FAQ

Before you start

I don’t speak any French. Can I enrol directly?

Yes. A1.1 is designed for complete beginners. From the first class, teaching is in French, but you may ask questions in English.

Do I need to take a test first?

Yes, unless you are a complete beginner. The test is free and lasts 40 minutes: a 30-minute written test (listening, reading, grammar) and a 10-minute speaking part. You can take it on site or online, without enrolling first. You get verbal feedback on the spot and written recommendations within 24 hours.

How do I know which course to take?

Your test result maps directly to a level. If you have a specific goal (for example the TEF), we plan your pathway backwards from that goal. See the learning paths.

How many hours does it take to go from zero to B2?

About 500 hours of effective study. Our full pathway is 330 class hours plus self-study, about 14 months; the full-time intensive is 300 class hours over 12 weeks.

Can I try a class before enrolling?

Yes, in two ways. A free open day takes place on the first Saturday of each quarter, 14:00–15:30, by appointment (12 people maximum); it includes a 30-minute trial. You can also book a paid trial lesson ($35), credited toward your tuition if you enrol afterwards. See the trial page.

I’m older. Is it too late?

No. For adults, the main obstacle to learning a language is the time you can put in, not age.

I live far from Brampton. Can I take the courses?

Yes. Online and in-person classes have the same teacher, the same handouts and the same price. Your camera must be on.

Courses and classes

How many students are in a class?

Between 4 and 8. A group opens with 4 students and is full at 8. A new group starts every month.

When are classes held?

Weekdays 18:30–21:00 and Saturdays 10:00–17:00. The standard pace is about 6 class hours a week; intensive classes meet 5 days a week.

What if a class doesn’t reach the minimum?

We let you know 3 days before the start. You can choose a full refund, a move to another class, or a switch to one-on-one by paying the difference.

Can my teacher change during the course?

All groups at the same level use the same handouts and schedule, so a change of teacher does not affect the content. If a change is needed, we tell you in advance and pass your assessment records to the new teacher. See the team.

Can I choose my teacher?

Yes, by focus area (exams, pronunciation, business, young learners). Once chosen, your teacher does not change for that term.

What if I miss a class?

If you tell us at least 24 hours in advance, you can make up the class once. Without notice, the class counts as attended.

Is there a time limit for make-up classes?

Yes: make-up classes are valid for 60 days after the course ends.

Can I change classes?

Within the same level, once and at no charge. For a change of level, we go by your test result, with a refund or payment of the difference.

Can I pause my course?

Yes, for up to 3 months (6 months for bundles). During the pause, your seat in the original class is not held.

Do I have to buy the textbook separately?

Yes, $84 per level (printed handouts and an online exercise bank for one year). It is included in bundles.

Are classes in French only, or bilingual?

Entirely in French. This is deliberate: you need to spend enough time in a French environment, not listen to someone explain French in your own language.

Exams

TEF or TCF: which one should I take?

Both are recognized by IRCC and carry the same weight. The TEF has stable question types and a longer speaking part; the TCF is faster-paced with more questions. After your test, we recommend one based on your strengths and weaknesses. See TEF vs TCF.

Does the DELF B2 earn immigration points?

No. The DELF is a diploma and IRCC does not recognize it. For immigration you need the TEF Canada or TCF Canada. This is the most common misunderstanding.

What level is CLB 7 (NCLC 7)?

Roughly B2 on the CEFR (CECRL). But NCLC/CLB is the result of a conversion from an exam, not a description of level, so the two cannot be treated as equal. See the NCLC converter.

Are you an authorized test centre?

No, we are not an authorized test centre. We help you register, and we offer an accompaniment service to partner test centres. For exam dates and official fees, see the websites of the official organizations (see exams).

What if I don’t get the result on my first try?

You can retake the exam, or work on just one skill. If a single skill is holding your score down, the single-skill exam boost (20 hours) is better value than retaking the whole exam.

Is a mock exam the same as the real exam?

The length, interface and procedure are the same, and marking follows the official criteria. But a mock exam is not an official exam, and its result cannot be used for an application. A mock exam costs $42; enrolled students get one free each month. Mock exams take place in a dedicated room, and results are given the same day. See mock exams.

How long are results valid?

TEF, TCF and TEFAQ results are valid for 2 years. For Express Entry, results must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and again when you submit your permanent residence application (IRCC); check the date on your result. DELF and DALF are valid for life.

Do you guarantee I will reach CLB 7?

No, and nobody can. What we do guarantee: class hours are delivered as agreed, mock exams are marked to the official criteria, and we tell you honestly where you stand before the results come out.

Fees and refunds

How long is one hour of class?

60 minutes, on site or online, at the same price. Some schools count 45 minutes, so compare on the same basis.

Do prices include tax?

No. All our prices are in Canadian dollars, before tax; 13% HST is added at checkout.

How can I pay?

By credit card or Interac e-Transfer. We do not accept cash. There is no registration fee.

Can I pay in instalments?

Single courses: 50% before the start and 50% at mid-course. Bundles: monthly instalments, no fees.

Can I get a refund if I stop part-way?

Yes, under these rules. More than 7 days before the course starts: full refund, no fee. In the last 7 days before the start: $70 is withheld. After the course starts: refund for the hours not attended, minus a $70 fee. Once one third of the course has been attended, there is no refund.

How is a refund calculated if I leave a bundle part-way?

The hours attended are recalculated at the single-course price, and the bundle discount is not refunded. Example (before tax): for the $10,080 full pathway, 60 hours attended at $35 per hour come to $2,100; after the $70 fee, you are refunded $7,910.

Is there a cooling-off period?

Yes. Within 10 days of signing, if you have not attended any class, you can cancel for a full refund, no conditions.

If I continue at the same level, will the price go up?

No. The price confirmed at enrolment is kept for the duration of the course, and for a half-level renewal (for example A1.1 then A1.2) the price is locked at enrolment. See the prices.

Online classes

Do online classes cost the same as in-person?

Yes. Same teacher, same handouts, same speaking time.

Must my camera be on?

Yes. In a language class, if we cannot see your mouth, we cannot correct your pronunciation.

Are there recordings?

Yes, kept for 30 days (online classes run on Zoom). But a recording does not replace attending: speaking practice happens live.

What equipment do I need?

A computer or tablet, a stable internet connection and headphones. A phone works but is not recommended.

Children and teens

From what age can they start?

There is a preschool class for ages 3 to 5, and youth courses for ages 6 to 12. IB / AP French is also offered, scheduled by term.

I don’t speak French. Can I help my child?

No, and you don’t need to. Every 4 weeks we send written feedback saying what your child practised, where they are stuck and how to practise at home.

Do you offer childcare?

No. There is a children’s waiting area, but no supervision is provided. Classroom doors have no lock, so parents may come in at any time during children’s classes.

Can a child in a French immersion program keep up?

That is the main audience for the youth courses. For most children, the bottleneck is reading and writing, not listening and speaking.