Children can start English with us from the age of 7. They take a short written placement test, join a group at their real level, and move up one level at a time, with an exam and a certificate at the end of each. Teenagers can also join our new teen hub — podcasts, speeches, content creation, workshops and projects. Al Khawarizmi Institute was established in 2011.
Want to know when the next kids’ group starts? Message us on WhatsApp with your child’s age and school year.
Starting at age 7
Our children’s courses start from the age of 7. A child takes the free written placement test (20–30 minutes) and joins a group at their level. Intensive courses are available too. Courses run all year round, including the summer.
How a child joins
- A free placement test first. It is written, takes 20–30 minutes, and is usually taken at the branch. It shows which level your child is at.
- Six levels, A1 to C2. The levels follow the Common European Framework (CEFR), so you can see the whole path, not only the next step.
- An exam at the end of every level decides the move up, and a certificate for every level is recognised by the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
- Faster when it makes sense. If the placement test shows your child is ready, they can skip a level. If they fall between two levels, a few private classes can close the gap so they join the higher group — or they repeat the lower level.
When classes run
Groups usually meet twice a week, for 1 to 2 hours a session, and the teacher agrees the times with the families in the group. Morning, afternoon and evening groups open when there are enough students, and there are Saturday classes. New groups open every month. We teach all year round, including the summer, and intensive courses are available.
Your child keeps the same teacher for the whole level. If your family’s timetable changes mid-course, your child can move to another group. As a reference, one level is about 20 hours of class before the end-of-level exam; the exact length depends on the course and is confirmed after the placement test.
Homework,
Yes, there is homework. The recommended rhythm is one to two hours of practice outside class for every hour in class.
The teen hub
The teen hub launched in October 2026. It brings together:
- Podcasts
- Speeches
- Content creation
- Workshops
- Projects
- Learning skills
- Mental wellbeing
The hub is new, so ask us on WhatsApp which activities are open for registration. Teenagers can also join our regular English groups; see the placement test above.
Exams, school subjects and private lessons
- Cambridge English exams — we are a certified Cambridge training centre and exam venue. See Cambridge English preparation.
- School subjects — private tutoring in maths, biology, physics, chemistry, Arabic, French and English. We are not an after-school centre; tutoring focuses on the subjects your child needs. See private lessons and school tutoring.
- One-to-one English. Private lessons are charged per hour, in blocks of 20 hours.
In person or online
Classes run in person at our main branch in Simkanieh (the Chouf) — on the main road, beside Irfan school and facing Lefco market, with parking. Anywhere else in Lebanon or abroad, you can join a live online group on Zoom (see our online courses): taught live by a teacher, never recorded, at the same fee as in person, and you can move between online and in-person if your circumstances change.
Fees
Group courses start from $150, quoted in US dollars — a reference figure, because fees vary from one course and level to another. We confirm the exact fee before you enrol. There is no registration fee, the placement test is free, and you can pay in cash, by Whish or by OMT. Discounts are available in some cases — ask us which apply to your family.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can my child start English with you?
From the age of 7. Children join after a free placement test, in a group at their level.
My child goes to an English-medium school. Do they still need a course?
The free placement test shows which level your child is at, and that is the way to decide.
How long does one level take?
As a reference, about 20 hours of class, then an exam at the end of the level. The exact length depends on the course and is confirmed after the placement test.
Does my child get a certificate?
Yes — one for every level completed, stating the course and its dates, and recognised by the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
Can my child study online?
Yes. Online groups are taught live on Zoom by a teacher, never recorded, and cost the same as in person.
What does a kids’ English course cost?
Group courses start from $150 as a reference; the exact fee depends on the course and level and is confirmed before you enrol. There is no registration fee and the placement test is free.
What is the teen hub?
The teen hub launched in October 2026. It covers podcasts, speeches, content creation, workshops, projects, learning skills and mental wellbeing. Ask us on WhatsApp which activities are open for registration.
What happens if my child has to pause the course?
Pausing is possible in some circumstances but not recommended. A student who has to stop for a valid reason can continue later in a new class, and if your timetable changes your child can move to another group.
How do I hold a place for my child in a group?
Each course and level has a waiting list, and a group opens when enough students are ready. To hold a place on the list, you register and pay in advance.
Are there intensive courses for children?
Yes. Intensive courses are available for children from age 7, and we teach all year round, including the summer.
Can my child switch group if our timetable changes?
Yes. If your family’s timetable changes mid-course, your child can move to another group.
Related courses
- English Language Courses — all levels, for adults and older students
- Cambridge English Preparation
- Private Lessons and School Tutoring
- SAT Preparation
- Online courses — live on Zoom, for students in Lebanon and abroad
- All language courses
Start with the placement test
Tell us your child’s age, school year and what you want English to do for them. We answer on WhatsApp straight away, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm. Message us on WhatsApp, call 00961 71 27 67 13, or fill in the registration form.