I started taking classes with Daniela, the Sentieri maestra, in 1999. Since that time, her and her staff have amazed me with their passion for teaching Italian. They do it RIGHT! The lessons are all in Italian, which is truly the only way to learn. The materials are prepared "fresh" for each course, and we always learn about the culture, the history, and the people while learning the subtle nuances of the language and its usage. And each class is filled with humor, fun, and great wine or cappuccino! The atmosphere at Sentieri is very homey--as if you were learning Italian in your new-found Italian friends' home. They not only offer excellent lesson with highly qualified teachers, they also have events like movie nights that are wonderful. We have seen new Italian films never screened in the US! Daniela leads tours in Italy as well, and she always brings back the latest DVDs and cultural gems for us to enjoy in the school. I have been to Italy several times since starting my Italian language journey with Sentieri, and people there are always impressed with how well I understand and speak Italian. I have the teachers at Sentieri to thank for that. If you really want to learn the language and understand Italian culture, you will not be disappointed with your experience at Sentieri. read more

I have been studying Italian at Sentieri for a year now and am amazed at how much I've learned in that time! The classes are small and intimate, and the staff is excellent. Teaching takes place in a very informal and laid-back atmosphere, making the classes all the more enjoyable. Enrico has been my instructor from the beginning and is an excellent teacher. His knowledge of the language is amazing, and he's always willing to go the extra step to make sure you're understanding each new concept. The school also boasts and extensive book and video library that is accessible to all students. Multiple social events are available including movie nights and meals at local Italian restaurants. I looked around at several schools before signing up at Sentieri and found the prices here to be extremely fair. The school also has relationships with several Italian restaurants and businesses in the area - being a member of Sentieri gets you a nice discount at these places which I've found to be very useful. I'd always wanted to learn this beautiful language and couldn't be happier with my choice! I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to learn more! Ciao! read more

Sentieri offers a very personal and powerful view of Italian language, culture and values to students. I was attracted to Sentieri in 1999 because I wanted to have more interactive, small group Italian language learning at a cost I could afford. What I have received are deep friendships, priceless trips to Italy with my family and friends, and continual laughter. It was after our 2007 Carnevale trip to Venice that Albert and I went to Cloz in Trentino where my father's grandparents were born. I was able to speak with my Italian family because of what I learned at Sentieri. Professor Daniela Cavallero is a model for the communicative approach to language learning. After all these years I keep coming back to class to continue my struggle and practice of Italian language learning. read more

A few years back, I was walking down Broadway and saw a pleasant store front with "Casa Italiana" painted in the window. It was an odd spot for an Italian language school, but what a marvelous find. Now, after a year of classes, this bella lingua has taken hold in my head and on my tongue. The classes are small and informal. The conversational teaching style is uninhibited and invites students to risk in order to learn. There are many ways to absorb Italian culture at Sentieri - special cuisine events, movie nights, cultural lectures and other activities help to round out the learning experience. For a unique learning experience, I recommend Sentieri. read more

There is NO BETTER way to learn Italian than at Sentieri! I have been a member since 1997 and I'm not even Italian! The owner, Daniela Cavallero, uses the latest innovative teaching methods. Her teaching style is comfortably challenging. Besides classes there are special events to help you use your language skills. We see first rate movies, dine at restaurants that offer authentic regional dinners, and even travel to the beautiful Boot with the Sentieri staff! Speaking of staff, call her director Enrico(he's the BEST!) with any questions you might have. Don't put off learning Italian another day--life is too short-- start living LA DOLCE VITA! read more

Sentieri offers great classes in a small, intimate and joyful atmosphere. There is no pressure , everything is done in such a way as to make newcomers feel welcomed and instantly part of the family that is Casa . Daniella, the owner and one of the teachers, excels in teaching Italian with gusto, tons of humor , while giving precious updated information on Italian culture and current politics.. Lots of cultural events are offered every month, always with a table garnished with wine and food : the real Italian way of doing things! Come and take advantage of this Italian jewel nested in a great Northside neighborhood! Viva L'Italia!! read more

I have been studying at Sentieri for a few years and I have progressed from a basic level to actually being able to speak fluently. The teachers are superb, they are able to incorporate grammar, vocabulary and culture in one lesson so that the learning environment is not only educational but fun and useful making the students aware of regional language, idioms, accents and characteristics of each area. The extra curricular activities and opportunities for travel encourage the students to become more involved in the gratifying adventure of expanding ones horizons by learning the Italian language. read more

I've tried to learn Italian at 2 other schools with little success. At Sentieri, I'm finally making progress. The teachers are knowledgeable and skilled at teaching formal Italian as well as idioms, slang, and other aspects of everyday usage, Italian culture and life in Italy. The class atmosphere is extremely lively and engaging. Special events and activities provide great opportunities to practice Italian and get to know fellow students and teachers. The membership option provides great discounts on classes and purchases at partner businesses read more

Great place to learn Italian! This Italian Salotto offers a fun atmosphere with great folks from all walks of life who have one thing in common--a love for Italian language and culture. Sentieri's library has a fantastic selection of books, in English and Italian, and DVDs (the latest movies and classics) for members to borrow. The staff at Sentieri give 100% to their students and present many social events to increase opportunities for language practice outside of class. It is the most authentic Italian experience this side of the Atlantic! read more

This Italian cultural center gives you the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of an authentic "Salotto Italiano" in the heart of Chicago. The classes are fun as well as educational. The instructors are native speakers who hold Italian and/or American Doctorate Degrees, with teaching experience at Chicago universities and colleges. They also offer social events that give you a real taste of Italy and its culture. If you've been thinking about learning Italian or planning a future trip, be sure to check out Casa Italiana. read more

My Italian has greatly improved since I've been studying at Sentieri Italiani. Daniela has created the perfect environment to not only learn the language, but to also learn about the food, history, art, culture .... everything ... Italian! The instructors are all very good and make learning fun. And, they have great events, everything from Italian movie nights to regional dining experiences to lectures on wine and other Italian topics. They can also help you track your Italian heritage and obtain Italian citizenship. read more

Ciao Tutti! Study Italian here, at Sentieri Italiani. The classes are informative and lively and the students are encouraged to participate in speaking. After all, that's how you learn! There are also cultural events, which include dining, Italian movies and touring possibilities. You will find that students return again and again for refresher courses or just to keep abreast of feeling that Italianissimo which Daniela Cavallero and her team of expert, native speaking teachers, provide. read more

I have been attending classes and events at Sentieri for several years and it has been a truly beneficial and pleasurable learning adventure. Daniela Cavallero is an experienced and talented instructor who makes each class challenging yet fun and enjoyable. In addition to the language classes, there are various events that allow you to explore italian culture including film, literature, food, wine, tours to Italy and even card games! If you want to learn italian, this is the place! read more

I absolutely adore this place and all it has to offer. I wish I could take advantage of more of it!!! There are classes for every level and a sense of comfort in the surroundings and friendly students and instructors. They have excursions to Italy as well as Italian Dining experiences. In addition, they show Italian films and have gatherings to discuss them. If you are an..italophile...or just love the language sign up!!! read more

I started taking Italian several years ago as an absolute beginner. I didn't imagine that both the language and the people at Casa Italiana would become an important, beloved part of my life. But so they have. The Casa is a wonderful place to study Italian. It's also a wonderful place to hang out, meet interesting people, laugh a lot, and get a taste of Italian culture. Can't recommend it highly enough. read more

I've been taking classes at Casa Italia for years and cannot recommend it highly enough. The instruction is tremendous and Daniella always keeps the class interesting with her sense of humor and creative teaching techniques. Casa Italia is also more than an Italian language school. It offers movies, dinners and cultural events. It is an Italian community in Chicago. read more