Registration is Now Open!

Immerse your student in the beauty of the French language with this dynamic, in-person beginner course. Designed for grades 7–12, French I blends grammar, conversation, and culture in a lively classroom setting led by a certified, experienced teacher. It's more than just a credit. It’s a meaningful step toward fluency and confidence.

Mondays and Wednesdays
2:00-3:15 pm

Fall Semester
Aug. 18-Dec. 10

Spring Semester
Jan. 12-May 13

$325/semester

Payment Plans Available
($65/month)

Learning a new language should feel exciting, empowering, and deeply engaging, and that’s exactly what students will experience in this interactive, in-person French I course. Designed for middle and high school students (grades 7–12), this beginner-level class goes far beyond rote memorization.

Students will build foundational skills in grammar, pronunciation, and listening while actively participating in real conversations, group activities, and cultural exploration. With an emphasis on communication and confidence, students are encouraged to speak, move, interact, and immerse themselves in the beauty of the French language.

I’m a certified French teacher with a degree in French and more than 25 years of experience in second language instruction. My warm, energetic teaching style helps students feel comfortable taking risks and trying something new.

Whether your child needs a high school foreign language credit or simply wants to discover a new skill, this course is a joyful and challenging way to begin their language-learning journey.

French I is a full-year, high school-level course designed for students in grades 7–12. Classes meet in person on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:00–3:15 PM in Christiansburg, VA, with both fall and spring semester options available. While students may register for one semester at a time, completion of both semesters is required to earn high school credit. The curriculum includes weekly homework assignments, vocabulary study, and formal assessments, giving students the structure and accountability they need to truly grow in confidence and fluency. Most students should plan to study about 30 minutes per day outside of class.

Students will use Breaking the French Barrier, Level 1 (digital or print version available) as their textbook, and all homework and communication will be managed through Google Classroom.

I personally grade assignments, tracks progress, and provides a mid-semester update for parents. I handle all planning, instruction, grading, and communication. 

Meet Your Teacher

Hi, I’m Meredith, a certified French teacher, educational consultant, and passionate advocate for personalized learning.

I hold a degree in French and Education and am certified to teach French in the state of Virginia. For over 25 years, I’ve taught students from upper elementary through college, combining academic excellence with a flexible, student-centered approach.

I spent 16 years teaching in both traditional and alternative public school settings. Alongside my classroom experience, I’ve also homeschooled my own children for 6 years, which gives me a unique understanding of the balance families need when navigating education at home.

Meredith Hutton

FAQs

  • I’m offering this course to students in 7-12th grade.  Seventh and eighth graders can receive a high school credit for this course.


  • The course will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:00-3:15. 


    First day of class will be August 18 with the last day on December 10.  Fall break will be the week of September 15.  Thanksgiving break will be the week of November 24.


    Spring semester will begin on January 12 and conclude on May 13.  Spring Break will be the week of April 6.

  • Getting the student to and from the course!  I will provide 2.5 hours of weekly instruction.  Students will have homework posted in Google classroom.  I will grade the assignments, administer and grade assessments, and keep a gradebook for each student.  It will be the student’s responsibility to complete homework and study French vocabulary. Students will need to study about 30 minutes a day.

  • Yes! I send out a brief mid-semester update and am always available by email for parent questions.

  • Learning a language requires communication and interaction.  My teaching style is highly interactive with students working with each other and getting out of their seats!  I use games, group work, and role playing to bring the language to life.

  • The course will be in Christiansburg, VA.  Upon registering for the course, you will receive an email with the address of the class.

  • Not necessarily.  Students may enroll for a semester at a time.  However, students would need to complete both semesters or the entire curriculum in order to receive a high school credit.

  • Students learn best when they have a text book.  I will be using the text in class and assigning homework from the book. You can choose to purchase the print or digital book.  We will be using Breaking the French Barrier Level 1. 
    Print book:
    https://tobreak.com/collections/all/products/french-level-1-beginner-book-student-edition

    Digital Book:

    https://tobreak.com/products/french-level-1-beginner-online-access

  • If a student is absent, he/she is responsible for checking Google classroom for assignments.  If the student needs extra help due to absences, then assistance is available for an additional fee.

  • You may pay using Venmo (@Meredith-Hutton-4) or through the website, www.meredithhutton.com

  • Yes!  For each additional sibling enrolled in the course, you can receive a $25 discount for each semester.  Only one discount can be applied to each child.  For example, a sibling and early registration discount can’t be applied to one student. 

  • Yes, you can pay monthly.  For the fall semester, you may pay $65 per month from August-December.  For the spring semester, you may pay $65 per month from January-May.  Monthly payments should be paid by the 5th of each month. 

  • If you need to withdraw from the class, please notify me at least 14 days before the semester begins for a refund. If you are on a monthly payment plan, there will not be a refund for the month in which payment has been made. Payments would end for following months after withdrawal.

  • It is my hope to offer French II for the 2026-2027 school year along with another French I course.  This will be based on interest.

  • I have a degree in French and education and currently hold a Virginia Teaching Certification to teach French.  I have been teaching second language learners for 25 years.