Adult Class Offerings

Class Offerings for Adults

The Alliance Française d’Albuquerque, founded over 60 years ago, is our local, independent chapter of the international Federation of Alliances Françaises, the largest network of French language and cultural centers in the world. With over 800 chapters in more than 130 countries, the Alliance Française is dedicated to promoting French language and culture, and to fostering friendly relations between Francophones and Francophiles of all racial, ethnic and national origins. The School and the French for Children program admit students of any race, color, creed, sexual orientation and national or ethnic origin.

The Alliance School offers courses in French on all levels taught by highly qualified instructors who are native or near-native speakers. Although the majority of our classes will continue to meet on Zoom, we will offer select in-person classes. Our offices are conveniently located at 2917 Carlisle NE, suites 110 and 211.  Zoom classes are held for 4-9 students while in-person classes are held for 4-10 students. (If only three students enroll, the tuition is $20/hr/person). The textbooks used in each course are available for purchase in our office or may be found online. 

Course Descriptions

The Alliance School offers two types of courses conducted in French. Conversational French language classes introduce students to grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation while emphasizing communication. Advanced seminars are for students who have already studied French and wish to maintain or increase their fluency. Our small classes allow for more personalized attention and active participation in a friendly classroom setting that helps students gain confidence in speaking French.

Registration Information

***BEFORE REGISTERING, PLEASE NOTE: If this is your first Alliance course, please contact us at info@afabq.com or 505-872-9288 for assistance in placement and/or to schedule a placement interview. This will help us to ensure that every student enrolls in a class that is the right level for his/her abilities. Merci!

Tuition and Membership

Tuition for each course is based on a fee of $15 per hour of instruction. Alliance Française membership is required to enroll in our classes. Rates for the calendar year are $24 for those enrolling as a student in any AF course, $38 for families. Single non-student memberships are $29. Those enrolling in a summer or fall class, or joining or renewing their membership after July 1, may pay the pro-rated fee of $12 for an Alliance student membership ($19 for families, $14.50 for single). Members receive our newsletter and announcements of events, have library privileges, and are invited to join in our social and cultural activities including lectures, films, dinners, lively celebrations of French holidays and monthly gatherings like Café Causette.

We ask that your registration form and payment reach us, either via our website and PayPal, or via mail with a check sent to co-director, Karin Frings, prior to the first day of class. PLEASE NOTE: Fees are refundable should the class be cancelled; however, no refunds will be allowed after the first week of class and tuition is not transferable from one session to another. IF you have not received a confirmation of your class three days before the scheduled start date, we may not have received your registration, so please contact us at info@afabq.com or 505-872-9288.

For all further information and for registration, please email info@afabq.com or call 505-872-9288. Merci!

School Calendar ~ 2025 ~ Starting dates

  • Winter session: January 6
  • Spring Session: April 4
  • Summer Session: June 19
  • Fall Session: Sept. 3
  • Intersession: November 24

Private Tutoring

Private tutoring is available for all Alliance members and students, primarily via Zoom or Skype, although we may be able to offer some lessons in our offices. For in-person tutoring, we may ask for proof of vaccination.  As of January 1, 2022, rates are $42 per hour for one person; $54 per hour for two people and $60 per hour for three or four people. After the first meeting, you may pay in advance for 4 sessions. If you are unable to attend a session, your fee will be refunded if you notify the instructor at least 8 hours in advance to reschedule. Please note that for liability reasons, tutoring can only take place in our offices or on Zoom.

Please call 505-872-9288 or send an email to info@afabq.com for more information and to purchase online or in-person tutoring.

French for Children

A fun way to learn French! Learn about French language and culture through games, songs and basic conversation. For more information on classes or tutoring (for ages 4-14), please call FFC Director, Karin Frings at 505-821-4169 or email info@afabq.com.

~Pratiquez votre français~

Become an Alliance member or follow Alliance Française d’Albuquerque on Facebook for a variety of online and in-person lectures & cultural offerings. AF Members are invited via email to our Fête du 14 juillet, Fête du Beaujolais Nouveau, Café Causette, Apéros, lectures, and Soirées Jeux ou Film. Of course, we invite you to join a class for even more opportunities to speak French!

See the Events page for more details.

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students

The Alliance Française School admits students of any race, color, creed, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs and other school-administered programs.

Fall 2025 French Courses

Class Schedule Updates

  • Int. II-III: Conversation Intermédiaire ~ On Zoom Sept. 15 10:00-11:30am - Maria Ross
    • Postponed to Sept. 15.
  • New! Advanced I-III Atelier de culture et traditions régionales du nord, à la carte~On Zoom Aug 26 4:00-5:30pm - Nandi Egber
    • Class will now meet Aug. 26 and discuss both northeast and northwest France.
  • Advanced III+ Un peu de tout (11am) ~ On Zoom Sept. 16 11:00am-12:30pm - Carolyn Simmons
    • Class is closed with waitlist
  • NEW! Advanced III+/IV: TEF Canada ~ On Zoom Sept. 15 10:00-11:30am - Patricia Dardant
    • Brand new class!

Fall classes start on the dates listed below but may be postponed 1-2 weeks until minimum enrollment is reached. Students will be contacted by phone or by email 2 days before the scheduled starting date with a confirmation. If you do not receive a confirmation, we may not have received your registration, or the class may have been postponed. Please contact info@afabq.com, C. Simmons at 505-280-9031, or K. Frings at 505-821-4169 to verify a class confirmation or postponement.  No classes Nov. 27.

More information about textbooks can be found on our textbooks page.

Beginning

Bonjour le français! Learn the essentials for everyday communication and conversations. Text: Contacts, 7th ed. ($15). Please see Textbooks page for info.
Beginners I (Contacts, 1-6) ~ On ZoomSept. 22
The ideal course for those who have never studied French. Become familiar with the French alphabet, pronunciation and some  foundations of French grammar while learning basic greetings and exchanges.
With Nandi EgberMondays1:00-2:30pm10 weeks$225
Beginners I PM (Contacts, 1-6) ~ On ZoomSept. 22
The ideal course for those who have never studied French. Become familiar with the French alphabet, pronunciation and some  foundations of French grammar while learning basic greetings and exchanges.
With Nandi EgberMondays5:30-7:00pm10 weeks$225
False Beginners (Contacts, 1-6) ~ On ZoomSept. 7, 9, 11 & 14
You'd like to review the material you learned in our Beginners I class or are ready to revive the French you learned in the past.  These 6 hours of intensive instruction will prepare you to join Beginners II.
With Carolyn Simmons2 Sundays, 1 Tues & 1 Thurs.6:00-7:30pm6 hours$90
Beginners II (Contacts, 7-10) ~ With Maria On ZoomSept. 15
This is the sequel to Beg. I or False Beginners. Grammar: interrogatives, stress pronouns, indefinite & def. articles, avoir, il y a, adjectives, aller, futur proche, chez, possessives, counting from 100.  Conversation: Asking questions, describing people and objects, leisure activities, asking for directions.
With Maria RossMondays5:45-7:15pm10 weeks$225
August Refresher -Beginners II +(Contacts, 7-10) ~ On ZoomAug. 12-26
Put into practice the French you learned in Beginners II or in a past course with all new activities to improve your comprehension and speaking skills and to prepare you for an Intermediate course this fall! Grammar: interrogatives, stress pronouns, indefinite & def. articles, avoir, il y a, adjectives, aller, futur proche, chez, possessives, counting from 100. Conversation: Asking questions, describing people and objects, leisure activities, asking for directions.
With Penelope LespinasseTuesdays7:30-8:30pm3 weeks$67.50
Beginners II (Contacts, 7-10) ~ With Penelope On ZoomSept. 15
This is the sequel to Beg. I or False Beginners. Grammar: interrogatives, stress pronouns, indefinite & def. articles, avoir, il y a, adjectives, aller, futur proche, chez, possessives, counting from 100.  Conversation: Asking questions, describing people and objects, leisure activities, asking for directions.
With Penelope LespinasseMondays7:00-8:30pm10 weeks$225
Beginners II (Contacts, 7-10) ~ In personSept. 19
This is the sequel to Beg. I or False Beginners. Grammar: interrogatives, stress pronouns, indefinite & def. articles, avoir, il y a, adjectives, aller, futur proche, chez, possessives, counting from 100.  Conversation: Asking questions, describing people and objects, leisure activities, asking for directions.
With Maria RossFridays12:00-1:30pm10 weeks$225
Beginning French for Travelers ~ On Zoom Sept. 14
Planning a trip to France? Learn some practical French quickly to make your trip more enjoyable!  Text: DK Eyewitness French Phrasebook & CD ($10).
With Penelope LespinasseSundays6:00-7:30pm8 weeks$180

Intermediates

Continue to build a solid foundation in French! Textbook: Contacts 7th ed ($15).
Intermediates I (Contacts, 11-14) ~ On ZoomSept. 9
Grammar:  -ir & -re verbs, comparative & superlative adjectives, expressions with faire & avoir, intro to passé composé. Conversation: shopping, clothing, weather, making plans, talking about the past.
With Penelope LespinasseTuesdays7:00-8:30pm10 weeks$225
Intermediates I (Contacts, 11-14) ~ In personSept. 24
Grammar:  -ir & -re verbs, comparative & superlative adjectives, expressions with faire & avoir, intro to passé composé. Conversation: shopping, clothing, weather, making plans, talking about the past.
With Lisa PinceloupWednesdays10:00-11:30am10 weeks$225
Intermediates II (Contacts, 15-18) ~ On Zoom Sept. 17
Grammar: passé composé with être, depuis, recent past, partitive article, irreg. verbs. Conversation: événements passés, vive les vacances, au menu.
With Nandi EgberWednesdays5:30-7:00pm10 weeks$225
Intermediates III (Contacts, 19-21) ~ On Zoom Sept. 9
Grammaire, lectures choisies et conversations animées! Grammar: irreg. verbs, direct & indirect object pronouns.  Conversation: les études & sujets divers.
With Penelope LespinasseTuesdays5:00-6:30pm10 weeks$225
Int. II-III: Conversation Intermédiaire ~ On ZoomSept. 15
Start the fall en français! Through relaxed discussions of French culture and everyday topics, this course offers an enjoyable way to refresh your skills and build your fluency.
With Maria RossMondays10:00-11:30am10 weeks$225

Advanced

Focus on your speaking skills while advancing in your study of French to more sophisticated grammar and vocabulary.
Advanced I (Contacts, 22-25): Parlez du passé! ~ On ZoomSept. 18
Grammaire:  pronoms relatifs (qui & que), passé composé & imparfait, pronoms y & en.  Conversation: sujets divers.
With Nandi EgberThursdays6:00-7:30pm10 weeks$225
New! Advanced I-III Atelier de culture et traditions régionales du nord, à la carte~On ZoomAug 26
Explore the rich cultural tapestry of four distinct regions of France: le Sud-Ouest, le Sud-Est, Le Nord-Ouest et e Nord-Est. Learn about and discuss landmarks, history, art, local customs and modern influences, tout en français! Choose one week or more, à la carte. Week 3, Aug 19: Explorez le Nord-Ouest!
With Nandi EgberTuesdays4:00-5:30pm1 class$22.50
Advanced II (Contacts, 26-29) ~ On ZoomSept. 8
Build on what you have learned and improve your French through continued grammar studies ( verbes pronominaux, adjectifs irréguliers, adverbes et le futur), plus engaging conversations.
With Penelope LespinasseMondays5:00-6:30pm10 weeks$225
Advanced III (Contacts, 31-33) ~ In personSept. 10

Build on what you have learned and improve your French through continued grammar studies (subjonctif, tous les pronoms), plus enjoyable readings and engaging conversations.

With Karin FringsWednesdays5:30-7:00pm10 weeks$225
Advanced III (Contacts, 33) ~ On ZoomSept. 11
Grammar and speaking practice to review the subjunctive, conditional, future, pronouns and more, in more natural conversations.
With Penelope LespinasseThursdays6:15-7:45pm10 weeks$225
Advanced III/III+ Refresher (Contacts, leçons diverses) ~ In personSept. 11

Brush up your French in this lively, student-driven review course where we revisit essential grammar and skills—with plenty of fun along the way. Bring your questions, and Maria will adapt the course to meet your goals.

With Maria RossThursdays1:30-3:00pm10 weeks$225
Advanced III/III+: Parlez français avec Patricia! ~ On ZoomSept. 19-Nov. 21
Finissez votre semaine avec un peu de français! Participez à des dialogues vivants et échangez de manière authentique pour améliorer votre fluidité en français.  Pas de classe le 10 octobre.
With Patricia DardantFridays2:00-3:00pm9 weeks$135
Advanced III+ : Lecture, conversation & grammaire ~ On ZoomSept. 10
Révision de grammaire en utilisant Discovering French Rouge (disponible dans notre bureau) et lecture de nouvelles. Conversations dynamiques sur des sujets variés!
With Maria RossWednesdays5:15-6:15pm10 weeks$150
Advanced III+: Everyday Situational French ~ In personSept. 12
Looking for a communication class focused on using and improving your French in daily life? This hands-on class is the perfect fit! Focusing on real-life situations, you will have the opportunity to practice using French for everyday situations and conversations.
With Maria RossFridays10:00-11:30am10 weeks$225
Advanced III+ Un peu de tout (11am) ~ On Zoom Sept. 16
Un peu de tout! – révision de grammaire, compréhension orale, lectures courtes et beaucoup de discussion.
With Carolyn SimmonsTuesdays11:00am-12:30pm10 weeks$225
Advanced III+ Un peu de tout (1pm) ~ On Zoom Sept. 16
Un peu de tout! Révision de grammaire, compréhension orale, lectures courtes et beaucoup de discussion.
With Carolyn SimmonsTuesdays1:00-2:30pm10 weeks$225

Advanced Seminars

Vous parlez bien mais vous désirez affiner votre niveau, enrichir votre vocabulaire et approfondir vos connaissances.
NEW! Advanced III+/IV: TEF Canada ~ On ZoomSept. 15
Vous souhaitez immigrer, étudier ou travailler au Canada? Ou tout simplement connaitre et améliorer votre niveau de francais ? Ce cours vous préparera à passer les sections de compréhension écrite et de compréhension orale du TEF Canada. (Pas de classe le 13 oct.)
With Patricia DardantMondays10:00-11:30am8 weeks$180
Advanced III+/IV: Dictées! On ZoomSept 15, 29; Oct 20; Nov 3, 17
Testez votre compréhension orale et expression écrite avec 2-3 dictées suivies de correction et discussion des difficultés.
With Patricia DardantMondays2:00 - 3:00pm5 weeks$75
Advanced III+/IV Atelier d'Orthographe ~ On ZoomSept 22; Oct 6, 27; Nov. 10
Atelier amusant et plein d'astuces pour améliorer votre orthographe.
With Patricia DardantMondays2:00-3:00pm4 weeks$60
Advanced III+/IV: Cosmopolite B2 ~ On ZoomSept. 18-Nov. 20
Immergez-vous dans le français de la vie quotidienne tout en améliorant votre compréhension et expression orale et écrite.  Dossier 6 : évolution de la société, conditionnel passé et accord du participe passé.  Dossier 7: les cultures professionnelles et l'avenir du travail; ordre des pronoms.  Manuel: Cosmopolite 4 B2, 2019 $33 (disponible à l’AF Abq).  (Pas de classe le 9 oct.)
With Patricia DardantThursdays10:00am-12:00pm9 weeks$270
Advanced III+/IV: Conversation avancée avec Maria ~ On ZoomSept. 8
Venez parler de thèmes divers tels le voyage, le travail, la culture, les pays francophones et biens d'autres encore ! De plus, vous êtes libres de venir avec des idées de sujets dont vous aimeriez parler.
With Maria RossMondays2:30-4:00pm10 weeks$225
Advanced III+/IV: Cercle de lecture 14h ~ On ZoomSept. 17
Lisez et discutez de Police People par Sophie Hénaff. Disponible sur Amazon & Kindle. (Pas de classe le 10 oct.)
With Patricia DardantWednesdays2:00-3:00pm4 weeks$60
Advanced III+/IV: Cercle de lecture 15h30 ~ On Zoom - Sept. 17
Lisez et discutez de Police People par Sophie Hénaff. Disponible sur Amazon & Kindle. (Pas de classe le 10 oct.)
With Patricia DardantWednesdays3:30-4:30pm4 weeks$60
Advanced IV: Cosmopolite 5 (C1) ~ On ZoomSept. 19-Nov. 21
Pour nos étudiants les plus avancés, venez perfectionner votre grammaire tout en parlant comme un moulin à paroles avec Cosmopolite 5(Hachette 2020).  Dossier 8: d'innombrables langues françaises; grammaire: phrases avec si.  Dossier 9: l'ère numérique, l'expression du but.  (Manuel à l'AF Abq $33, ou sur Amazon, Foreign Books Illinois).  (Pas de classe le 10 oct.)
With Patricia DardantFridays9:45-11:15am9 weeks$202.50
Adv IV Conversation C1: Potpourri matinal (septembre)~ On ZoomSept. 16, 23, 30, Oct. 14
Pour nos étudiants les plus avancés, venez parler d'un potpourri de sujets intéressants.
With Patricia DardantTuesdays10:00-11:00am4 weeks$60
Adv IV Conversation C1: Potpourri matinal (oct./nov)~ On ZoomOct. 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18
Pour nos étudiants les plus avancés, venez parler d'un potpourri de sujets intéressants.
With Patricia DardantTuesdays10:00-11:00am5 weeks$75

Click here to print a PDF of the 2025 Fall Class Schedule

Click here to print a PDF of Alliance School general information