I'm so glad I took Caroline's beginner French class! She not only teaches the language but also the French culture. The companion Quizlet deck is very helpful for practicing after class. I was a little hesitant to take an online class, but it actually worked great. The class size is small so a lot of time to practice. Caroline pays attention to each student's pronunciation and provides corrections. I have to travel for work time to time, the online setting also allows me to not miss a session when I'm away. I'm continuing the learning after our 101 session. Thank you Caroline! read more

Bonjour! I loved learning beginner French with Caroline! She takes the time to explain the how's and why's of the language, tying in cultural examples and context. She won't let you get away with a mispronunciation, which is so appreciated if you want to learn French the right way. I've signed up for another course with her and can't wait to learn more. read more

Caroline is fantastic! She has been my French teacher for the past three months, and it is amazing how much I have learned from her in a short period of time. Her teaching style is very engaging, and she has the ability to get the most out of her students. I highly recommend her. read more

It's nice to know that in my adult life I can finally say I can speak another language. Or I am at least on the right path to do so. For years, I've tried so many programs and apps to understand French and for the first time I am actually am retaining and understanding it. Caroline has created a lesson plan that's not overwhelming and where you understand what you're learning so you can retain it and use it. She not only teaches you the language, but also the culture. Which is very important in understanding any language. I can't recommend her enough. If you've had trouble retaining French in the past, take her course. It is truly a game changer for learning French. read more

I am so happy I came across La Petite Ecole Française! Caroline is a fantastic teacher and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to learn French! Although I was originally looking for an in person format, the online classes have proven very effective and I don't feel like I'm missing out on any learning from the class being online. I enjoy that Caroline focuses on being able to speak French (starting from day 1!) in addition to reading and writing it. As a native speaker from France she teaches the lessons with cultural context which has been extremely helpful when learning a new language. The online classes are engaging and interactive as well as fun! I appreciate the pace of the curriculum as it allows me to grasp each week's lesson before adding a new topics. I'm looking forward to many more French lessons with Caroline! read more

Learning with Caroline has been great! I am a beginner student at one of her classes and her teaching style and curriculum makes it very easy for me to stay engaged and retain information. It is also very convenient to be able to learn from home and still have a very interactive session. Caroline encourages participation from every student in the class, helps us improve our listening skills, focuses on our pronunciation, while also explaining relevant aspects of the French culture. Great teacher! read more

I'm multilingual and I've always wanted to learn another new language. I'm very happy to choose to learn French at La Petite Ecole Française because I got to meet Caroline; She's a wonderful teacher and a very nice lady who I enjoy my class tine with. Her class is very Interactive with no stress at all while I improve week to week and gain confidence and since she's native, you'll get to learn true pronunciations and be introduced to the French culture. Merci beaucoup Caroline! read more

Caroline has been amazing! Our son has been using her online services in Los Angeles for 2 years and she has helped him tremendously with his studies. We couldn't have gotten through high school French without her! read more

I am 41 and have always wanted to learn a new language particularly French. My sister and I have always been fascinated by the French culture - you can say that we are big Francophiles! So when my sister persuaded me to sign up with Caroline's class I couldn't resist. Despite my age, I decided to give it a go and try something new. People always say it's hard to pick up a new language unless you're a child but I can say with full confidence that I am just delighted to have found a new hobby and interest. Caroline runs an amazing program And I am so fortunate to have enrolled in her class. In my opinion, Caroline is dedicated to her students. She is knowledgeable, professional, honest and builds on her student's confidence. Her style of teaching of total immersion has definitely made a positive impact on my learning. I look forward to class each week! For anyone who is interested in learning French, I highly recommend Caroline! read more

Learning French at La Petite Ecole Francaise has been a valuable investment and great addition to my lifestyle. My partner, a native French speaker, often remarks how impressed he is that I have picked up the language this quickly. I couldn't have done it without Caroline's consistent, straightforward, and attentive instruction. I also love how the class is very structured; with clearly planned lessons, light homework, and a wealth of resources (like Quizlets), it has been a logical learning process. I look forward to my Monday night French class because of the relationship I have with my peers and Caroline, the discussions about Francophone culture, and the ability to put into practice all the incredible French skills I am developing. read more

Caroline is a superb teacher. She's a native speaker of France that curates great classes to incorporate French culture -- art, film, philosophy -- and not just from France but of the Francophone world. As someone who has been studying French since 14, it takes work and discipline to resist regression. As an adult who doesn't fit into traditional language classes, her weekly conversation classes are perfect. We discuss a topic and interact only in French. I have recommended others interested in maintaining their French to seek her out and will happily continue to do so. read more

This school is the kind of place you would daydream about when wanting to take French class but then think "oh I'm sure that doesnt exist "well it DOES exist. Caroline is affordable, fun, friendly and most importantly, patient. I have made some wonderful friends along the way and always look forward to class when I am enrolled in a session. Other perks are all the outside of class activities she plans and that it is located in one of the best parts of LA--- Pasadena! So much to do nearby. Do yourself a favor and look no further. I can't wait to go back! read more

My son has been taking a children's French class from Caroline for 3 1/2 years. It has been a wonderful experience. Both my husband and I are French speakers (not fluent but we do fairly well) and my husband works in France frequently so we really wanted our child to be able to speak French. He can converse in french a little and can read and write too. He enjoys class and I see (and hear) him improving his language skills on a weekly basis. Caroline is professional, kind, and a good teacher. She has even hooked us up with French games that we can play as a family and other great resources that have really helped improve the entire family's French skills. I highly recommend Caroline if you are serious about learning French. read more

Bonjour!! I moved to Pasadena almost 2 years ago and finally had the opportunity to learn the language I always wanted to learn. FRENCH!!!! Our teacher, Caroline is a native to France and has studied British English and American English and understands our American cultural norms as well as the intricacies of the French culture and language. Her education and knowledge is as sophisticated as learning at any large University. Her petite school is a must if you love to learn, have plans to visit France or have interest in learning a new language. Merci beaucoup read more

I am a Francophile. I have taken a French class in another part of Los Angeles but that class was not structured enough for me. I found Caroline's class online and decided to sign up. That was a year ago. I am now on my fifth class with Caroline! The classes, usually an hour long, are the perfect length of time for me. In addition, Caroline's structure and teaching technique works for me. She teaches not only the French language, but on the French culture as well. Every so often we have French events such as a Cabaret show or a performance at a French wine bar. (A plus is the new friends you will meet)! If you are thinking about learning French, I highly recommend taking classes with her. read more

I haven't been to other French schools and don't care if I ever do, unless they're in France, of course! I adore Caroline. She's a great teacher and makes everyone feel comfortable attempting to speak/practice aloud in class. I'm pretty shy around strangers, but it's been a lot easier to open up in her class, and I appreciate her constructive criticism. I always wanted to learn French, as my father spoke/speaks it, and I am part French. I don't know why I waited so long; however, I'm very happy I waited until now to find La Petite Ecole Francaise. The sense of community Caroline promotes, her encouragement, and new friendships are all reasons to continue learning. read more

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I have been a student for a few years now. Caroline is the best instructor! One doesn't just learn to speak French with Caroline but comprehend and appreciate the French culture. Merci Beauvoir! read more

The best, the absolute best! After visiting Paris in early 2019, I decided I wanted to learn the language, and am so thankful to have found Caroline. She is WONDERFUL! I love the class size and structure. Learning a new language can be an intimidating, and I'm grateful to have a patient and knowledgeable teacher like Caroline! read more

Caroline is a great teacher and most importantly very patient with all students. Schedule of class times are very convenient & flexible for people who work or go to school. Class was so fun and diverse, people of all ages and backgrounds wanting to learn French for their own reasons. Definitely will enroll to more of her classes offered in the near future. read more

The learning and fun continue! Hand in hand, speaking only French, discussing food, current events, favorite movies - what a wonderful evening! Caroline makes it easy to learn and most importantly, to practice in real world settings! read more

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What a great experience! Caroline is helping me to learn a beautiful language and appreciate an amazing culture. Since visiting Paris 2 years ago on my honeymoon, I'd been inspired to learn French but never got around to taking a live course. Books and videos weren't enough. Thank goodness I came across La Petite Ecole Française! I've completed my first class and have signed up for the next one. Caroline is a skilled instructor and a consummate professional. One of the most valuable things about her teaching style is the way she helps me practice speaking the language. When in class, she often shares experiences and paints a picture of French culture that makes me imagine actually being in France. Outside of class, Caroline hosts a variety of fun get-togethers. In addition, she's always available if I ever have questions. She truly goes out of her way to help. I'm a huge fan of La Petite Ecole Française. Looking forward to French 102! read more

I highly recommend La Petite Ecole Francaise for anyone looking to learn or improve their French. Caroline is an incredible teacher and she makes it very easy to join one of her online classes appropriate to where you are in your French. The classes themselves are fun and engaging, with plenty of opportunities to practice spoken French with super nice people. Don't hesitate to try it out! read more

Bonjour! One of the best decisions I ever made was to take lessons with Caroline over a year ago. She is incredibly skilled at teaching French and makes everything more interesting by sharing about culture, helping to create a connection between French culture and American culture, and offering so many fun ways to learn. I can't imagine sitting with another teacher for so long and still feeling like every lesson is something new and exciting. Caroline is both friendly and firm, both of which are necessary for structure in a group class. However, in individual classes, it has been wonderful to see her sense of humor come out as well. She is very professional and deserving of great respect. read more

La Petite Ecole Francaise is one of the best French language schools in the Los Angeles area. I've tried everything before coming here-- Rosetta Stone, French schools elsewhere in the city, and even studied abroad in Paris for a summer-- but nothing has stuck with me and helped me learn the language as well as LPEF. The school offers grammar classes, real life conversational classes, and weekend cultural classes; all of which are great, depending what you are looking for and what your needs are. Also, there are different levels of classes so don't worry if you are a beginner. One of the best ways to help you learn the fastest is take the grammar class side-by-side with the conversation class. Many of the key elements to the French language are taught in the grammar class and can be applied in the conversation class once you are in it. Not only is the professor Caroline terrific, but so are the other students that attend. At LPEF, Caroline has built a community around the school and many of the students even hangout outside of the classroom. LPEF also offers outside classroom activities, which further helps build a community in the school. There is the annual Christmas party, French concerts in the L.A. area that Caroline is always informing us about, French movies that are playing locally at the Laemmle's Theatres so you can watch a great film/learn some French that way, and much much more. If you've ever wanted to learn the beautiful language of France, then this is the place you will want to go to! read more

This has turned out to be a great experience for me. I have always been a little intimidated by the thought of learning french.....mainly sitting in a class and having to speak.....ahhhh! But the beauty is that these are very small classes so you do not feel overwhelmed at all. Coincidentally, I have found now that I appreciate the small class size because I DO get to speak a lot. My concern in the beginning is that the class is only an hour long, but Caroline made a great point that especially when you are first beginning to learn french you truly have to pace yourself as there is just so much to learn and there would be so much material to cover in a 2 hour class that you do risk becoming overwhelmed. She gives you really good homework that if you are diligent about doing it, your learning curve greatly improves. Another thing that you should not be intimidated by are the Saturday conversation classes. I find myself looking forward to my cappuccino and 20 rounds of ...Je voudrais un cafe, s'il vous plait! read more

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The class is great- small class size, moves at a good pace, but with time for clarification. The teacher, Caroline, is clear, great with the class, keeps it interesting by using what's being discussed to address grammar and vocabulary rather than relying solely on text/work books. I really enjoyed it. Due to the limited class size, they have policies about not changing classes and completing the full series you sign up for (really the best way to learn anyway). But they were able to accomodate a change for me when my work schedule completely changed after the first class, which I really appreciate. My schedule makes any long term classes a challenge, but I'm excited to make time for this class as it's the right pace and level for me. read more

Growing up in the French Concession area in Shanghai, I always adored French culture, architecture, and the language. I took two semesters of French back in high school and got engaged in Paris recently, so I thought it would be the perfect time for picking it up again. I have had the pleasure of working with Caroline on a weekly class. She is exceptionally attentive to my personal needs and keeps the lessons challenging and yet fun. She provides a wide variety of learning activities and exposure to authentic materials, including music, movies, drama, and all sorts of things you don't get from just textbooks. I can't recommend Caroline highly enough: she was just what I needed - relaxed, professional, full of enthusiasm, and offers inside information on the French culture that I so enjoy. Unfortunately, due to COVID, we had to take the course online via Zoom. I hope we will be able to see each other in the classroom in the future when the time is right. Merci beaucoup, Caroline! read more

I have always wanted to learn French. I found out about this wonderful school via Amazon Local. I like how the class is maxed at 9. I'm really happy that my first experience in learning French was positive. Caroline has a good sense of humor and patience. She really makes sure you will retain what you learn. Really liked my classmates as well. Merci beaucoup Caroline. A bientôt ! :) read more

I'm currently in my 2nd term (Beginning 1B) at La Petite Ecole Francaise in Pasadena and couldn't be more pleased. Caroline is a wonderful teacher and I really feel like I'm not only understanding (and speaking) the French language better, but I'm also getting a nice grasp of French culture. Caroline is a great teacher, she's patient, and truly helpful. I look forward to attending every week. Classes are fun and I'm truly learning. Caroline is a native speaker so you're sure to get the correct pronunciation. This has been an amazing experience and I'm very happy I'm at LPEF. read more

I've been taking French classes at La Petite Ecole with Caroline since February of 2018. Caroline is a wonderful instructor. Not only are we learning how to speak the language but also how to interact culturally with the French people. I highly recommend her courses. read more

Bonjour! If you're not sold on taking classes from Caroline then you're absolutely missing out! I cannot recommend La Petite Ecole Française enough to anyone who adore the French culture. Price is incredibly reasonable to learn such a beautiful language. Classes are very personable and super enjoyable. It's true what they say... "you come for the language but you stay for the culture" you'll know what that means when you jump in read more

I've had a great experience studying French in Caroline's class for the past few months. She is all you could want in a foreign language teacher: native speaker, smart, patient, fun, cultured, well-prepared, and experienced teaching at all levels. Class sizes are small and not at all intimidating - everyone is friendly and there to learn (and get better at that damn French "r" sound!). Prices for each session are very reasonable given the personal attention and wealth of study materials Caroline provides. Best of all, I feel I'm actually learning to SPEAK this beautiful language as the French do in the real world and not sound like a robot quoting lines from a textbook written in 1955. Of course like any skill it's a lifelong effort, so best to enjoy it and in turn stick with it. La Petite Ecole Francaise is a great place to find that style of learning. Highly recommended. read more

I have always wanted to learn french and I decided to attend this school because of the positive reviews!!! The class size is great! Small enough to get personal attention. Caroline is a wonderful, understanding, and patient instructor. The little "community" she has created is warm and welcoming. The classes also get together for french activities and parties. Which means there is lots of great food, conversation and wine. Merci!!! read more

I have been taking classes with Caroline for more than 4 years and she is simply the best. She is a native French speaker but more importantly, she is patient and breaks down difficult lessons in a fun way to learn. As a bonus she teaches about French culture and has arranged numerous outside activities such as dinners at a French restaurant to practice conversing in French. Join us to learn French and to appreciate another culture. read more

I've been taking French classes at La Petite Ecole with Caroline for over a year now and it has been a fantastic experience. I started with French 101 after having visited Paris a few times and I'm now almost finished with the 100 level series. Caroline is a skilled teacher with exceptional attention to detail tailored to each student. The curriculum for each class level progresses naturally, reinforcing previous classes/lectures, and homework assignments are practical and align with material taught in the classroom. As a native French speaker and having studied the English language, Caroline is able to explain French language concepts to native English speakers in way that resonates and allows for critical learning of the language as opposed to simple memorization. The dynamic of the classroom environment is cheerful and fun, with tidbits of French culture sprinkled through lessons. If you're thinking about learning French, don't hesitate and enroll here, you won't be disappointed! read more

I've tried several other methods for learning French over the years, but never felt the success that I have after the beginner course with Caroline. She is patient and encouraging, but provides the structure needed to progress efficiently. You can tell her lessons are finely tailored from her years of teaching. It's been a joy to not only learn the language, but also to be introduced to the culture and become part of a community with my classmates. read more

Conversational classes are so great. I've been attending regularly since these first became available. I look forward to them every Saturday morning. I've also taken private 1-on-1 classes with Caroline. I can't say enough good things about her. She's patient, informative, and caring. I've learned to speak French in just 11 months. Thank you, Caroline! read more

La Petite Ecole Francaise - Intermediate Conversation Class at a French cafe in Pasadena - Language Schools Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Caroline is an amazing instructor! She provides a supportive, relaxed, and friendly environment to learn. She is not only beyond qualified, but she makes the students feel very at ease...which is not always easy when learning something new! The classes are very interactive, practical, and address not only the language, but also the culture. In my opinion, the classes are personal and unique, because for her, teaching is personal. I'm about to complete my second series and I cannot imagine a better place to learn French! Claudia read more

Learning and practicing French language with Mrs. Caroline Busse has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Mrs. Caroline is a gifted intuitive teacher for all ages. She keeps lessons interesting, explains the French language in a very positive and encouraging energy to every lesson, she is so detailed in her approach and knowledgeable. I truly can't thank her enough. I would definitely recommend Mrs. Caroline as a caring teacher to anyone interested in French language, culture and history. Dalida read more

I have taken classes with La Petite École Française for a few years and now my son attends her children's classes as well. We love it! He enjoys having a special group of "French" friends and learning about French culture, especially the food! We both benefit from the small class size and are making progress in learning the language. There are often group activities outside the classroom such as plays, concerts, restaurant outings and wine tastings just to name a few. LA has so much to offer Francophiles and it helps to have a curator advising the best of. Caroline is truly a gifted and patient teacher. We feel fortunate to have found this school. read more