If you're looking to finally learn French in a way that actually sticks--French In Mind is the place, and Omar is the professor you need. I've tried other programs (yes, even the highly praised Coucou French Classes in Culver City), but nothing compares to the experience here. Omar's teaching style is thoughtful, visual, and personalized. He breaks everything down clearly, using drawings and illustrations that make complex grammar feel simple. For example, he'll sketch out a concept right there on the board to make sure it really lands. You're not just memorizing--you're actually understanding. He has this way of tuning into what's going on in your brain and adjusting his explanation until it clicks. C'est incroyable (it's incredible)! I also love that we're encouraged to converse with classmates about things relevant to our actual lives. So instead of stiff, outdated dialogues, we're saying things like "Je suis crevé aujourd'hui" (I'm exhausted today) or "J'ai regardé une série hier soir" (I watched a show last night)--and it sticks because it's real. Another huge win? Small class sizes. It feels intimate and safe to make mistakes, ask questions, and really engage. Omar creates a classroom vibe that's relaxed, motivating, and somehow makes you want to do your homework. Compared to my experience at Coucou, where the classes felt a bit more rigid and less individualized, French In Mind has been a breath of fresh air. Omar clearly takes pride in his work--he genuinely cares about our progress, and it shows in every single lesson. If you're serious about learning French and want to actually enjoy the process, this is the class. Franchement, j'adore ce cours (Honestly, I love this class). read more

French in Mind is an excellent program that manages to simultaneously impart key principles of grammar and syntax and do so in a practical enough way to facilitate learning how to communicate at a reasonable speed in idiomatic, contemporary French. Omar is a flexible, highly intuitive teacher who excels at meeting his students where they are and shifting his pedagogical emphases as needed. read more

Omar is just a gem! As someone who learned French enthusiastically throughout middle school and high school, and then had minimal contact with the language for almost 30 years, he was able to resurrect it in a really meaningful way. Before finding him a few years ago on Yelp (highly recommended, of course!) I had tried a few apps that were conversation based. As someone who learned grammatically and who thinks that way, the apps were frustrating and often felt incomplete. I found Omar during COVID and did one semester of a group online class. He was great - he made it clear he wanted us to learn French as it is spoken now, but it was always grounded in grammatical correctness and consistency. I loved his approach, and how he incorporates technology in real time to aid in your learning. After my first semester, I took a long pause due to my schedule and just finished up a one on one virtual semester with him. I found this to be really great as it was still rooted in structure, but individualized to my level while focusing on expansion of vocabulary and expressions that you would hear commonly in every day use but also ones that apply to my life and experiences (i.e. things I would want to communicate to others). Omar is always kind, patient, encouraging, free of judgement, and will be your biggest advocate in advancing at whatever pace is comfortable for you. I cannot recommend him enough! read more

Omar is the best French teacher ever! He is so helpful and patient. He's made learning fun and easy. I definitely recommend taking a class

Omar is such a wonderful French teacher. He is kind and wants to work with you at your level. He always does his best to make the lessons fun. Quickly, French comes easier to you, and you don't have to think as much! The visuals on screen he provides as well as the conversation and creative writing help you learn at your own pace! He always wants to make sure the class is tailored to your needs. He has revitalised my love of the French language! I have faith I can be conversational and fluent if I stay consistent with his classes. read more

Hello Again, Brenda here, Just wanted to update everyone. I am still taking classes with Omar. Let me tell you why.... Since writing a review I have been to France 4 times and I was there for quite a bit, traveling from one région to the next and making friends along the way. My French was on Fire!!! Thanks to Omar. His method is so intuitive. I was using his methods without even knowing it. The REASON I am still with him.... Being back in the United States and I travel a lot for my work; sometimes I am so remote It is hard to be interactive with French-speaking people. Omar fills that gap for me. He explains why my speaking mistakes are made and he is really, really helping me to become a native speaker with true accents and pronunciations. Thank you so much Omar, I look forward to speaking with you every week. read more

One of my goals in starting French classes with Omar was to reach a solid, measurable level of competency in the language. I set my sights on the DELF B2 exam, which I had always considered a stretch goal. But thanks to Omar's classes, I was able to make remarkable progress in both speaking and listening, and I successfully passed the B2 exam this October! It's a huge achievement for me, and one I truly do not think I could have accomplished without Omar's guidance. Omar's patient teaching style, clear explanations, and emphasis on real conversation made the learning process both enjoyable and effective. I can confidently say -- and with proof! -- that with Omar you can make real progress in French. read more

Amazing class and teacher. The lessons are taught in a direct, original fashion that allows for easy memorization through the visual and conversational based lessons. No whiteboard. All done in Page and verbally so that what you learn each class can be emailed to you along with colorful diagrams and explanations that reinforce the homework assignments. The teacher, Omar, is a native French speaker who teaches the current language as it's spoken today. He has a genuine enthusiasm for learning. The class moves quickly but he will not go forward until you've understood. I'm a current student and plan to continue as long as possible. French in Mind is a great French language school! Highly recommend! read more

Omar is a terrific teacher: highly knowledgeable, patient, and fun. He has resurrected my 40-year old French and brought it into the 21st century. I've both taught (other subjects) and taken classes for most of my life, and he is one of the best instructors I've ever experienced! read more

I will say Omar is definitely tops in being immersive for one on one Zoom. I've taken his beginning, intermediate and 2 additional post courses and now I feel I'm ready to head on out to Paris for the tailend of the Games next week with some confidence! It was fairly easy to connect with him in setting up class appointment online. If there was a chance to post more than 5 stars, I'm in hands down! Hopefully, I want to do a followup with another review after returning from the Games. Slogan: Jeux Largement Ouverts! Go Team USA! read more

I loved class with Omar! Originally I just wanted to take one session before a trip to France, but it turned into three sessions! I was surprised how much I learned and could use when I went to France. Class was also fun with Omar. He teaches the language in a way that's easy to understand and he's funny! Would definitely recommend his courses for all levels. read more

Omar is great, absolutely great! I needed to find someone or something that would help me go from not knowing any French at all (besides "bonjour") to a level of fluency that will allow me to live in France in a year and a half. I contacted several places, and stumbled upon "French in Mind." I was impressed with how responsive and flexible Omar was to work with me and my busy schedule. Our sessions are incredibly productive, because he creates a comfortable and friendly learning environment. He uses fun colors, pictures and philosophical tidbits to help my brain acclimate to the syntax, grammar and vocabulary. Working with him one-on-one also allows for me to go as quickly and/or as slowly as I need. He also gives me the flexibility to schedule and reschedule depending on what's going on in my life that particular week. Working with him has been the perfect introduction to the French language for me! read more

Highly recommend! Omar is a great teacher, and has created a very fun and immersive French learning experience. The small group is a perfect way to start learning French, focusing on the basics of French. Great class, thank you Omar!! read more

Reviews speak for themselves. I felt like I got what I wanted from this school and I don't regret it. I think you will feel the same.

I found Omar through Yelp as I was planning for my trip to France last summer, and wanted to brush up on my mediocre high school skills. I read such great reviews about him that I decided to take a private lesson before my trip. It helped me SO much, especially having confidence and having the right accent, which I never had before. After my trip, I wanted to continue my learning journey so I signed up for another set of private lessons and got up to the intermediate level. Once I have more time, I will definitely sign up again, because learning with Omar is very flexible, and he customizes the lesson to your exact level and needs. Merci Omar!! read more

Omar has been my French language teacher for many years. We started out in group classes and eventually I began private lessons. He is amazing, knowledgeable, patient and allows me to progress at my own pace while challenging me along the way! I highly recommend Omar, he has tailored a personal language journey fit for me! read more

Omar is a wonderful teacher and I learned so much during his class. He was very patient and also rescheduled my classes when an emergency came up. I would highly recommend him and I hope to continue classes with him. His method is easy to understand even as a beginner in French. I am so grateful I found Omar at French in Mind. Merci Omar! read more

Salut á tous! I was going to flex in French but I think it'll be more helpful to write this for us English speaking folks in mind. I've started working with Omar at the beginning of rona... so that's like a year plus now? And I'm still working with him which is to say that I feel that my relationship with French has been enriched by our classes. While Omar might seem a little professional and on task at first (he is a really passionate teacher and lover of his language) he is truly a compassionate and caring person to know. I think my courage to speak French came from him being a supportive and encouraging listener on any topic that we decide to work on. That said, he always types out corrections real-time so I can correct my grammar as I go along without interrupting the flow of conversation and he always send notes promptly right after class for review. If you're looking for a great balance of someone who knows how to teach and cares about your personal passions for French I would strongly encourage you to take a class or vingt. ;) Thank you Omar ! À samedi x read more

What a great way to learn French! He's a native speaker and teaches you conversational French, which you're sure to use when you need to. I've tried o mine learning and apps but to actually have someone to learn and converse with it well worth the reasonable cost. I highly recommend him and French In Mind! Merci Omar!! read more

As a Spanish teacher, I'm extremely picky with the methodology used in a language classes, I'm hypercritical of teachers, and I often begin a course and end up resorting to studying on my own due to this. Not with Omar! His style of teaching captivates students, brings grammar to an incredibly easy to digest format, and makes sure there is a balance between examples, explanation, practice, and critique. After being with Omar for over a year, work took over my life and I had to take a break, and I'm so looking forward to returning to my studies with him in a few months. If you want to understand grammar and also be able to use the language after the first class, study with Omar at French in Mind. read more

Omar est très cool! I have been working with him for a little over a year. I visited Paris and was complimented on my progress in the French language. What more do you need? read more

I took upwards of 20 private lessons with Omar and had an incredible experience. I plan to continue on once life becomes a little less hectic. He is extremely accommodating to a busy schedule and needing to reschedule. He remembers where we left off and does so well teaching step by step. He kept me on track and focused the entire time. I really do feel I am advancing in becoming fluent in another language which is my goal! I highly recommend French in Mind. read more

I have always been skeptical about language learning classes mostly because a lot of the methods of teaching that exist out there are very text book based and daunting but French in Mind changed my mind! I am so glad I found French in Mind and Omar! Thanks to his very unique, self created teaching method using patterns/formulas and visuals to help you understand the material- it is easy to grasp the language and remember. Additionally, the class atmosphere is really relaxed, fairly paced, with a focus on application/actually conversing not cramming the material. Everyone is so supportive and cool to be around. Omar is an excellent instructor- easy going and great sense of humor! I never anticipated to laugh so much in a classroom setting. If you are serious about learning French definitely sign up for French In Mind :) read more

Omar is amazing! Truly the best teacher! I had some knowledge of the language before I took his class, but I took it with the intention of becoming fluent. I began his class in February 2020 (in person!) and have taken it every week since. He teaches us practical and every day French, and doesn't just teach out of a book. He uses graphics, drawings, and encourages us to speak to each other so that we get the practice to be able to speak confidently. He not only teaches us words and language structure, but the philosophy behind the language itself. And his classes are always fun! His class has been the highlight of my week many times during this very difficult year. I feel so much more confident in my command of the language, and I am happy to be a part of his community of students. Taking his class was one of the best decisions I have made for myself. I'd highly recommend this class to anyone and everyone! read more

I decided to start taking French classes during quarantine and it was honestly one of the best decisions I could have made!! I am SO glad I found Omar and didn't go through some app or college online course. He's amazing and fun and it's shocking how quickly I've been learning!! J'adore ça! read more

I found 'French In Mind' after doing some online research via google and Yelp. I'm SO glad I listened to these reviews. Omar is an extremely passionate, easy going and caring teacher. This class is great for beginners and people, like me, who used to speak it really well. Backstory: I grew up speaking french as a child (living overseas) and was pretty fluent. But after moving back to the states and not speaking a lot over the years... I started to lose my ability to speak. I'm still pretty fluent in my understanding, but because I learned french as a child, I couldn't remember the rules and lost a lot of my foundation. So, it was hard to construct sentences. And this made me lose confidence in my speaking. And I would get embarrassed speaking to my french friends. So... I stopped. They would speak to me in french and I would answer in English. And I was tired of feeling sad about losing my french. Fast forward to now and in 8 weeks of 'French In Mind' I am feeling SO much more confident and also getting the foundation I never really had. Omar teaches in such a different, awesome way. All you need to do is show up for class. That's it. I have watched my fellow classmates (who have never learned french before) excel. And it's so great to see! As someone who has studied a few languages... this has been the best experience. I can't recommend this class enough. I can't wait to continue on. read more

Years ago, my husband and I, took my dream trip to Paris and it was a horrific mess. Neither of us could speak the language enough to make it enjoyable and I was heartbroken. I vowed that I would return to Paris one day but ONLY after becoming so fluent in the French language and culture that I could almost be mistaken for a native. Fast forward near two decades and I STILL had not committed to the challenge. I was hesitant due to my high school French experience, which out of two years I learned very little, so I questioned if I was even capable of learning another language especially now being in my mid 40's. I sadly saw my dream fading away into fantasy then covid hit. I felt this was a great time to take a leap of faith in Myself and finally contact French In Mind, who I had bookmarked in Yelp years ago. My first class, I was terrified. I have always been a bit shy and hesitant to participate or make mistakes in front of others. In just one class, Omar, restored my faith in teachers and the process of learning. Omar is such a genuine and natural teacher. He makes you feel completely at ease to take chances, to not know the answers and just try. Most classes, He has me laughing to the point of tears with his sense of humor and in the way he explains why things are the way they are in the French language or French culture. Omar relates what you are learning in class to current pop culture making it all so much easier to wrap your head around the depth of information you are taking in. The classes are filled with colorful visuals that brilliantly break down the language into manageable bites. I have continued into the advance classes where we are beginning to use what we have been learning in conversation about our real lives. Just when you think things are going to level out, bam, you are challenged to level up but in the most relaxed and fun way you could imagine let alone hope for. Omar is worth his weight in solid gold! If you have ever doubted your ability to learn a language, I highly encourage you to go for it. You can thank yourself when you're strolling along the river Seine heading to dinner where you can order for the table, like a boss. read more

Omar is a wonderful teacher: patient, kind, observant, and offers challenges at just the right level to help you grow (without feeling like you're learning too fast to keep it in your head!). His notes are comprehensive and always shared right away, to help you integrate what you've learned in your own time. As someone who considered myself a beginner after having held onto a few French speaking skills from high school, I was surprised to learn I had more capacity than I believed to advance. Working with him has really helped my confidence, as well as my understanding of modern French colloquial speech. So wonderful to have a native French speaker -- and even better, a Parisian! -- who thinks on his feet and adapts on-the-fly to optimize the learning experience. Looking forward to more classes with him soon! (Also: GREAT value for both private lessons AND classes, and Omar creates digital notes that are easily shared. All during the lesson!) read more

I have never successfully learned a language before, and when I found French in Mind on Yelp, I was really nervous about trying to learn now and just embarrassing myself. Within the first few moments of class, I knew I had nothing to be afraid of! Omar is genuinely the BEST teacher I have ever had, he is patient, kind, challenging, and is always willing to answer questions, meet up for make up classes, or even if you need extra practice! There were all levels of french speakers in the class, and he made the language comprehendible and easy to grasp! And he spends time on how french is spoken in 2018! I wish there were more stars than 5, because Omar deserves them all, I feel so fortunate to have been able to learn from him. read more

Took a year of French in high school, and then a course soon after at local Santa Monica College. All good on grammar, vocabulary, memorization of scripted conversations, etc--our public education system seems to lean heavily on those things to teach foreign language--but after all of that I can't say I ever felt comfortable with basic communication in real world situations if I needed to use French. Flash forward about a decade, and I thought I'd give it another chance with Omar and French in Mind. After a few weeks it was clear to me that my pronunciation of French was stronger than it had been after 1.5-2 years of instruction in the past. Now after about 3-4 months.. I feel like I wouldn't blink twice before walking into a Parisian establishment to order a meal! Omar is incredibly creative, engaging, and encouraging in teaching this particularly tricky and often counter intuitive language. His approach to teaching French is very fun and visual and interactive. You'll look forward to coming back every week to Omar's fanciful illustrations of Le Petit Robert, and whoever it is up in the sky who "makes good" on the weather and especially the French cow that says "meuuuuhhhh". After establishing the fundamentals of pronunciation and grammar as a foundation for all that follows, Omar quickly moves the class towards mastering communication in the present, future and past tenses. His approach also emphasizes how to "think in French" as opposed to attempting word-by-word or sentence-by-sentence translation, which would be futile given the divide between American/English and French culture and philosophy. The logistics and organization of the class may confuse or frustrate at times, but it is apparent to me that any issues with that has stemmed from Omar's willingness to manage students on completely different timetables. Other educational centers might be more strict with semester schedules and a defined lesson plan, but I have grown to appreciate Omar's ability to juggle the many classes he teaches while finding a way to work around the irregularities that naturally arise with all of us students having our own professional/family/social lives to balance as well. If you've made it this far down my review, I hope it is clear that I strongly recommend learning French with Omar at French in Mind!! read more

This isn't your boring high school french class! Omar is a french-teaching SUPERSTAR. He truly loves his work and his students, and it clearly shines through in the incredible level of preparation, creativity and FUN he applies to each and every moment of each and every class. I have learned more within the past six months of studying with Omar than in any other French classes I took over a period of years. His highly effective teaching style has quickly built my confidence and risk-taking with the language (even when I butcher it, which is far less often now!). His classes encourage more than just learning words and phrases and, as a result, I have begun to develop an actual understanding of what I am saying, versus just repeating a bunch of words I learned in a class. It's magic!! Omar's warm and friendly personality makes everyone feel extremely comfortable and no student is ever left behind - even the shyest of students in our small group classes are drawn out of their shells. Plus, when life happens and prevents a student from attending a class or two, he encourages attending another of his classes or schedules a make-up lesson. We learn a lot, but also spend quite a bit of time laughing, which makes attending class an even better experience. Omar is a true original (and also an all-around great guy as well, so that certainly doesn't hurt). You won't find a more dedicated and genuinely excited teacher of French - trust me and the many other students who sing his well-deserved praises here...he's the best of the best! read more

Omar is beyond amazing. His teaching style is friendly and effective. He doesn't let the shy sit on the bench and includes everyone in the learning process. I looked forward to class every week for the 2 quarters I took with Omar. And my writing, speaking and accent is a hell of lot better than it was when I first started. It's worth the money. It's worth the time. Omar has a sense of humor and it keeps class fresh. Enjoy read more

I've studied for a number of years w/ a variety of speakers and I can honestly say that Omar is one of the kindest, most patient, and easiest instructors I've had the pleasure of working with. What's great about French In Mind, is you get to learn from a native speaker (Omar) first hand - I find that I'm constantly learning "locals only" grammar rules that you'd never be able to find in a text book. If you're local, and are looking to improve or learn the french language, French In Mind is definitely the place to learn. read more

You know what's finally in my mind? Well it's French! At first it just sounded like a cool name to me. However, I have come to realize that it is more than a catchy name. It is a way of life. Omar isn't just teaching french. He's teaching culture. He's a witty intellectual who immerses his students into french poetry, film, and music. We use those materials along with our structured lectures to have real conversations. On top of that, we learn slang, go over current events, and somehow always have a great laugh! I love his class so much! It's absolutely brilliant, and french culture is simply beautiful. Thank you Omar for your generosity in sharing your intellect, insights, and charming personality. I can't believe how far I have come. My measly french that I knew beforehand has strengthen tremendously. And although my journey to fluency continues, I am more than thankful that you taught me how to have french in mind. Merci mon ami! -Amanda P.S. Not too long ago, I was looking for an extraordinary french class and saw the impressive reviews. THANK YOU fellow yelpers for introducing me to French in Mind! read more

Omar's approach to teaching French is highly creative and unique. He incorporates his own drawings and mnemonic systems, which are very fun and useful for breaking down grammatical patterns, especially if you're a visual learner. I've taken courses in the past at more traditional establishments with textbook curriculums and this is far more enjoyable and effective. I've been taking a conversational class with him since last year -- we meet every week in a cafe, which has been very immersive and relaxed for me. The class has become very organic and driven by our interests/topics we wish to discuss, which is my ideal way of learning. I would recommend Omar's intuitive style of teaching for any level of French student :) read more

Omar is a blend of French and American culture, the perfect guide to helping you understand the nuances of the French language! He uses a innovative, science backed technique, utilizing live drawn illustrations to explain concepts. I came to Omar with no prior French language instruction. In a few short months he gave me all the basics, which gave me the foundation for a full immersion course at Sorbonne in Paris. If you are a visual learner, I would highly recommend you take classes with French In Mind as opposed to a more traditional approach. You will learn much faster. If I find myself in LA again I will continue to study French with French in Mind. read more

Omar is very passionate about teaching. His unique method makes you think more than memorize and is very visual through illustrations. He reviews material more than once so you obtain good comprehension before moving on. He is genuinely invested in his students success and makes himself available to keep you up to date if you should miss a class, or fall behind. Classes are small and there is plenty of personal attention given. Great location in hip creative community office building, easy parking and plenty of restaurants to grab coffee/dinner before or after class if you are coming from work. Omar is a lovely person, charming, witty and a sharp dresser. Perhaps not relevant to teaching but certainly worth a mere mention. ;) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! read more

I started taking classes with Omar to review and improve my French. Because of how he presented class concepts, I was amazed at how quickly and easily it was to learn and remember everything. You won't find anyone teaching like this, and it works beautifully! If you're searching for a French class, search no further! From beginning to advanced 1) you'll be able to fit these classes in no matter how busy your schedule. Even if you have to take a short break, you'll find a way to try and fit them back into your schedule, when you see how easily you learn the language! 2) Omar's unique visual method combined with creative class participation engages all those parts of your brain so that even the most challenging linguistic concepts sink in easily and you find yourself thinking more and more in French. Not only does Omar provide a solid foundation so that you feel comfortable jumping into the language, but he also provides multiple meetings outside the classroom for all the students to participate and start speaking as soon as they want. It's the ideal situation for learning, speaking, and comprehension. As others have commented, there is a very strong community feeling! Omar works hard to introduce contemporary culture so you're learning and speaking both française par l'académie and the latest in French expressions and colloquialisms, at the same time you're meeting wonderful fun people! You can only get so far learning a language on your own. If you want to SPEAK and UNDERSTAND French, French in Mind is the place to go. read more

I've taken a bajillion language classes and Omar is the best instructor I've ever had! Consider yourself lucky if he allows you into his class. C'est tout. read more

If you want to learn French this is the place. Don't look anywhere else! Omar is a great teacher, he's patient and he genuinely cares about his students learning the language. He's also funny so you won't be bored in class. He makes it easy to understand and explains well. read more