WHO WE ARE
OUR PROMISE
Our team of passionate and dedicated language coaches will provide you the support you need to achieve your language learning goals - whatever those may be.
CSL was
founded in
2011
OUR MISSION
To create a more aware, educated and inclusive community through the teaching of language and culture
Everything we do at CSL is about bringing people together.
THE CSL DIFFERENCE
CSL has a unique approach
to language learning.
Language learning is a journey that lasts a lifetime. Everyone's journey looks different based on who they are and their season of life.
Explore Samantha, Tim and Daniella's journeys here!

CSL meets you wherever you are on your journey.
We get to know you, and we keep your learning needs front and center.
In group classes, CSL teachers always ask for student suggestions and ideas for the structure and direction of the class. Customized lessons are also available for students who need an even more tailored learning experience.
Communication is what matters most – not just knowing about a language and its grammar.
At CSL, we focus on step-by-step proficiency growth in a relaxed, fun, engaging and relevant atmosphere.
We base our approach in Comprehensible Input (CI), a proven method for effectively learning languages, and then customize to suit our students' learning preferences.

What is Comprehensible Input (CI)?

Our goal is to see you grow in confidence with each step you take on your journey.
We celebrate your wins and new discoveries. We don't compare you to other learners, and we don't use standards that don't align with your journey and goals.
We'll always encourage you to activate your language skills outside of class in meaningful ways.
CSL teachers provide relevant and helpful homework opportunities that are optional and informed by student needs and requests.
Even if you aren't able to devote as much time to out-of-class learning as others, you are always welcome in class.


CSL is located in St. Elmo (view map). While many of our in-person classes are held in this space, others take place at various locations across the greater Chattanooga area in the spaces of some of our program partners.
Virtual classes are conducted via Zoom, providing learners from across our region (and the world!) convenient access to high-quality language instruction that is tailored to an online setting.
OUR LEVELS
Our
Proficiency
Levels
for group classes
are based upon the
Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
and the
ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines
At CSL, students remain in each level beyond True Beginner for 2-4 terms before they are prepared to move to the next level.
Group class content is different each term and adapted to each particular group of students' needs. Some content (e.g. vocabulary, grammar, etc.) will be similar from term-to-term within a level, but is taught in varied ways with different kinds of activities to help you master the material.
Whether or not you are ready to move up to the next level depends on what you are able to do in the language. For example, click here to view what tasks these English speakers are able to handle at various levels of proficiency.
Completing one or two terms of a level does not guarantee that you will be ready for the next level.
The amount of time you spend practicing and getting more input outside of class makes a big difference in how quickly you will be ready to move to the next level.

True Beginner
Novice Low (<A1)
At this proficiency level, you have very little or no previous experience with the language. You can use some words to communicate.
CSL students are usually in this level for
20 hours of class time (1 term)
According to ACTFL, approximately 20-30 hours of time in the language (in and out of class combined) are necessary to reach this proficiency level.

Beginner 2
Novice Mid (A1) - Novice High (A2)
At this proficiency level, you can use words, phrases and some single sentences to communicate. You have a basic command of the language, are familiar with everyday expressions, and are able to make very simple sentences.
CSL students are usually in this level for
40-60 hours of class time (2-3 terms)
According to ACTFL, approximately 120-180 hours of time in the language (in and out of class combined) are necessary to reach this proficiency level.

Intermediate 1
Intermediate Low - Intermediate Mid (B1)
At this proficiency level, you can describe experiences, events, dreams and expectations and give your own opinion. You often use sentences when required, using strings of sentences and connectors.
CSL students are usually in this level for
40-60 hours of class time (2-3 terms)
According to ACTFL, approximately 240 hours of time in the language (in and out of class combined) are necessary to reach this proficiency level.

Intermediate 2
Intermediate High - Advanced Low (B2)
At this proficiency level, you can understand the main ideas of complex text and can produce clear detailed text. You can spontaneously enter into a conversation and express yourself fluently. You can use the language flexibly and efficiently for social, academic and professional purposes.
CSL students are usually in this level for
40-80 hours of class time (2-4 terms)
According to ACTFL, approximately 480 hours of time in the language (in and out of class combined) are necessary to reach this proficiency level.

Advanced
Advanced Mid (C1) - Advanced High (C2)
At this proficiency level, you can express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.
Once a CSL student reaches this level, s/he can remain in this level as long as desired and/or explore additional, more challenging opportunities through customized lessons.
According to ACTFL, approximately 720 (C1) - 1200+ (C2) hours of time in the language (in and out of class combined) are necessary to reach this proficiency level.
OUR TEAM
Passionate. Dedicated. Encouraging. Trusted.
TESTIMONIALS

Debbie Ingle
Mother of a CSL Spanish homeschool student
"At Chattanooga School of Language, my daughter has done more than just checked off a box on our list of classes for her to take. She is actually acquiring a new language. I fully expect her to reach fluency. CSL is not drill and kill book work. The teacher and students speak to each other in the target language....just like parents teaching language to children at home. It really works!"

James McKissic
Former Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs,
City of Chattanooga
"City government has worked with Chattanooga School of Language (CSL) to offer Spanish classes to our employees, police officers, and firefighters. This partnership has improved our front line interactions with the public. CSL is an amazing partner and one of the businesses we rely on to make sure that Chattanooga is a welcoming city."

Vincent Phipps
Certified Speaking Professional & Owner of VincentPhipps.com
"Working with CSL has been fantastic! As the owner of a communication company, I want to be a good communicator in another language. CSL was patient with my learning style and resourceful when I was faced with language difficulties. Although I have a long way to go, CSL is giving me a solid language platform."

MOCA Logistics & Industrial Solutions LLC
Giancarlo Motta
Managing Partner / COO
“Since MOCA team members started our customized English language training with CSL, the communication with our customers has been smoother and more effective.
When CSL talks about customized, they mean it. They have gone above and beyond to accommodate our schedule and programs to fit our needs, making this learning plan a true success. For our company, we consider this an investment instead of an expense.”