To converse, interact, and speak the Spanish that you hear in the street is the primary objective of the Spanish school called La Calle (formerly called “Calle 55”). The school’s motto reads: The best way to learn a language is by speaking it. The teachers work with people from all over the world to develop their Spanish language skills. With a sophisticated ambience, the school adheres to a communicative methodology, providing creative spaces that inspire conversation, including a café, swimming pool, and a constant stream of invigorating activities.
Six years ago, Agustín and Rachel decided to open a school for foreigners in Mérida. Focusing on adult education, the school prioritizes teaching conversational Spanish and breaking the limits of traditional learning. From the moment you enter the door, the classes are entirely in Spanish, even if you don’t have previous experience with the language. This might sound intimidating, but the results demonstrate complete effectiveness: in only a few weeks, you will be able to talk about yourself, order food, and understand street Spanish.
The school works with you to design the ideal learning experience. Offering everything from intensive courses of several weeks, private classes, and group classes at fixed times, the classrooms never exceed six students. The five teachers working at the school develop their class materials based on a combination of cutting-edge pedagogy and your personal growth – without you even realizing it.
The new location features large, beautiful classrooms in a creatively-restored colonial home near the CAME bus station. Grab a healthy breakfast or coffee before class in the gardens of the new café, where cooking classes are also offered. The pool (complete with changing rooms) exemplifies quintessential Mérida vibes, and is surrounded by perfect little sitting spots decorated with Acapulco style string chairs. Wander out to a movie on Wednesday afternoons, or sign up for guided tours of cenotes or other tourist sites, while exercising your Spanish skills along the way.
Starting in March, La Calle opens the doors to its café, terrace, and pool, offering breakfast, lunch, and special events. You don’t have to be a student to take advantage of this noteworthy new space.
Foreign tourists, students, residents and even Spanish professors of all nationalities, and many other individuals, have chosen to learn Spanish at La Calle thanks to its relaxing atmosphere, which encourages students to have the confidence that they need to speak the language.
“Yes you can,” emphasizes Agustín, “This is our calling. We want to help people to feel the confidence that they need to learn Spanish in a short amount of time.” Students at the surrounding tables chatter in Spanish, proving what Agustín claims – you can learn a new language, you just need someone who believes in you.
La Calle Spanish School
Calle 67 #590 x 70 y 72, Centro
www.calle-55.com
FB: La Calle Spanish School Merida
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I don’t recommend this school for women or transgender people. I had to leave a class early due to the instructor wanting us to play an inappropriate game. When I contacted the school with my concerns, I didn’t receive an apology. I requested multiple times to know if they would remove this exercise from their classes and if they would add some kind of policy to prevent this happening in the future. My requests were pointedly ignored.
I will also say that the classes lack structure and their processes are generally pretty disorganized. You may get any given instructor depending on the day and the subject matter may not build on the concepts you learned in the last class. They also don’t have enough students to fill their classes so on Sunday they tell you your schedule for the week which may randomly change. This is pretty inconvenient if you’re trying to plan other weekly commitments around classes because you may find out at the last minute that your schedule has changed.
However, these issues are secondary to the main one, which is about the school creating a psychologically safe environment for students. I can’t emphasize this enough: go elsewhere.