ISO French Afterschool for Middle Schooler
My daughter is keen on taking French as she enters 6th grade, but it's not offered at her school. Are there any local afterschool programs for middle schoolers, close to Berkeley? I checked out EFBA but their local programs are for younger kids, and Alliance Francaise doesn't have anything posted. Thx for tips!
Kate
Jul 9, 2022
Parent Replies
I am not aware of anything formal. My rising 9th grader took two years of French at Albany Middle School. We were very happy with the program/teacher, and if she's still interested as a rising 7th grader, it's a viable reason for requesting a transfer into AUSD as no other local public school offers French in middle school.
I’d recommend getting in touch directly with someone at the Alliance Française. Even if they don’t have any upcoming classes, I imagine they will be able (and eager) to direct you toward other possible local resources.
It’s been a long time since I was actively involved in any Francophone/-phile communities, but when I was 15/16, I remember attending an Alliance-run French conversation class in preparation for a semester in France (for which nothing could really prepare me, in the end). The class was mixed youth and adult, which didn’t seem to matter terribly much given our (low) ability level. In any event, I enjoyed it and remained in contact with the instructor for years afterward! This was in Boise, ID, in the late ’90s, so who knows how things are here and now. But it’s worth a shot?
Anyway, AF’s website lists the following contact info:
Phone +510 548 7481
Email info [at] afberkeley.org (info[at]afberkeley[dot]org)