Transforming Lives Through Language, Creativity, and Wellness

WINTER TERM 2026

January 7 – March 31

Continuing Education Classes for Adults & Enriching Extracurricular Activities for Children

WELCOME! BENVENUTI! ¡BIENVENIDOS!

Expand Your World Through Languages by Joining Our Engaging Classes in Boston!

Gift certificates are available for any amount. They make the perfect gift for the upcoming holidays, birthdays, graduations, retirements and anniversaries!

• If you have any special interests, and would like to start a private course/special event in Art, Italian, Spanish, ESL or Cooking, with some family members or friends, please feel free to contact Maria. 
• Groups are kept small to ensure best quality.
• All classes are customized.
• Advanced language and art courses are offered periodically to current students, and are not published on the web. If you are interested in knowing more, please feel free to inquire by contacting Maria.
• Students interested in obtaining citizenship: Courses (A1, A2, B1), following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages are available in-person and online. 
• This page is updated often without notice, please visit regularly.
  
• TBD (to be determined) means that as soon as private requests come in, courses will be activated, either as a group or one-to-one lessons. Interested students can select the best date, day and time that work best for them. 
• Course start dates are not always publicly visible. If you are interested in specific courses, for adults or children, please contact Maria privately.
• On the Health & Wellness page of my website https://mariaconte.com/health-and-wellness-3/, you’ll find a selection of personal growth courses thoughtfully designed to nourish both mind and spirit. As a special bonus, each course also offers the unique opportunity to practice your foreign language skills through real, meaningful conversations. It’s a gentle and natural way to enrich your personal development while gaining confidence in another language—a beautiful double benefit for those who love to grow inside and out. 🌱
• Maria Conte’s Programs are available in-person and online, offering flexible learning options throughout the year. All classes conducted in-person are accessible by car, MBTA buses and trains in the Greater Boston area.
• Reserve your spot early!

    ***ONLINE INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE LESSONS & COURSES CAN BE ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THE STUDENTS’ LOCAL TIME ZONE.

🔸At Maria Conte Programs, every course is rooted in the principles of the Montessori Method, embracing each learner as a unique individual. Through respect, curiosity, and self-directed exploration, we foster personal growth, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

🔸Italian, Spanish, ESL, Cooking, and Art group classes, as well as one-to-one private tutoring, will be held online or in-person.  

🔸Always happy to accommodate your requests! If the current offerings don’t match your schedule or you have concerns about the meeting location, feel free to email Maria. And in case the Italian, Spanish, or ESL course you’re looking for isn’t listed, just reach out—Maria is happy to create a class that fits your needs!

🔸General children’s programs are toward the bottom of this page. Other courses are available in private.

🔸Private Tutoring : All ages are welcome! Contact Maria.

✨ Additional special courses are offered throughout the academic year but may not be listed on the website. Please contact Maria directly for the latest offerings and availability.

🔸 No registration fee required. Food and drinks are not included.

Did you know that learning a foreign language prevents dementia?

Start dates are flexible. Please contact Maria to discuss a schedule that works for you.

ITALIAN – GROUP CLASSES

🇮🇹 Italian Through Conversation — Available at Four Levels!
Our new Italian Conversation Course is designed to boost your speaking skills through engaging themes that immerse you in Italy’s rich culture. Offered in Absolute Beginner, Beginner, Low Intermediate, and Upper Intermediate levels, each stage features unique, level-appropriate content—so you learn at the right pace and explore topics suited to your experience. This course is filled with fun, interactive activities focused entirely on real-life communication. You’ll practice speaking and listening in a relaxed, supportive environment—and the best part? No homework! Just come ready to chat, laugh, learn, and improve.

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $200.00 plus a $7.50 processing fee.

Absolute Beginner Course – A1.1| 4 weeks | 1.5 hours per session | Starts Monday, January 12 | 8:00-9:30 PM | ONLINE

Beginner Course – A1.2| 4 weeks | 1.5 hours per session | Starts Thursday, January 15 | 8:00-9:30 PM | ONLINE

Low Intermediate Course – B1.1| 4 weeks | 1.5 hours per session | Starts Friday, January 16 | 8:00-9:30 PM | ONLINE

Upper Intermediate Course – B2.1| 4 weeks | 1.5 hours per session | Starts Saturday, January 17 | 8:00-9:30 PM | ONLINE

OUR STANDARD LANGUAGE COURSES

San Francesco d’Assisi

LETTURE E CONVERSAZIONE: SANTI ITALIANI

Prerequisite: Italian III or its equivalent. In this course we will examine the lives of some famous Italian Saints in the world of the Catholic Church. Who are the Saints? Saints are people canonized by the great ones of the Church for their good example given to the people through faith, prayer and good works. Saints have lived the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity. They are venerated because they intercede between us and God. The course provides ample opportunity for students to actively participate in class discussions, develop vocabulary, practice the past tense, and improve the four language skills all together. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 10 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $399 + $30 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $429.00 plus a $17.00 processing fee.

 

ISLANDS OF PONZA  

History, Culture, and Enchanting Legends

Pre-requisite: Italian III or its equivalent. The Ponzian archipelago, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea in Italy, between the cities of Rome and Naples, consists of six and marvelous small islands highly visited by tourists from all over the world, especially in the summer season. Ponza, the largest of the islands, is considered the “Pearl of Rome.” Join us to discover the history, geography, culture, traditions, as well as the enchanting legends that identify the various islands through narrative, photos and videos. The course, which is highly communicative, fosters Italian conversation with other students in the class, promotes vocabulary development and allows review of past tense verbs. *Didactic materials will be distributed weekly. *Bonus: Tasting of a traditional dessert.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 10 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $399 + $30 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $429.00 plus a $17.00 processing fee.

VUOI PARLARE COME UN ITALIANO?

Pre-requisite: Italian III or its equivalent. Ogni paese si distingue con le sue unicità, espressioni linguistiche, idiomatiche e culturali. Vuoi parlare come un Italiano? Iscriviti a questo corso per migliorare la propria competenza comunicativa imparando delle espressioni che gli Italiani utilizzano quotidianamente quando conversano con i loro membri di famiglia, gli amici e i conoscenti. Ad ogni incontro i partecipanti  avranno modo di apprendere e praticare le nuove espressioni sia nel dialogo scritto che in quello orale attraverso una varietà di attività linguistiche. *Il materiale di studio sarà distribuito settimanalmente.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 10 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $399 + $30 materials fee

Antonio Canova: Amore e Psiche (1787)

 ARTE E CONVERSAZIONE 

Livello: Intermedio – Avanzato. Inizia la primavera bene – pratica il tuo italiano iscrivendoti a questo corso divertente. E’ sicuramente una fantastica opportunità rilassarsi in compagnia di altri simpatici studenti! Insieme esamineremo alcune sculture dell’amore più famose della storia dell’arte. *Il materiale di studio sarà distribuito settimanalmente.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 5 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $270 + $15 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $285.50 plus a $11.50 processing fee.

     ITALY: LAND OF MYSTERY AND MAGIC 

Prerequisite: Italian III or its equivalent. This course is completed in two separate courses of 10 weeks each. Give yourself a break and enroll in this wonderful course to stimulate your imagination and fantasy. The narratives are carefully chosen by the instructor. They are full of adventure, wonder, mystery and magic with educational and moral value. These are short stories that survive and allow us to travel through time. The course provides an opportunity for participants to broaden their vocabulary knowledge, and brush up not only on general grammar and past tense verbs but also learn a little geography and local traditions related to the history and customs of Italy. *Didactic materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 10 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $399 + $30 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $429.00 plus a $17.00 processing fee.

ATTUALITA’ E CONVERSAZIONE: L’IMMIGRAZIONE

Livello: Intermedio – Avanzato. In questo corso esploreremo il fenomeno dell’immigrazione inerente alla presenza di stranieri in Italia avvenuta negli ultimi decenni. Insieme esamineremo il periodo storico e i motivi che spingono le persone a lasciare il loro luogo d’origine, per iniziare una nuova vita nel paese di adozione. Diversi approcci e metodi d’insegnamento saranno presentati al riguardo. Il corso prevede la visione di film e documentari,  l’ascolto di canzoni, e la lettura di storie vere. Il materiale presentato contribuirà allo sviluppo delle quattro abilità linguistiche. *Il materiale del corso sarà distribuito settimanalmente. 

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 10 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $399 + $30 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $429.00 plus a $17.00 processing fee.

ATTUALITA’ E CONVERSAZIONE: IL NUOVO VOLTO DELL’ITALIA 

Livello: Intermedio-Avanzato. Negli ultimi decenni, con l’arrivo di stranieri,  l’Italia si sta trasformando in un paese multietnico assumendo una nuova identità.   In questo corso celebreremo le varie culture;  analizzeremo anche gli aspetti e le trasformazioni in diversi ambiti culturali e sociali: cucina, musica, cinema, teatro, arte e moda. Il corso prevede non solo la visione di film e documentari ma anche l’ascolto di canzoni scritte dai nuovi cantautori, ossia dai figli degli immigrati nati in Italia. Il corso permette l’interazione attiva con gli altri partecipanti. Gli studenti contribuiranno con la ricerca settimanale, composizioni scritte, e  presentazioni orali per il miglioramento delle abilità espressive. *Il materiale di studio sarà distribuito settimanalmente. 

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 10 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $399 + $30 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $429.00 plus a $17.00 processing fee.

 LA LETTERATURA INTERCULTURALE

Livello: Intermedio-Avanzato. In Italia verso la fine degli anni Ottanta prende il via una nuova produzione letteraria: la letteratura interculturale. Gli autori multietnici ispirati dal bisogno di farsi ascoltare dal pubblico italiano, spesso scrivono narrazioni autobiografiche che trattano problemi sociali e di integrazione nella comunità del paese. I temi trattati sono diversi. Insieme leggeremo e analizzeremo delle composizioni di maggior fama. Le discussioni di classe saranno in lingua italiana. Lo scopo del corso è di favorire la comprensione del lessico presente nei testi e la produzione orale. *Il materiale di studio sarà distribuito settimanalmente. 

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 10 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $399 + $30 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $429.00 plus a $17.00 processing fee.

   MUSICISTI ITALIANI 

 Livello: Intermedio – Avanzato. This course is suggested for students who have completed Italian III course and love classical music. Together we will examine the historical period of some famous Italian musicians of the 18th and 19th centuries such as Vivaldi, Rossini, Donizetti, Verdi. We’ll listen to some of the most successful compositions to encourage oral production of the language. The course provides ample opportunity for students to actively participate in class discussions, develop vocabulary and improve the four language skills all together. *Study materials will be distributed weekly. *The use of a bilingual dictionary is recommended.

 

ITALIAN III  REVIEW & CONVERSATION

 Prerequisite: Italian III or its equivalent.  Using a conversational approach, the course is addressed to students who wish to review or reinforce some aspects of grammar such as pronomi di oggetto diretto, imperfetto, trapassato prossimo, passato remoto e trapassato, condizionale presente e passato, futuro semplice ed anteriore, gerundio e trapassato as well as imperativo. In addition, there will be a cultural reading and some musical activities assigned at each class.  *Materials will be distributed weekly.

MANNAGGIA!!! – ITALIAN PREPOSITIONS 

SPECIAL!!! – See the Conversational course: DUE CHIACCHIERE E UN CAFFE’. Please contact Maria to enroll in both courses.

All levels are welcome after Italian II course! This course provides a great opportunity to all students who wish to refresh or have a better understanding of the mechanics of the Italian Prepositions. Each week a variety of engaging and fun activities will be provided to encourage participants to reinforce and refine their knowledge of Italian prepositions. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

TRADUZIONI E COMPOSIZIONI

Prerequisite: Italian II plus or its equivalent. This course is recommended for those students who wish to improve their Italian through written exercises. Each week we will focus on translation and composition activities by paying close attention to grammar, sentence structure and analysis. Further, the participants will increase their ability in: writing, reading, listening and speaking while expanding knowledge of vocabulary. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 10 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $399 + $30 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $429.00 plus a $17.00 processing fee.

 

  ITALIAN CINEMA 

Prerequisite: Italian III or its equivalent. Improve your Italian listening, reading, writing and speaking skills by watching movies! This course introduces participants to Italian Cinema from Neorealism to contemporary times. Students will be exposed to hear native Italian speakers from different regions, and will have a great opportunity to view aspects of the daily Italian life. Each week students will watch an assigned film from some of the greatest Italian directors. All class discussions will be conducted in Italian, in a relaxing atmosphere. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

Linguine ai frutti di mare

IMPARA L’ITALIANO CON LE RICETTE DI CUCINA

Livello: intermedio. Unisciti a noi per rafforzare la tua conoscenza della lingua italiana, mentre gustiamo un gustoso caffè. Gli studenti saranno introdotti alla terminologia culinaria, estremamente essenziale e utile per comprendere la descrizione di ricette autentiche. Il corso favorisce un eccezionale ripasso dei tempi verbali, degli aggettivi e degli avverbi più comunemente usati – ottimo per migliorare la pronuncia! Inoltre, ogni settimana gli studenti impareranno a preparare piatti o dolci squisiti senza cucinare in classe. Tutte le presentazioni e le discussioni si svolgeranno in italiano. *Il materiale verrà distribuito settimanalmente.

 

EXPLORING ITALIAN MONUMENTS 

 Prerequisite: Italian III or its equivalent. This course offers an introduction to some Italian archaeological sites, wonders unique to the world. Their presence testify traces of ancient culture all over the territory and attract a great number of visitors. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn new vocabulary, while improving listening, reading, writing and speaking skills. All class discussions will be conducted in Italian, in a public location or from the warmth of your home. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

NOTE: This course is also available in the 10-week format for $399.00 + $30.00 materials fee. Contact Maria before enrolling.

INTERMEDIATE – ATTUALITA’ E CONVERSAZIONE 

This course is for students with some Italian speaking experience who would like to increase their fluency and proficiency of the spoken language. Weekly discussions will rotate around a variety of interesting cultural topics. *Reading materials will be distributed weekly.

NOTE: This course is also available in the 10-week format for $399.00 + $30.00 materials fee. Contact Maria before enrolling.

ITALIAN I and II REVIEW & CONVERSATION 

Prerequisite: Italian II. Conducted in Italian. This course is for students who have completed Italian 2 course or its equivalent. Using a conversational approach, it is designed for students who wish to review or reinforce some aspects of grammar, such as: Preposizioni, Passato Prossimo con Essere & Avere, Verbi Riflessivi and much more. At the first meeting, students will decide together the materials to be focused upon throughout the course. In addition, there will be a cultural reading and some musical activities assigned at each class. *Materials will be distributed weekly. NOTE: If you have already taken this course in the recent past, a different set of materials will be provided.

IMPARA L’ITALIANO CON I FILM

Prerequisite: Italian III or its equivalent. This course offers the student the possibility to study and improve their Italian language skills through viewings of cultural comedy short films. Each week students will watch a short film and engage in linguistic activities, both written and oral, to facilitate language comprehension in a fun and useful manner.  *Materials will be distributed weekly.

“Mangiare è una necessità. Mangiare intelligentemente è un’arte”. – Francois de La Rochefoucauld

 

Bruschetta

 CULTURA GASTRONOMICA 

Prerequisite: Italian II. Conducted in Italian. This course helps students to become more fluent in Italian while learning some culinary aspects of the Italian culture and its roots. Participants will improve their reading comprehension and listening as well as speaking and writing through a variety of fun exercises. *Materials will be distributed weekly. NOTE: If you have already taken this course in the recent past, a different set of materials will be provided.

INTRO TO ITALIAN II  

Ready to take your Italian to the next level? This course is designed for students who have completed Italian I or have equivalent experience and want to expand their skills in a dynamic and engaging way. Using a fun, conversational, and interactive approach, students will deepen their understanding of key grammar structures, verb tenses, and sentence formation, while gaining confidence in speaking and expressing themselves naturally in everyday situations. Vocabulary and practical communication are reinforced through a variety of interactive activities that make learning both enjoyable and effective. Italian II is ideal for learners who want to strengthen their grammar, improve fluency, and continue their Italian language journey in a lively and supportive environment. Join us and start speaking Italian with confidence today!

♦

“L’amore non guarda con gli occhi ma con l’anima.” – William Shakespeare

 ♥ ♥ ♥ – L’AMORE E’ PASSIONE? 

Livello: Intermedio-Avanzato. L’amore é un sentimento nobile; una tematica interessante che é stata affrontata da sempre, globalmente, da molti filosofi, poeti, registi cinematografici, autori di canzoni, scrittori, artisti. In questo corso esploreremo il significato e il valore dell’amore attraverso una varietá di attivitá piacevoli e di maggior rilievo. Insieme esamineremo alcune concezioni filosofiche e poetiche di grandi filosofi e poeti; leggeremo dei testi, ascolteremo delle canzoni, guarderemo dei film, analizzeremo qualche capolavoro d’arte. Il corso offre la possibilitá di partecipare attivamente nelle discussioni di classe. Simultaneamente il corso favorisce lo sviluppo del lessico così come facilita il miglioramento delle abilità linguistiche. *Il materiale di studio sarà distribuito settimanalmente. *L’uso di un dizionario bilingue é raccomandato.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 10 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $399 + $30 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $429.00 plus a $17.00 processing fee.

ASPECTS OF ITALIAN CULTURE 

Prerequisite: Italian III or its equivalent. This course is ideal for students who wish to improve their Italian through a communicative, interactive approach. Each week, new vocabulary and language activities will be introduced to encourage self-expression and fluency. Readings will focus on everyday life and cultural traditions in Italy, providing both linguistic and cultural enrichment. *Course materials will be distributed weekly in class.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 10 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $399 + $30 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $429.00 plus a $17.00 processing fee.

EXPLORING NORTHERN ITALIAN REGIONS

Prerequisite: Italian III or its equivalent. Join us in a relaxed and engaging environment to practice and enhance your Italian language skills while exploring ten fascinating regions of northern and central Italy: Liguria, Valle d’Aosta, Piemonte, Lombardia, Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Toscana, and Umbria. Each week, we will focus on a different region, exploring its history, geography, art, traditional cuisine and wines, and major tourist attractions. All class discussions are conducted in Italian to support language immersion. *Course materials will be provided weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 10 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $399 + $30 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $429.00 plus a $17.00 processing fee.

EXPLORING SOUTHERN ITALIAN REGIONS 

Prerequisite: Italian III or its equivalent. Join us in a relaxed and engaging environment to practice and strengthen your Italian language skills while discovering ten beautiful regions of Italy: Marche, Abruzzo, Lazio, Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Molise, Calabria, Sicilia, and Sardegna. Each week, a different region will be introduced through discussions on its history, geography, art, traditional wines and cuisine, and major tourist attractions. All class discussions are conducted in Italian to support full language immersion. *Course materials will be provided weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 10 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $399 + $30 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $429.00 plus a $17.00 processing fee.

INTRO TO ITALIAN III 

Prerequisite: Italian II plus or its equivalent. Take your Italian to a higher level! This course is designed for students who want to continue building their language skills through a conversational and engaging approach. You will deepen your understanding of grammar, expand your vocabulary, and explore Italian culture in meaningful ways. We will focus on advanced grammar topics, including direct object pronouns (pronomi di oggetto diretto), imperfect (imperfetto), past perfect (trapassato prossimo), remote past (passato remoto and trapassato remoto), present and past conditional (condizionale presente e passato), future tenses (futuro semplice e anteriore), gerunds (gerundio), and the imperative (imperativo). Each class also incorporates cultural readings and a variety of interactive activities to make learning lively, engaging, and practical. This course is ideal for learners who want to strengthen their fluency, gain confidence in advanced conversation, and enjoy a deeper connection to the Italian language and culture.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 8 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $390 + $33 textbook fee, plus $12.00 shipping and handling inside the USA.

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $435.00 plus a $23.50 processing fee.

“A foreign language is like a frail, delicate muscle. If you do not use it, it weakens.” ‒ Jhumpa Lahiri

INTRO TO ITALIAN IV & CONVERSATION

Prerequisite: Italian III or its equivalent.  Come, join us to expand and practice your Italian grammar skills, in a relaxed environment, as we explore the Italian subjunctive tenses, indirect object pronouns, adverbs, and a variety of pronouns frequently used in speaking and writing the language. In addition, there will be a cultural reading and some musical activities assigned at each class. All class discussions are conducted in Italian. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 10 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $399 + $30 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $429.00 plus a $17.00 processing fee.

Sandro Botticelli: La nascita di Venere (c. 1485), dipinto

ARTE RINASCIMENTALE 

 Prerequisite: Italian III or its equivalent. Impara l’italiano con l’arte!!! Questo corso é  particolarmente idoneo per gli amanti della storia dell’arte rinascimentale. Insieme esamineremo alcuni dei più grandi artisti dell’epoca, tra i quali Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Tiziano. Gli studenti avranno l’opportunità di espandere le loro abilità linguistiche attraverso una varietà di esercizi scritti e orali. Alcuni capolavori saranno analizzati artisticamente per promuovere la conversazione di gruppo. *Il materiale di studio sarà distribuito settimanalmente.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 8 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $390 + $25 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $415.00 plus a $17.00 processing fee.

 

ARTE BAROCCA: CARAVAGGIO  

 Livello: Intermedio-Avanzato. Michelangelo Merrisi (1571-1610),  noto come Caravaggio, innamorato del vero e della luce, è uno dei più illustri pittori dell’epoca barocca. In questo corso gli studenti saranno introdotti al periodo storico e avranno l’opportunità di analizzare alcune opere d’arte di Caravaggio. Il corso stimola la partecipazione di classe e favorisce lo sviluppo delle abilità linguistiche. *Il materiale di studio sarà distribuito settimanalmente.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 8 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $390 + $25 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $415.00 plus a $17.00 processing fee.

BAROQUE ART: GIAN LORENZO BERNINI 

Level: Intermediate-Advanced. Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) was the greatest sculptor of the 17th century. He was also a fantastic architect, painter, playwright and scenographer. Bernini was an ambitious man driven by many talents and passions. He made countless statues, fountains and buildings, and is known for having developed the Baroque style. The Baroque style features careful attention to light and shadow, curved lines, and spirals that create a sense of movement. His extraordinary creative genius transformed Rome into the Baroque theater that attracts many tourists from all over the world. In this course students will be introduced to the historical period, and will have the opportunity to analyze some great works made by Bernini. All class discussions will be conducted in Italian. Moreover, it is a nice course to practice tenses such as imperfetto and passato remoto. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 10 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $399 + $30 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $429.00 plus a $17.00 processing fee.

IL NEOCLASSICISMO E L’ARTE

Level: Intermediate. Il Neoclassicismo é quella corrente artistica e letteraria che esaltò i valori della  classicità tra gli ultimi decenni del ‘700 e i primi decenni dell’800, un periodo di transizione tra due epoche. In questo corso esamineremo le caratteristiche del periodo e alcune opere del grande artista Antonio Canova (1757-1822), considerato il massimo esponente del Neoclassicismo in scultura. Il corso offre l’opportunità di ripassare i verbi, gli aggettivi e gli avverbi più usati. E’ fantastico per stimolare la conversazione di gruppo e migliorare la pronuncia. *I materiali saranno distribuiti settimanalmente.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 8 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $390 + $25 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $415.00 plus a $17.00 processing fee.

CONVERSAZIONE: DUE CHIACCHIERE E UN CAFFE’ 

Prerequisite: Basic Italian. Concediti uno spazio speciale per prendere un caffè e scambiare due chiacchiere con noi. Il corso offre ampia opportunità ai partecipanti di conoscere altre persone, rilassarsi e praticare l’italiano in maniera libera e divertente. Ti aspettiamo!!! 

SPECIAL!!! – Students enrolled in the course “Mannaggia!!! – Italian Prepositions – (In-Person) can take this course for $120.00. Please contact Maria to enroll in both courses.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 6 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (1 hr per session)
📍 Location: In-Person
💵 Tuition: $150

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $150 plus a $8.00 processing fee.

CONVERSATIONAL ITALIAN for BEGINNERS 

 Prerequisite: Italian II or its equivalent. This course is for beginners who would like to increase their fluency and proficiency of the spoken language through dialogues and exercises. Each week students gain practical mastery of language patterns and vocabulary needed in daily situations.  Great course to review general basic grammar while building up new vocabulary and useful expressions. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 5 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $210 + $24 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $234.00 plus a $10.00 processing fee.

CONVERSATIONAL ITALIAN for BEGINNERS 

 Prerequisite: Italian II or its equivalent. This course is for beginners who would like to increase their fluency and proficiency of the spoken language through dialogues and exercises. Each week students gain practical mastery of language patterns and vocabulary needed in daily situations.  Great course to review general basic grammar while building up new vocabulary and useful expressions. Visual activities are included. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 3 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $180 + $10 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $190.00 plus a $9.00 processing fee.

FILLING GAPS: MINI- GRAMMAR COURSE – CUSTOMIZED 

Level: Intermediate. This course introduces students to some Italian grammar parts highly used in writing and conversation. Students learn to balance communicative and grammatical elements of the language. The activities, carefully designed by the instructor, are fun and entertaining. The goal is to refine oral production, speaking and writing skills. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 3 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $399 + $30 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $190.00 plus a $9.00 processing fee.

PERSONAGGI  FAMOSI – SET ONE or SET TWO

Prerequisite: Italian III or its equivalent. Who are the women and men who have shaped Italy’s history? This course offers a fascinating opportunity to learn about the distinguished individuals who have had a lasting impact on Italian history over the centuries. Each person, though unique, represents a society, a new way of thinking, and the era in which they lived. As you explore these historical figures, you’ll also enhance your language skills through weekly exercises in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This course is also a great way to practice verb tenses like imperfetto and passato remoto. *Course materials will be provided weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 10 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $399 + $30 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $429.00 plus a $17.00 processing fee.

Celebrate your ❤ in Italy!

 Learn Italian for Your Dream Wedding in Italy

Whether you’re planning to celebrate your wedding in the beautiful country of Italy, the land of dreams, or you’re attending a wedding reception there as a guest, language and cultural differences might make you feel a bit uneasy. Don’t worry—this course is designed just for you! In a warm, welcoming environment, we’ll explore the key terminology of the Italian wedding ceremony, along with common expressions, customs, and traditions. All content is enhanced with visual aids to help you grasp the material easily. Participants will have the chance to expand their vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and practice simple conversations. *Course materials will be provided weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 6 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $360 + $18 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $378.00 plus a $15.00 processing fee.

INTRO TO ITALIAN I 

Whether you’re traveling to Italy or simply learning the language for fun, this course is designed for you. In a relaxed and supportive atmosphere, you’ll explore Italian through a variety of engaging materials. Topics include basic grammar, travel-related vocabulary and expressions, pronunciation, verb conjugation, and an introduction to Italian culture. Emphasis will be placed on speaking and listening skills, with musical activities integrated into each class to enhance learning. This course is ideal for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their foundational Italian skills.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 8 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Friday, January 16, 9:00 AM (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: In-Person (Hyde Park)
💵 Tuition: $390 + $30 textbook fee, plus $12.00 shipping and handling inside the USA.

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $432.00 plus a $17.00 processing fee.

INTRO to ITALIAN for SENIORS: 80 and over  

Take a break and join us weekly for this fun, interactive course designed to introduce you to the Italian language and culture in a relaxed, friendly environment. You’ll learn practical Italian words and expressions while connecting with other seniors who share your interests. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to exercise your brain and memory. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to greet others and start simple conversations with Italian-speaking relatives, friends, neighbors, or caregivers. *Course materials will be provided weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 8 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (1 hr per session)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $170 + $25 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $195.00 plus a $9.00 processing fee.

 LA LETTERATURA  MEDIEVALE 

 Livello: Intermedio – Avanzato. Benvenuti al corso di letteratura medievale! In questo studio ci concentreremo ad identificare alcuni aspetti prominenti della letteratura religiosa del Duecento in Italia. Insieme esploreremo il periodo storico e letterario del tempo, soffermandoci a leggere e ad esaminare alcuni testi dei maggiori autori, tali come San Francesco e Iacopone da Todi. Il corso offre agli studenti l’opportunità di partecipazione  attiva nelle discussioni di classe. Promuove lo sviluppo del lessico così come facilita il miglioramento delle quattro abilità linguistiche. *Il materiale di studio sarà distribuito settimanalmente. *L’uso di un dizionario bilingue é raccomandato.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 4 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (1.5 hrs per session)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $230 + $15 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $245.00 plus a $10.50 processing  fee.

LETTERATURA: LA LIRICA STILNOVISTICA  

Livello: Intermedio – Avanzato. Tutti gli affascinati di letteratura sono benvenuti a partecipare in questo corso! Insieme leggeremo ed analizzeremo alcuni dei sonetti più belli della letteratura stilnovistica italiana: concezioni poetiche sulla bellezza e contemplazione della donna, come anche la sua funzione redentrice nei confronti dell’uomo. Il corso offre agli studenti l’opportunità di partecipazione attiva nelle discussioni di classe. Inoltre promuove lo sviluppo del lessico così come facilita il miglioramento delle quattro abilità linguistiche. *Il materiale di studio sarà distribuito settimanalmente. *L’uso di un dizionario bilingue é raccomandato.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 5 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (1.5 hr per session)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $270 + $15 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $285.00 plus a $11.50 processing fee.

LETTERATURA: GIACOMO LEOPARDI 

Livello: Intermedio – Avanzato. Tutti gli amanti di letteratura sono benvenuti in questo corso! Insieme analizzeremo alcuni dei canti più belli di Giacomo Leopardi: il più grande poeta romantico della letteratura italiana dell’Ottocento. Le opere del Leopardi, di elevato valore, sono profonde riflessioni sul senso dell’esistenza umana. Il corso offre agli studenti l’opportunità di partecipazione attiva nelle discussioni di classe; promuove lo sviluppo del lessico così come facilita il miglioramento delle quattro abilità linguistiche. *Il materiale di studio sarà distribuito settimanalmente. *L’uso di un dizionario bilingue é raccomandato.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 6 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $348 + $18 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $366.00 plus a $15.00 processing fee.

LETTERATURA: LUIGI PIRANDELLO 

Livello: Intermedio – Avanzato. Luigi Pirandello (1867-1936), personaggio distinto della letteratura italiana, viene definito dalla critica come il maggiore drammaturgo del XX secolo. Le sue opere raffigurano la vita vera, senza la maschera dell’ipocrisia, per il miglioramento di se stessi. In questo studio analizzeremo alcune opere di maggior rilievo. Il corso offre ampia opportunità agli studenti di partecipare attivamente alle discussioni di classe, di sviluppare il lessico e di migliorare le abilità linguistiche. *Il materiale di studio sarà distribuito settimanalmente. *L’uso di un dizionario bilingue é raccomandato.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 6 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $390 + $18 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $432.00 plus a $17.00 processing fee.

LETTERATURA: EUGENIO MONTALE 

Livello: Intermedio-Avanzato. Eugenio Montale (1896-1981), dalla migliore critica militante é stato definito uno dei massimi poeti italiani del Novecento. La sua poetica ha influenzato non solo i poeti successivi ma anche quelli contemporanei. La sua visione pessimistica della vita, l’angoscia e la sua disarmonia con il mondo, lo hanno spinto a comporre delle opere molto significative. In questo corso esamineremo alcune delle poesie più belle che caratterizzano il pensiero e la poetica di questo illustre poeta. Il corso offre ampia opportunità agli studenti di partecipare attivamente alle discussioni di classe, di sviluppare il lessico, e di migliorare le abilità linguistiche. *Il materiale di studio sarà distribuito settimanalmente. *L’uso di un dizionario bilingue é raccomandato.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 6 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $348 + $18 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $432.00 plus a $15.00 processing fee.

“El conocimiento de idiomas es la puerta de entrada a la sabiduría”.

– Roger Bacon

SPANISH – GROUP CLASSES

FUN – CONVERSATIONAL COURSE for BEGINNERS 

 Prerequisite: Spanish II or its equivalent. This course is designed to strengthen students’ level of achievement in basic skills, with special emphasis on communication. Students will increase their fluency and proficiency of the spoken language through dialogues and exercises. Each week students gain practical mastery of language patterns and vocabulary needed in daily situations.  *Materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 5 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $210 + $24 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $234.00 plus a $10.00 processing fee.

INTERMEDIATE – CONVERSATIONAL COURSE 

 Prerequisite: Spanish III or its equivalent. This course is for students who would like to increase their fluency and proficiency of the spoken language through fun activities. Each week we will have an assigned topic, presentations and group discussions. Great course to review general basic grammar while building up new vocabulary and useful expressions. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 5 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (1.5 hr per session)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $210 + $24 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $234.00 plus a $10.00 processing fee.

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INTRO to SPANISH for SENIORS: 80 and over  

 Take a short break and join us weekly in this fun and interactive course to be introduced to Spanish language and culture in a relaxed environment. You will learn practical Spanish words and useful expressions, while meeting other seniors who share the same interests like you. On a positive note, it is a great opportunity to exercise brain and memory. Toward the end of the course, participants will be able to greet and start a simple conversation with Hispanic relatives, friends, neighbors or nurses. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 7 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (1.5 hr per session)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $170 + $25 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $195.00 plus a $9.00 processing fee.

INTRO TO SPANISH I

A friendly and engaging introduction to the Spanish language and culture for adult beginners. Students will learn basic grammar, essential vocabulary, and develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a supportive and relaxed environment. Classes focus on practical communication and include a variety of activities to enhance pronunciation, comprehension, and memory. Ideal for adults who want to start learning Spanish with confidence and enjoyment. Join us and start speaking Spanish!

INTRO TO SPANISH II

 Prerequisite: Spanish I. Ready to take your Spanish to the next level? This course is designed for students who have completed Spanish I and are eager to expand their skills in a lively and supportive environment. Through a fun, conversational approach, students will continue building their understanding of grammar, irregular verbs, and essential vocabulary while gaining confidence in speaking and understanding Spanish in everyday situations. Each class includes cultural readings and a variety of interactive activities to make learning engaging, memorable, and practical. Weekly materials are provided to support your learning and ensure steady progress. Spanish II is perfect for learners who want to deepen their language skills, explore Spanish-speaking cultures, and continue their journey with confidence and enjoyment.

SPANISH FOR TRAVELERS

Planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country, or simply want to learn Spanish for fun? This course is the perfect introduction to essential vocabulary and practical phrases for travel, dining, shopping, directions, and everyday life. In a friendly and supportive environment, students will practice speaking, listening, and understanding Spanish in real-life situations. Classes include a variety of interactive activities to make learning engaging, memorable, and enjoyable, helping students feel confident using Spanish on their travels or in daily conversations. Whether you are preparing for a vacation or looking to explore the language for personal enjoyment, this course will give you the tools and confidence to communicate effectively and have fun along the way!

SPANISH FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

In this course you will be introduced to basic Spanish vocabulary and expressions highly helpful when dealing with Spanish-speaking patients who require medical care. You will learn how to communicate with people who need treatment, avoiding language frustrations while providing better care. We will focus on practical language skills used in physical exams, dentist, first aid, emergency situations, admission of the patient, the patient’s room, hospital meals, pharmacy, laboratory, x-rays, discharge, and more. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ “Spanish for Health Care Providers” is also available in Italian for professionals interested in learning medical language skills. Contact Maria to learn more or request a session!

SPANISH SHORT STORIES

 Prerequisite: Spanish II. This course is recommended for those students who wish to improve their Spanish through written and oral exercises. Each week we will focus on the content of a story and class discussion in Spanish. Further, the participants will increase their linguistic ability in: reading, listening, writing and speaking while expanding knowledge of vocabulary and reinforcing basic grammar skills. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

                                                       Tres leches pastel

 APRENDE ESPAÑOL CON RECETAS DE COCINA

Nivel: Intermedio. Ven, únete a nosotros para reforzar tus conocimientos de español, mientras saboreas tu café favorito. Los estudiantes serán introducidos a la terminología culinaria, extremadamente esencial y beneficiosa, para comprender la descripción de recetas auténticas. Gran revisión de los tiempos verbales, adjetivos y adverbios más utilizados. ¡Fantástico para mejorar la pronunciación del idioma! Además, cada semana los estudiantes aprenderán a preparar sabrosos platos o productos horneados sin cocinar en clase. Todas las presentaciones y discusiones en clase se llevan a cabo en el idioma de destino. *Los materiales se distribuirán semanalmente.

Pablo Picasso: Chica ante un espejo (1932)

 

PABLO PICASSO 

Nivel intermedio. En este curso analizaremos el arte de Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), famoso pintor español del siglo XX. Picasso fue el creador  del cubismo, uno de los movimientos más característicos del tiempo y que ejerció una gran influencia en el mundo. Juntos examinaremos algunas obras maestras de los distintos periodos artísticos que caracterizaron su vida profesional. El curso ofrece a los participantes la oportunidad de mejorar las cuatro habilidades lingüísticas mediante la realización de actividades escritas y orales. *El material de estudio se distribuirá semanalmente. *Se recomienda el uso de un diccionario bilingüe.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 8 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (2 hrs per session; 1.5 hrs if fewer than 4 students)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $260 + $25 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $285.00 plus a $12.50 processing fee.

Curso de Conversación en español 

Nivel avanzado. En este curso de conversación aprenderás una lista de preguntas y frases en español sobre preparando la comida, comprando ropa, viajar por avión, el banco, comprando comestibles y otros productos para el hogar, el hospital, el recreo cultural y mucho más.  *El material de clase se distribuirá semanalmente.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 10 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (1 hr per session)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $280 + $30 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $310.00 plus a $13.00 processing fee.

LA ARQUITECTURA PRECOLOMBINA 

Nivel: Intermedio-Avanzado. En este curso vamos a explorar la historia de la arquitectura precolombina y sus características en Mesoamérica y América del Sur. Entre los tipos de edificaciones de la arquitectura precolombina se pueden destacar pirámides, palacios, tumbas y templos. En este curso, los estudiantes tendrán la oportunidad de participar activamente en clase, para desarrollar las habilidades lingüísticas a través del análisis crítico de las obras. *El material de estudio se distribuirá semanalmente. *Se recomienda el uso de un diccionario bilingüe.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 10 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (1 hr per session)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $280 + $30 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $310.00 plus a $13.00 processing fee.

“One of the secrets to staying young is to always do things you don’t know how to do, to keep learning.”

‒ (Ruth Reichl )

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

ADULT GROUP CLASSES

*Learn English and travel the world!

 *Impara l’inglese e viaggia per il mondo!

 *¡Aprende inglés y viaja por el mundo!

INTRO to ESL for SENIORS: 80 and over  

Take a short break and join us weekly in this fun and interactive course to be introduced to English as a Second Language. You will learn practical English words and useful expressions, while meeting other seniors who share the same interests like you. On a positive note, it is a great opportunity to exercise brain and memory. Toward the end of the course, participants will be able to greet and start a simple conversation with English speakers: relatives, friends, neighbors or nurses. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 7 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (1 hr per session)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $170 + $25 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $195.00 plus a $9.00 processing fee.

INTRO TO ENGLISH I 

This course is an introduction to English as a Second Language and is for students with no previous knowledge of the language. We cover easy grammar and offer the opportunity to develop writing, reading, speaking and listening skills. In addition, there will be some musical activities assigned at each class.*Materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 8 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (1 hr per session)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $280 + $25 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $305.00 plus a $13.50 processing fee.

INTRO TO ENGLISH II

Prerequisite: English I. This course welcomes students who have completed English I course. Using a conversational and fun approach, it is a continuation of basic grammar, verbs and vocabulary. In addition, there will be a cultural reading and some musical activities assigned at each class. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 8 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (1 hr per session)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $280 + $25 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $305.00 plus a $13.50 processing fee.

ENGLISH FOR TRAVELERS

If you are planning a trip to an English-speaking country or would like to learn some English for fun, this is the right course to learn specific vocabulary and phrases related to travel and every day living. In addition, there will be some musical activities assigned at each class. Students will have the opportunity to practice the language in a fun and supported environment. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 6 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (1 hr per session)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $160 + $20 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $180.00 plus a $8.50 processing fee.

CONVERSATIONAL COURSE for BEGINNERS 

 Prerequisite: English II or its equivalent. This course is designed to strengthen students’ level of achievement in basic skills, with special emphasis on communication. Students will increase their fluency and proficiency of the spoken language through dialogues and exercises. Each week students gain practical mastery of language patterns and vocabulary needed in daily situations.  *Materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 8 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (1 hr per session)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $210 + $25 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $310.00 plus a $13.00 processing fee.

ENGLISH SHORT STORIES 

 Prerequisite: English II. This course is recommended for those students who wish to improve their English through written and oral exercises. Each week we will focus on the content of a story and class discussion in English. Further, the participants will increase their linguistic ability in: reading, listening, writing and speaking while expanding knowledge of vocabulary and reinforcing basic grammar skills. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 10 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (1 hr per session)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $250 + $25 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $275.00 plus a $12.50 processing fee.

     English fruitcake

LEARN ENGLISH WITH COOKING RECIPE

Level: Intermediate. Come join us to reinforce your knowledge of English, while savoring your favorite coffee. Students will be introduced to culinary terminology, extremely essential and beneficial to understand the description of authentic recipes. Great review of the most commonly used verb tenses, adjectives and adverbs – great for improving language pronunciation! In addition, each week students will learn how to prepare tasty dishes or baked goods without cooking in class. All class presentations and discussions are conducted in the target language. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 8 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (1 hr per session)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $260 + $25 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $285.00 plus a $12.50 processing fee.

INTRO TO CHINESE ART 

 Prerequisite: English III. Chinese Art has a long history, embraces a wide range of art styles and is very expressive. In this course through a conversational approach we will explore ancient pottery, sculpture, ink painting and calligraphy on paper and silk as well as ceramics. Students will increase their fluency and proficiency of the spoken language through active class participation. *Materials will be distributed weekly.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 8 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (1 hr per session)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $250 + $25 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $275.00 plus a $12.50 processing fee.

Give your children the gift of learning a foreign language!

LANGUAGE CLASSES FOR CHILDREN

Italian, Spanish, and English for Children

Select Your Age Group: (3–6 years) | (7–9 years) | (10–12 years)

Our language programs offer an engaging, immersive experience for children of all ages. Choose from Italian, Spanish, or English and watch your child develop language skills through fun activities like songs, games, cultural projects, and interactive storytelling. Our curriculum is designed to nurture both language acquisition and cultural understanding, with each level building on the last to ensure natural progression. Beyond language, children will connect with the cultures behind the language they’re learning, fostering a deeper appreciation and sense of community. Weekly materials are provided to reinforce learning and keep children engaged.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact Maria before enrolling to ensure your child is placed in the appropriate course. Together, you will make the best decision for your child’s learning journey. Our programs run throughout the year with flexible scheduling options to meet your family’s needs.

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 8 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (1 hr per session)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $260 + $25 materials fee

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $285.00 plus a $12.50 processing fee.

Ready to begin your child’s language journey? Click below to enroll in the program that best suits their needs and start exploring the world of [Italian/Spanish/English] today!

ITALIAN

SPANISH

ENGLISH

Flexible Program Options

We understand that every child’s learning journey is unique. Our programs can be extended to 10 or 15 weeks, with each session lasting 1.5 hours. Tuition will be adjusted accordingly to reflect the extended duration. Groups are formed based on requests to ensure a personalized learning experience, and all lessons are customized to meet the individual needs of each child.

MONTESSORI PROGRAMS

For younger children, we offer a special Montessori-inspired language learning experience. While Montessori principles are integrated across all our programs, this approach includes authentic Montessori educational materials, offering a richer, more hands-on experience. These physical resources are carefully selected to encourage interactive, engaging, and immersive language learning. This method allows children to explore language in a more holistic and meaningful way, fostering curiosity and deeper engagement.

Due to the inclusion of these high-quality materials, the tuition for this program is slightly higher. This cost reflects the value of these resources, which are essential in delivering a high-quality, immersive learning experience that nurtures your child’s growth.

If you’re interested in this enhanced learning option, please reach out to us for more details.

Yoga Classes for Children in Italian, Spanish, and English

Yoga is a physical exercise practice that helps children find their inner peace in a playful way. Through listening and observation, participants learn about themselves, tune their bodies and learn a new language live. The course offers multiple benefits both linguistically, physically and mentally. It is available in Italian, Spanish and English. *Parents/guardians will provide the mat, proper attire and non-slip shoes/ballet slippers or socks.

*Please contact Maria before enrolling!

✨ Course Details:
📅 Length: 10 weeks
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (1 hr per session)
📍 Location: Online or In-Person
💵 Tuition: $260

💳 Payment: Courses must be prepaid by cash, money order, or check (payable to Maria Conte). Credit card payments via PayPal are accepted for $260.00 plus a $12.50 processing fee.

COOKING CLASSES FOR CHILDREN

Children love wearing an apron and getting creative in the kitchen!
This fun course offers an introduction to cooking and baking. Each week, children will learn how to follow a recipe, measure ingredients, and prepare a simple, healthy meal. Along the way, they’ll also become familiar with basic culinary terms, kitchen utensils, and important safety rules.

• Recipes will be provided weekly.

• Recipe selection, ingredients, course length, scheduling, and tuition are flexible and can be discussed with parents or guardians.

• Feel free to contact Maria for more information.

✨ ONE -TO-ONE PRIVATE TUTORING IS FLEXIBLE AND AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND

✨ART CLASSES: AVAILABLE ONE-TO-ONE OR SMALL GROUPS AS REQUESTED

✨COOKING  CLASSES  FOR  ALL  AGES CAN BE  ARRANGED  PRIVATELY

✨ONLINE PRIVATE LESSONS & GROUP COURSES CAN BE ARRANGED UPON REQUEST ACCORDING TO YOUR LOCAL TIME ZONE.

THANK YOU! GRAZIE!  ¡GRACIAS!