter school within the DeKalb County School District has become a sought-after option for families looking for quality french classes atlanta.

The 10-year old GLOBE (Global Learning Opportunities through Balanced Education) operates in a structured educational environment.

The GLOBE Academy LabelFrancEducation Certification

The French government awarded The GLOBE Academy the prestigious LabelFrancEducation certification, which came with a $150,000 financial award for their French language teachers’ professional development.

Mohamed Bouabdallah, Cultural Counselor of France in the United States, presented this certification that confirms GLOBE’s steadfast dedication to authentic French language instruction.

The GLOBE Academy Dual Language Immersion

Students at GLOBE experience a 50/50 dual language immersion model that equally divides their educational time between English and their target language.

The younger students (K-2) switch between languages throughout the day. Grades 3-5 follow a different pattern – they alternate full days between English and French.

Students choose one of three language tracks—Spanish, French, or Mandarin—when they enroll and stick with it throughout elementary school. GLOBE focuses exclusively on language immersion, so there’s no English-only option available.

This immersion model offers several research-backed benefits:

  • Students achieve higher proficiency in their second language compared to traditional instruction
  • They’re better prepared for global opportunities
  • They develop increased cultural awareness and positive attitudes toward other cultures
  • Their cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills improve
  • They perform equally well or better on standardized English tests
  • The program shows higher attendance rates and lower dropout rates than regular programs

Middle school students (grades 6-8) move away from the immersion model but continue with accelerated French studies. They can earn up to four high school credits. The school’s 8th graders consistently achieve a 100% pass rate on AP French exams.

The GLOBE Academy Enrollment Process

DeKalb County residents can apply through a random lottery system. The deadline for 2025-26 school year applications is February 18, 2025.

The school’s public charter status means they can’t choose students based on ability, achievement, or other discriminatory factors.

New students entering grades 2-5, 7, or 8 must pass the STAMP assessment to show their language proficiency. This requirement helps ensure student success in the immersion environment. An external evaluator reviews the assessment results, which test reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities.

While french tutoring near me options like Elite French Tutoring can help prepare students, GLOBE makes it clear that assessment results are final for the current application year.

6. Da Vinci International School: Early French Education

Da Vinci International School stands among Atlanta’s top three French learning institutions, alongside Elite French Tutoring and Alliance Française.

This nondenominational school welcomes children from 18 months through 5th grade into its French immersion programs. The French Ministry of Education has fully accredited the institution.

Da Vinci International School French Program Features

The life-blood of Da Vinci’s educational approach lies in its unique trilingual curriculum taught in English, French, and Spanish. Parents looking for quality french classes in Atlanta will find a clear progression path for their young children. Students dive into full language immersion during preschool (2K-4K), which builds natural language skills.

English instruction starts at 25% of the curriculum when children reach 4K level. The percentage grows to 45% by 5K and beyond.

This balanced approach will give children strong skills in both languages. Students speak, read, understand, and think equally well in both languages by Kindergarten – an ambitious goal that sets this program apart.

Da Vinci International School Teaching Philosophy

The school draws inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci—renaissance polymath and multidisciplinary genius—and therefore embraces “the da Vinci within each child”. Their philosophy focuses on developing 21st-century skills through process-oriented learning.

Da Vinci moves beyond traditional passive education with creative language learning techniques. Their teaching spotlights:

  • Hands-on science and math education
  • Stimulating art and music programs
  • Physical education using “outdoor classroom” concepts
  • Interactive songs, games, and total immersion techniques

This approach fosters not just language skills but shapes flexible-minded children who tackle learning with creativity and curiosity.

Da Vinci International School Parent Involvement

An active Parent Organization makes shared experiences possible at Da Vinci. The group runs with an executive board and several committees that handle community outreach, sustainability, parent education, and teacher appreciation.

Throughout the year, the organization coordinates support functions, social events, service projects, and educational opportunities.

School leadership values parent involvement as “an essential part of what makes da Vinci an amazing place”. Strategic collaborations improve the educational experience while supporting individual family needs.

Da Vinci International School sits at 4055 Roswell Road in Atlanta. The school provides french lessons within a detailed educational framework that shapes globally-minded, multilingual children.

7. Emory University French Department: Academic Excellence

Emory University’s Department of French and Italian ranks among the top 3 choices for graduate-level French classes in Atlanta, along with Elite French Tutoring and Alliance Française.

The department’s academic programs range from undergraduate degrees to Ph.D. studies in French. Students enjoy exceptional study-abroad opportunities and an active calendar of events with distinguished visiting scholars.

Emory University French Course Levels

The curriculum at Emory follows a well-laid-out language progression through multiple proficiency stages. Students start with elementary courses (FREN 101-102) for beginners and move to intermediate levels (FREN 201-203) that focus on conversation, grammar review, and writing skills.

The upper-level courses include FREN 310 (Writing Skills), FREN 311 (French Phonetics), and FREN 313 (French and Francophone Culture). Students at advanced levels can explore 400-level specialized topics in French cinema, literature, and cultural studies.

Emory University French Cultural Studies

Emory’s French program has become a vibrant center for interdisciplinary work in French and Francophone studies. The faculty brings expertise in a variety of fields such as early modern esthetics, visual arts, media studies, medical humanities, migration studies, psychoanalysis, continental philosophy, critical theory, and Caribbean/African studies. This rich mix of disciplines sets Emory’s program apart from other French lessons in Atlanta.

Emory University French Language Resources

Woodruff Library’s French Literature and Language Research Guide gives students access to excellent resources. The digital collections include Culturethèque, ARTFL Project (North America’s largest collection of digitized French resources), and Gallica—with over a million free documents. A Writing Associate from the French Department helps students improve their written expression throughout each semester.

Emory University French for Academic Purposes

Emory stands out from traditional adult French classes in Atlanta by offering specialized academic training through its Certificate in French program to students from other disciplines.

Students must show French fluency, complete five graduate courses, pass a written examination on French/Francophone literature, and use French material in their dissertation work. The program emphasizes scholarly work with French texts and theory rather than just language learning.

Comparison Table

InstitutionTypeTarget Age GroupsClass Format OptionsTeaching MethodologyLocation/AccessibilitySpecial Features/Certifications
Elite French TutoringPrivate Tutoring ServiceAll ages (3+ years)Private in-person, Online (Zoom, Google Meet,)Assessment-based customized learning, 5-skill focus (Conversation, Comprehension, Reading, Writing, Test Prep)OnlineCEFR framework arranged, 757+ students since 2012
Atlanta International SchoolPrivate International School3K through Grade 12Full-time academic program50/50 dual language immersion, IB curriculumBuckhead and Sandy Springs campusesPartial French Ministry of Education recognition, Bilingual/Trilingual IB Diploma options
Alliance Française AtlantaNon-profit Cultural CenterAll agesIn-person, Online, Group classes (5-14 students)CEFR system (A1-C2), FLE methodologyDowntown Peachtree Center, RoswellOfficial DELF-DALF certification center, Cultural events and library access
French School AtlantaWeekend School18 months – 16 yearsSaturday morning classes, Virtual “Plus” programFull French immersionNorth Fulton DriveFree French resource library, Cultural events
The GLOBE AcademyPublic Charter SchoolK-8Full-time academic program50/50 dual language immersionDeKalb CountyLabelFrancEducation certified, $150,000 French teacher development grant
Da Vinci International SchoolPrivate School18 months – 5th gradeFull-time academic programTrilingual immersion (French, English, Spanish)Roswell Road, AtlantaFrench Ministry of Education accredited
Emory UniversityUniversity DepartmentCollege/Graduate levelAcademic courses, Study abroadAcademic and research-focusedEmory campusGraduate certificates, Extensive research resources

Final Words

Atlanta has excellent French learning options through several institutions that bring their own strengths to language education. Elite French Tutoring, Alliance Française Atlanta, and Atlanta International School are the city’s top spots for learning French. These schools offer detailed programs that fit different needs and goals.

Elite French Tutoring’s proven teaching methods have helped more than 750 students master French since 2012. Their flexible schedules and custom learning plans make French classes available to both working professionals and students. Anyone who wants to become skilled at French should check out Elite French Tutoring for a great learning experience.

Atlanta International School provides structured immersion programs in traditional classrooms. L’École du Samedi gives families weekend options to learn. Students can now learn French from anywhere in Atlanta thanks to online platforms.

Your goals, schedule, and learning style will determine the best French learning environment for you. Newcomers to the language might start with beginner courses at Alliance Française. Advanced students often head over to Emory University’s academic programs. Every program emphasizes cultural immersion to help students grasp both language mechanics and cultural context.

The city’s French education options keep expanding as more people just need quality language instruction. These schools make sure that whether you want simple conversation skills or complete fluency, you’ll find the right resources in Atlanta.

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About the Author

Andrei is a linguist who speaks several languages fluently. He founded Elite French Tutoring as an expression of his passion for entrepreneurship and for the French language and French culture. He has helped numerous professionals, students and young people dramatically improve their skills in the French language.

As the Emperor Charlemagne said: "To have another language is to possess a second soul."

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