I have had, and am currently having, an amazing experience with the Spanish LC. I have been in classes for almost a year now, and am planning to continue on with remote learning due to Covid. Valeria has been my teacher and she is AMAZING! She makes learning intuitive and fun while also going above and beyond with any questions I have. I highly recommend the Spanish LC to anyone who is thinking of learning Spanish. read more

Background: I've now taken classes at Cervantes, UNAM, Spanish Language Center and Spanish Lessons Chicago / Latin American Language Center, so I have seen a decent cross section of what is available here in Chicago. In my opinion, SLC is definitely worth trying and can be a very good value if you do the membership deal ($600 for 6 months all the classes you can take model). I took Beginner 0, 1 and 2 this Jan - June. Could have taken Beg 3, too, but got pretty busy at work and needed to take a break. I would also suggest that SLC is most useful for learning the basics and rules of the language, but it's not (at least not yet) been a great place for practicing much conversational spanish. This could be a function of my still being pretty early in the progression (Beginner 2) or the nature of the classes, where you've got 7 - 10 classmates and you go around the table taking turns translating examples and asking simple questions. So, it can be a help to start learning but you will definitely want to do other things to practice outside of the weekly class time. What I like: * The curriculum is clear. You know what you will be covering in each section (e.g. Beg 1, Beg 2) and in each specific class (e.g. class 1 of Beg 2, class 2 of Beg 2). I can't say the same of the other places I have studied. * The text / materials are clear, straightforward and useful. I have also purchased a number of general spanish exercise books online and prefer the workbooks that SLC has put together to complement their classes (Note: these materials do cost extra, but are pretty reasonable. ~$35 or so per class, I think). * They seem to draw a consistent mix of people who want to learn and consistently show up. So as you track through their levels you can be taking classes with familiar faces, which can be comfortable. What could be better: * Consistency of student levels This is a challenge everywhere I've taken classes. Not sure it can be solved. Seems you're always destined to have some folks who are in a bit over their head and others who maybe should be in the next class up. This mix can make some lessons a bit choppy. But I've seen this everywhere. * Consistency of the teachers I have had classes with 3 or 4 different teachers now, sometimes within the same track (e.g first 3 or 4 classes of Beg 2 started with one teacher, last 3 classes have been with another). Styles vary and just when you really start to click with one teacher he might be be gone without explanation. All of the teachers I've had have been pretty good, so it's not an awful drop off. But just know you should expect this kind of variety. The materials are the constant, the teachers may vary. read more

I wanted so badly to start my goal of learning Spanish. Great reviews of this place so I signed up and went for it. I didn't pick it up as fast as the other beginner in my class (he had a basic knowledge from previous classes) so after my teacher would sigh loudly, smack his head and shake at me when I would get it wrong, he just stopped talking to me and focused on his star student. Back to square one for me. Still on the hunt for some Spanish help read more

The Cortez Method taught here...works. I "studied" Spanish albeit half heartedly at another Spanish school in Chicago and worked with Rosetta stone audio etc. to no avail but upon the prompting of a Spanish speaking client I started with the Spanish Language Center a few months ago and I am slowing but steadily becoming functional in Spanish! It is extremely rewarding to be able to understand and communicate in Spanish. The curriculum is unique and progressively constructive. It is nothing short of brilliant if you work it. This is not some magic formula program but if you are willing to put in a daily homework session then you will get it. My instructor Jose Tuesta is fantastic. The instructors here will provide you with just enough push to keep you going. This is a professional language school and really the pre-eminent program in Chicago. read more

The Spanish Language Center is hands down the best and most efficient place to learn Spanish in the city - it is truly worth every penny. After four years of group lessons (which generously became private lessons over time) I am about as close to fluent as I believe I could be without being fully immersed in the language on a day-to-day basis. Friends who have studied in university settings for many years have been shocked by how much I have learned in such a short period of time. Jose is a gifted, kind, and patient teacher who became like a friend over the four years. Each "substitute" teacher I encountered when Jose was otherwise occupied was similarly patient, friendly, and talented. The teachers all seem to have a way to put students at ease and to feel welcome to make mistakes. I am genuinely sad that I no longer require the classes. Thank you to everyone at the Spanish Language Center for everything! read more

I've taken Spanish classes at SLC for almost a year now and I can't believe how much I've learned. My instructor José is very experienced and most of all PATIENT! SLC is well worth the investment. read more

Terribly disappointed & pissed! I spoke with LIlly and made an appointment for the offered complimentary class before signing up for the full week session. During our booking, I relayed my excitement to her to start which was met with equal excitement and encouragement...."People who begin excited usually follow through completing the program pleased" she says. Well when I arrive, the instructor was not there! After an unanswered text and an unanswered phone call, she said that she must have scheduled me on the wrong day & apologized. REALLY!? I paid for a cab ride and a baby sitter and that's all you offer? Maybe if she didn't have Facebook pulled up on her phone and her paypal account up on her computer screen, she would have scheduled me properly! The lack of professionalism left a nasty taste and I will not be returning! Now, if any one reading has a better recommendation for private or semi private/at my home preferably, please forward! How do these types of businesses stay in business with these careless (she could care less) employees? read more

I was asked if I could provide a review, but I wish I could provide even more. The Spanish Language Center simplifies learning spanish. I had a phenomenal experience when I attended the program. The teachers are superb. The lessons are well planned. The pace is perfect and customized. For many years I struggled to understand spanish grammar and never really comprehended any of the lessons in high school or college. SLC uses the innovative Cortez method, which is both logical and easy to master. In a mere 8 weeks, I became comfortably proficient in spanish and have had plenty of opportunity to use my new skills. I cannot thank SLC enough. Muchas gracias! Hablo español ahora! read more

I've been taking classes at SLC's downtown location since Feb 2014. I can truly say I've learned so much during my time there. I've enjoyed the instructors I've had (Jose T and Adan). I have only missed a few classes and hate that I missed those. The way the program is laid out makes it easy for you to learn if you stay committed. Would recommend to anyone trying to learn! read more

I have been trying to learn Spanish for the past 3 years. Initially I used Rosetta Stone and then took classes at another school. I tried to learn with a friend who speaks Spanish but is not a teacher. Not much success! I have just finished my fifth private lesson with Jose Tuesta and I am very pleased with my progress in such a short time. I am speaking Spanish and learning the grammatical rules, at the same time, in a friendly conversational mode. My classes are at the downtown location which is very convenient. I intend to continue to take classes because I have now found the right school. read more

After a few years of struggling to learn Spanish with Rosetta Stone, classes at another school in Chicago, self-taught materials, and Spanish-speaking friends, I was thrilled to discover the Spanish Language Center. I am learning to speak Spanish much faster than I expected at my own pace through their private lesson offering. Juan Cortez has not only developed a technique and materials to make learning Spanish very natural and straightforward, but also something that is enjoyable. I am delighted to have found a program that fits in with my busy schedule that is also very effective and look forward to continuing as a student. read more