Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to many common questions about a variety of subjects. Click through and find the answers that you need! If one of your questions is not answered or if you have additional questions click the link below and we would love to help you!
ABOUT THE TEACHERS
Our primary requirement for hiring tutors is to possess charisma, energy, and a special gift for working with children, which is an innate skill. However, we also seek tutors with previous experience in education and teaching. Additionally, each new tutor undergoes thorough and ongoing training in our program and methodology to ensure they deliver high-quality instruction tailored to our students' needs.
Each age group has unique needs and methods, which is why each teacher is assigned and trained to work exclusively with one age group. This specialization allows our teachers to focus on understanding the specific styles and needs of children within that age range, ensuring they are equipped with the expertise to effectively engage and support students of your child's age group.
Absolutely! Ensuring the safety of our students is our top priority. All our teachers undergo thorough background checks and screenings before they are allowed to work with children. This includes criminal background checks and verification of references to provide peace of mind to parents and maintain a safe learning environment for all students.
Yes, all of our teachers are native speakers of Spanish, and they actively incorporate cultural elements into their teaching. This immersive approach not only enhances language proficiency but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Spanish-speaking cultures among our students.
Our teachers address individual learning styles and abilities in the classroom by implementing a curriculum that already incorporates those considerations. In addition to adaptations for each age group, our resources for teachers are divided into different learning style activities such as musical, kinesthetic, and visual. Moreover, teachers are assigned to work exclusively with one age group, allowing them to specialize and receive thorough training in meeting the specific needs of that group. This ensures that every student receives personalized attention and support tailored to their unique learning preferences and abilities.
Once a month, parents can schedule a feedback and advice session with the teacher where they'll receive a progress report on their child (also provided via email). Rather than just sending a report, we encourage parents to share updates on what their child will be experiencing that month (like a birthday, special trip, school event, etc.), allowing us to align our efforts accordingly with the child's upcoming experiences. We believe in working as a team to get the best results.
ABOUT THE METHOD
Through exciting activities and interactive tools, our lessons feel more like games/fun times than traditional classes. By creating a dynamic and immersive learning environment, we ensure that children are actively engaged and motivated to learn while having a great time!
We employ a comprehensive approach to tracking progress and fostering effective communication with parents. Our meticulously designed curriculum includes detailed lesson plans for each class, and following each lesson, our dedicated teachers complete detailed reports or “bitácoras” that document your child's progress and highlight key areas of development. These reports are diligently filed, and on a monthly basis, we compile a comprehensive progress report. This report is then shared with parents during our monthly 30-minute report and advising meeting, providing valuable insights into your child's learning journey and facilitating open dialogue between parents and educators.
We provide a diverse range of tailored resources exclusively for students enrolled in our monthly program to support at-home practice. These resources are designed to match the interests and needs of each age group, and they include printable coloring pages, worksheets, interactive apps, videos, songs, and more. With these engaging materials, students can continue practicing Spanish outside of the classroom in a fun and interactive way.
Our curriculum not only structures content but also includes an extensive library of resources classified according to various learning styles. For instance, we offer resources tailored to musical, visual, kinesthetic, and project-based learning styles. By providing diverse materials that cater to different learning preferences, we ensure that every student can engage with the material in a way that best suits their individual learning style and abilities.
Although technology has allowed us to communicate across long distances and share our cultures and knowledge, there are still aspects that are challenging to manage through digital means. Maintaining discipline in the virtual classroom is one such challenge. However, we firmly believe in teamwork. Given the energetic nature of children, we always request (especially with younger children) that an adult be present during sessions. Additionally, we are committed to making our classes engaging and attention-grabbing to facilitate participation by stimulating curiosity. We strive to create an environment where students feel motivated to participate actively and respectfully, ensuring a positive and productive learning experience for all.
All students receive additional resources to continue learning outside of class. However, for younger age groups, these are not considered "homework" or "assignments" but rather supplemental activities that do not need to be submitted. For students aged 10-12, these resources are considered homework and are given at the end of each class, to be reviewed at the beginning of the next. Nevertheless, we understand that daily responsibilities can be burdensome, so if assignments cannot be completed, teachers are instructed to work on them together during class time. We believe in being flexible without compromising on quality and progress.
Absolutely! Cultural enrichment and immersion are integral parts of our everyday routine. In addition to language instruction, we provide opportunities for students to explore and immerse themselves in Spanish-speaking cultures through various activities in class. Each teacher becomes an ambassador of his/her country and culture for your child. From celebrating cultural holidays to learning about traditions, customs, and cuisines, we ensure that our students develop a deep appreciation and understanding of the rich diversity within Spanish-speaking communities.
Yes! We have exciting plans in place to facilitate interactions among other Bilingual Up students. We're organizing contests and activities to engage with each other, and we're also exploring partnerships with other schools where Spanish-speaking students are learning English. Through cultural and language exchanges with them, your child will have wonderful opportunities to interact with peers who share their language and cultural background. Stay tuned for more details!
For certain students who have been enrolled in the program for extended periods (ideally, having grown with the program over several years), we provide special attention and support beyond the age of 12. During this time, we prepare students to take official proficiency assessments such as the DELE or OPI exams. These certifications can be valuable additions to their future university applications or professional resumes. Additionally, upon completing each age group milestone (at ages 3, 7, 10, and 12) and successfully finishing the corresponding program, students receive certificates or diplomas of recognition issued by Bilingual Up. These achievements signify their language proficiency and commitment to the program, further enhancing their academic and professional credentials.
PLANS AND PRICING
Yes, we do offer trial classes to ensure that our program is the right fit for your child. Our trial class is completely free and lasts for 30 minutes. During this session, the teacher will allocate the time to meet with both the parent and the child. The first 15 minutes will be dedicated to meeting with the parent, allowing for introductions and an opportunity to address any questions or concerns. Following this, the next 15 minutes will be spent with the child, providing them with the chance to build rapport with the teacher. This allows you to observe firsthand how well the child and the teacher match, ensuring a positive and productive learning environment.
Yes, we offer both, a monthly subscription plan as well as single classes (also available in bulk packages of 5, 10, or 20 classes). However, we highly recommend our monthly subscription option. With a single monthly payment, you gain access to the entire program, which includes not only classes but also all extra resources and a monthly report and advising session for parents. This subscription provides the most comprehensive and cost-effective way to support your child's language learning journey.
No, we do not charge any registration fee. The only payment required to start your child's learning journey is the first month's fee paid in advance. This covers access to all the resources and services included in our program, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free enrollment process for families.
At Bilingual Up, transparency is paramount. We want to assure you that there are no hidden costs within our packages; all promised services are included in the monthly fee. However, we occasionally offer optional additional services and experiences for those interested, which may involve an extra cost. These could include participation in congresses, contests, or shared experiences with other native children, such as camps, trips, or virtual activities distinct from our regular classes, but none of them are mandatory or required to guarantee the success of the program. Rest assured, any additional services are optional, and we are committed to providing clear communication regarding costs and options. We aim to provide a comprehensive learning experience without burdening families with additional costs.
In addition to our core program, we offer optional additional products and services to enhance your child's learning experience. Our online store features merchandise, activity books, flashcards, toys, and a variety of other engaging products designed to align with our learning mission. While these items are not mandatory for success in the program, they provide extra fun and reinforcement for your child's language learning journey. Additionally, we offer extra services such as additional class time, extra advising sessions, or specialized training for parents who homeschool their children, all of which can be accessed through our store for further customization and support.
Yes, we offer discounts for siblings, cousins, and other referrals. You will receive an additional 5% discount for each child enrolled, which can be accumulated with other discounts and admits up to 30% off (6 active referrals). This discount will remain in effect as long as all siblings or referrals maintain their subscriptions active (Apply only for monthly subscription plans). However, please note that due to our tailored method for age groups and our commitment to personalized learning, we are unable to group siblings or cousins into the same class, even if they are the same age. Each child receives individualized attention in their own class to ensure the best learning experience possible.
Unfortunately, as an international company, we're not affiliated with any specific government programs that provide financial aid. However, we're committed to offering competitive pricing and flexible payment options to accommodate families from all backgrounds. We're here to support our students and families in any way we can on their language learning journey.
Both options are available, but the benefits included in each package differ. For instance, the monthly subscription includes a 30-minute Report and Advising session for parents each month (with comprehensive progress tracking class after class), guaranteed continuity in the curriculum, and supplementary materials for off-class review and practice. Additionally, purchasing the monthly plan offers a lower price per hour compared to buying lessons individually.
Due to our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of teaching quality, we invest significantly in the continuous training and supervision of our educators. As a result, our teacher availability is limited, and their schedules are meticulously organized and planned. In the event that a student fails to attend their scheduled lesson within the first 10 minutes, the session will be marked as completed. For our monthly packages, cancellations can be communicated, however, no credit will be returned. Rescheduling is possible, but only for complete time changes for upcoming and subsequent lessons, not for individual sessions. Conversely, for individual classes, cancellations and rescheduling are permissible with at least 24 hours notice and must be requested by writing to support@bilingualup.com
For us, your satisfaction is our top priority. While we endeavor to provide the best possible service, we understand that circumstances may arise where you or your child may feel unsatisfied. In such instances, we encourage you to communicate your concerns to us promptly. We are committed to addressing any issues and will explore all avenues to remedy the situation, including potentially assigning a new teacher or making adjustments to our methods or curriculum to better meet your needs. Should these efforts not result in satisfaction, we are open to processing a request for a refund of the portion of your upfront payment that has not been utilized or served. Your feedback is invaluable, and we are dedicated to ensuring a positive and fulfilling learning experience for you and your child.
ABOUT THE CLASSES
It's scientifically proven by diverse studies that a child can hold their attention for approximately three minutes for each year of age. Thus, based on our direct observations confirming this fact, our lessons are designed accordingly: 20 minutes long for children aged 0-3 years, 25 minutes for those aged 4-6 years, 30 minutes for ages 7-9, and 45 minutes for ages 10-12.
After thorough professional research, we have determined that shorter classes necessitate more frequent sessions, whereas longer classes, focusing on more intricate topics, benefit from intermittent processing time. Consequently, our plans entail 20-minute classes for children aged 0-3 and 25-minute classes for those aged 4-6, scheduled daily from Monday to Friday. For longer classes spanning 30-45 minutes, tailored for children aged 7-12, sessions are conducted three times a week, ideally on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. However, we offer flexibility to accommodate your scheduling needs. Additionally, these longer classes include supplementary materials for off-class review and practice, ensuring continued engagement and reinforcement of learned topics during non-class days.
At sign-up, you can select lesson times to suit your availability. We're flexible and open to accommodating schedule changes later on. However, adjustments will affect future classes, ensuring each session remains tailored to your child's needs. Please note that individual classes cannot be moved. Our goal is to provide seamless support, making your child's learning journey effortless.
We believe in the power of personalized learning experiences. That's why we're excited to share that our lessons are exclusively one-on-one. Each session is crafted to cater specifically to your child's individual needs, ensuring undivided attention, tailored guidance, and maximum progress.
Currently, classes are being conducted using Zoom or Google Meet. However, our team is diligently working on developing a private platform equipped with specialized tools tailored for our beloved children and their unique skills. Rest assured, we will keep you informed as soon as the platform is ready, including details about the migration process.
We prioritize individualized attention and create a supportive environment where every student can thrive and succeed. Our dedicated teachers provide one-on-one assistance and additional materials to help students grasp difficult concepts and catch up with their peers.
In our one-on-one online sessions, we prioritize personalized engagement and active participation. Our tutors utilize interactive tools, such as virtual whiteboards and interactive quizzes, to keep students engaged and focused. We tailor our approach to each student's learning style and pace, providing targeted feedback and encouragement to ensure comprehension and progress. By fostering a supportive and interactive online environment, we empower students to actively participate, ask questions, and fully engage in their learning journey.
ABOUT THE CURRICULUM
If your child is older and hasn't embarked on the language learning journey since their early years, fear not! Our method acknowledges that every child's path to language acquisition is unique and adaptable. While it's true that younger children possess a natural aptitude for language learning, older children can still achieve remarkable proficiency with the right approach. We believe in a personalized leveling process that meets your child where they are, tailoring our curriculum to their current skills and abilities. Through engaging activities, interactive lessons, and immersive experiences, we guide older learners through the same fundamental stages of language acquisition, albeit adjusted to their developmental stage. Just as a young child progresses from simple words to more complex sentences, older learners will experience a similar evolution, unlocking the beauty and intricacies of Spanish at their own pace. With dedication, support, and our proven methodology, your child can embark on a rewarding journey toward fluency, regardless of when they begin.
To ensure continuity and consistency in teaching methods and curriculum across different instructors, we prioritize rigorous training for each teacher, ensuring they deeply understand and adhere to our established method. Additionally, we closely monitor their performance to maintain the quality of our service, fostering a consistent experience for all students regardless of the instructor they are assigned.
We need to realize that all of our students learn at a different pace and in a different form. That is why we suggest starting with a 1 on 1 lesson so that we can find where your child needs to go to be able to perform and learn as fast as he or she can. When we break it down into a scientific method we find that there are 4 different areas of learners as listed here: 0-3, 4-6, 7-9,10-12. These 4 groups are generalized based off of age and help our students relate one with another and be able to learn together in a fun and inviting environment.
Our curriculum encompasses a wide range of themes across various branches and categories. From basic topics like fruits, animals, and colors to more complex concepts such as expressing opinions and reacting positively or negatively, we ensure that each theme is selected with careful consideration to engage children effectively. These themes are tailored to the age group, so while a 3-year-old may learn basic colors like blue or red, a 12-year-old might delve into more nuanced shades like sky blue, navy, light, or dark. This tailored approach ensures that children of all ages are actively engaged and challenged at an appropriate level.
In our curriculum, we seamlessly integrate cultural components to provide a holistic language learning experience. Understanding that language is deeply intertwined with culture, we incorporate authentic cultural elements from Spanish-speaking countries into our lessons. From exploring traditional foods and celebrations to learning about famous artists, historical figures, and customs, we immerse students in the rich tapestry of Spanish-speaking cultures. By fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity, we not only enhance language proficiency but also cultivate global awareness and empathy among our students.
Absolutely! We are dedicated to providing interdisciplinary learning opportunities that connect to other subjects within the curriculum. For example, if students are studying math in their regular school curriculum, we teach them how to read and comprehend mathematical concepts in Spanish. Similarly, if they are participating in a science fair, we ensure they are familiar with the relevant vocabulary and concepts in Spanish, allowing them to seamlessly integrate their language learning with their academic pursuits in other subjects
Absolutely! We strongly believe in the power of experiential learning, where words and concepts are solidified through hands-on experiences. That's why our curriculum incorporates project-based learning activities such as cooking and crafting. These engaging activities not only enhance language acquisition but also foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
To incorporate language immersion and authentic language experiences into the curriculum, all of our teachers are native Spanish speakers. They prioritize building strong relationships with students to create an environment where children feel comfortable communicating exclusively in Spanish. This approach helps students view their teacher not only as an educator but also as a trusted friend with whom they can engage solely in the target language.
Yes! We have exciting plans in place to facilitate interactions among other Bilingual Up students. We're organizing contests and activities to engage with each other, and we're also exploring partnerships with other schools where Spanish-speaking students are learning English. Through cultural and language exchanges with them, your child will have wonderful opportunities to interact with peers who share their language and cultural background. Stay tuned for more details!
PARENT AND FAMILY PARTICIPATION
Parents play a crucial role in supporting your child's language learning journey. At our program, we encourage active parental involvement to enhance the learning experience. Once a month, we invite you to a special session during one of their lesson times, where you'll have the opportunity to engage with their progress and development directly. During this session, you'll receive detailed reports on your child's progress, offering insights into their strengths and areas for improvement. Our experienced instructors will also provide personalized advice on activities you can incorporate at home to further reinforce language acquisition. Additionally, you'll have access to supplementary materials designed to facilitate interactive learning experiences within the comfort of your own home. By working together as a team, we can ensure that your child receives the support and encouragement they need to excel in their language journey.
Not to worry! If your child is under 7 years old and being cared for by a babysitter or another responsible adult during the class, their presence is necessary to assist with any technical issues and help maintain discipline. However, rest assured that the quality of the class will remain the same. For children older than 7 years old, while the presence of an adult is not mandatory, it is still recommended whenever possible to ensure a smooth learning experience. We're dedicated to providing a seamless and enriching learning environment for your child, regardless of who is supervising them during the class.