Experienced Native French Instructor

Catherine L.

Positive and Encouraging Tutor

My son came to Catherine when he was nearly failing French as a freshman in high school. His low grade prompted us to seek tutoring. At that time, he showed no signs of real interest or aptitude. While working with Catherine, his interest, confidence and skills improved hugely, and his class average improved steadily to the point where he is now getting a 98/100 in his french class. It seems to come effortlessly to him now. I give Catherine huge credit for this. She remained positive and encouraging when he struggled. She kept him engaged by gently challenging him throughout the lesson. Catherine really worked herself right out of a job in this case! Thank you, Catherine!

Laurie, 27 lessons with Catherine

Fantastic and Fun!

I had asked Catherine to help me with conversation so we had casual conversation throughout our lesson. As I spoke, Catherine used the Wyzant whiteboard to show me corrections and suggestions. It was extremely helpful to see the words visually in real-time. Catherine is very relaxed in demeanor, which made conversation flow and helped me avoid the French brain-freeze that I get sometimes. Another plus is that Katherine is a native French speaker from France so there is no adjusting to a different French accent/vowel sounds or not knowing the French and English equivalents. Finally, Catherine has a love of linguistics and interjected really interesting points about word derivation into our conversation.

C, 1 lesson with Catherine

Intro to French

Catherine and I had a great introductory session. Very meaningful as we discussed different greetings, the alphabet, and pronunciation.. And I look forward to many more sessions.

Kamilah, 1 lesson with Catherine

Patient and helpful

Catherine is a patient and encouraging tutor for my daughter studying French 4 in high school. My daughter was just about to give up but with Catherine's support, she is getting through and actually learning the language.

Katy, 14 lessons with Catherine

Outstanding French Teacher

Our 13-year-old began previewing her private school's French curriculum with Catherine last summer and has continued working with her during the school year. Catherine is an outstanding French teacher. The recorded lessons show a mastery of the language, but our 13-year-old can compare Catherine to the instructor at the school she attends. She says Catherine is hands-down a much better teacher, even though the school instructor is known to be excellent. We consider ourselves lucky to have found Catherine.

Bonnie and Dan, 61 lessons with Catherine

Fabulous tutor

My son transitioned to a new school mid year and was advised he could not progress in French at the end of the year because he was behind on the fundamentals. I found Catherine over the summer and my son tutored with her weekly. My son had a reassessment test at the end of the summer and was actually beyone the parameters to continue to the next French level. Catherine has been fabulous. Very patient and kind. Great communication. We really lucked out.

Alicia, 24 lessons with Catherine

Fun instructor

Attention adult learners! About seven years ago I wrote my first review for Catherine and I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned from her. I’m in my 40s, and someone who simply wants to be fluent in French for fun. We have a “lesson” about once a month. While she can definitely guide me in text book grammar, I think her real talent is drawing out MY personal lexicon during conversation…the words and phrases that I use personally to express myself. Of course, this is the basis of conversation and something that she excels at. No matter the subject matter, Catherine can engage and help me to express myself in French. For me, chit-chatting about my vacations, career, or family life is essential for becoming fluent. She’s a great conversationalist. Having lived in the USA for several years, she’s familiar with American customs and phrases, which I’ve have realized is a big plus…I find that she can quickly interpret what I’m trying to express and help me to translate it in to modern day French. (Review from 7 years ago below) After a disastrous immersion program in France, I hadn't spoken French out loud in a year... But Catherine gave me back my confidence! I had so much fun relearning my grammar and laughing with her. She has a good sense of humor and was just a cool lady to chat with. She corrected my French as needed (which was a lot) but in a manner that boosted my confidence and encouraged me to talk more. Can't wait until our next session!

Adrienne, 97 lessons with Catherine

she is excellent

Catherine is a superior instructor. She is patient, polite and pleasant. I have had a number of lessons and this review will serve for all my lessons with Catherine. Tim Eaton

Timothy, 26 lessons with Catherine

Adressed my needs

Catherine immediately understood that my priority was practicing conversation. She corrected me in an efficient way w a word or two without disrupting the flow. She’s lovely.

Mari, 26 lessons with Catherine

Great French tutor!

Catherine is helping me prepare for the AP French exam. The area we have been focusing on the most is my speaking. She prepares topics and questions that I might see on the exam. She also sends me notes of my errors/corrections and records the sessions so that I may review them. I have found these sessions really helpful for preparing me for the upcoming exam.

Chandra, 18 lessons with Catherine