Al Khawarizmi Institute (معهد الخوارزمي) is a language, exam-preparation and training institute in Lebanon, established in 2011 and licensed with the Lebanese Ministry of Education. Here are straight answers to what parents and students ask us most. For anything else, message us on WhatsApp at +961 71 27 67 13.
About the institute
Is Al Khawarizmi a technical or vocational institute?
No. Some people assume so, but we are a language, exam-preparation and training institute.
Are you an exam centre?
We are a certified Cambridge and IELTS training centre and exam venue. For SAT, TOEFL, EEE and DELF we offer preparation only, and those exams are not held at the institute. See our TOEFL guide and SAT registration guide.
Which courses do you teach?
English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian when there is enough demand, and Arabic for non-native speakers. Exam preparation for IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, ACT, EEE, Cambridge English and DELF. Computer courses including Microsoft Office, Photoshop, AutoCAD and Revit. Also Business English, NLP and Body Language. See all our courses.
Which languages do you not teach?
Polish, Swedish, Lithuanian, Turkish, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Persian, Armenian and Greek.
Do you offer diplomas?
We do not offer any diploma or certification besides NLP. You do receive a certificate for each language level you complete.
Fees and payment
How much are your courses?
Group courses start from $150 as a reference figure, and we confirm the fee for your specific course. Courses are charged per course, and English courses per level. See language courses.
How are private lessons charged?
Per hour, in blocks of 20 hours.
Is there a registration fee?
No. The placement test is free too.
Do online courses cost less?
No, online courses cost the same as in person.
How do I pay?
Fees are quoted in US dollars and paid by cash, Whish or OMT.
Are there discounts?
Discounts exist. Ask us what applies to you.
Levels and placement
Can complete beginners join?
Yes.
What is the placement test?
A free written test of 20 to 30 minutes, taken at the branch by preference, and online in some circumstances.
What levels do you use?
The six CEFR levels from A1 to C2. Our guide to how long a language takes explains them.
How long is a level?
About 20 hours of class before the end-of-level exam. That is a reference figure: it varies by course and we confirm it after the placement test.
Can I skip a level?
Yes, if the assessment shows you are ready.
What if I am between two levels?
You can take a few private classes to close the gap and join the higher level, or repeat the lower level.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes, for each level, stating the course completed and its dates. It is recognised by the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
Is there homework?
Yes. We recommend one to two hours of study for every hour in class.
Schedules
When do new groups start?
New groups open monthly. Each course and level has a waiting list, and a group opens when enough students are ready. The teacher then agrees the schedule with them.
How often are classes?
Usually two sessions a week, of one to two hours each. Morning and Saturday classes are available.
Do you run courses in summer?
Yes, we run all year round.
Do you have intensive courses?
Yes, including fast-track options, and crash courses for students with an exam soon.
What if my schedule changes?
You can switch group. Pausing is possible in some circumstances but we do not recommend it. If you have to stop for a valid reason, you can continue later in a new class.
Online classes
Are online classes recorded?
No. They are live with a teacher on Zoom, in groups separate from in-person groups. See online courses.
Can I study from outside Lebanon?
Most courses are available online, and we have students outside Lebanon. Class times are set with the teacher to suit the time difference.
Can I move between online and in-person?
Yes. Materials such as slides, PDFs and links are sent by WhatsApp or email.
Branches and contact
Where are your branches?
Our main branch is in Simkanieh, in the Chouf, on the main road, beside Irfan school and facing Lefco market, with parking on site. We also have a branch in Aley: ask us which groups are running there. See our branches.
Are the Beirut and Choueifat branches open?
Both have paused operations. Students from those areas can enrol at Simkanieh, at Aley or online.
When are you open?
Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm. Walk-ins are welcome without an appointment.
What is the fastest way to reach you?
WhatsApp, on +961 71 27 67 13, the same number for every branch. We answer straight away during opening hours. The Simkanieh landline is 05 501 973.
Children, private lessons and companies
From what age do you teach children?
From age 7, including intensive courses. See English for kids and teens.
Do you offer private tutoring?
Yes, one-to-one or in small private groups for any course, and private tutoring in maths, biology, physics, chemistry, Arabic, French and English. It is not an after-school programme.
Do you train companies?
Yes, including courses built for a specific workplace need. See corporate training.
Registering and moving up
How do I register?
Message us on WhatsApp, walk in without an appointment, or fill in the course registration form. To hold a place on a waiting list, you register and pay in advance.
How do I move up a level?
An exam at the end of each level decides the move up. You keep the same teacher throughout a level.
What if I have to repeat a level?
Repeating a level is charged, sometimes with a discount.
Is there an age limit for adult classes?
No, there is no minimum age for adult classes.
How early should I start preparing for the IELTS?
At least two months before the exam, and longer is better. We advise whether your target score is realistic in the time you have. We also help with IELTS and TOEFL registration if you find it difficult, and with SAT registration online.
Do you prepare people for visas and immigration?
Yes. We teach IELTS Academic and General Training, and prepare you for visa interviews, in spoken English and body language.
What is the teen hub?
A programme launched in October 2026 for teenagers: podcasts, speeches, content creation, workshops, projects, learning skills and mental wellbeing.
Ready to start? Enroll Now, or read our guides for exam and course questions.