Bay Language Academy

Tania

My son has been taking French for the past two years at Bay Language Academy. He is young - 5.5, he loves his class and his teacher, Essia (the founder). He also went to summer sessions there last year. While he's not in the Mandarin class I can tell you that Essia has very high standards for content and truly loves children so I know the additional teachers she hires will have a similar approach. Call her and get more details. We could not be happier.

2017-01-11

Tami

My daughter (9) has attended Bay Language Academy for 2 years now and I cannot recommend it enough. She loves going there because they teach in a way that is fun they don't even realize how much they are learning. The director, Essia, has created a warm, positive, learning environment with wonderful teachers they provide weekly updates on what they are learning (that helps us out because we do not speak Mandarin).

2017-01-11

Christine

All these glowing reviews of Bay Language Academy are spot on, and the enthusiasm for the director is more than legit as my children have been attending for a couple of years. The program that Essia has created is high-quality at a reasonable price.

2017-01-11

Inbal

Both my son and daughter take French from Essia and I couldn't be more confident in recommending her summer camps and her regular classes. I am a teacher myself, with very high expectations, and have looked far and wide for a solid French program for my children. We have gone so far as to take our older child into the city for French programs; honestly, she didn't learn as much at these other programs as she has from Essia. I think the difference is that Essia's camps and classes are cultural and linguistic and so it's the whole picture. The kids walk in and it's as if they are walking into another country, so they learn the language and the mannerisms and the nuances of the language and culture. I like too, that there is work she gives them to reinforce the materials and that she stays in regular contact with the families, so we know what our child is learning and can help reinforce the lessons at home. I haven't specifically checked the Mandarin program know that Essia runs true language classes and like the other parent said, holds a very high standard. Essia too, is such a warm and welcoming woman. Even my son, who is quite shy, warmed up to her and felt comfortable with her right away. I appreciate too, that she is willing to make adjustments as needed to suit the needs of the individual student.

2017-01-11

Kate

I have to tell you that I was making Maggie do language camp very much despite her protestations. She was grumbling and complaining about having to do French camp ever since I told her she was doing two weeks this summer. You can imagine my delight when I come home today and she's eagerly showing off what she learned, asking me to speak French with her at home, and showing all of us her binder from today. Based on what all the great things I've heard about Bay Language Academy, and given that her dad and I both have an ear for language, I expected she would enjoy it once she started. But I didn't expect her to turn around so enthusiastically so soon. Great work! Thanks again.

2017-01-11

Carianne

First of all, let me say that Soon, you and your Academy have been wonderful. Not only have you introduced me to the language and some of Korean culture, but Soon encouraged me to inquire more than I thought I would and it's already been incredibly eye-opening. I only wish I had known about this group sooner! Obviously, I will highly recommend your school to my colleagues. It has been a wonderful experience, and really, a life-changer. Please let me know if you need anything further from us. Many thanks for everything.

2017-01-11

Deborah

Audra had a wonderful time during her French camp - she was so excited to tell me everything that she did. Thank you so much for the experience, and we are looking forward to the week in August.

2017-01-11

Monte and Nicole

Essia, thank you for everything you've done for us. Our time at BLA has been wonderful and provided us with a good foundation for the future. Soon, you have been such a wonderful teacher and we've loved seeing you every week. Please keep in contact with us! :)

2017-01-11

Elisabeth

Layla certainly seems to be speaking more French at home, so I think that's great progress. She also seems to really enjoy going to camp every day. Layla still talks about you and French camp, she says that you are "strict but nice", which I think is a wonderful compliment! We're excited that she'll be back in mid-August, and we're also looking toward the Fall. Bien a vous,

2017-01-11

Lauren

Thank you so much for the good week. Lucy had a great time this week- she seemed much more comfortable and motivated than the previous week. could you please remind me the time and dates of the French class. I can tell she is learning a lot because she's talking a lot of French at home! Thank you so much. :)

2017-01-11

Cathy

My daughter, Anna, has been enjoying the Korean class. What are the options during school on an on-going basis? Also, I have another daughter, who is more intermediate in that she can read the whole alphabet and knows much more extensive vocabulary, although she cannot say complete sentences.

2017-01-11

Trish

Isabel enjoyed the class very much and was especially proud of her tutoring responsibility! She came home each day saying vocabulary words as she came through the door, and was eager to teach them to me. I would like her to take the Korean class, and she is adamant that she must take that class. I really want to support that!

2017-01-11

Martha

I am very pleased with my son's language abilities, these couple of years going to the bay language Academy were really good. Thank you very much, I truly appreciate your help. Sincerely,

2017-01-11

Ms. Wong

I am sending you pictures of the girls taken at Bay Language Academy. They had a really good time there. They go to a language school in Hsinchu twice a week now. I have been trying to build a English speaking environment at home but is yet to be successful. I’ll keep trying… At least, they are a lot more interested in learning English than they were a year ago and that is good. Thank you very much for your patience and encouragement for my daughters. Have a great school year and I hope to see you again.

2017-01-11

Virginia

You've been wonderful and we're very excited at how happy Phoebe seems to be with your program.

2017-01-11

Gislaine

I really appreciate that the Instructors at Bay Language are working hard to help Tom complete all his homework and improve his spelling . I agree Is really hard to make Tom sit down but most of the time once he sits down and there isn't a lot distraction he can finish fast . Thanks and let me know if I can help

2017-01-11

Sakura

I am very happy to have an after school option to teach Timothy Korean. We would love to be able to have Timothy attend for that week. After that we will be flying to Korea. I always look for Korean language learning materials when in Seoul at Kyopo bookstore when I am there. If Bay Language Academy is interested in, I am happy to look for books. Thank you again. Timmy really enjoyed challenging himself with the materials at the Academy.

2017-01-11

Stephanie

I sincerely appreciate the time you have always spent with us explaining how your Spanish and French programs work, and discussing Ella's language development. It is wonderful to see how passionate you are about language, culture, and language instruction.

2017-01-11

Mike, W

This is an absolutely wonderful after school program. My daughter has grown so much since attending this program this past school year (and she was in TK). Not only do they learn another language (Spanish, French, etc...), but they really work with the kids on their reading and writing. My daughter went into the school year not knowing all of her letters. Now she knows all of her letters, can read some words, and sounds out words. Sure, TK had something to do with this, but the after school program here really, really helped. I can't say enough good things about this program. And Essia is wonderful with the kids; very loving and nurturing. The kids absolutely love her.

2017-01-11

Mary, M

Thank you so much for all of your effort. I really loved your program. I think it would be great for the boys, especially Matthew. And I truly appreciate the time you took to accommodate our schedule.

2017-01-11

Iris, M

I am excited to help reinforce what she will be learning with you. I am confident she will excel under your curriculum and ecstatic to officially be part of the Bay Language Academy Family! We're so excited for her! We know she will blossom within your system! And thank you for all you've done already. Have an excellent day.

2017-01-11

Susan, S

Both girls recite a little of what they learn in class so we were aware that they has been learning Spanish as well. I saw that she was learning to write her numbers in Chinese the other day, and I was very impressed with what she had learned.

2017-01-11

Marie

I must say that I did learn a lot during over the summer during our private sessions. I'm trying to retain it as much as possible. The class is fun and I like all the students, I just didn't say much because trying to process and learn. My regards to all.

2017-01-11

Amy

We love that her skills are improving and she is more confident using the language. We also want to thank you and the staff for your hard work and dedication to her success.

2017-01-11

Naomi

I was struck by how passionate you are about bilingual education and meeting the needs of the families. With opportunities like your language school, I feel as though parents who are raising bilingual children have a great resource that my parents didn't have when they were raising us. It is very important for me that my children be able to communicate in my native language and learn to appreciate my culture as well.

2017-01-11

Deborah, F

It has been such a wonderful year for Isabel at Bay Language. She truly enjoys her Spanish class and always leaves with so much joy and excitement. I am also very grateful for all the support you have rendered my family throughout the months.

2017-01-11

Angela

I have to work late and won't be able to make my last class. Estoy muy triste! I hope there will be more adult Spanish classes offered. I had a great time with the instructor and the classmates! You have a wonderful school! Best Wishes!

2017-01-11

Ester

A few years ago, my children took your wonderful summer camp! This year, I would like to take lessons myself. Thank you

2017-01-11

Molly

I really enjoyed taking the French class with Bay Language Academy and was surprised at how much I was able to speak while on my trip. Thanks so much for your help!

2017-01-11

Liz

I am a parent to two small children. I took french for many years and want my children to have a strong and academic French language experience. I searched all over the bay area, even going to the French Alliances and French Government supported language programs to find one that fit my needs. (Many started as after-school programs in 1st grade, however, science shows that as kids age, especially after 8 years old, their ability to learn other languages diminishes - its a brain synapse function.) I found Essia after much researching and offered a class that suited my daughter, and the eventually my son, as he became old enough. Essia is one of the most amazing people I know. She is compassionate and firm, sympathetic and smart. Has an incredible world view, and love of language and culture (and science). If you are lucky enough to be enrolled in her caring, and thoughtful program, consider yourself has a wonderful gift. Both my children love her classes and think they are "too short" :)

2017-01-11