You can use Italian effectively, taking part in extended conversations, writing and understanding most texts. You can easily watch the Italian TV or an Italian movie and you can express opinion fluently and spontaneously without searching for expressions.

Program Structure

Register to a avanzato sub-levels:
Avanzato 1
PICK A DATE AND REGISTER

You will work on chapters 1, 2 and 3 of Nuovo Espresso 5 and will read an Italian novel chosen by your teacher, discussing its content and improving your reading skills. 

AVAILABLE CLASSES
Unfortunately we don't have available classes for this program. If you need more information, please contact us.
CONTACT US
TEXTBOOK
Book (mandatory)
Nuovo Espresso 5 - Chapters 1-2-3
Avanzato 2
PICK A DATE AND REGISTER

You will work on chapters 4, 5 and 6 of Nuovo Espresso 5 and will read an Italian novel chosen by your teacher, discussing its content and improving your reading skills. 

AVAILABLE CLASSES
Unfortunately we don't have available classes for this program. If you need more information, please contact us.
CONTACT US
TEXTBOOK
Book (mandatory)
Nuovo Espresso 5 - Chapters 4-5-6
Avanzato 3
PICK A DATE AND REGISTER

You will work on chapters 7, 8 and 9 of Nuovo Espresso 5 and will read an Italian novel chosen by your teacher, discussing its content and improving your reading skills. 

AVAILABLE CLASSES
Dates
Day/time
Teacher
Price
July 30 to October 1 (10 WKS)
TH 6:30 - 8:30 pm PT
Teacher: Gianna (ONLINE)
$390/term
TEXTBOOK
Book (mandatory)
Nuovo Espresso 5 - Chapters 7-8-9
Avanzato 4
PICK A DATE AND REGISTER

You will work on chapter 10 of Nuovo Espresso 5 and will review the entire book as a strengthening exercise. You will also read an Italian novel chosen by your teacher, discussing its content and improving your reading skills. 

AVAILABLE CLASSES
Dates
Day/time
Teacher
Price
August 1 to October 3 (10 WKS)
SA 9:00 - 11:00 am PT
Teacher: Luigi (ONLINE)
$390/term
TEXTBOOK
Book (mandatory)
Nuovo Espresso 5 Chapter 10 + General review
Reading book
"Morte di un confidente", Massimo Carlotto
Luigi - SA 9:00 - 11:00 am PT
Italiano Avanzato: Espressioni e Strutture
PICK A DATE AND REGISTER

This in-person class is for learners who have accomplished an intermediate level and wish to continue exploring newer aspects of the Italian grammar, strengthening their oral and phonetic skills, and going deeper into the current language and culture of Italy.

AVAILABLE CLASSES
Dates
Day/time
Teacher
Price
July 27 to October 5 *no class on 9/7 (10 WKS)
M 6:30 - 8:30 pm PT
Teacher: Mattia (IN PERSON)
$400/term
TEXTBOOK
Book 1 (mandatory)
Nuovo Magari C1
Ripasso Avanzato
PICK A DATE AND REGISTER

You will review your overall Avanzato knowledge, in order to prepare for the upcoming Perfezionamento level.

AVAILABLE CLASSES
Dates
Day/time
Teacher
Price
July 29 to Sept 30 (10 WKS)
W 6:30 - 8:30 pm PT
Teacher: Mattia (ONLINE)
$390/term
TEXTBOOK
Book 1 (mandatory)
Nuovo Espresso 5
Reading book
"I promessi sposi" C1, Alessandro Manzoni
Mattia - W 6:30 - 8:30 pm PT
Caffè Corretto
PICK A DATE AND REGISTER

Caffè Corretto is a special class we’ve created with Mattia, designed to make learning Italian as effortless and enjoyable as sipping a good cup of coffee.

In this class, Mattia will guide students in reading, speaking, and engaging in meaningful discussions about a renowned Italian book, helping them enhance their language skills naturally and effectively.

Join us for an immersive Italian learning experience, where literature and conversation blend seamlessly—just like a perfectly made caffè corretto.

In the Summer Term students will read “Sud” by Mario Fortunato, a richly layered novel that explores memory, identity, and the deep connection between people and place. Through the story of Valentino, who leaves his native Calabria and later reflects on his past, the book unfolds as a journey between past and present, personal experience and collective history.

Set against the backdrop of twentieth-century Italy, “Sud” weaves together family stories, historical events, and emotional introspection, offering a nuanced portrait of Italian society beyond stereotypes. Accessible yet intellectually engaging, the novel provides an excellent opportunity for students to work with authentic Italian while engaging in meaningful discussions about culture, belonging, and the complexity of Italian identity.

 

AVAILABLE CLASSES
Dates
Day/time
Teacher
Price
July 27 to October 5 (10 WKS)
M 11:00 am – 1:00 pm PT
Teacher: Mattia (IN PERSON)
$410/term
TEXTBOOK
Reading book
"Sud", Mario Fortunato
Leggiamo Insieme
PICK A DATE AND REGISTER

Join us for an exclusive 3-week advanced reading group starting May 21st, where we will discover the novel “Conversazione in Sicilia” by Elio Vittorini. 

Through the journey of Silvestro—who returns to his native Sicily in search of meaning after a personal crisis—we will explore a powerful and poetic reflection on human suffering, memory, and the “offended world,” a metaphor for those marginalized and unheard. Vittorini’s evocative language transforms Sicily into a universal space of introspection and discovery.

Guided by our experienced instructor, Martina, you’ll engage in in-depth discussions that go beyond the text, exploring exploring its central themes of identity, memory, social injustice, and belonging, while also reflecting on the historical and cultural context of the novel and its enduring relevance today.

This group is perfect for advanced learners eager to challenge their Italian through rich literary analysis and meaningful conversation, while exploring themes of power, morality, family ties, and the societal undercurrents of contemporary Italy.

Level: Avanzato and up.

AVAILABLE CLASSES
Dates
Day/time
Teacher
Price
May 28 to June 11 (3 WKS)
TH 11:00 am - 12:00 pm PT
Teacher: Martina (ONLINE)
$80/term
TEXTBOOK
Reading book
"Conversazione in Sicilia", Elio Vittorini
Classics Book Club
PICK A DATE AND REGISTER

A series of 10 classes, 2 hours each, dedicated to studying, reading, and discussing one of the most significant works of Italian literature.

In the Summer Term, the group will focus on the book “”Rinascimento privato” by Maria Bellonci, the acclaimed novel that gives voice to Isabella d’Este, one of the most influential women of the Italian Renaissance. Set in 1533, the story unfolds as Isabella, nearly sixty years old, reflects on her life — from her childhood in Ferrara to her years as Marchioness of Mantua, where she navigated politics, power, art, and personal ambition during one of the most brilliant periods of Italian history. Surrounded by painters, poets, popes, emperors, and military leaders, Isabella emerges as a fascinating and deeply human protagonist.

Blending historical accuracy with psychological depth and elegant prose, Bellonci creates far more than a historical biography. Rinascimento privato is a rich reflection on identity, memory, power, and the passage of time, offering readers an intimate and compelling portrait of Renaissance Italy through a uniquely feminine perspective.

Under Mattia’s guidance, you will explore the novel’s psychological depth, linguistic nuance, and philosophical complexity. Each class will combine close textual analysis with engaging discussion, helping you reflect on themes of identity, perception, reality, and self-awareness, while expanding advanced vocabulary and deepening your understanding of modern Italian culture and thought.

AVAILABLE CLASSES
Dates
Day/time
Teacher
Price
July 31 to October 2 (10 WKS)
F 11:00 am - 1:00 pm PT
Teacher: Mattia (ONLINE)
$490/term
TEXTBOOK
Reading book
"Rinascimento privato", Maria Bellonci
A spasso per l'Italia
PICK A DATE AND REGISTER

Gianna will guide you on a journey of discovery through Italy, with each Term focusing on a distinct region.

Through the pages of this carefully selected book, along with short videos and class discussions, you’ll explore Italy’s regional culture, traditions, and contemporary issues, all while improving your Italian language skills. The course encourages conversation and analysis, offering a dynamic and immersive learning experience.

In addition to reading and discussion, you’ll also review key grammar topics, using the book and videos as a springboard for natural, engaging conversation.

Join us for this unique exploration of Italy—one region, one story at a time!

AVAILABLE CLASSES
Dates
Day/time
Teacher
Price
July 31 to October 2 (10 WKS)
F 10:30 am - 1:00 pm PT
Teacher: Gianna (ONLINE)
$490/term
TEXTBOOK
Book 1 (mandatory)
Nuovo Espresso 6
Italian Diction
PICK A DATE AND REGISTER

Master Italian diction and say with confidence any parola you like! Speak with confidence, charm, and the authentic cadence of Italy.

Each 1-hour lesson focuses on a different aspect of Italian pronunciation, helping you accurately recognize and reproduce sounds. You’ll read with greater fluency and speak with increased clarity.

Your instructor, Francesca, brings extensive experience and a passion for teaching Italian pronunciation, ensuring you receive expert guidance every step of the way.

This group welcomes students of all levels, from BEGINNERS to PERFEZIONAMENTO.

Classes content:

  • The Italian alphabet
  • Vowels and diphthongs
  • Italian consonants: Similarity and differences 
      • R
      • T & D
      • S & Z
  • Italian hard sounds:
      • Double consonants
      • Letter H
      • C & G
      • SCI & SCE
      • GN
      • GLI
  • Stress and intonation
  • Apostrophes and linking sounds 
  • Recap, tongue twisters and confidence boosts!
AVAILABLE CLASSES
Dates
Day/time
Teacher
Price
July 31 to October 2 (10 WKS)
Friday 12:00 - 1:00 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
$250/term
TEXTBOOK
PRICE
Prices are listed next to each group.

A 10$ nonrefundable registration fee will be automatically added at checkout.

Books are not included in the enrollment price.


DISCOUNTS

ENROLL IN 2 GROUPS: if you enroll in 2 groups in the same Term, you will get a 15% discount on the second group's enrollment (the less expensive)
This discount will be applied automatically upon enrollment.


Additionally, send an email to italianschool@sfiis.org to get the following discounts:

BRING A FRIEND: If you enroll with a friend (new to IIS), you both get a 10% discount

PRIVATE CLASSES: if you are enrolled in a group, you can purchase private classes with a 10% discount

BULK REGISTRATION: if you enroll in 2 or more Terms at the same time, you will not pay the $10 registration fee and will get an additional 10% discount
DURATION
Group Classes
10 weeks groups, classes meet once a week
Term 1
January 12th to March 22nd, 2026
Term 2
April 6th to June 14th, 2026
Term 3
July 27th to October 4th, 2026
Term 4
October 19th, 2026, to January 15th, 2027

Let our students speak for us!

Truly a gem of a school
Erin Yu
"SFIIS runs a fantastic org and program - truly a gem of a school. The staff are warm and wonderfully efficient. I've done both in-person and online classes, and plan to continue for as long as I can. They cover all levels of Italian proficiency, with an engaging mix of private lessons, themed classes (e.g. Italian for Travelers), and regular Term classes. If you can, I highly recommend going in person for at least some lessons - they have a wonderful office in sunny North Beach."
Cannot recommend this online foreign language program for toddlers enough!
Andrea DiSandro
"First and foremost, let me sing praises for the incredible teacher, Francesca. She possesses a remarkable talent for not only teaching but captivating young minds. Her ability to blend learning and play seamlessly is nothing short of amazing. [...] What's truly heartwarming is witnessing my daughter's enthusiasm for her weekly class. [...] As a family that values multilingualism, I can confidently say that this virtual program stands head and shoulders above the rest. [...] I am beyond impressed and immensely grateful for the positive impact this program has had on our family. If you're seeking a top-tier virtual language learning experience for your little one, look no further. This program is truly amazing, and I wholeheartedly endorse it to any parent seeking to enrich their child's linguistic abilities.
Beginners 1 experience
Jeffrey Jordan
"I just completed my first course with Istituto Italiano Scuola and was quite impressed. It was both rigorous and fun in balance, inspiring me to learn and take my Italian further than ever before. I'll be back for the next level course."
IL MIO POSTO FELICE!!!!
Leslie Hughes
“What I like most about participating in a literature class with the Istituto is having classmates with whom to discuss our books. I like hearing their opinions and responding to them. Reading is a great pleasure of mine, but sharing a book makes reading an adventure. With a teacher guiding us we improve our language skills and become more self-confident expressing ourselves. I’m grateful for the opportunity!”
The best way to maintain and improve my language skills
Dennis Abbe
“I have been taking classes at the SFIIS for years because, short of a long stay in Italy, it is the best way to maintain and improve my language skills. But more than that, I enjoy being with the other students and my instructor(s), many of whom are now good friends. In my class we read classic and contemporary Italian literature, and our instructor keeps us up to date on Italian culture and even politics. The experience on Zoom is almost as good as the in-person classes; Barbara is amazing in her use of the tools to run a lively, efficient, and fun class.”
I've made life-long friends through SFIIS classes
Dede Heitman
“The SFIIS school offers the best, well rounded Italian languages classes in the Bay Area. With native speakers as teachers, the classes provide a comprehensive, natural and fun way of learning. Everyone feels welcome, no matter the level. The teachers are encouraging, entertaining and enthusiastic about their language and culture. As a bonus, I've made life-long friends through SFIIS classes. Please join our Italian language learning community!”
An authentic learning experience
SPEAK
ITALIAN
AND
LIVE
NEW
EXPERIENCES