Kwong Kow was where I went for summer school and Saturday (some years, Sunday) school to learn…read moreChinese for many years! They're located on Tyler St, a pretty tight, one way street, near Tufts. They offer weekend classes to learn Mandarin or Cantonese, summer programs, instrument lessons (Chinese dulcimer, violin, Chinese guzheng), traditional dance classes, Kung fu, & lion dancing classes. Although I don't remember much of what I learned, it was still a good experience! My Chinese nowadays is quite broken, due to just not speaking the language at all for many years, but I had a great time when I went to KKCS. I had learned to read, write, & speak Mandarin, middle-high school level. Highly recommend sending your kids here to learn some Chinese or sign them up for activities here & if you want to learn Chinese yourself, this is a great place to go!

The school is really organized and has really nice facilities. The staff and teachers are really…read morecaring. All of their teachers are really experienced and know how to develop engaging classes. I would highly recommend KKCS to parents and kids!

In my profession, and particularly as a graduate student, I work closely with a lot of native…read moreChinese speakers. Even my advisor is Chinese. At the place I work here in Boston, the majority of my group is native Chinese or Chinese American, including one of my bosses. Thus, I decided that it was about time that I learn how to speak Mandarin, so that I could understand better the language and culture of my fellow students and co-workers, and so that I could help those who have difficulty or are reluctant to speak in English. I looked at the Boston Language Institute, but their high prices suggested I look elsewhere. Thanks to Lauren S.'s review, I found this place, the Chinese Institute of Language and Arts. Their prices are more than reasonable - I paid $220 for 20 hours of class in beginning Mandarin, as well as the workbook and CDs. The owner/manager, Peter, is very friendly and welcoming. Classes are amazingly small - I think the most I saw from any one class was 5, and my average was about 3. This means that you get plenty of individual attention and practice with the language, including drills on character recognition, help with pronunciation of words and tones, and conversation practice. The teachers are typically native Chinese or Chinese American college students or recent graduates, which is more than enough to teach beginning Chinese. They might not have tons of experience teaching, but they all seem to follow a general lesson plan, and they're quite willing to help with problems or questions you have. All in all, I think that going to CILA was a good move on my part, as it helped introduce me to the Chinese language and gave me some tools that I can use in everyday conversations with my fellow classmates and co-workers. While I need more practice (and indeed, practice outside of class helps a lot), I feel I'm sufficiently prepared to take on more studying of the language in attempts to become semi-fluent. I would definitely recommend classes here to anyone interested in learning Chinese.

Since traveling to China three years ago, I've become obsessed with all things China; I will read…read moreany related book or magazine article I can get my hands on. After a lovely breakup and many months spent shunning all my interests, I decided to finally get off my ass in late '08 and pursue two of my longer-lasting loves: learning and languages. I scoured the internet for a class offering Mandarin Chinese and found a couple of schools located in Chinatown that had decent prices compared to the go-to linguistic center in town, the Boston Language Institute, whose prices were more than double these other two places. The Chinese Language Institute offered a course breakdown with joining dates for new classes (limited to 6 people!) along with a prominent guarantee of satisfaction. A 10-week course, two hours a week, cost only $180, compared to the $450+ offered by BLI, so I warily but cheerfully submitted my interest online, promising to show up on the date of the first class, scheduled for 1/12/09. I dutifully showed up at 6pm that night but was informed that class began the next week (even though the website had not updated the schedule). I didn't consider this a big deal, so I came back the next week and enrolled with four other people in Beginning Mandarin. I forgot my checkbook that night, but they were really cool about it, saying I could pay them next week and letting me take the textbook and CDs for the class (these were not included in the online price; it added $30 to the total class fee). A little bit about the space-- it's a small area of a couple classrooms that are in, uh, dilapidated condition. This, I imagine, is probably quite unlike the BLI, which probably has gleaming whiteboards and spanking new desks. However, I cannot praise CIL enough. This is the kind of place where you get as much as you want out of the class-- you're not there to pay to have a teacher clap their hands and hand you a fancy certificate at the end of the class. You're there because you want to be there, and the teachers will give you two hours of their best work each week. The first night I had a different teacher than the one I have now-- she was very good, but the teacher I've had since the second night is amazing. She is firmer than the first girl and throws in so many different teaching activities in two hours that I'm really impressed (I work in textbook publishing so I know a little bit about teaching styles). We sometimes sing songs, work off picture charts, practice conversation with each other... in terms of the environment, it's bare bones essentials, but Wen Laoshi (Teacher Wen) has taught me a hell of a lot in only a few weeks. She sends us emails in Chinese and English with song attachments and is always fetching us tea on breaks. She's smart and makes the class challenging and enjoyable at the same time. In short, I love CIL and I am very glad I signed up for a class. If you want a language class that has an official syllabus and nice classrooms, then this isn't the place for you. But if you want to learn Mandarin or Cantonese in a supportive, engaging environment, then CIL is your best bet. Cheap classes, fantastic instruction-- one of the best things I've found in Boston. Wo hen mang. Zaijian!

Truly awful. Every time I try to call or email, no response. I've tried all weekdays, at various…read moretimes of the day. Is this a real place?

I took several classes about wild animals, which all took…read moreplace at Franklin Park Zoo. Each was informative and fun! CLASSES: BACE offers Adult Education Classes, taking visitors behind the scenes of zoo exhibits. MY FAVE CLASS: GIRAFFE SCHOOL... You get to feed "Beau" the giraffe by hand! Gorilla School was not nearly as exciting, but you do learn a lot about the personalities of each gorilla resident of this Boston Zoo. They also offer a Big Cats Class as well. THE DEAL: Go with a friend, so you can take photos of each other, and video your "behind the scenes" experience.

We've had such a positive experience with Rogers-Pierce Childcare Center! Our family started in the…read morepreschool room with our oldest child, and now our second is thriving in the toddler room. The teachers are warm, attentive, and truly invested in each child's growth and happiness. The transition from home daycare to the center was seamless - the teachers answered questions at our play visit and were so welcoming. Communication is excellent through an app and each classroom has a cell phone for communications, too. The curriculum balances learning with play in a way that feels natural and engaging, and the kids are active in the Arlington community through different field trips and everyday adventures to the local parks and libraries. The center's values are rooted in equity, social justice, and community-building, and that shines through in all of their lessons and activities, as well as through the staff and the experience they bring to the classroom. RPCC has created a welcoming community for both kids and parents, and we feel confident every day that our children are safe, loved, and learning. We couldn't recommend Rogers-Pierce more highly!

My children have attended Rogers-Pierce since 2004. It is a warm, caring school with fantastic…read moreteachers. Recently (summer 2011) there have been some issues with teacher turnover, but a new Board of Directors is in place and is getting RPCC back on track. My daughter will start Pre-K in a few weeks and we could not be happier with the center.

We chose GMS-Belmont as our son's first school at 16 months old (over a year ago) & have had such a…read morepositive experience. The teachers are so patient and loving as they help incoming children settle into a new routine. They work so hard to cultivate a deep love for learning/exploration, and a sense of confidence and independence in children. The Montessori method is put into effective practice each day through work-cycle & thoughtful, creative activities. The teachers have a lot of experience implementing healthy practices to help children with emotional regulation and social aspects of learning. During the academic year, the school has a rich curriculum spanning language, math, science, practical life, sensorial, and gross/fine motor - the teachers create this and share via monthly newsletters. Two major highlights of the year are the holiday & summer concerts where all children in the school perform together - this is a tremendous undertaking and months of preparation by the teachers for a most delightful family-oriented tradition! Director Ms. Sahar and co-director Ms. Jenn are fully present and so dedicated - they know each child by name, each family, and are always on the ground to ensure smooth daily functioning. There is little-to-no staff turnover and the teachers have a wealth of experience. Our family is super grateful for the strong foundation and core values that the teachers have given our son, and again, highly recommend GMS-Belmont!

We had a very positive experience at this school! Our son spent his first primary year of…read moreMontessori education at GMS and he so clearly thrived in the environment nurtured by his teachers and Miss Sahar/Tara. He joined at the age of 3.5 and within a few weeks made significant strides in terms of his learning & development, independence (such as dressing himself, cleaning up after play time, and helping out around the house), and overall curiosity on reading / writing / coloring. GMS still has that small community feel even as the classes continue to grow and the system becomes more mature over time. We are sad to have only learned of this school late in our time in the greater Boston area and wish we could've stayed for the full 3-year cycle.

Wife went. Waste of money. They wrote poems all day for weeks. They didn't review anything. They…read moredon't talk about vowels, consonants, conjugations, it's just used to abuse visas. Joke of a program. Save your money.

I really enjoy learning at FLS Boston. It's good place for study :) i meet a lot of friends. They…read morehave many active to join.

The School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University (SMFA), located on The Fenway in Boston,…read moreis a studio-based art school founded in 1876 and closely tied to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. It emphasizes hands-on practice across disciplines like painting, sculpture, and digital media, while allowing students flexibility through its partnership with Tufts. Known for its working studio environment and open approach to art-making, the campus reflects Boston's long-standing role as a center for visual arts education.

Can't comment on the school, but they have a small art supply store here that is open to the public…read morewhere you can score some good deals on paints, pencils, markers, sketch books, etc. The store is open to the public: when you enter, you still have to check in with the security desk, but just let them know you are going to the store and they are cool with it.

tl;dr - Japanese Language Class Boston is amazing! I already recommend it to my friends and…read morecoworkers. I took Japanese through college; however, I had not had much opportunity to practice or maintain my language abilities in the years since graduation. Here's where Japanese Language Class Boston (JLCB) came in. Sachiko-sensei and Mari-sensei have been incredible resources helping me prepare for JLPT N-4 and prepare my language abilities for working in Japan. Since beginning with JLCB in July 2018, I've taken a variety of intermediate classes (Intermediate Conversation, N-4 Preparatory Class, Genki-2, and more), all have which broadened my vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills. With JLCB's help, I successfully interviewed in Japanese and received a job offer in Japan! I move to Tokyo in August! :) Additional things to consider: the location, Post Office square, has been incredibly convenient. It is in the heart of downtown Boston easily accessible by all four T lines plus a ~5min walk. The students here are very friendly, a mix of levels (in a good way) and all looking to improve their language skills. The teachers are always looking for ways to tailor the course to the students' wants and needs. Whether your starting learn for the first time or looking for that extra push toward fluency, I'm confident that JLCB can help you accomplish your goals.

When I first started my lessons here, I had already passed N4 on the JLPT and was looking for more…read moreopportunities to continue my Japanese language studies. Unfortunately there are not many options in the Downtown Boston area that are easily accessible for working individuals. Luckily I came across Japanese Language Class Boston and decided to give it a try. I am now in my second year here and still plan on taking as many lessons as I can. There is a lot to learn and the instructors here have so much to offer and are very patient. They do want to make sure that you are getting the most out of the lessons and it shows in the way that they plan their curriculum. You will be asked what you want to learn in the lessons. Jump at the chance and let them know. You won't regret it. That said, no matter what skill level you're at or what industrial background you're from, there is bound to be a class here that is right for you. I am learning for personal interest, some are learning for business purposes. Group lessons available on most days of the week so you will be able to make it to one or two of the classes. Private lessons are also available. I definitely recommend starting your Japanese learning experience here!