English courses

We teach in small groups, with a maximum of 10 to 12 students depending on the course, so everyone can take part and teachers can follow each student more closely.

Levels run for the year. Each course starts in the first week of March and finishes in mid-December. Students can join at any point in the year, as long as the level is right for them.

Some courses may start in March or in April. If so, we let students know.

In July there is a two-week winter break. In December, when the level ends, there is the summer break. National holidays are observed and already built into the programme, so there are no make-up classes.

General English meets twice a week: Monday and Wednesday, or Tuesday and Thursday. Conversation and Post-Proficiency meet once a week.

The days and times we open depend on the level. Not every level and course is available in every slot.

Progress is assessed throughout the year, with work in class and tasks to do at home.

There are two internal assessments: one in June or July, before the winter break, and one at the end of the year. They follow the same format as a Cambridge exam.

In July and December we email an individual report with Speaking, Writing, Listening and Reading, a numerical average and a short note on progress. The end-of-year report also says which level the student will take the following year.

In kids' and teens' courses we meet families once or twice a year. Teachers are available throughout the school year to talk about a student's progress.

Adults and teens. The first step is a free, no-commitment level test. The written part is completed on this site and, once it is done, the oral part can be booked on Zoom or in person. At the end of the oral, the assessor gives the result and the available times. Administration then gets in touch to arrange enrolment. Once the enrolment fee has been transferred, you receive the instructions for the start of classes, the books and anything else you need.

Children aged 8 to 12 who have not yet started secondary school take a level test that is entirely in person. Book it from the level test page. If none of the days or times work, we can arrange one by WhatsApp or email.

Children aged 6 and 7 go straight into the level for their age. Write to us on WhatsApp or by email for the enrolment steps, or to arrange a visit to the school.

Books. General English courses need a class book and a workbook. After enrolment we tell you which ones. International House Recoleta does not sell the books; they are available at the KEL and SBS bookshops.