SmartNoise programs are based on our powerful methodology. All instructors are well-educated, thoroughly trained native speakers of the language they teach.  Our dedicated site provides an ideal language-learning environment for all types of learners. Our programs are offered at times convenient to most students. Our tutoring services provide the flexibility to learn a new language according to your schedule.

How do I register?

You can register via phone (914 777 2300), mail, or in person.  We can take registration via email, but will need to speak with you to get credit card details.  Please do not send credit card or other financial information via email.  To register using postal mail, download the Fall 2006 registration form and schedule and return it with payment to the address provided.

Do you offer any discounts?

SmartNoise offers a discount of $25 for siblings enrolled in the same session of any small group class.  Tutoring students receive a 10% discount when then purchase a block of fifty or more hours.  Other discounts will be available on occasion and may be found on the main page or by calling SmartNoise at 914 777 2300.

What is the policy if I miss class?

What is the refund policy?

Cancellations at least seven calendar days before the first class session receive a full refund.  Cancellations prior to the end of the first week of class receive a 50% refund. No refunds after the first week.  There are no refunds for unused tutoring sessions after thirty days from payment.

My friends/family and I want to take classes together, what programs do you offer?

In addition to our regularly scheduled classes, we also offer semi-private tutoring. In these classes, up to three people receive custom language instruction, suited to their unique needs. For advanced speakers, our special programs may also be of interest.  SmartNoise will also customize a program for a group with similar interests and goals.  Examples of this have included families learning a second language in preparation for adopting a child, groups preparing for international travel, and companies providing language training for their employees.

How early can my child learn a foreign language?

Children can begin to learn a foreign language as early as they learn their first language. As a general rule, the earlier one begins to learn a foreign language, the better. In order to acquire native-like pronunciation and fluency, usually a person must begin around or before puberty, or roughly 10-12 years old. We offer language programs for students of all ages.  Call us to discuss your child's unique needs.

Why is it important to learn a foreign language?

There are two main reasons why it is important to learn a foreign language, the first is practical: knowing more than one language makes you more competitive on the job-market, in applications to school, in negotiating areas where that language is spoken. The second reason is more basic: learning another language opens you up to another world, it demonstrates a recognition that you inhabit a world with other people and cultures. In a broad sense, not learning about other languages and cultures is as arrogant as it is naive.

How long until I can expect to be fluent?

The short answer is SmartNoise will help you become fluent in less than two years if you are willing to put in the necessary effort.

The more detailed answer goes like this: Fluency is a relative term.  Do you want to be fluent enough to get a taxi ride? To order food at a restaurant? In general? As a quick gloss, if a person goes through each of our nine programs, he or she would likely be functionally fluent—able to negotiate a wide and random range of activities in the foreign language, and to be able to generate communication in novel situations. Of course this can be greatly improved if one interacts regularly with speakers of the target language (i.e. a friend, or a tutor). Fluency depends on a few factors: frequency (you can expect better results the more frequent you put yourself in learning situations), duration (you can expect better results the longer the term of commitment you make), consistency (you can expect better results the more consistent you are in putting yourself in learning situations), methodology (you can expect better results the better the methods you use), effort (you can expect better results the better your effort).

What is the difference between group, small group and one-on-one classes?

Group classes typically limited to 8-10 students, they meet for 8 weeks, they are regularly scheduled. Group classes are comprised of students with similar language ability. The group classes go through our curriculum that is based on a wide range of powerful methods to provide a great environment for every type of learner. Small group and one-on-one classes are scheduled individually with a teacher or SmartNoise staff member. These classes are based on our curricular methods, but students have the option to focus on a set of their favorite types of methods if they desire. The content of the small group or one-on-one classes can also be customized to best fit a student’s needs (for example, if a student wants to focus on grocery story shopping, the content would focus on vocabulary best suited to that situation).

Can I sign up for multiple group or tutoring sessions?

Students may sign up for as many group classes or tutoring sessions as they like.  Those wishing to enroll in multiple languages concurrently should contact the SmartNoise program director to discuss their goals.

How do I know what level I am (beginning, intermediate or advanced)?

Prior to entering a particular class, students can be evaluated to determine the class with the best fit. Often students have a sense whether they are beginning, intermediate, or advanced, but we are happy to evaluate to help determine the most suitable class.  Additionally, the SmartNoise Methodology incorporates learners of differing abilities in ways that will engage and challenge all students.  Come visit a class to learn more.

After I've completed the advanced level classes, what are my options?