French, Built Around You.
A personal approach to speaking French with confidence.
For more than 50 years, François Thibaut has helped children, teenagers and adults learn French in a way that feels natural, personal and rewarding.
Every student is different.
The way I teach should be different too.
“After more than 50 years, what still fascinates me is discovering how each individual student learns.”
François Thibaut
Creator of the Thibaut Technique®
Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques
A Personal Approach
I begin with the person, not with the textbook.
People come to me for many different reasons.
Some want to speak French comfortably when they travel. Some need French for their professional life. Some studied French years ago but still don’t feel comfortable speaking it. Others simply love France, its culture and its language.
Parents come to me because they want their children to develop a genuine relationship with French rather than simply take another class.
Whatever the reason, I begin in the same place: with the person, not with the textbook.
Private French for Every Stage of Life
Two different approaches. The same personal attention.
Adults
Conversation • Travel • Business • Culture
I work with adults at every level, from complete beginners to highly advanced speakers.
For some, the objective is travel. For others, it may be business, culture, maintaining their French or finally becoming comfortable speaking a language they have studied for years.
At more advanced levels, our lessons can become genuine conversations about current events, literature, culture, business, travel and life.
The goal is not simply to know more French.
The goal is to become increasingly comfortable expressing your own ideas and personality in French.
Children & Teenagers
Engaging • Encouraging • Age Appropriate
Teaching a child requires a completely different approach.
Children need to participate, imagine, answer questions, laugh and feel successful.
My work with children began more than 50 years ago and eventually led me to develop the Thibaut Technique® and create Professor Toto, a language-learning program designed to introduce children to French through stories, music and interaction.
For teenagers, lessons can combine conversation with academic support and more advanced language goals.
Whether I am working with a young beginner or a teenager with a specific objective, the program is adapted to the child’s age, personality and way of learning.
Recognized by France
Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques
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What Students & Parents Say
“It was a real pleasure having Mr. Thibaut as my private teacher. He is so experienced in teaching French, and knows exactly how to design and structure his private classes based on the student’s needs. His explaining techniques were very clear and efficient. All materials presented were self explanatory and fun to learn with.” – Marina K, Student
“I think I have learned more French with Francois in just 10 weeks than what I did in 6 months of college 20 years ago! The supplemental materials are both fun, instructive and simple, especially with its visuals, yet challenging enough to learn and keep learning. The instructor is great, very patient, he enjoys what he does, and makes sure that everyone gets to practice and learn in each class.”” – Ramon ), Student
A Small Private Practice
Personal Means Personal.
At this stage of my career, I have chosen to work personally with only a limited number of private students.
I am not trying to build a large teaching practice.
Quite the opposite.
I want enough time to know every student well, prepare personally for every lesson and remain closely involved in each person’s progress.
Private coaching is approximately $150/hour.