About

What is Comprehensible Input (CI)?

Research shows that we learn languages through "messages," or input. In order to keep that input in our brains long-term, it needs to be interesting, interactive and easy to understand.

In other words, language acquisition occurs best when the input is comprehensible and comes in a non-stressful way that helps us take it in easily.

When you learned your first language, you heard a lot of one-word commands, repeated phrases, songs and stories before you could say anything. All of this came in natural, ordinary ways – not just in a class setting. Output (speaking and writing) came when you were ready, and there was usually lots of quality input (listening and reading) before you gave even a little bit of output.

Learning another language should be as much like learning your first language as possible.

At CSL, our teachers present the language in a contextual way, providing input through commands, stories, videos, music, books, and more. You won't memorize lists and charts and then forget everything a few weeks later. Instead, you'll pick up vocabulary and phrases in context, in a more natural way. Your teacher will speak in the language you are learning at least 90% of the time, guiding you through the material in a step-by-step way and adjusting based on what you are able to understand.

At times, you probably won't even realize you're learning!

You can learn more about Comprehensible Input here.

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.

Click to hear samples of speakers at this 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.

Click to hear samples of speakers at this 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.

Click to hear samples of speakers at this 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.

Click to hear samples of speakers at this 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.

Click to hear samples of speakers at this level

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."

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!"

Marisol Jimenez

Coordinator of ENL Access & Engagement, Hamilton County Schools

“Working with Chattanooga School of Language has been an incredibly positive and rewarding experience for our Hamilton County School employees. The language classes offered have not only helped our staff improve their language skills but have also enhanced their cultural awareness and understanding. These classes have allowed our staff to better connect with students from diverse backgrounds, creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. The professional and dedicated instructors at CSL have made the learning process enjoyable and effective, leading to significant growth and development for our educators.”

Dionne Jenkins

VP, Diversity & Inclusion, Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union

“While we have several Spanish-speaking employees at TVFCU, we wanted to further connect with our Spanish-speaking members by increasing the number of frontline employees who know Spanish. We reached out to Laurie Stevens at Chattanooga School of Language for recommendations. She created an eight-week Spanish class tailored specifically to fit our needs in the financial services industry. Our expectation was not for employees to be fluent, but for them to be more confident in their ability to overcome the language barrier. Thanks to CSL for helping us break down language barriers and improve our member experience. We are grateful to have CSL in our community to help all of us be more inclusive of our entire Tennessee Valley community!”

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Leslie Gower
CEO of AGC East Tennessee (Associated General Contractors of America)

“We provide a robust menu of continuing education for our industry, and hands-down our Spanish for Construction class is one of the best programs we offer.

Nothing is more important than communicating effectively with teams and this course provides a wonderful opportunity for leaders in our industry to get more connected with their employees. Our instructor is phenomenal, making participants at every level comfortable to engage in the class. We have requests from participants to be able to continue on to Spanish 2. I highly recommend partnering with Chattanooga School of Language.”

green|spaces
Local Non-Profit Organization

"Developing our staff's Spanish speaking skills is key for our non-profit to continue our outreach and education within the growing LatinX community. The Chattanooga School of Language worked with our entire team to gain basic Spanish speaking techniques focused directly on our work objectives. It has proven a valuable tool, taking our community engagement to the next level. Thank you Chattanooga School of Language!"

Samantha
CSL Spanish Student

"I began taking Spanish for selfish reasons. As an educator, my original intent was simply more effective communication with my students and their families. Little could I fathom that what began as weekly beginning Spanish lessons would open up an entirely new world, change my perspective, and grow my heart to bursting. Language truly is the key to connection.

At its core, knowledge of and fluency within a language are not limited to merely speaking. Fluency in language affords opportunities for fluency in culture, and for celebration of the unique and beautiful aspects therein, with greater capacity for understanding of and compassion for differences and similarities alike. Fluency in a language is, in my opinion, love, and has the power to draw communities closer by bridging differences and shining light on the connecting fabric of humanity that we all share.

Thank you, CSL, for helping me take my first steps on this beautiful journey, and encouraging me along the way. I look forward to continuing this adventure together!"

Nozi Madida
Public School Spanish Teacher, CSL French Student

"Taking classes at CSL has been a wonderful experience. I have enjoyed and continue to fully enjoy my French class. My teacher is always well prepared and utilizes different strategies and resources to keep us engaged. Learning a language is more than just acquiring the grammar but the cultural component is an essential part of the language learning process. Additionally, lessons are taught in the target language providing total immersion which makes students communicate in the target language. I would highly recommend classes at CSL."

Rick Woodlee
CSL French Student

"CSL uniquely meets a genuine need for people in this community interested in learning about a language and its related culture at a reasonable cost. I've found the classes to be really enjoyable. It's the fun of learning, of course, but also the social aspects of being with like-minded people whom you didn't know existed in your community. The teachers I've had have been superb--informative about the culture, using good teaching methods, and have been personable and fun."

Julio
Private Business English Student

“I have been studying Business English at CSL since 2019. The teacher is really dedicated, and the switch to online classes has been surprisingly positive. They are very professional, and we have good interaction. I highly recommend this school.”

Heather
Mom To High School Student and CSL Language Student

"Lucie went to Spanish class today for the first time and told me she felt so confident talking out loud. She was very proud and comfortable in class...and felt like her time with CSL this summer was really well spent. She loved her CSL experience and I loved hearing her reaction to the first day of class! Thank you so much!"

Sheila
CSL English Student

"English classes at CSL are very useful and interesting, so I am never bored and time goes by so fast. My teacher has a wonderful personality and is easy to communicate with.”

Laura Parker
Mom of High School CSL Student

"Chattanooga School of Language has been a perfect solution for strengthening my child’s foreign language skills to supplement high school academic requirements. The weekly one-on-one sessions have made a big difference in preparing for oral and written tests, but also have helped to build self-confidence for classroom speaking requirements. From assisting with phonetics for new words to reviewing essays for grammatical improvements, the personal attention provided by the team has made a positive impact on my child’s foreign language progression."

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

THE CSL DIFFERENCE

CSL has a unique approach
to language learning.

What is Comprehensible Input (CI)?

Learning another language should be as much like learning your first language as possible.

OUR LEVELS