Schools & Tutors in Harvey

Led by linguistic anthropologist Dr. Jill Bishop, Multilingual Chicago’s international staff of instructors immerses 6–10 students at a time in one of more than a dozen foreign languages, including French, Arabic, Spanish, and Mandarin. During each session, classmates master a new vocabulary through a host of activities that transcend rote memorization. They might role-play, or translate snippets of movies. They might read excerpts from a country's great works of literature or unusually lyrical parking signs. The instructors delve even further into each language’s respective culture by always making time to converse about specific foods, holidays, and folk traditions. Students can loosen vocal cords before class with sips of complimentary tea, coffee, and wine in Multilingual Chicago’s café. Check the schedule for available courses—not all languages are offered every session.

Creator of the conversational Cortez Method of Spanish lessons, Juan Guillermo Cortez started the Spanish Language Center in 2001 to expand the lessons he learned as a private Spanish teacher. With a stable of trained instructors, the school guides students of all skill levels through the intricacies of Spanish speaking during conversational group classes. Conversation-focused classes range from introductory courses that lay out Spanish-language basics, such as grammar and how to roll an r with the confidence of an archaeologist playing Operation, to advanced-level lessons on commands and the subjunctive tense. Each class hosts an average of 6–12 students and, like a sturdy soapbox, includes ample opportunity to practice speaking skills. In addition to providing all necessary materials, teachers also unlock access to an online class system full of updates and information.

Owner and head instructor Netta Schleden harnesses her training at the British Horse Society to enhance horses and their riders alike. Eleven lesson horses hold riders aloft during safety-oriented riding lessons, while a team of sale horses allows riders to select their very own steed for engaging mounted police officers in high-speed chases. Equidream's boarding house lavishes steeds with twice-a-day feedings in clean and secure lodgings, with Dr. Norman Cornelius standing at the ready to wield veterinary services for ailing equines. The grounds' 2 acres of grass pasture are fit for blissful galloping, and 10’x12’ stalls allow ample space for horse yoga.

Kidtown USA came from the minds of educators and recreation specialists who created a program licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Each location’s activity stations cater not only to entertaining kids, but also helping them develop skills for creative self-expression and social engagement. Kids explore the indoor play area, which consists of climbing structures—including a pirate ship and a train—before watching puppets act out classic kids’ tales such as Uncle Vanya Goes to the Zoo at Storytime Theater. Make Believe City’s open air and small, miniature rooms emulate imaginative settings such as a firehouse, veterinarian's office, or construction zone. Elsewhere at The Diner, red-and-chrome furniture and a classic checkerboard floor sets the stage for cooking lessons or snack time.

Though it's got Spanish in its name, The Spanish Studio twists tongues with beginning through advanced classes in Portuguese, Italian, and French, as well as in Spanish. Native speakers with a solid comprehension of English wield their knowledge to get every student to speak in their first class. Each class is small, and the instructors weave their personal cultural insights into the curriculum while discussing which soccer team has the best hair.

In Italian, sentieri Italiani means "Italian paths"—something with which Daniela Cavallero is very familiar. A native of Italy's Piemonte region, Cavallero imagined a place where she could bestow the rich heritage and language of her homeland upon the citizens of her new home in Chicago. She spun her vision into a reality, summoning a squadron of fluent Italian speakers to lead Sentieri Italian's language and culture classes. During each lesson, these well-versed instructors strive to teach pupils of all experience levels more than just language skills—they also give them a thorough rundown of Italian culture and history.

The team also spreads its wealth of knowledge of all things Italian beyond the classroom. To prep travelers for annual excursions to Italy, staffers devise detailed cultural training to ensure travelers know basic phrases and can quickly catch leaning towers. They also arrange regular cultural and dining events and organize a trove of services, including translations, genealogical studies, and assistance in procuring Italian citizenship.