A school to meet everyone’s needs
“Whether you are seeking an elementary or an advanced course (and everything in between) you will find extremely competent and energetic teachers at IIS. I started several years ago ‘from zero’ learning at IIS and now my friends in Italy can’t believe that I learned their language in SF! Why? Classes are small and teachers are fantastic. In addition to the courses, you will find a range of educational and enriching activities, be their specialized workshops or a variety of expositions, lectures and cultural events, and a library at their cousin organization upstairs, the IIC. I’ve tried more than one Italian school in SF and I’m sticking with IIC!”
- Paula Krugmeier
La migliore scuola a San Francisco
“I’ve taken classes on and off over the years at Italingua, Museo ItaloAmericano, and now IIS, and this is by far the best school. I first discovered IIS upon return from a 2-month stint at a language school in Bologna, and I found IIS to be similar to that school in their consistent professional level of instruction, and choice of textbooks and other materials. I return to IIS because I have made many friends there, including the instructors who, besides being excellent teachers, are wonderful people with a depth of knowledge of Italian culture and literature.”
- Dennis Abbe
Great Experience
“The best way to learn a language with a diverse group of instructors from Italy. They made my subsequent trips to Italy more enjoyable by being able to communicate and by already knowing aspects of the culture which they taught while learning Italian.”
- Jose’ Guerrero
Fun & learning come together at the Istituto
“The classes are structured so that they cover grammar and vocabulary as well as the more “fun” stuff like reading stories. Yet the teachers make it all easy to enjoy. The 3-hour evening classes feature a pot-luck “pausa” where students can share fine Italian foods & wines. It’s a good way to learn “una bella lingua” while having a great time with one’s fellow students. The connection with the Italian Cultural Institute opens up opportunities to get deeper into the culture with films and author talks and musical performances. High-school language class was never like this!”
- Anne Symanovic
The Best
“Simple the best. I’ve not had the experience that my wife has had but both the students and teachers at this school are the best. In particular, Diletta Torlasco, who is also now the director, is exceptional.”
- Tom Noyes
Italian at the Scuola
“Italian at IIS is taught by dedicated, native italian speakers. Courses cover grammar, conversation, reading and writing. Each class is very stimulating and I have never heard a student complain about the courses.”
- Mary Jo Bassing
Italian Language Classes
“Terrific instructors with good sense of humor.”
- Kate Funk
A wonderful school
“The Italian school at the Istituto is the ideal language school. Taught only by native speakers, taught completely in Italian, and taught in a way that adults can totally enjoy and can learn. Every level of instruction is available, from some simple phrases for traveling to advanced literature and reading for the fluent or nearly-fluent. The teachers are great, and so are the students. You may go there to learn Italian, but you are more than likely going to make friends there as well.”
- Bryan Freedman
The best language classes ever
“You are immersed for 3 hours every week with an enthusiastic and nurturing native speaker of Italian. Short of living in Italy, you can’t do better for learning the language.
The loyalty of the students is a testament to the quality of the instruction. There are a few groups of students that have been together for years. I’ve been attending classes at the Scuola without interruption since the spring of 2000.
We love it!! Come join us.”
- David Nadler
Best Italian school in the Bay Area
“Knowledge: Taking classes at the Istituto Italiano Scuola not only brings you the absolute best understanding and practice of the Italian Language, but also guarantees a rich cultural experience, through its vastly diversified student and teacher base. You’ll meet persons of all nationalities, backgrounds, most of them fluent in several other languages, and all sharing the love of Dante’s language, of Fellini’s cinema, of Tuscan cuisine, and of the endless delighful sophistication of Italian life.
Know-how : With highly skilled teachers, spotless organization and frequent activities that foster exchanges and learning in the best seamless and pleasurable fashion, you will enjoy the benefits of the very experienced team at the Scuola, which is the only school of the bay area that is granted official support from the Italian Cultural Institute.
Let-Know : I found this school to be much less commercial than other schools in the bay-area. They keep a very low-key profile and the costs are very reasonable, despite their great focus on outstanding cultural content. Thus my desire to unearth this hidden gem for others to enjoy, based on my personal experience of 10 years with the school, and hopefully to get other students to share their experience as well.”
- Fabienne Rouet
The Best Place to Learn Italian in the Bay Area
“I’ve been a student here for 6 years and I can honestly say that this is the best place in the Bay Area to learn Italian. All the teachers are native Italian speakers, the classes are small and the atmosphere is friendly and not at all intimidating. Italian is a beautiful language and you will have fun learning it!”
- Stan Deutsch
