FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Languages
1What are the languages offered?
We currently offer: Spanish, Mandarin, French, Korean and English. Classes for Japanese, Arabic and creative writing will start during the 2019/2020 school year .
Please note that not all languages are offered every day. Please check on the tab "class schedule" for the schedule that will fit your language of choice and level. A final decision will be made with the office after the mandatory interview parents and students need to have before acceptance to enroll in the program.
Please note that not all languages are offered every day. Please check on the tab "class schedule" for the schedule that will fit your language of choice and level. A final decision will be made with the office after the mandatory interview parents and students need to have before acceptance to enroll in the program.
2How long does it take to learn the skills necessary to speak a language?
It really depends on the level you want to achieve, but research has shown that it typically takes 720 hours of speaking practice for an English-speaking adult with a high academic aptitude to become proficient in a foreign language (Omaggio-Hadley, 1993).
As a guideline, it takes about 60-70-hours of training to be certified at the basic level- the A1 level- and about 200-hours to reach the A2-level.
As a guideline, it takes about 60-70-hours of training to be certified at the basic level- the A1 level- and about 200-hours to reach the A2-level.
3What is the instructional philosophy?
The overall method is based on a modular teaching with an approach based on task, where a balance between practice and theory is achieved. The aim is to develop effective communication skills through the elementary development of the four basic language known skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
A number of instructional approaches will be used to teach the target language and will depend mainly on the students age/degree of maturity and level, among others: paired activities, listening to music and an array of activities will be organized around the theme of the song, role playing, educational games. Students will be actively engaged and will be expected to participate voluntarily. For the younger students, games, songs and story telling will be used to enrich vocabulary as well as visual cues for complete beginners. A specific curriculum is available at Bay Language Academy for each language and for each level.
The primary objective of classes is to immerse students in the language and the culture in a fun and engaging way, by focusing on cultural beliefs, values and aspects of everyday life. Simple grammatical concepts, and practice in listening and speaking (individually, and in pairs and groups are implemented). The program usually start (for the beginners) with the basics such as the alphabet, numbers, greetings and simple sentence structures. The main focus being on the phonetic and developing a proper ear for pronunciation, then the classes evolves into studying grammatical rules, conjugation, etc...
By the end of the program, students are expected to have developed insight into the nature of language and analyze/use basic grammar as a tool for effective communication (conjugation, grammar, pronunciation) and gained knowledge of the country’s culture and background.
Our more advanced students are challenged according to their existing level with more complex reading material, conjugation exercise, spelling activities. We use exercises allowing students to be challenged according to their abilities to understand and analyze audio material, so they can develop a good ear for pronunciation and understand native speakers discussions on a specific theme.
Our more advanced students are challenged according to their existing level with more complex reading material, conjugation exercise, spelling activities. We use exercises allowing students to be challenged according to their abilities to understand and analyze audio material, so they can develop a good ear for pronunciation and understand native speakers discussions on a specific theme.
Location
1What is the location of the classes?
The classes are held in the East Bay in Alameda:
1325 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501
A selective set of classes are also offered on line.
1325 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501
A selective set of classes are also offered on line.
2Is there public transportation near the school?
Yes. Two AC Transit buses have stops within a few feet of the Academy: The W and the O (25-minutes ride to downtown San Francisco) as well as the 21 and the 50 lines.
You can use Google Maps to help find public transportation options.
You can use Google Maps to help find public transportation options.
3Is there free parking at Bay Language Academy?
Yes! Bay Language Academy has free street parking. Avoid parking on Jackson streets on Thursdays between 10:00am and 1:00pm because of street cleaning.
After-school Program
1Do you offer a drop-off program (without the parent presence)?
All of our classes are drop-off except for our parent-toddler classes which require a parent or caretaker to attend.
2If both parents work and cannot drop their kids at the Academy. Is there a way, they can still benefit from the program?
Bay Language Academy is only responsible for the students when they are dropped at the Academy. If accepted in our after school program, parents have to organize their own transportation or coordinate a carpool with other parents. Therefore, we could direct you to parents and services who will be able to help working parents. Contact us at: [email protected]
3If I can drive my child to the Academy, can she/he be part of the after school program?
Yes, your child could be dropped after school dismissal as early as 12:00-noon (on minimum days). 1:00 or 2:00 pm for Kindergartners and 3:00 pm for grades 1 and up on regular days. She/He could be picked up at 6:00 pm (no later than 6:15pm). Students can also be dropped off as early as 8:00 am on camp days.
4Can you tell us more about the after-school program?
"After drop off, students are invited to refresh and have their snacks. They are then dived into groups according to their language(s) of choice and depending on the days (a) will attend their language class or (b) art class or (c) be assisted in completing their school home work, (d) will be engaged in activities in their language of choice, (e) will have a set of organized outdoor activities, (f) be assisted into completing their language home-work, (g) engaged in a reading club, (h) engaged in multiple educational activity depending on their age group/grades/degree of maturity and interest.
A team of instructors will be on site helping students achieving their academics goals first then engaging them in multiple extra curricular activities afterwards."
5What happen on minimum days (parent-teachers conferences, pedagogical meetings, etc.. ?)
Bay Language Academy will start its program earlier at no extra fees on those days in order to accommodate the AUSD schedule.
For example, for the first three weeks of school, kindergartners are welcome to attend the Academy starting at 12:00-noon and older grade as early as 12:30pm at no extra fee.
For example, for the first three weeks of school, kindergartners are welcome to attend the Academy starting at 12:00-noon and older grade as early as 12:30pm at no extra fee.
6What happen on weekdays when schools are not open ?
In 2019-2020, there will be days where AUSD will not be in session, however Bay Language Academy will open its doors between 9:00 and 6:00 pm with a number of curricular and extra-curricular activities (please check the calendar section). Students enrolled in the after school program will be able to attend for a reduced fee.
Camps
1Do you offer camps?
We do offer camps (session of one or two weeks depending on the camp format) during the students breaks (Thanksgiving, Winter and Summer holidays). Camps are usually offered within a multicultural context with mini-field trips. Our students visited several places: The Academy of Science, Pump it Up, Parks, Movie theater, Mini-golfing, Bowling, Libraries and more ..
2Do you offer day camps?
We often offer day camps on days that the AUSD school system is closed. Families will be notified when these are available.
Class Logistics
1My kid has an appointment in the afternoon, can I pick him/her up earlier ?
You are welcome to pick up your child on the following times assuming he/she does not have a class on that specific day/time: 12:00-noon, 3:00, 3:30, 4:45, 5:15, 6:00 and 6:15pm.
2What is the regular dismissal time?
Every student should be picked up between 6:00 and 6:15pm sharp, failing to do so will result in a charge of $2 per minute. In 2019-2020, this measure will be strictly reinforced.
3How long do classes last?
Classes are 60-minutes long for preschoolers and 75-minutes to 150-minutes for all other students. Intensive classes lasts from one hour to over three hours depending if the class is held on a private, semi-private or group setting.
4What is the frequency of the classes?
The classes are tailored to the student needs at a frequency of twice a week (Proficiency). However, a number of our classes for our older students are being held on an extended basis which means that we offer formal classes all afternoon. The extended classes allow students to focus on a specific language/tasks and they have a week to review their lessons and to complete their home-work, which also make sense for logistic carpool reasons for students leaving more than an hour drive from the Academy. It also allow some of our students attending sports not to miss their physical activities.
5How long does the program last?
Learning a language does not happen overnight, it takes time and effort. Our program is based on 10-month renewable program with the possibility of taking intensive classes.
For 2019-2020, we will start on August 19 and end on June 19. Over the major breaks (Thanksgiving, Winter break, Spring breaks and Summer vacation), camps could be offered on specific weeks. Please check what schedule will be offered.
For 2019-2020, we will start on August 19 and end on June 19. Over the major breaks (Thanksgiving, Winter break, Spring breaks and Summer vacation), camps could be offered on specific weeks. Please check what schedule will be offered.
6What if a student misses a class?
Make up classes are offered within a week of a missed class as a courtesy and cannot be guaranteed as we do have a low ratio instructor to student to honor. A make up class day will be provided at signing when possible.
7Does Bay Language Academy offer certificates for completing a program?
Yes. Bay Language Academy students will receive a Certificate of Completion after completing a program. Requirements to receive this certificate is a 100% attendance record for the full program.
8What if I have to miss or cancel a private lesson?
You may rechedule your private lesson at no charge with a minimum of a 48-hour notice. If you cancel your lesson within 48 hours or simply do not show up, the lesson will be billed as if you attended.
9I would like to enroll my kid for one day a week only is that possible?
Our students attend our program for a minimum of 2-days per week. For 2019-2020, the options are 2, 3, 4 or 5 days and pricing follows a sliding scale.
10Can my child attend on a drop-in class basis?
Drop-ins could be arranged during camps on specific weeks at the discretion of the director, Please inquire by e.mail: [email protected]
Enrollment
1I would like to enroll my kid for one day a week only is that possible?
Our students attend our program for a minimum of 2-days per week. For 2019-2020, the options are 2, 3, 4 or 5 days and pricing follows a sliding scale.
2Can I enroll my kid(s) for a language and art classes on line or on phone ? How do I enroll ?
We do not enroll on-line or by phone but rather schedule a meeting with the parent(s) to visit the Academy, assess your child, then present the curricula and discuss your expectations and goals. After the meeting you will be notified if our programs are a good fit for your child.
3I can't attend the guided personal tour, how do I sign up for classes?
Contact us and we will guide you through the easy process to have you enrolled on time. We can schedule you at a time convenient for you and your child(ren) on mornings, evenings and on certain week-ends but the meeting with the parents and students are mandatory before confirmation of enrollment.
4When should I register and when do I have to pay?
The earlier you register, the earlier your place is confirmed at the Academy. if classes reach the maximum of enrollment, we will not be able to accept more students. You must submit a non-refundable $80 registration fee plus the first tuition's month ($50 for returning students).
Starting this year, tuition is due between the 15th and the 20th of each month, for each of the 10 months. Late payments are subject to a late fee of $25 for each month there is a balance in the account after the 20th. You can pay using check, your bank's online bill-pay or by ACH.
For adults sessions of 10 classes, the fee is due before the first class as well.
Starting this year, tuition is due between the 15th and the 20th of each month, for each of the 10 months. Late payments are subject to a late fee of $25 for each month there is a balance in the account after the 20th. You can pay using check, your bank's online bill-pay or by ACH.
For adults sessions of 10 classes, the fee is due before the first class as well.
5What happen if I want to stop my classes?
Let us know before the next Billing cycle. All you need to do is provide us with a one month written notice. At the beginning of the program, withdraws are possible after the first two months of attendance. Without written notice, we will reserve your child’s class and you are responsible for full tuition for the upcoming month regardless of attendance. Refunds will be processed within 4 to 6 weeks. There are no partial refunds for unused days due to absenteeism.
This policy applies to students who started classes and to students who signed up for classes, so even if you signed up in May but decided to withdraw few days before the start of classes, you are still responsible for the tuition as a spot has been reserved to your family making us declining access to other interested students. We have a 2-months minimum enrollment after which we meet with parents to decide if the enrollment can be extended to the rest of the year. Please inquire about the Bay Language Academy policy on site.
This policy applies to students who started classes and to students who signed up for classes, so even if you signed up in May but decided to withdraw few days before the start of classes, you are still responsible for the tuition as a spot has been reserved to your family making us declining access to other interested students. We have a 2-months minimum enrollment after which we meet with parents to decide if the enrollment can be extended to the rest of the year. Please inquire about the Bay Language Academy policy on site.
6What age group do you teach?
Our youngest students are 3 years old and our less young one is 82 years old. We also offer toddler-parent classes.
Adults classes are offered in the evenings and on week-ends as well as mornings.
Adults classes are offered in the evenings and on week-ends as well as mornings.
7How early can the TK and K students arrive?
Bay Language Academy opens its door for earlier school dismissal for TK and K students starting at 12:30pm.
On AUSD minimum days during which students are dismissed at 11:40am, doors will be opened at 1:00pm.
On AUSD minimum days during which students are dismissed at 11:40am, doors will be opened at 1:00pm.
Payment
1What is the method of payment?
Currently, Bay Language Academy accepts ACH authorization, checks, and cash. We prefer ACH payments, and use bill.com as our payment processor. You may pay online at https://app.bill.com/p/baylanguageacademy, or provide us with your Authorization to take payment by ACH and we will set it up for you.
2Do you accept credit cards?
At the moment, in order to keep our costs low, we do not accept credit cards due to the high fees charged.
Other Classes
1Do you offer other classes?
Yes, we offer art classes taught by artists and art teachers. We also offer classes for SAT and AP preparation.
For Adults, we do offer morning and evening classes.
For Adults, we do offer morning and evening classes.
2Do you have classes for college preparation exams (AP and SAT) ?
Our students can have credits for their AP languages when they pass the exam.
We prepare our high school students for AP and SAT single subject exams that can either give them credits for college (AP) or boost their application (SAT).
We prepare our high school students for AP and SAT single subject exams that can either give them credits for college (AP) or boost their application (SAT).
3How do I set up corporate lessons?
Bay Language Academy offers on-site foreign language lessons for Bay Area companies. Simply email us which language your company would like to learn, as well as which days, times and exact location. It is beneficial to send us further details about the students, including their previous experience with the language if any as well as the number of students.
Other Questions
1Why don't you have my question listed here?
That may be because you haven't asked it yet. Please contact us with specific questions regarding our linguistic and art based after school program.
2How do I find out more?
Visit the pages available on this web site https://baylanguages.com or call the Bay Language Academy office at 510-306-4BAY (4229). You can also Contact us through the website.
Bay Language Academy makes substantial efforts to update the information on its website. However the Academy makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained or referenced in the web site. All users agree that all access and use of this site and the content thereof is at their own risk. Neither Bay Language Academy or on any other site linked to this one shall be liable in any manner whatsoever for any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive or consequential damages arising out of your access, use, or inability to use this site or any errors or omissions in the content thereof.
TESTIMONIALS
We really appreciate all the incredible work you have all done with Logan and Grayson over the past years !
Thank you for all the years of wonderful support and education.
Bonjour Madame Essia,
Today I will be backpacking while French class is going so I won't be able to make it to class today. (Fritz won't either). Thank you so much for being an excellent teacher throughout COVID and I will miss having French classes every day during the summer.- Merci beaucoup! Thanks for the nice note, I am so glad to learn that Tibby is doing well in the French class as I think language is truly important to help expand our life, giving us more opportunity to connect with more people and gain more perspective, to make us more open minded and connected.Thank you for giving your heart to teach those students!
- Please thank Ms. Gracie for all of the amazing work, lessons, and support she has provided me so far. She has impacted my learning experience in such a positive way and I am extremely grateful.I wish you both all the best, and thank you again for everything!
I liked the Tuesday class and I felt it was a slightly better pace for me. I am trying to find my rhythm with an at home practice still and so a slower pace is best for me right now. I can not thank you ladies enough for listening to my concerns and being so supportive. I felt understood and cared for and I really appreciate that form you both and look forward to continuing my lessons.
Thank you for your extraordinary leadership and support of the students during this challenging time. I really applaud you and your teachers' dedication in keeping the classes going so consistently during this prolonged shelter in place period.
Hello. Just a quick note to say that Selig is enjoying the classes so far. They are engaging and move quickly. It makes us hopeful of success. Thank you very much l! Catherine G
Loving French. Yes, to fall. Remote class works great. My son got up this morning (on a Saturday) to attend French. He wanted to read and answer more questions in French. So sweet. Love the Monday through Friday daily schedule. Keeps us all on track and regular.
Thank you for a great opportunity.- I want you to know that both of my children love their French classes.I hope that you are able to offer this format over the summer. I would very much like it. Same for the fall next year as I believe the schools are going to be on split schedules. Even if you need to change the time of day....the daily 30-min with homework works great from our perspective.
- Thank you for all of your efforts developing the new protocols that are required for the upcoming school year. I know it has been a tremendously difficult undertaking for you and the teachers.Nicole and I would still like to have the Kids attend the Bay Language Academy next year. We are nervous about the in person classes, as additional classes and students means additional risk of contracting COVID. I imagine that many parents are in a similar mindset. However, we felt that the distance learning was very effective for the kids, particularly after you switched to the 5-day per week, 30-minute per session format.We are most interested in the remote learning options that will be available to the kids next year.
I want to thank you and let you know that Alaia is loving Bay Language Academy Camp. She had really missed interaction with kids and teachers. She is just loving it. She absolutely loves art, and comes home so excited. I hope she has been well behaved and a good listener.
You have a wonderful language program and aftercare set up. We are really excited for our daughter to participate in your programs.
J'ai été accepté, Mme Essia ! J'ai rejoint la Sorbonne dans le cours de lettres, j’ai été accepté en deux, mais je vais choisir Lettres Classiques ! Rien de tout n'aurait été possible sans votre aide pour le DELF! Merci beaucoup beaucoup !!
I will highly recommend your Language Academy to anyone!
We appreciate the foundation you laid for her language skills. Sincerely
Thanks as always for your help and the great learning experience!
Warmly,Sorry for the delay. The courses are great!
We have looked at several after school programs and really feel he would do best with you. You've created an amazing space to learn and grow.
Thank you so much for patiently working with this my son. I wish you and the Bay Language Academy all the best and hope that your programs continue to thrive.
Thank you for accepting my kids into your wonderful program, and showing them a lot of personal love and care. When we come back from Taiwan in 2 years, I want to enroll them back in your program so that they can keep up their Mandarin! Thank you!
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to every staff at Bay Language Academy for the love and support you all have given my boys.Thank you.
Thank you for your kindness, making the adjustment, and reaching out. I think what you all do there is amazing.
So grateful i still have you !! And so happy to see you again tomorrow she was sad to leave today ...
Thank you for allWe've had a wonderful experience so far, and look forward to being back the rest of the week, and then during the year for TK. Thank you!
It was truly a pleasure to meet you and spend time talking with you. Reya and I continued to discuss your kindness and welcoming energy: we really look forward to being part of the community you have created at Bay Language Academy.
Je me suis préparé pour l'AP dans ma classe de français, et j'ai de bonnes notes pour mes exercices d'AP (vous m'avez aidé pendant l'été!)
I am very happy with the progress the kids are making. Thank you.
We very much have enjoyed the Korean class and really like the teacher !
You simply have an awesome program!