PROGRAMS
Programs

Frequently Asked Questions
About LanguageBird

Everything you need to know about enrollment, courses, accreditation, and more.

Course Accreditation, NCAA and College Approvals

Yes. LanguageBird is institutionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and Cognia.

LanguageBird is an accredited online private school. Our world language courses meet high school academic standards for credit eligibility.

Students who successfully complete a for-credit LanguageBird course may receive high school world language credit through their school of record.

Yes. LanguageBird world language courses are approved by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and count toward the core course requirements for Division I and Division II initial eligibility.

Student-athletes may submit completed LanguageBird courses when applying for NCAA academic eligibility. Students may request official LanguageBird transcripts to be sent directly to the NCAA and/or to their school of record.

Yes. LanguageBird is a University of California (UC) approved Online Publisher. LanguageBird courses may be used to meet UC A–G requirements with permission from a California high school or through concurrent enrollment with a LanguageBird partner school.

This information applies to California students planning to apply to UC or the California State University (CSU) systems. Students should consult their high school counselor to confirm transcript policies.

Students can search for LanguageBird on the official University of California (UC) A–G course list website.

Search for your LanguageBird courses in Courses, not Institutions.

LanguageBird does not have its own CEEB code. CEEB codes are assigned to diploma-granting high schools. LanguageBird offers accredited coursework but does not issue full high school diplomas.

Students typically have LanguageBird courses added to the transcript from their school of record.

Important: The SRAR organization advises students reporting LanguageBird enrollment on the SRAR to use CEEB code 059999. This code is for SRAR use only and should not be used on the Common Application or other college application platforms.

The SRAR organization advises students reporting LanguageBird enrollment on the SRAR to use CEEB code 059999. This code is for SRAR use only and should not be used on the Common Application or other college application platforms.

Programs, Course Levels, and Placement

Students should choose the LanguageBird program that best fits their experience, academic goals, and timeline.

All programs include live, one-to-one instruction with native-level instructors and personalized lesson plans.

Middle School Courses 

Middle School Courses (12 lessons per semester) are designed for students in grades 6–8 who are new to world language learning or want to build foundational skills before entering a high school–level course.

Learn more about Middle School Courses

High School Courses for Credit 

LanguageBird offers online high school world language courses designed to meet graduation and college admissions requirements, while helping students build lasting language proficiency and real-world communication skills.

High School programs include Excel (24 lessons per semester), Achieve (18 lessons per semester), and Core (12 lessons per semester), depending on pacing and support needs.
 
Compare High School Programs

Tutoring, Test Prep, and Conversational Lessons 

LanguageBird also provides flexible, private, one-on-one language instruction for students who do not need high school credit. Ideal for:

  • Targeted academic support

  • Exam preparation

  • Building conversational fluency

  • Supplementing school courses

Learn more about Tutoring, Test Prep, and Conversational Lessons

Global Seal of Biliteracy Exam Preparation and Testing 
Students may prepare for and take the Global Seal of Biliteracy exam to earn an internationally recognized credential certifying language proficiency.

Learn more about the Global Seal of Biliteracy exam →

Chirp Room® Chat Rooms 

Small groups of language learners at similar levels meet in a live video session moderated by a native-level LanguageBird instructor in a fun, low-pressure environment.

Learn more about the Chirp Rooms

If you’re unsure which program fits best, our Admissions Advisors can help you choose the right program. Contact Us

Students in for-credit course programs:

  • Attend 12 live instructional lessons per semester

  • Complete 1–3 hours of homework per lesson

  • Submit a semester project

  • Receive a final letter grade

  • Earn high school credit

Students in non-credit programs, including Tutoring, Test Prep, Conversational Lessons, or Chirp Rooms:

  • Do not follow a fixed curriculum

  • Do not get assigned homework

  • Do not receive a final grade

  • Do not earn high school credit

Students should choose tutoring or other non-credit programs when they do not need high school credit and are needing targeted support.

These programs are ideal for students who:

  • Need extra support while enrolled in a course for credit

  • Want to practice language skills without the pressure of grades or academic credit

  • Are preparing for a specific language exam (AP, Global Seal of Biliteracy, TOEFL, DELF, etc.)

  • Want to strengthen conversational fluency in a low-pressure setting

Learn more about Tutoring, Test Prep, and Conversational Lessons

The main difference between LanguageBird Middle School and High School language programs is academic rigor and whether students earn high school credit.

Middle School courses are designed for middle school learners who want structured language study to strengthen foundational skills before taking on high school–level coursework. Middle School courses do not award high school credit.

High School courses are designed for high school students, or advanced middle school students ready for high school rigor. Students earn high school credit for each successfully completed semester course.

Tutoring and Conversational Lessons are ideal for adult learners, including college students, who want private one-on-one sessions with native-level instructors. These programs are perfect for adults who want to:

  • Begin learning a new language

  • Continue or refresh existing language studies

  • Strengthen conversational skills for work, travel, or personal enrichment

  • Receive targeted academic support while in college or higher education

While these flexible programs do not provide academic credit, they focus on personalized learning, skill development, and conversational fluency.

LanguageBird programs are designed for:

  • Middle school students

  • High school students

  • Adult learners

If you have a special case you would like to discuss, please speak with an Admissions Advisor.

Students should select a course level based on previous language study or demonstrated proficiency.

For example:

  • A student who has successfully completed one year of language study at Level 1, should enroll in Level 2

  • A student who is a heritage speaker with a strong foundation in speaking and writing in the language may choose to begin at Level 3.

For courses starting at Level 1B and above, instructors assess both new and returning students during the first lessons to confirm appropriate placement. This ensures students begin at the correct level and supports a personalized learning path.

If you’re unsure which level to select, we recommend inquiring with your current counselor or language teacher, or reach out to LanguageBird’s Admissions Advisors who may be able to provide helpful resources.

Once a program is purchased, enrollment cannot be changed. Families should confirm they are selecting the appropriate program with an Admissions Advisor before enrolling.

If a student has not yet begun lessons and would like to upgrade to a more robust program, this change may be made.

LanguageBird instructors can provide targeted support for a variety of language assessments through Tutoring, Test Prep, or Conversational Lessons programs, including:

  • AP World Language exams

  • IB World Language exams

  • The Global Seal of Biliteracy

  • International proficiency exams such as TOEFL or DELF

  • School-based placement or other language proficiency exams or certifications

Note: LanguageBird’s courses for credit do NOT focus on preparing for exams.

To be ready for the Global Seal of Biliteracy exam, students should typically reach at least Intermediate-Mid proficiency in their target language. This level of proficiency aligns with earning the minimum Functional Fluency credential through the Global Seal of Biliteracy.

For most students, Intermediate-Mid proficiency is achieved after:

  • Level 4 in languages such as Spanish, French, or Italian

  • Level 6 in languages such as Arabic, Russian, or Mandarin

Reaching this milestone means students can consistently demonstrate reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills at a functional, real-world level.

Students who are unsure whether they are ready for the Global Seal exam should consult with their instructor or reach out to a LanguageBird Admissions Advisor.

Curriculum and Instructional Approach

LanguageBird courses follow ACTFL standards and use NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements and Benchmarks to guide learning goals at each level.

Key features:

  • Textbook-free curriculum tailored to each student’s pace and interests

  • Digital and authentic resources: articles, videos, music, and culturally relevant materials

  • Clear syllabi outlining course objectives, priority vocabulary, and key structures

  • Instruction is personalized: instructors select materials to meet each student’s learning goals while covering all proficiency-based objectives

LanguageBird’s online language courses use a personalized, one-to-one, mastery-focused, instructional approach grounded in:

  • Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)

  • Project-Based Learning (PBL)

  • NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements and World-Readiness Standards

Lessons are tailored to each learner and are textbook-free, using open-source and digital materials such as articles, videos, music, and culturally relevant websites.

Students practice real-world language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking while building intercultural competence, with proficiency-based objectives to track meaningful progress.

Read more about Our Learning Approach

No. LanguageBird’s textbook-free approach supports language learning in real-world contexts. All resources are provided online through the course syllabus or lesson notes. These may include:

  • Articles and news sources

  • Images and videos

  • Music and multimedia

  • Culturally relevant websites

Project-based learning is how students demonstrate mastery in LanguageBird’s Middle and High courses instead of taking timed tests.

How students engage in project-based Learning:

  • Students design a personalized project with their instructor

  • Students complete semester-long projects based on their interests

  • Students practice real-world language skills and communication

  • Students develop creativity, deeper learning, and practical application

Project examples include cultural presentations, mock talk shows, or performing student-written songs.

No. LanguageBird courses cannot be aligned to another school’s curriculum. LanguageBird has a set ACTFL‑aligned, proficiency‑based curriculum with objectives, assessments, and learning outcomes that all courses must follow. As an accredited school, the coursework completed with LanguageBird can be transferred to another school for credit.

Students who need support for world language courses they are taking at their school of record can enroll in Tutoring, Test Prep, or Conversational Lessons with LanguageBird. These non-credit programs allow instructors to align lessons to classroom materials, reinforce coursework, and support specific assessments.

No. LanguageBird does not offer Advanced Placement® (AP) courses. AP courses follow a highly prescribed curriculum designed specifically to prepare students for a standardized exam.  In contrast, LanguageBird is project-based and aligned to ACTFL standards, emphasizing real-world applications, deep learning, and demonstrated proficiency. Students seeking advanced challenges will find LanguageBird coursework rigorous, immersive, and focused on meaningful skill development.

At advanced course levels, LanguageBird students gain the skills and preparation needed for high-level assessments, including AP exams or the Global Seal of Biliteracy.

LanguageBird does not offer traditional honors courses. Instead, we provide advanced, high-level online language courses that go beyond standard high school study. Because all courses are one-to-one and personalized, students can learn at their own pace, accelerate through the curriculum, or take on additional work independently.

Unlike classroom-based honors courses that follow a fixed pace, LanguageBird students are never held back by a group schedule. Many students complete more than one year of high school language study within a single school year. This flexible, accelerated approach allows learners to achieve high-level language proficiency without needing the honors designation.

LanguageBird offers personalized language test preparation to help students prepare for proficiency exams, including the Global Seal of Biliteracy, AP exams, IB language exams, DELE, DELF, CILS, HSK, JLPT, and other certification exams.

For students seeking targeted support, we provide:

  • Dedicated test-prep lessons focused on exam format and performance strategy

  • Skill-building instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking

  • Sample tests and exam guidance to clarify expectations and scoring

  • Flexible year-round testing options to support scheduling and confidence

This structured approach ensures students are prepared not only for a specific exam, but for long-term language proficiency success.

→ Learn more about Test Preparation

→ Learn more about the Global Seal of Biliteracy

LanguageBird Instructors and Qualifications

All LanguageBird instructors are native-level speakers with advanced degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorates, or international equivalents) and teaching experience in online programs, schools, or universities.

Key qualifications and expertise include:

  • Specialized training in Second Language Acquisition (SLA), TESOL, or teaching their language as a World Language

  • Experience delivering high-quality, culturally informed, communicative lessons

  • Academic and professional backgrounds that support personalized, one-to-one instruction

LanguageBird’s native-level instructors are based around the globe, giving students direct access to authentic cultural perspectives. Learning with teachers embedded in local communities allows students to gain firsthand cultural insights while developing real-world language skills through meaningful, global connections.

Yes. LanguageBird instructors hold Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degrees or international equivalents, often in world languages, linguistics, or education-related fields, and have experience teaching their languages in schools, universities, and online programs. This combination of formal training and practical teaching expertise ensures high-quality language instruction.

Each student is assigned to a dedicated instructor for all lessons of their enrollment, ensuring consistent support, personalized lessons, and a strong student-teacher connection. Learners are able to request to work with the same instructor for future enrollments.

Many students continue with the same instructor throughout a single course and in future courses; however, there are times when a change is necessary. In these rare instances, we work closely to ensure a smooth transition and continued support for the learner.

Our approach helps maintain personalized learning and strong rapport, supporting steady language progress even if an instructor change occurs.

LanguageBird prioritizes instructional continuity and strives to keep students with the same instructor throughout their enrollment to support strong relationships and steady language growth. If a student believes a change would better support their learning, we encourage them to reach out. Our support team will thoughtfully review the request and determine the best path forward, which may include a transition when appropriate.

LanguageBird instructors focus on one-to-one instruction with students. If parents or guardians have questions, they may connect with instructors via email to discuss their student’s progress or ask questions.

For additional academic support, families may also reach out to the Academic Department via our Help Center. This ensures parents or guardians receive guidance while instructors remain focused on delivering personalized, high-quality lessons.

Classes, Lessons, and Scheduling

After tuition is paid, students and parents or guardians log in to MyLanguageBird, our Student Information System, and submit the learners’ preferred days and times for lessons. Once preferences are received, the Matching Team assigns instructors, who then contact the students directly to:

  • Confirm the lesson schedule and first lesson date/time
  • Share the link to the Class Team for lessons

During the school year, most LanguageBird students typically schedule 1–2 lessons per week. Students enrolled in the Excel Program take at least two lessons per week to maintain steady progress. Depending on learning goals and pacing, some students schedule lessons three times per week.

In the summer months, students typically schedule 2–4 lessons per week to complete programs within a compressed timeline.

All lessons are 60 minutes long and occur on consistent day(s) and time(s) each week, with start times scheduled on the :00 or :30 mark.

LanguageBird lessons are personalized, 60-minute one-to-one sessions designed to meet each student’s interests, learning style, and goals.

Instructors adjust pacing to support and challenge learners appropriately. They alsoset expectations during the first lesson to create a customized learning experience throughout the enrollment

Instructional Lessons in our Middle and High School programs follow a consistent flow:

  • Review homework

  • Engage in interactive, communication-focused activities

  • Receive meaningful practice (1–3 hours of homework to complete after each lesson)

LanguageBird courses offer two types of lessons as part of our courses to support student learning:

  • Instructional Lessons: Graded sessions that follow LanguageBird’s accredited curriculum. These lessons focus on core language skills, proficiency objectives, and consistent progress.

  • Mastery Lessons: Additional one-to-one sessions added to courses to reinforce skills, review material, or address specific learning goals. Mastery lessons are not graded. They are incorporated into programs like Excel and Achieve, giving students extra time for practice and extension beyond the instructional lessons.

No. Students may take only one lesson per day.

No. Students must maintain a consistent weekly schedule to support progress. Key schedule requirements include:

  • Lesson length: 60 minutes per session

  • Regularity: Same day(s) and time(s) each week

  • Start times: Scheduled on the :00 or :30 mark

If a student needs to adjust their schedule, they should first discuss options for changes with their assigned instructor.

If the instructor cannot accommodate the new times, or if the student has not yet been matched, enrolled students may submit a change request through the LanguageBird Help Center.

If a student needs to miss or reschedule a lesson, they should contact their instructor. Learners may also reschedule lessons through their MyLanguageBird student portal.

Attendance, Communication, and Expectations

Students must attend all 12 scheduled LanguageBird Instructional Lessons in a semester course to earn credit. Consistent attendance supports steady progress, mastery of language skills, and full participation in the one-to-one, for-credit curriculum. If a student misses an instructional lesson, a makeup lesson must be purchased in order to remain on track for credit.

Missed Mastery Lessons, Tutoring, Test Prep, and Conversational lessons, and Chirp Room® sessions are forfeited and may not be made up.

Students who cannot attend a lesson must cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance to avoid the need for a makeup lesson. Canceling with notice prevents makeup lesson fees or forfeiture of lessons. Because instructors reserve their time in advance, the 24-hour cancellation policy also applies to same-day illnesses.
In Middle School and High School Programs, students may earn a final grade and receive credit only if they complete all 12 required Instructional Lessons in their semester program.
Students can add their scheduled lessons to their LanguageBird Outlook calendar and set up notifications to receive reminders. Lesson schedules can always be accessed in MyLanguageBird.
Students communicate with their instructors exclusively through LanguageBird Outlook email and Teams platforms. No personal phones, email, or messaging apps are used to ensure both student and instructor privacy and protection.

If a student misses or cancels a lesson with less than 24-hour notice, or arrives more than 15 minutes late, an absence is recorded. How the absence is handled depends on the type of lesson:

  • Instructional Lessons: A make-up lesson must be scheduled, for a fee, ensuring students stay on track with their course.
  • Tutoring, Test Prep, Conversational, and Mastery Lessons and Chirp Room® Chat Room sessions: The lesson is forfeited.

This policy helps students maintain consistency, stay accountable, and achieve their learning goals.

Grades, Progress, and Transcripts

LanguageBird uses ongoing, proficiency-based assessments instead of traditional tests. Instructors start with an initial placement check and evaluate students throughout the course based on participation, homework completion, and language use. Middle school and high school students complete a project-based final assessment, and families receive a final grade report at the end of the semester.

Final semester grade breakdown: 

  • Participation – 20%

  • Homework – 20%

  • Language use / mastery of objectives – 30%

  • Culminating project – 30%

Students and parents or guardians can view the Lesson Notes and Grade documents in the Class Team under the shared files section. Progress updates are posted after every lesson.  

Yes. LanguageBird is a mastery-based program, so students are encouraged to revise and re-submit assignments as needed based on instructor feedback. Revisions are allowed until the 12th instructional lesson and before submitting the culminating semester project. This approach helps students strengthen their skills and demonstrate growth over time.  

LanguageBird does not issue official quarterly progress grades. Students receive a final grade after completing each full semester. Ongoing progress may be monitored anytime in the Lesson Notes and Grades document in the Class Team.

Yes. Students enrolled in for-credit programs such as Excel, Achieve, or Core will earn high school credit after successful course completion. Students may request a transcript, which can be submitted to the high school, college, or organization of their choosing.

LanguageBird issues final course grades as letter grades.

Students may request a transcript at any time if taking a Middle School or High School course for credit. If the course is still in progress, the transcript will show “IP” (In Progress). Once the courses are complete and the instructors submit the final grades, the transcripts may be ordered and sent directly to the students’ schools or colleges.  

Students can order an official transcript anytime using the Transcript Request page. The page includes a short video on creating a Parchment account and submitting a transcript request. Parchment support is available via chat or phone if any issues arise.

Does LanguageBird send transcripts directly to schools or colleges?

Learner Support and Learning Differences

LanguageBird offers one-to-one, mastery-based, project-focused language instruction for middle school, high school, and adult learners. Our one-to-one, mastery-based, project-focused language instruction is personalized for each learner, allowing students of all learning backgrounds and abilities to thrive.

LanguageBird welcomes middle school learners, high school students, and adult learners. Our programs support students at every level, from foundational skills to advanced language mastery.

No. LanguageBird lessons are strictly one-to-one between the student and instructor. This focused environment ensures students can practice speaking, listening, and using the language confidently without distractions. Parents, guardians, siblings, teachers, or friends should not be present in the live lesson space or on camera.

For students age 13 and under, a parent or guardian must be available during each lesson for supervision and support purposes. The parent/guardian is not to participate in the live lessons.

All lessons are recorded and can be accessed afterward in the Class Team.

Students with learning differences are supported through one-to-one, personalized instruction. Instructors tailor lessons to each student’s needs and pace, and learners can submit and re-submit assignments throughout the semester. Ongoing guidance with project planning and preparation ensures every student can demonstrate growth and mastery.

Yes. Many instructors are experienced with learners who benefit from differentiated pacing, alternative assessments, and varied instructional strategies. When families or schools share a student’s learning profile, LanguageBird matches the student with an instructor whose experience and teaching style are a strong fit. Instructors also receive ongoing professional development to ensure student success.

Yes. American Sign Language (ASL) can be an excellent option for students with learning differences.

LanguageBird’s one-to-one programs provide personalized instruction. Native-level Instructors adapt pacing, modeling, repetition, and communication strategies to each learner.

Because ASL does not require decoding written text or managing complex verb conjugation patterns, many students who struggle in text-heavy language environments experience increased confidence and success with learning ASL. ASL is highly visual, spatial, and expressive, engaging multiple parts of the brain and often benefits students who are strong visual or kinesthetic learners. Lessons naturally incorporate movement, facial expression, and real-world context, which can increase focus and retention, particularly for students with attention challenges.

Assessment is performance-based rather than quiz-driven. Students demonstrate their learning progress through signing projects and interactive practice, which can reduce test anxiety and allow them to show mastery in authentic ways.

All lessons are recorded, allowing students to review and reinforce skills at their own pace.

Technology and Technical Requirements

Students need a desktop or laptop computer with a working camera and speakers, and an internet connection strong enough for video chat throughout the lesson. Chromebooks, tablets, iPads, and phones are not supported for LanguageBird lessons.

LanguageBird students use MyLanguageBird, our Student Information System, Microsoft Teams, and Outlook for lessons and communication. For the best experience, students should access Microsoft Teams and Outlook in a web browser, with Google Chrome recommended.  

Students can visit the LanguageBird Help Center for step-by-step guides on common technical issues and to submit support requests. Our support team is also available by phone Monday–Friday, 6 AM–5 PM PT, for live assistance.

If the lesson can continue with clear audio, the instructor may proceed without video as a rare, one-time exception. If technical issues prevent effective instruction, the session will stop, and a make-up lesson (with a fee) may need to be scheduled.

Pricing and Tuition

LanguageBird tuition varies by program and term. Students and families can view full pricing, program options, and enrollment details on the LanguageBird Tuition Page. 

Yes. Because each plan is different, confirm with your financial advisor or accountant to ensure your student’s 529 funds may be applied.  

LanguageBird does not offer refunds for tuition paid. Lessons are non-transferable. Upgrades to a higher-value program may be available upon request before lessons begin.  

Still Have Questions?

Our team can help you identify the right LanguageBird program and ensure it aligns with your goals, schedule, and school requirements.

Currently Enrolled and Need Support?

Visit our Help Center for articles on Getting Started, Troubleshooting, and Common Questions. You can also chat with our Chatbot for the fastest support or fill out a support form.