When children learn another language at an early age, it is less challenging than as a teenager or adult. Children are already using the part of the brain used for language development as they learn their native language, so it’s easy for them to understand the sounds and phrases of another language.

In addition, children develop cognitive skills that may help them in other academic areas, such as reading, writing, math, and science. At Crème de la Crème of Carmel, Indiana, we understand the importance of children, teens, and adults learning another language. So we compiled this list of five diverse language classes and schools to try around our area.

Anda Spanish

A child holding a tablet face up with the words "Learning Language" displayed above.

New technologies in learning foreign languages by Marco Verch Professional Photographer is licensed with CC BY 2.0

As the Spanish language becomes more dominant in the United States, consider enrolling your child in a class at Anda Spanish. The professional instructors offer in-person or virtual lessons for both kids and adults. Not only will students of Anda Spanish learn the language, but they’ll also learn about the various Spanish-speaking cultures.

In the kids language classes, the teachers interact with the students in a fun setting, incorporating music, dance, drama, and literature to help any child grasp the concepts of the Spanish language. You can enroll your child or children in private lessons that include siblings, choose group lessons, or try Anda Spanish’s virtual immersion camps with interactive activities. Adults can also take a variety of private or group classes, including Spanish grammar and Spanish conversation.

Location: 2625 N. Meridian St., Suite 48, Indianapolis.

Contact: 317-983-1251

Indy Language Center

The Indy Language Center offers a wide variety of virtual and in-person classes, including French, Portuguese, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, Russian, and Arabic. The instructors at the Indy Language Center keep their classes small, with only four to eight students per class so the teachers can help each student progress through the language they are learning. Instructors at the Indy Language Center offer 12 languages, and as you go through the lessons, you’ll gain speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. The teachers emphasize speaking and listening as a priority.

You’ll learn sentence structure, vocabulary, pronunciation, and some of the culture of the people who speak the language you’re learning. Depending on your understanding of the language, you can start with the beginning class and move to the elementary, pre-intermediate, intermediate, and advanced classes. Each course builds on the skills you’ve learned from the previous class to help you master conversational fluency with a firm grasp of grammar and sentence structure. The Indy Language Center offers group classes, or for accelerated customized lessons, consider enrolling your child in private language lessons.

Location: 1001 Third Avenue SW., Carmel.

Contact: 317-566-8200

Crème de la Crème of Carmel

The entire team at Crème de la Crème of Carmel strives to bring a whole-child approach to education, including language skills. When you enroll your youngster in their private preschool or kindergarten program, your child will learn Spanish, Mandarin, and American Sign Language.

Young children in the infant care and toddler care program learn baby sign language to help them express their wants and needs before they have full verbalization skills. Children who attend this private daycare and early learning center can also take enrichment classes in the STEAM lab, learn coding and robotics, and enjoy 120 minutes of daily play to help round out their education. After taking your language class at Crème de la Crème, take the family to any of these Carmel restaurants where everyone can find something delicious to please their palate.

Location: 760 E. 116th St. in Carmel.

Contact: 317-943-7055

Indianapolis Spanish Place

The Indianapolis Spanish Place is another option for enrolling in Spanish classes near Carmel, Indiana. The instructors at this language school use an immersion approach to teaching in the Spanish language kids classes. They begin with placing the vocabulary within the context of short phrases, and placing the language in a cultural context. Your child will have fun learning Spanish as the teachers use songs, games, and age-appropriate activities to help the children learn in a playful manner. The staff at Indianapolis Spanish Place offers six-week classes for children 3 to 5, 6 to 8, and 9 to 12.

If you would like your child to learn Spanish faster with deeper comprehension, consider enrolling them in a private class. You can tailor these classes to an individual child, siblings, and other close family members either in your home or at our Indianapolis location. Adults can also take Spanish language classes for groups or individuals in person or virtually through Zoom.

Location: 6302-B Rucker Road, Indianapolis.

Contact: 317-737-7772

Chinese School of Chinese Community Church of Indianapolis

Since 1982, the Chinese School of Chinese Community Church of Indianapolis (CSCCCI) has taught Chinese language classes and culture to students on Sunday afternoons. Children will learn the characters of the Chinese language and also gain learning experiences through festivals like the Chinese New Year. Students will engage in academic contests and enjoy fun activities like summer camp and Chinese word quizzes.

The professional instructors at CSCCCI offer a variety of Chinese language classes for kids. Early learners enjoy songs and poems to help them grasp the language. As the classes advance, the teachers introduce phonics, how to read Chinese characters, grammar, sentence structure, and writing. Advanced classes for children 10 to 12 include conversation classes and preparation for the AP Chinese Language and Cultural Exam. Adults can take virtual Mandarin classes when CSCCCI offers them.

Location: 3405 E. 116th St., Carmel.

Contact: 317-706-0433

When your kids learn a second or third language, it helps expand their world and opens up their minds to cultural diversity. Our team at Crème de la Crème of Carmel hopes you enjoy our list of language classes to try nearby. Do you have a recommendation for another language class, either in person or virtual, that you can suggest for us? If you do, let us know, and we can check it out.