ITALIAN LANGUAGE COURSES
Learn the Italian language alongside appreciation for history, literature, art and architecture.
All levels, from beginners to advanced/native Italians. Starting Friday Sept. 19th through the beginning of June
1. LANGUAGE COURSES
Learn more about our Italian Language Program (ILP)
The objective of our courses is to develop comprehension and speaking skills. To reach this goal, we organize the kids in small groups, and give the personal attention the child needs, according to age and level. Children will speak, read and write using traditional methods, but also will learn vocabulary and grammar by playing and moving, using the Total Physical Response approach. They will learn Italian culture and traditions by creating artwork, singing songs, watching videos, and other activities appropriate for their age. Children and teens are properly stimulated in order to develop a positive attitude towards the learning of the Italian language. All the instructors are native speakers and trained to teach Italian as a second language, among their high level preparation.
Our program aims to develop written and oral communication and teach the basics of Italian culture. Classes include Grammar, Mythology, History, Art History, Literature and Geography, from the younger ages to 12th grade. Starting with a Pre-school Italian Immersion for children 2-3 yrs old and 4-6 yrs old, our courses cover any level, from beginners to advanced, which include native Italians.
1st-5th grade advanced level classes use Italian school textbooks and are completely in Italian, also covering History and Geography.
Middle school and High school classes both intermediate and advanced level are on Friday and Saturday afternoon. The high school program advanced level offers three different sillabi that cover the key topics in literature, history, and art history studied in the five years of Italian liceo, regrouped in three years rotating annually. By attending at least three years with us, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of Italian culture from Dante’s era to contemporary times. The same structured program applies to middle school advanced level.
At any level, through books, PowerPoint presentations, videos, and games, our multidisciplinary program provides a historical and artistic picture of Italy, including geographical knowledge of Italy and Europe.
Preparation for AP exam is included in the curriculum starting from the younger ages. Learn more about AP Exam…
Italian Students (maximum 20 spots available) can register to take the AP Exams through us, in a private school we collaborate with. Students can attend a 7 hour- preparatory course at our headquarters, very helpful to pass the exam with maximum results.
Courses are annual. One-and-a-half-hour courses (except 2-3 years old, 1 hour) for 30 weeks.
At the Festa di Natale (Christmas party) kids will perform recitals, sing Italian songs and will enjoy kids activities. Learn more…. For Carnevale, kids will be engaged in a recital in front of the public during a Costume party and/or will enjoy a themed workshop. At the end of the year, the students will receive a certificate of attendance.
Enrollment:
You can sign up for courses online and pay by credit card, or you can mail a check payable to The Italian Cultural Society and enter registration info in this form. You can pay half amount in September and half in January. Family Members* benefit from a discounted rate on the tuition fee and can borrow books and DVDs from our Italian library.
Courses 2026–2027
Starting Friday, September 18
in Bethesda, Vienna & online
MONDAY (45-hour courses):
– Advanced level for kids in 7th gr. (Erika) 5:00–6:30 pm
– Advanced level for kids in 6th gr. (TBD) 5:00–6:30 pm
FRIDAY (45-hour courses):
– Intermediate level for kids in 7th–12th gr. (Fiorenza) 4:30–6:00 pm
– Advanced level for HS, 9th–12th gr. (Annelise) 4:30–6:00 pm
– Beginner level for kids in 3rd–5th gr. (Erika) 4:15–5:45 pm
SATURDAY (30- and 45-hour courses):
– Pre-school Italian immersion, ages 2–3 (Abigail) 9:15–10:15 am
– Pre-school Italian immersion, ages 4–6 (Fiorenza) 9:15–10:45 am (maximum 15 students)
– Elementary level for 4th–6th gr. (Veronica) 10:30–12:00 pm
– Elementary level for 6th–12th gr. (Veronica) 12:15–1:45 pm
– Elementary level for 1st–3rd gr. (Abigail) 2:00–3:30 pm
– Advanced level for 1st gr. (Fiorenza) 2:45–4:15 pm
– Advanced level for 2nd gr. (Fiorenza) 1:00–2:30 pm
– Advanced level for 3rd gr. (Erika) 2:45–4:15 pm
– Advanced level for 4th gr. (Fiorenza) 11:00–12:30 pm
– Advanced level for 5th gr. (Erika) 1:00–2:30 pm
THE ILP VIRGINIA CHAPTER:
SATURDAYS, Vienna, VA, at the Community Center
Starts September 19 (30 weeks)
– Pre-school Italian immersion, ages 2–3 and 4–6 (Claudio) 10:00–11:00 am
– Beginner/Elementary level for 2nd–5th gr. (Claudio) 11:00–12:15 pm
– Beginner/Elementary level for 6th–12th gr. (Claudio) 12:30–1:55 pm
– Intermediate/Advanced level for 2nd–5th gr. (Claudio) 2:00–3:15 pm
– Intermediate/Advanced level for 6th–8th gr. (Patrizia) 1:15–2:45 pm
2. CLUB DEL LIBRO with (t.b.d.)
Join our Italian book club for kids ages 9-13, where stories come to life! The group meets every other Friday from 6:00-7:00 pm to explore new adventures, share thoughts, and make new friends. It’s the perfect way to expand Italian vocabulary, inspire a love for reading, and develop critical thinking skills.
Start Date: TBD
$90 for 5 appointments. Registration through the same Kids & Teens Registration page.
3. KIDS WORKSHOPS/PARENTS NIGHT OUT
with Maestra Fiorenza Castelli
Enjoy a night out while your children, 4-10 years old, learn and practice Italian language and traditions at ICS from 6.30 to 9.30 pm,
themed arts & crafts, story time, games, dance & songs, pizza, fresh fruits & vegetables, desserts and juices will be served for dinner..
To benefit from the sibling discount when registering a second or third child, you must enter this code at checkout: 20Siblings
L’AUTUNNO E LA FESTA DEI NONNI – Venerdì 2 ottobre 2026
L’INVERNO E IL NATALE – Venerdì 18 dicembre 2026
LA BEFANA E I RE MAGI – Venerdì 8 gennaio 2027
IL CARNEVALE – venerdì 5 febbraio 2027
LA FESTA DEL PAPÀ – venerdì 19 marzo 2027
LA FESTA DELLA MAMMA – venerdì 7 maggio 2027
4. SUMMER CAMPS
The Italian Cultural Society/Italian Language Program Summer Camp is an immersion program designed around a variety of activities that will encourage your children to speak Italian through singing, cooking, completing art projects, playing indoor and outdoor Italian games in the Battery Lane Park, behind ICS.
Summer Intensive for Teens takes place only from 10:00 am to 1:00pm at our headquarters. Students who live out of the area are welcome to join the class on Zoom. We offer two different levels:
- the Intermediate/Advanced will be immersed in an entertaining cultural experience: cinema, Italian pop music, cooking, history, art history and geography
- the Beginners/Elementary will mostly focus on the communication and comprehension skills
(Filter by Semester “Summer Camp 2026” to find this program easily)
5. TUTORING and AP Preparation Course
(AP Italian exam date: Friday May 8th, 2026 at 8:00am)
The Italian Cultural Society/Italian Language Program offers one-on-one tutoring for kids & teens. We also offer a 7 hours course specific for AP preparation for Italian students, open to everyone.
Location: The ICS Headquarters 4833 Rugby Ave. Suite 201, Bethesda MD 20814
Dates: Sunday, April 26th, 2026 at 4:00-6:00 pm
Friday, May 1st, 2026 at 3:00-5:30 pm
Sunday May 3rd, 2026 from 3:00-5:30 pm
Instructor: Prof. Annelise Brody Morani
Cost: $50 for ICS Students and $70 for non ICS students – material included
Please contact [email protected] or call the office for details: (301) 215-7885
Our CURRICULUM:
Pre-School Italian Immersion (Ages 2–6)
Our pre-school courses are designed for both children who are exposed to Italian daily and those who are completely new to the language.
The younger the child, the easier it is to teach the language naturally through games, songs, videos, and Total Physical Response (TPR). Classes are conducted primarily in Italian, with occasional individual translation when needed to help a child remain engaged.
In the 2–3-year-old class, one parent or accompanying adult may remain in the classroom if it helps the child feel more comfortable, although this is not required. Children in the 4–6-year-old classes attend independently with the teacher and an assistant.
School-Age Program
Students are grouped according to both age and Italian proficiency: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced.
Beginner classes introduce children to Italian from the very first lesson.
Elementary classes are designed for students who have completed a Beginner course or who have had some exposure to Italian and need to further develop comprehension and speaking skills.
Intermediate classes are conducted primarily in Italian, with occasional individual translation when needed. They are designed for students who have some exposure to the language, understand it partially or almost fully, and are ready to strengthen their communication skills.
Advanced classes are conducted entirely in Italian and are designed for students with strong comprehension skills who can communicate in Italian, whether fluently or still developing their speaking abilities.
Both Intermediate and Advanced students work on grammar, reading, and cultural enrichment, exploring topics such as Italian geography, history, mythology, epic, architecture, and art history. Readings provide opportunities for discussion while expanding vocabulary and deepening cultural understanding.
Communication remains the primary focus of all classes. Discussions of everyday life, contemporary issues, holidays, traditions, and cultural comparisons are integrated into the curriculum. The syllabus also includes preparation for the AP Italian Language and Culture Exam, which is organized around six themes: Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, Personal and Public Identities, Families and Communities, and Beauty and Aesthetics.
Elementary School – Advanced Program (Grades 1–5)
Advanced-level classes for students in grades 1–5 use Italian school textbooks and are conducted entirely in Italian. In addition to language development, students study Italian history and geography.
Middle School – Advanced Program (Grade 6-8)
The middle school curriculum follows a similarly structured program and includes language, history, literature, epic, and introductory art history. Courses are based on Italian school curricula and use adapted textbooks selected specifically for our students who only attend 45 hours of instruction per school year.
High School – Advanced Program (Grade 9-12)
The advanced high school program offers three rotating annual curricula covering the major topics in Italian literature, history, and art history traditionally studied during the five years of Italian liceo. By attending at least three years of the program, students gain a comprehensive understanding of Italian culture from the era of Dante to contemporary Italy.
Teen Program Beginners- Elementary – Intermediate
Teenagers discover Italian language and culture alongside their peers through engaging and interactive activities. Students may also enroll in adult classes when appropriate.
We offer preparation for the AP Italian Language and Culture Exam, SAT and standardized testing support, as well as tutorials for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Italian program.
”The ICS is the source for not only learning to speak the Italian language, but also for discovering Italy in its history, arts, and culture. Under the leadership of Francesca Casazza, the Italian Language Program has been transformed with an innovative approach to learning that is both inviting and educational. As a novice student, I have learned tremendously and now feel confident in my ability to learn (even when I make many mistakes). If you want to learn Italian, come to the Italian Cultural Society of DC.”
