Frequently Asked Questions

Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world — more than 350 million people speak it as their mother tongue, and that number is growing. Apps like Duolingo primarily teach word memorization with no human interaction and no accountability — and for most people, the streak ends and the language doesn't stick. At CostaLingo, you practice real conversation with native-speaking instructors in small groups, which is the proven fastest path to fluency. We also offer our own online learning platform included with every membership — but it's a supplement to your classes, not the program itself. You use it to study extra, review between sessions, or catch up after a missed class. The difference is we're people-first.

Everyone starts at a different level. We offer a free online placement test with individual follow-up. You can also contact us and we'll help you find the right fit. Take the placement test here.

There is no make-up or credit for missed group classes. We encourage all students to attend regularly to stay on pace with their peers. If you do miss a session, you can use the CostaLingo online learning platform to review the material covered and stay current between classes.

A Make-up Class Credit will be issued when a private class is cancelled with at least 24 hours advance notice. Classes cannot be rescheduled by phone — please use the student portal or contact us by email.

CostaLingo is closed on Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, and December 24th through January 1st. No classes or make-up classes are held on these dates. Additionally, if Jefferson County Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, CostaLingo will also be closed.

All new beginner and intermediate students receive a complimentary CostaLingo textbook. Additional educational books and materials are an additional cost as needed.

Monthly membership fees are charged via credit card on the 1st of each month. We accept American Express, Discover Card, Mastercard, and Visa. We do not accept cash or checks. A $30 fee applies to all returned payments, and a $30 late fee is charged for payments received after the 5th of the month.

No, memberships are not transferable to another person.

No — and that's intentional. Unlike app-only language programs, CostaLingo is built around real instruction with native-speaking teachers. The online platform is there to support your progress between classes: extra practice, vocabulary review, lesson recaps. Real fluency comes from real conversation with real people. The platform just helps you get more out of every class you attend.

Anyone can take the free placement test and try one full unit at their level — no account needed. If you'd like to save your progress and continue, just create a free account with your email or Google. Enrolled members get full access automatically and can log in at any time through the student portal.