Testimonials - hear it from our clients:

"I have just finished my first session with your “Continuing-Beginning” French class. It is the most fun I’ve had in years. I have had a lot of schooling in my life and you are truly one of the best instructors I have ever had. I have learned so much in just 8 weeks. Your class has transformed my life; I look forward to it every week. I know I sound like a Geek, but I even enjoy my homework! You also manage to direct the class with students who have a wide range of skill levels, which is extremely difficult to do. You create an environment where no one is inhibited or afraid to speak, no matter their ability. Your class is a treasure."

Merci beaucoup,
Debra Belaga

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"I just wanted to mention something for the record, now that I have been to several of your classes. For the last decade or so I have been making studying foreign languages a retirement hobby, and have had hundreds of lessons, in addition to the language courses I took in high school and college long ago. I can say without hesitation that you are a superior teacher. You keep the class moving along, and on a level which is often amusing and fun, while at the same time continually injecting morsels of grammar and pronunciation. I'm enjoying your class and intend to continue."

Regards,
Dan Farthing, student

 

"I have been taking French classes from Josette since 2013 and I didn't have any knowledge of French when I started. Last year I was able to go to Paris for the whole month of September; and with my French, I was able to do daily chores and make new friends. I'm so lucky that Josette is my teacher, I will certainly continue taking French classes with her and I highly recommend her classes for all levels."

- Nancy Long, student

 

"The laughter and music you hear at Book Passage come from Josette's unique classes. In a "no fear of speaking," supportive atmosphere, her sessions are interactive, improvisational and lots of fun! We sometimes learn verb tenses and vocabulary from French songs and speak with new-found confidence as we make up dialogues with a partner in class. The secret bonus is the great group of fellow students that she brings together."

- Patricia McMahon



"I have studied French with Josette Schwartz for a little over 2 years. I recommend her without reservation. Teaching adults a new language is almost as difficult as preparing helplessly shy men and women to give speeches in public.  It isn’t easy.

Most adults attempting to learn a new language do not mind the written work but get easily discouraged when asked to speak.  Immediately we revert to grammar school and the hope that no one will call on us. Josette is excellent at drawing ALL of her students out, not just the ones who already have a working familiarly with the language but the tongue tied and shy as well.

We have a format we follow in class that includes written work, conversation and on the spot dialogues.  Our homework assignments are mercifully not overlong nor tedious and we actually find ourselves moving beyond “merci beaucoup” to past and imperfect tenses, commands and so on. By the end of class each student feels happy and invigorated. Now how many students anywhere can make the same claim?   I rest my case."

- Virginia McCormack, Retired Attorney

 

"1.  Josette's style is engaging, fluid, compassionate and spiced with humor.
 2.  She customizes her instruction according to the needs of the class; adding and subtracting when needed to  make sure each concept or point of grammar is understood, absorbed and utilized.
 3.  Josette is incredibly patient, inventive, spontaneous and nurturing, so as to inspire understanding,  confidence and perseverance in her students."

C'est vrai, tout...
Karin

 

“Josette Schwartz is an extraordinary French teacher. I have made so much progress since I started her classes, and I can’t say enough about how fortunate I am to have discovered this jewel of an instructor. 

Not only is she a brilliant teacher, but she has a sparkling personality which makes the class so much fun.  And I have never been more comfortable in a French class, because she is so nonjudgmental and she makes everyone feel comfortable enough to converse in French. I really am thrilled to have found her, and I enjoy her classes immensely”.   

- Stephanie Ricardo, student