I'm on my third course at L'école Française and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. I took French for several years back in my high school / college days but after that, I didn't really have the opportunity to keep up with my speaking so I lost a lot of my ability. I'd always wanted to get back into it and not too long ago, I browsed around to find something reasonably priced and found L'école Française. The classes are generally small (no more than 10 or so people), which is great because it allows everyone time to participate. I was a bit hesitant when I first started because I realize that different people learn differently and I wasn't sure how the group setting would be. But for me, the small class size and the laid back atmosphere is perfect. Sure, it's technically school but it feels much more like some people getting together each week to accomplish something they each really want to accomplish. I learn well when I'm held accountable so the homework we have each week works well for me. But it's also not a pressured environment and if you didn't do the homework or didn't understand something from it, it's not the end of the world. That's why we always go over it together in class. Erwan is a fantastic teacher and I believe he truly wants to see every one of his students succeed. We also have Selma as a teacher sometimes in this session and she's equally as great. Remember those teachers you had back in school and you could tell that they felt ... meh ... about what they were doing? Neither Erwan nor Selma are those teachers. They both seem to truly enjoy what they do, which is great. The price is very reasonable and the cheapest I had found when shopping around for classes. They also recently moved locations and are now conveniently located close to both the Belmont Red Line and the Paulina Brown Line. I really look forward to French class every week. And I would recommend L'école Française to anyone looking to learn French. read more

I've been a student at L'ecole Francaise for almost three years now. I lived in India for part of my life, where I also studied French at a school there. Then I lost touch with it and wanted to get back into it. I was not just rusty, I needed to begin from scratch and I was looking for a school that could teach me the language simplistically while keeping my passion for the language alive. I also wanted classes that were affordable in a location where there would ideally be free parking. Its always the total package. And L'Ecole Francaise has it all. Erwan who is my teacher as well as the owner is hands down one of the best teachers/professors I have had. Learning a language is tough in itself and French is not an easy one. But 12 levels later, I can say that I feel hopeful to speak fluently in the near future and making the strides I had wanted to see. Erwan is a gifted teacher, equipped with patience and compassion required, especially by a language teacher. He is kind, punctuel and cares for his students beyond class. At L'cole Francaise, it is never just about the language, but the whole French experience and blending in the culture so it as can be as authentic as a process. I think three years is a good sign for something I started out as a hobby. I actually look forward to class, to homework and there is also a cohesiveness among classmates that Erwan makes sure to foster. The professionalism, efficacy and excellence of this school is unmatched. Whether you are starting out, experimenting or trying to solidify your knowledge of French- start with L'cole Francaise. It's your money's worth and I can assure you will be glad you did it! read more

I started taking classes here this past summer after a somewhat erratic history of French study -- high school, private tutor, Alliance Francaise classes, living in Paris for a year -- that somehow got me up to level 8. This is my second term with LEF, and I plan to continue on with them, especially as my job now has me in Paris for three weeks each year. The classes are small and convivial (my evening class frequently includes a glass of wine), and already I have learned and advanced a lot. Each course includes and then builds off of what was studied before, which makes the experience feel very organic -- in each class your foundation is becoming more secure as new elements are introduced. I am the type of person who has a million things going on at once, but my weekly French class is one of the things I look forward to every week, and would hate to miss. I always leave it in a good mood and eager to speak French. Furthermore, I really enjoy the camaraderie of the group (a camaraderie that is facilitated by Erwan Sorel, the Director). I've met some cool people there. Erwan, by the way, is a delight to study with. He is super smart and well-informed about how to teach French, but also delightful and charming. If I were to say what sets French study at LEF apart from other programs in Chicago (and I've dabbled in many), I'd say that it is the combination of conviviality, high-quality instruction, and reasonable price. read more

Let me start this review by saying I am really good at starting things and really horrid at finishing them (don't open my hall closet - you will be buried by the half finished craft/home improvement projects) With that being said, there must be something magical about L'Ecole Francaise (and my instructor Erwan) because I have been taking classes for over a year now and just signed up for my 6th session. The thought of stopping classes or going someplace else is crazy. The sessions are fun, the people are nice and I am never made to feel stupid when I make a mistake (and trust me I make mistakes - it is hard to forget 30 years of Spanish!) The classes are structured so you are taught useful things such as how to book a hotel, rent a car, order food/wine and not the useless phrases taught in high school (never once have I asked while traveling where the library is located). You will be stretched, but in a good way. What is the point of taking a class if you are not going to learn? During one class, Erwan told us we were speaking too much in English and to use our French. We protested that there was no way we were ready for something like this that we only had 12 weeks of classes...but he was right. I may speak slowly and use simple words - but I can communicate in French!! People understand me when I travel to France and Belgium!! Bottom line: Well worth the time. Well worth the money. read more

I had lived in Paris and was always upset that my French didn't improve more than it did. In 2014, I decided to shop around for French classes and decided on l'École Française. I met with Erwan Sorel in person before signing up, and it was clear that he has a great enthusiasm for teaching. I am an educator myself, so I could see he put together the curriculum and materials with a great deal of thought. In the classroom, Erwan is always enthusiastic and encouraging. If someone makes a mistake or doesn't understand something, he turns it into an opportunity to learn - and it's always a fun opportunity. He paces the class so that adults at the end of a long work day can remain engaged. It's neither too slow, nor is it too fast. And he varies the activities each class so that you always practice speaking, listening, reading and writing. My confidence in speaking and understanding French has improved a great deal in the year I've been taking classes ad L'EF. In fact, I now think in French when I speak it, which for me is the measure of success. One amazing feature of L'EF's scheduling for adult learners: Once you're in a class, you can reserve that time and day every term. Erwan schedules the next level for that time, so you don't have to reshuffle your schedule when you advance to the next course. read more

Where should I start? I'm going to break it down so I can offer a better insight. Location: It is in a very accessible place. Even for me that I do not have a car, and always complain about how difficult is to get to some places in Chicago, I found the location very appealing. Instructors: I can't talk about every instructor in detail because I have only taken one course, and it was with Monsieur Sorel. I cannot say enough good things about him. He is very dedicated, he loves what he does, and you can see that when he is teaching. As a matter of fact, I don't feel I am in a boring and anmoying class. He makes learning fun and dynamic, plus he is a sweetheart. I consider him, the best teacher in town! Classes: They are great. Small groups makes classes even more engaging. They are very didactic, and fun. Homework and evaluations: Oh yeah! We have homework and evaluations, but these are the only one I'm willing to do with ease. Overall: I would not only recommend this to everybody, I would also thanks M. Sorel, because I have been able to learn more french in his basic course than in any other place. THUMBS UP! read more

This past spring I took a trip to Paris and fell in love with the city, people, and culture. Once I returned home, I knew I wanted to take French language lessons and began to research classes. I found L'ecole Francais through Google and Yelp reviews and took the plunge in June! I'm in my second series and plan to continue. The classes are fantastic--the other students are friendly and supportive and Erwon Sorel us a patient and gifted teacher. You can tell he really enjoys teaching! Even though I had previous language experience (6 years if Spanish), I was a bit intimidated to start over with French. Plus, I wasn't used to immersive-style classes. But Erwon put everyone at ease by making classes fun and interactive, and now I'm a convert! I can't imagine going back to non-immersive. He also suggests supplementing our weekly classes with French meet ups and other cultural outings. It's like creating our own French community in the Windy City. read more

I have a good reading knowledge of French, but I have long been shy about speaking the language. To correct this deficiency, I've been taking classes at LEF for the past year, and I've enjoyed them immensely and have learned a great deal. Erwan Sorel has a graduated, step-by-step curriculum that provides a knowledge of grammar while building speaking and listening skills. Upon registering, students take a brief placement test to ensure that they begin at the proper level. The learning environment is very relaxed and comfortable, and the class materials are designed to provide a knowlege of French history and culture, as well as the French language. Although my goal was to polish my speaking ability before traveling to Paris at the end of the year, I fully intend to continue taking classes at LEF for the foreseeable future in order to develop further the skills I've acquired. I can't recommend the school highly enough! read more

I have been studying french for 1.5-2 years now. And I started at Alliance Francaise, however, although it is a great organization, I did not enjoy taking classes from there and learned very little during the whole course. So I looked for other options and found l'ecole francaise right after my first course (8-9 week session) with Alliance. I have been with l'ecole francaise ever since. Erwan is a terrific teacher. He makes all classes fun, entertaining and enjoyable and you learn A LOT. I just got back from France (went to practice) and I was shocked how much I understand and can say (have a simple conversation with locals, order food, ask for directions etc). I have had many language teachers in my life, but Erwan and L'ecole Francaise are definitely the best. You will not regret if you try. I have been with the school for over 1.5 years and I will never switch. read more

My fiance and I found a gem of a school in L'ecole Francaise,,, even though they are group classes, (10 students maximum ) we still receive individual attention, and learning in a group has been very productive. The classes are not only informative but also fun,,,the weekly handouts/homework does require study time outside of class as in any learning process, and the brief weekly review help to solidify the student's understanding of the previous lesson. We have not only taken the 9 week level courses, but also the one day workshops, and open houses. The owner/instructor Erwan Sorel is very patient and encouraging, and our other instructor Selma have both been a joy to learn from! We are on our 4th level and look forward to many more,,, the class fee is very affordable as well, which allows one to continue from level to level! read more

I have taken classes at L'école Française for over a year now. It is a wonderful school directed by Erwan Sorel who is a native French speaker. Erwan is a gifted teacher who is passionate about the language and truly wants all his students to succeed. The class size is kept small which allows for optimal participation - you will be speaking! Each class session is packed with content which follows his well designed handouts. There will be homework which is essential to complete if you want to progress. He encourages us to speak in complete grammatically correct sentences and makes corrections in the most encouraging and kindest way possible. Everyone here wants to be here - the energy level is high and there is a spirit of comradery. The classes at LEF are absolutely results oriented and you will have fun along the way! read more

As someone who's taken French elsewhere, I can say unequivocally that L'Ecole Française is the best place to learn French in Chicago!! Erwan is one of the best teachers you will ever have in any subject - he truly has a gift for teaching. He is able to clearly explain grammar that I had previously never fully understood and had difficulty applying. Classes are structured to reinforce what you learn in prior classes so you don't learn it then lose it. He emphasizes proper pronunciation and learning colloquial as well as formal French grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. In addition to a clear, well-structured, and practical teaching method, Erwan is so encouraging, fun, and makes every student feel comfortable. Class size is small and better priced than other schools. I HIGHLY recommend L'Ecole Française!!!! read more

I cannot say enough about LEF and the teachers there. I started at LEF shortly after my now-husband proposed and I realized that I would definitely need to communicate with the French half of his family for the rest of my life. I have taken French on and off for 14 years, so I should be *much* better than I am, but I always struggled with the language. I went with my husband to visit his family shortly before beginning at LEF and then again 6 months later after 1.5 semesters at LEF, and the difference was astounding! I felt more confident in my speaking and comprehension skills and the entire family complimented my extreme progress. The teachers at LEF are infinitely patient and helpful and make you feel comfortable jumping into a foreign language. I highly recommend it! read more

The hubby and I are into our third year at L'École Française but now the school is in a new location, expanding the space available for all students to learn. We would not go anywhere else as Erwan is a passionate person with all his students. Classes are very interactive and everyone is encouraged to participate in both discussions and assignments. The students come from all walks of life and everyone learns something new about each other, while learning French. Our studies have been so successful that when we go to France, everyone mentions how well structured our grammar is and compliments us. We are much more comfortable speaking with people, a big part due to our teacher Erwan! L'École Française...c'est fantastique. Vous devez y aller pour apprendre le français. read more

I was studying French at L'École Française from January 2016 till early this year. Now I am finally moving to France! I've never studied French at other French schools so it's hard to make a comparison. But I had a very pleasant experience with L'École Française. Both Erwan and Selma are quite skillful at teaching students meanwhile creating a positive classroom environment. They are also humorous, patient, detailed and sensitive to the needs of others. I think they are absolutely the best. I also was impressed with the diversity among my classmates. They are all different in age, occupation and ethnicity, yet every single one is friendly and open-minded. read more

This is the place to be! I am starting my second year with Erwan and it has been an incredible experience. He is an excellent teacher! Whether you are just starting out or advanced. He is funny, patient at explaining things and one of the most positive people I know. The classes are thorough and challenging. Also, I have meet about 10 new wonderful friends for life and every class seems like I am on vacation with not ever having left Chicago. So, If you are truly serious about learning French and being committed to it, L'ecole Française is the place you need to be to learn french! read more

If you've studied French for years, but you can't manage to squeeze out more than a few words at a time, here's your remedy. At l'École Française you won't feel pressured or judged, because the teachers and the students are remarkably supportive. The director and his staff are as clever as any I've ever seen; but the remarkable thing is that their clever, gentle intelligence becomes the norm for their students, as well. I've seen other language schools that seem to attract arrogant, competitive students. L'École Française isn't one of them. Vive l'École Française de Chicago! read more

This is my third semester at L'Ecole Française, and I could not have asked for a better experience thus far. I joined not knowing a lick of french, so, naturally, I was a little intimidated going in. Professor Erwan has been the best. He teaches in a way that is easy to understand and answers any questions thrown his way. He's very passionate about teaching and he really cares that each of students get something out of each class. I definitely encourage anyone that wants to learn french to come here. It's very beginner friendly and it's been a joy to attend. read more

I love LEF! Highly recommend it! I have been taking classes since the school started and feel like my French has noticeably improved. Erwan, the founder, designs interesting lessons and makes learning engaging. He is very knowledgeable and makes use of various learning techniques. A big plus is not having to buy expensive books every session -- all materials are included in the class fee. I also enjoy having made friends with other Francophiles! So if you want to learn French, I recommend giving LEF a try. read more