Program level: Pre-Avanzato

November 07 - March 20

Italian News @IIS

Engaging classes to explore current events in Italian.
Two level options: Beginners/Elementare or Intermedio/Avanzato

Additional information

A dynamic course to understand Italian news.

Each session focuses on a different topic—ranging from international headlines and crime stories to celebrity gossip, cultural trends, and the quirks of Italian daily life. Together, we’ll read real articles from Italian newspapers and magazines, practice vocabulary in context, and engage in lively discussions that bring the language to life.

But these classes aren’t just about reading the news—they’re about learning to think, speak, and express yourself like Italians do. You’ll build a deeper understanding of idioms, authentic expressions, and cultural references that don’t appear in textbooks. You’ll also gain confidence in your ability to follow conversations, share your opinion, and ask questions in Italian.

To make sure everyone feels comfortable and challenged at the right level, this series is offered in two tracks:

  • Beginners/Elementare – perfect for those just starting to follow Italian texts and conversations, with guided explanations and vocabulary support.

  • Intermedio/Avanzato – designed for students who want to sharpen their fluency, debate real-world issues, and expand their cultural awareness through more complex materials.

Whether you’re curious about Italian politics, fascinated by cultural trends, or just want to pick up new vocabulary while chatting about the latest gossip, this course turns learning into an exciting weekly habit.

 

  • Friday 2:30pm – 3:30 pm PT

 

You may choose to enroll in the full 5-lesson program per level or register for individual sessions.

If you select the full package, you can enjoy a discounted rate of $150 (+$10 registration fee) by sending an email request to italianschool@sfiis.org.

Alternatively, you’re welcome to enroll in single classes from the list provided below.

 

For additional information, please contact us via email at:
Italian News @IIS - Beginners/Elementare
PICK A DATE AND REGISTER
AVAILABLE CLASSES
Dates
Day/time
Teacher
November 7
F 2:30pm - 3:30 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
REGISTER
November 21
F 2:30pm - 3:30 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
REGISTER
December 12
F 2:30pm - 3:30 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
REGISTER
January 16
F 2:30pm - 3:30 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
REGISTER
January 30
F 2:30pm - 3:30 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
REGISTER
February 13
F 2:30pm - 3:30 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
REGISTER
February 27
F 2:30pm - 3:30 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
REGISTER
March 13
F 2:30pm - 3:30 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
REGISTER
Italian News @IIS - Intermedio/Avanzato
PICK A DATE AND REGISTER
AVAILABLE CLASSES
Dates
Day/time
Teacher
November 14
F 2:30pm - 3:30 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
REGISTER
December 5
F 2:30pm - 3:30 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
REGISTER
December 19
F 2:30pm - 3:30 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
REGISTER
January 23
F 2:30pm - 3:30 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
REGISTER
February 6
F 2:30pm - 3:30 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
REGISTER
February 20
F 2:30pm - 3:30 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
REGISTER
March 6
F 2:30pm - 3:30 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
REGISTER
March 20
F 2:30pm - 3:30 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
REGISTER
PRICE
$35/pers
+ 10$ nonrefundable registration fee
DURATION

Friday 2:30pm – 3:30 pm PT

ONLINE Via Zoom

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
November 13 - March 23

Parliamo Italiano – ONLINE

A group of students drinking and chatting
Short conversation courses divided by levels.

Additional information

Short 5 weeks courses aimed at improving our students’ conversational skills on everyday topics.

Classes are 90 minutes long and are divided by level.

 

Levels currently available:

  • BEGINNERS – Monday or Thursday ONLINE
  • ELEMENTARE – Saturday ONLINE
For additional information, please contact us via email at:
Parliamo Italiano Beginners
PICK A DATE AND REGISTER

To join this group, students must have completed our regular Beginners 3 course or demonstrate an equivalent level.

AVAILABLE CLASSES
Dates
Day/time
Teacher
Nov 13 to Dec 18 (5 WKS)
TH 11:30am -1:00 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
REGISTER
Jan 12 to Feb 9 (5 WKS)
M 6:00 - 7:30 pm PT
Teacher: Griseldo (ONLINE)
REGISTER
Jan 15 to Feb 12 (5 WKS)
TH 11:30am -1:00 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
REGISTER
Feb 19 to March 19 (5 WKS)
TH 11:30am -1:00 pm PT
Teacher: Francesca (ONLINE)
REGISTER
Feb 23 to March 23 (5 WKS)
M 6:00 - 7:30 pm PT
Teacher: Griseldo (ONLINE)
REGISTER
Parliamo Italiano Elementare
PICK A DATE AND REGISTER

To join this group, students must have completed our regular Elementare 3 course or demonstrate an equivalent level.

AVAILABLE CLASSES
Dates
Day/time
Teacher
Nov 15 to Dec 20 (5 WKS)
SA 10:00 - 11:30 am PT
Teacher: Griseldo (ONLINE)
REGISTER
Jan 17 to Feb 14 (5 WKS)
SA 10:00 - 11:30 am PT
Teacher: Mattia (ONLINE)
REGISTER
Feb 21 to March 21 (5 WKS)
SA 10:00 - 11:30 am PT
Teacher: Mattia (ONLINE)
REGISTER
PRICE
$180/pers
+ 10$ nonrefundable registration fee
DURATION

Options of classes:

  • BEGINNERS – Monday or Thursday ONLINE
  • ELEMENTARE – Saturday ONLINE

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
January 16 - March 20

A spasso per l’Italia

The teacher is showing a map of Italy
2 and a half hours of conversation and discovery of an Italian Region and its features.

Additional information

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

In the Winter Term, you will explore the Veneto region through the novel “Di morte e d’amore” by Stefania Crepaldi, a compelling story that blends mystery, passion, and local color. Set against the evocative landscapes of the Venetian countryside, the book invites readers to uncover hidden truths and deep emotions intertwined with regional traditions and culture.

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!

 

  • Friday 10:30 am – 1:00 pm PT

 

 

Textbook: “Nuovo Espresso 6”

Nuovo espresso. Libro dello studente e esercizi. Corso di italiano C2. – Libreria Pino

 

Reading book: “Di morte e d’amore”, Stefania Crepaldi

Libreria Pino

For additional information, please contact us via email at:
REGISTER
REGISTER
PRICE
$490/pers
+ 10$ nonrefundable registration fee
DURATION

10 Weeks

HOURS
Friday 10:30 am - 1:00 pm PT
WHERE
Via Zoom

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
January 30

Grammar workshop

a scrabble of scrabble letters spelling out the word's word.
The workshop is held by our teacher Francesca Lorenzon and is intended to teach what a pronoun is and its different types and uses in the Italian language.

Additional information

What is a pronoun and specifically what does it mean object pronoun? What’s the difference between direct and indirect object? And between tonic and atonic form? When do I use them and in which position?

Let’s Get It Right! ON MONDAY, JANUARY 30TH FROM 6 PM TO 7.30 PM, via Zoom with our teacher Francesca, we will learn how to use Pronouns correctly.

All levels are welcome.

For additional information, please contact us via email at:
REGISTER
REGISTER
PRICE
$45/pers
+ 10$ nonrefundable registration fee
DURATION

1 single class

HOURS
6:00 - 7:30 pm
WHERE
Via Zoom

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
January 19 - February 16

Writing workshop

a person writing on a piece of paper with a pen.
The workshop is held by our teacher Valentina Medda and is intended to learn how to write Italian expressions in daily situations.

Additional information

With our teacher Valentina, students will practice writing in Italian, in a variety of situations and communicative registers. From reserving a table at a restaurant to congratulating a colleague on a job success, from the letter accompanying a CV to a complaint about a malfunction. We will have the opportunity to use written words to describe, promote, sell, and conquer good writing ability, putting ourselves to the test in a relaxed and stimulating environment!

For additional information, please contact us via email at:
REGISTER
REGISTER
PRICE
$125/pers
+ 10$ nonrefundable registration fee
DURATION

A package of 3 lessons: January 19th, February 2nd and February 16th

HOURS
6:00 - 8:00 pm
WHERE
Via Zoom

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
You can speak Italian with some confidence. You can understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics. You can have a conversation with native speakers with ease, fluency and spontaneity.

Program Structure

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

COMMUNICATIVE CONTENT

  • Telling an event
  • Talking about habits related to school memories
  • Description of a teacher, a classmate, a course, a school
  • Expressing agreement/disagreement
  • Expressing regret
  • Showing amazement and disbelief
  • Admitting something
  • Criticizing an opinion or a statement

 

  • Talking about food
  • Talking about taste
  • Expressing a preference
  • Description of a dish
  • Describing a procedure in detail

 

  • Reporting information
  • Expressing percentages/statistics and commenting on them
  • Framing a fact in a past century
  • Reporting an event or a historical fact
  • Expressing and discussing your point of view in informal contexts

GRAMMAR

  • Use of the auxiliary verbs ESSERE or AVERE in the Passato Prossimo
  • Verbs with double auxiliary in the Passato Prossimo
  • Cavarsela and Entrarci
  • Review of past tenses : passato prossimo, imperfetto, passato remoto
  • Relative pronouns Chi, Ciò che

 

  • Indefinite words
  • Future perfect (Futuro anteriore)
  • Subjunctive with indefinites
  • Dislocation to the left (?) Dislocazione a sinistra
  • Passive voice

 

  • Verbs + prepositions
  • Time indicators Allora, Un giorno
  • Indirect speech introduced by di
  • Use of conditional to express uncertain information
  • Non perchè + subjunctive
  • Indirect interrogative sentences
AVAILABLE CLASSES
Dates
Day/time
Teacher
Price
Jan 15 to March 19 (10 WKS)
TH 6:00 - 8:00 pm PT
Teacher: Jimmy (ONLINE)
$390/term
REGISTER
TEXTBOOK
Book (mandatory)
Nuovo Espresso 4 Chapters 1-2-3
GET THE BOOK
Pre-Avanzato 2
PICK A DATE AND REGISTER

COMMUNICATIVE CONTENT

  • Talking about work
  • Making a request and respond formally
  • Talking clearly and politely in a formal situation
  • Communicating a desire or an intention
  • Exchanging complex information and advice about work

 

  • Expression of emotions in formal and informal situations
  • Talking about oneself
  • Description of people
  • Complaining
  • Interviewing someone

 

  • Film genres
  • Expressing taste and preferences
  • Telling the plot of a movie
  • Review a movie
  • Expressing criticism

GRAMMAR

  • Use of subjunctive with relative sentences
  • Use of subjunctive with relative superlative
  • Difference between Finalmente and Alla fine
  • Gerund with causal and hypothetical function
  • Tense correlation: conditional with subjunctive
  • Professions (feminine and masculine)

 

  • Adjectives formed from nouns
  • Use of the postponed possessive adjectives
  • Uscirsene
  • Use of possessive Proprio
  • The formation of the opposite of nouns and adjectives
  • Different ways to express SE in the hypothetical sentence
  • Hypotheticals (irrealtà)
  • Come se – Senza che + subjunctive

 

  • Position of adjectives
  • Subjuncive with the negative main clause
  • Subjuntive with Purché
  • Fare + infinitive
AVAILABLE CLASSES
Dates
Day/time
Teacher
Price
Jan 13 to March 17 (10 WKS)
T 11:00 am - 1:00 pm PT
Teacher: Alessia (ONLINE)
$390/term
REGISTER
Jan 14 to March 18 (10 WKS)
W 6:30 - 8:30 pm PT
Teacher: Antonella (ONLINE)
$390/term
REGISTER
TEXTBOOK
Book (mandatory)
Nuovo Espresso 4 Chapters 4-5-6
GET THE BOOK
Reading book
"Teresa Papavero e la maledizione di Strangolagalli", Chiara Moscardelli - second half
Alessia - T 11:00 am - 1:00 pm PT
GET THE BOOK
“Un’altra vita”, Ivana Fratter
Antonella - W 6:30 - 8:30 pm PT
GET THE BOOK
Pre-Avanzato 3
PICK A DATE AND REGISTER

COMMUNICATIVE CONTENT

  • Visiting a museum
  • Starting and ending a presentation
  • Telling by specifying details
  • Focusing on a specific part of the speech
  • Description of an image
  • Expressing agreement/disagreement

 

  • Sustainable Italy
  • Expressing an opinion and an evaluation
  • Taking about environmental problems
  • Making proposals
  • Expressing wishes

 

  • Curiosities about Italy
  • Expressing doubts
  • Explaining something
  • Congratulate
  • Asking and giving advice

GRAMMAR

  • Prepositions In and A
  • Subjunctive tenses correlation
  • Infinitive used as a noun
  • Relative pronouns
  • Relative pronoun Il cui
  • Relative pronoun Il che

 

  • Position of pronouns with gerund, past participle, infinitive and imperative
  • More about the position of the adjective
  • Future (Different uses)
  • Position of the adverbs

 

  • Definite articles with geographic nouns
  • Gerund present and past
  • Some expressions with pronominal verbs : A dirla tutta, Sbrigarsela da soli, Arrampicarsi sugli specchi
  • Homonyms
  • Words with two plurals
AVAILABLE CLASSES
Dates
Day/time
Teacher
Price
Jan 15 to March 19 (10 WKS)
TH 6:30 - 8:30 pm PT
Teacher: Barbara (ONLINE)
$390/term
REGISTER
TEXTBOOK
Book (mandatory)
Nuovo Espresso 4 Chapters 7-8-9
GET THE BOOK
Reading book
“Nel mare ci sono i coccodrilli”, Fabio Geda 
Barbara - TH 6:30 - 8:30 pm PT
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Pre-Avanzato 4
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COMMUNICATIVE CONTENT

  • Conducting an interview
  • Contradicting a common opinion
  • Discussing a topic

 

  • General Review

GRAMMAR

  • Subjuntive with comparative sentences
  • Subjunctive with : In modo che, Far sì che
  • Plural of compound words
  • Use of Mica
  • Some idiomatic expressions : Prendersela, Darci giù…
  • Comparative of equality Tanto quanto
AVAILABLE CLASSES
Dates
Day/time
Teacher
Price
Jan 13 to March 17 (10 WKS)
T 6:00 - 8:00 pm PT
Teacher: Elena (ONLINE)
$390/term
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TEXTBOOK
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Book (mandatory)
Nuovo Espresso 4 Chapter 10 + General review
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Reading book
"Il treno dei bambini", Viola Ardone
Elena - T 6:00 - 8:00 pm PT
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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
from 5 to 10 weeks groups, different duration
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
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EXPERIENCES