Policies
What forms of payment do you accept?
For in-person lessons, cash is preferred. For online lessons, PayPal is set up on the Lessons page with quick and easy buttons for purchasing single lessons or packages. If cash isn’t available, all students can use PayPal — you don’t even need a PayPal account, you can simply enter your credit card number.
When is payment due?
Payment is due in full on the day of the lesson, or prior to the scheduled lesson.
What is the cancellation policy?
At least 24 hours’ notice is required for cancellations or changes in order to receive a refund or have a lesson rescheduled. Allowances can be made in extreme and unavoidable situations, evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out right away if something comes up that will affect your attendance.
About Stephanie
What kind of education and training does Stephanie have?
Stephanie holds a Master’s Degree in French from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a FLE (français langue étrangère) Certificate, and a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Certificate. See the About Stephanie page for more.
What is Stephanie’s teaching style?
Old school, by her own description. She likes textbooks, workbooks, paper materials, and writing — studies show that handwriting notes and exercises creates stronger, more accurate, and longer-lasting memory. Of course, speaking is encouraged as much as possible, and she shares links to online materials and video/audio programs to use between lessons.
What materials are used?
Classic materials — textbooks, workbooks, and short stories — along with video and audio programs, music, newspapers, and magazines.
About Lessons
What are the rates?
- French lessons (beginner or intermediate): $70/hour
- Conversation coaching: $50/hour
- French Book Club: $79/class
- English Conversation for non-native speakers: $60/hour
- Advanced Academic English (writing, reading, and test prep — for American and international students): $90/hour
- ESL Book Club: $75/hour
How do I book a session?
The Calendar page, which uses Google Calendar, shows current availability. If you see a time slot that works for you, click to schedule it, and a notification will be sent that a booking has been made. First-time students are encouraged to also send a message describing the kind of lesson requested. From there, visit the Lessons page to select and purchase the lesson or package you want.
How long is a lesson?
All listed lessons are priced for one hour (60 minutes), unless a shorter lesson is requested. For younger students, a 30- or 45-minute lesson may be more appropriate. Contact Stephanie directly to discuss.
Are group lessons available?
Yes, group lessons are available upon request. Groups are organized by the student, and payment must be made in full prior to the lesson starting. There is no refund for the absence of any group member at the time of the lesson.
Do packages expire?
Yes, there is a time limit for finishing a package. A 5-lesson package must be completed within 6 weeks; a 10-lesson package within 12 weeks. Lessons don’t need to be scheduled in advance, though it’s recommended — especially if you want to lock in a specific day or time.
Do classes need to be scheduled every week, on the same day each week?
No. You can go at your own pace, and classes can be scheduled around your work or school schedule. If you have an irregular schedule or travel often, lessons can be booked week-to-week, on whatever day works best. That said, taking classes regularly and as frequently as possible will help you progress faster.
What age or grade levels are taught?
Stephanie preferably works with students over the age of 10. There is no maximum age — it’s never too late to start learning a language!
What online platform is used for online lessons?
A Google Meet invitation can be sent, or lessons can take place on Wire, a live video chat program that can be used web-based or via a downloadable app.
Where do in-person lessons take place? And what areas do you serve?
In-person lessons can take place in a cafe or library, and anywhere within the Uptown New Orleans, Riverbend, Carrollton, Tulane and Loyola neighborhoods, or as requested at the time that we speak.
How do I know if we’re a good match?
Take a look at Stephanie’s testimonials, drawn from 13+ years of private teaching experience. A free 30-minute consultation, or “trial lesson,” is also offered to discuss your goals, interests, favorite type of learning materials, and the class type you want — plus a level check for non-beginner students. From there, you can decide together how to proceed.
What is a sample lesson?
A sample lesson can range from a level-check to a “getting-to-know-you” conversation, and is how both you and Stephanie can decide if you want to work together. For a level check with non-beginner students, the conversation is led in the target language to identify fundamental gaps, existing grammar strengths, and where prior learning left off — which helps determine the best materials going forward. It’s also your chance to ask questions and share what kind of class you want, what materials you prefer (books, videos, etc.), and whether you want to focus on speaking or on reading books and newspapers.
When can I start?
Any time — even as soon as the sample lesson. There’s no set “semester program.” See the Calendar for availability.
Are specialized classes available?
Absolutely — all lessons are built around your needs. Stephanie draws on materials from 30+ years of teaching experience and has built full courses around specific books, writing programs, and more. After the sample lesson, a course can be designed together, tailored specifically for you.
Have a question that wasn’t answered above? Contact Stephanie directly and she’ll answer any questions you have.