Below are answers to common questions from parents, students, and partners. We hope they help you quickly find what you need.

📌 Enrollment & Class Organization

• How can I enroll in a course?
  You can enroll by filling out the online application in the Enrollment / Registration section. After you submit it, we’ll contact you by email to agree on course details, the timetable, and, if needed, an initial consultation.
• When does the school year start and how long does it last?
  Our school year runs from September to June. However, you can start a course at any time during the year, subject to teacher availability and group capacity.
• Do you have school breaks/holidays?
  Yes. We align our teaching with major public holidays and school breaks. We take into account specific holiday dates in different countries when planning timetables. There is usually a break around Christmas and Easter.
• Can I make up a missed lesson?
  For individual lessons, you can reschedule if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance and do so in writing to info@flamingosschool.com.
  For group lessons, we offer the option to attend another group at a similar level, subject to availability and agreement with the manager. All changes must be reported at least 24 hours in advance in writing to info@flamingosschool.com.
  For individual lessons, you can make up a class if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
• Can I switch from a group course to individual lessons?
  Yes. You can switch at any time during the year by agreement, subject to teacher availability.
• Can more than one person attend a single individual course (siblings, friends)?
  Yes. We offer semi-private lessons for two to three students, provided they are at a similar language level and share the same goal.
• Can I choose a specific teacher?
  For individual courses, we do our best to honor your teacher preference. For group lessons, teachers are assigned based on their specialization and the timetable.
• Can I choose the day and time of my classes?
  Yes for individual lessons—we try to adapt to your schedule. Group courses have fixed days and times.
• How do you handle different time zones?
  Our lessons run at different times depending on the student’s country. We set your timetable individually so it suits everyone involved, and we always convert and confirm times according to your location.

👩‍🏫 Teaching, Teachers & Methodology

• Do you offer an individual study plan?
  Yes. For individual lessons, every student gets a tailored study plan based on their level, goals, and schedule. We update this plan regularly based on progress.
• How many children are in a group?
  We keep groups small—maximum 5 to 6 students—to ensure interaction, individual attention, and active participation.
• How long is one lesson?
  • children up to 6 years: 45 minutes
  • school-age children & teenagers: 60 minutes
  • adults: 60 minutes (or by agreement)
    
    
• Are your teachers qualified?
  Yes. Our tutors are qualified teachers of Slovak or specialists in teaching Slovak as a foreign/second language. Many have international experience and specialize in working with children, adults, or foreign students.
• How do you develop and train your teachers?
  Teachers undergo regular internal training and exchange of experience within our methodology teams. They also participate in external webinars and courses focused on teaching Slovak as a second language.
• Which tools and platforms do you use (Zoom, Google Classroom…)?
  We teach via Zoom, and we use Google Classroom to share homework, learning materials, and to communicate with students. If needed, we can work with other tools by agreement.
• How do you teach the youngest children?
  We use a playful, multi-sensory approach—working with pictures, songs, movement, stories, and interactive activities that keep children engaged.
• How do you motivate teenagers during lessons?
  We choose topics close to their world (technology, music, sports, social media). We involve them in discussions, creative writing, and multimedia work. We give them space for self-expression and build their confidence to use the language.

🧒 Children & Family Questions

• Do you offer sibling discounts?
  Yes. When registering multiple siblings at the same time, we offer special packages or a discount on the monthly fee. We will inform you of the exact discount during registration.
• Can I enroll a child who doesn’t speak Slovak at all yet?
  Absolutely! We specialize in teaching children from mixed or international families who have no prior Slovak. Lessons are playful and supportive to encourage participation.
• How can I motivate my child to read more in Slovak?
  Start with age- and level-appropriate books. During the course, we regularly recommend reading titles and set reading challenges. We also provide parents with tips to make reading fun and part of the daily routine.
• How can I as a parent track my child’s progress?
  Every parent has access to Google Classroom with an overview of homework, teacher feedback, and monthly evaluations. For individual lessons, we also offer personal consultations.
• How can I communicate with the school as a parent?
  We prefer email (info@flamingosschool.com) or Google Classroom. If needed, we can also arrange an online consultation with the teacher or a coordinator.

📜 Course Content & Progress

• Do you also offer an individual study plan?
  Yes, we can prepare a tailored plan for each student—based on their goals, interests, and time availability.
• Can I choose the day and time of the lesson?
  For individual lessons, the day and time can be chosen by agreement. Group lessons follow a fixed schedule, but if there’s enough interest we open new time slots.
• Can I choose my teacher?
  For longer-term cooperation we try to accommodate. If you have a specific preference or were happy with a particular tutor, we’re happy to reassign them if capacity allows.
• How long is a lesson?
  It varies by course type—45 minutes (young children), 60 minutes (school-age and adults), 90 minutes (exam-prep and conversation courses).
• How many children are in a group?
  Maximum 5–6 students per group. This ensures an individual approach and enough space for each student to express themselves.
• How do you measure student progress?
  We monitor progress continuously through homework, conversation, and tests. Every student receives individual feedback.
• Do I get a certificate after completing the course?
  Yes. Upon request we issue a certificate confirming course completion and the number of hours taken. Every pupil also automatically receives a diploma with a narrative evaluation at the end of the course.
• Can I switch from a group course to an individual one?
  Yes, if needed you can switch to individual mode. Likewise, if you miss a group class, we can offer a replacement group at the same level.
• What if I need to cancel a lesson?
  Lessons must be canceled at least 24 hours in advance in writing to info@flamingosschool.com. Otherwise, the lesson is considered forfeited.

🎓 Adult Students & Self-Learners

• Is the course suitable if I’m a complete beginner?
  Yes! Our courses are organized by level—from absolute beginners to advanced. We explain clearly and patiently, without stress or rote memorization.
• My spouse/partner doesn’t speak Slovak. Do you offer lessons for them too?
  Yes. Many of our students are foreign partners of Slovaks. We run special courses focused on practical everyday communication—family life and the surrounding environment.
• What else can I do to learn Slovak faster?
  In addition to lessons, we recommend regular listening (podcasts, stories, news), reading simple texts, watching films with subtitles, and daily contact with the language—even short daily review has a big effect.
• Do you have lessons for adults preparing for entrance exams or studying at a Slovak university?
  Yes. We offer a special “Exam Preparation” course for both children and adults who need to pass the school-leaving exam, entrance exams, or other language tests. Lessons focus on grammar, writing, speaking, and reading comprehension.

💻 Technology & Organization

• What tools do you use for teaching?
  We teach via Zoom. Materials and communication with students are organized through Google Classroom. Students receive all necessary information, links, and homework by email and via Classroom.
• How do you handle time zones since students are in different countries?
  We adapt lesson start times to your location. Together we set your lesson time according to your time zone (e.g., CET, EST, PST) and make sure you always know exactly when your class starts.
• Can I change group or level?
  Yes. If it turns out a level isn’t a good fit, we can move you to a more suitable group after consulting with the teacher. When changing programme or time, we always look for the best possible solution.
• How does switching between individual and group courses work?
  Students can switch from individual to group (or vice versa) by agreement if that suits them better. If you switch, the price is adjusted according to the new course type.
• Can I cancel or reschedule a planned lesson?
  Yes, but all changes must be reported at least 24 hours in advance in writing to info@flamingosschool.com. Unfortunately, missed lessons without notice cannot be made up.
• If I miss a group lesson, can I make it up?
  For group lessons, we can often offer the option to join another group at a similar level. Email us and we’ll do our best to ensure you don’t miss out.

📌 Quick Answers

📌 Can I choose a specific teacher?
If you have a preference, mention it during registration and we’ll try to accommodate it according to the teacher’s availability. For individual lessons, we always try to find a teacher who best matches your learning style and goals.

📌 Can I choose the day and time of classes?
For individual lessons—definitely yes. We’ll find a time that suits you best. For group lessons, we offer multiple time slots by age and level. If the time doesn’t work for you, contact us—we’ll try to find another suitable group.

📌 How can I pay for the course?
Payment is possible by bank transfer, via Revolut, or by payment card. We issue the invoice in advance and send it by email.

📌 When do I need to pay for the course?
The course must be paid no later than the start of the first week of the given month. For longer courses (e.g., 3-month blocks), the due date is stated on the invoice.

📌 Do you offer discounts for siblings or longer study periods?
Yes. We offer sibling discounts and discounts for pre-paying longer periods (e.g., 3 or 6 months). Contact us and we’ll prepare a tailored offer.

📌 Can I pause a course and continue later?
In justified cases, yes. We need to agree in advance and the pause must be reported in writing. Returning later is possible subject to available capacity.