Italian Dream Academy

Fantastic experience: If you are looking to grow your Italian skills, begin your journey with Italian language, or learn about Italian culture, Italian Dream Academy is for you. Learning here is fun and expansive, and I can tell I’m becoming a better Italian reader and speaker! Rosa is amazing; if you are thinking about signing up for a class just do it!

Fantastic experience: I was attempting to learn Italian on my own through podcasts, apps, videos, etc., but realized I needed direct instruction to really move forward. And more importantly, I needed a way to practice speaking Italian with other people. I started the Italian Dream Academy beginner course in the spring of 2025. It has been such a friendly and enjoyable way to learn Italian, and I have already learned so much! The Zoom classes are convenient, informative, and easy to follow. Classes are a mix of weekly assignments from the textbook/workbook and supplemental materials, along with many opportunities to speak Italian with other students. Rosa is an excellent instructor. She explains and demonstrates concepts clearly and simply. In every class, she challenges you to step out of your comfort zone while providing support and encouragement. And as a native speaker, she has a lot of valuable insights to share, not just about the Italian language but also about the culture, traditions, and more. Most of all, IDA classes are fun. Every week, I look forward to learning and interacting with Rosa and the other students in class. No matter your age or proficiency level, IDA offers a great learning experience. I would highly recommend IDA to anyone wanting to learn Italian or to refresh what they already know.

Fantastic experience: I've had a great experience with Italian Dream Academy. The weekly classes give me the structure I need to progress in learning Italian. And while I've enjoyed all of the instructors I've had in the last two years, Rosa especially has been a phenomenal teacher. She is patient and kind and knowledgeable. She makes the lessons easy to digest and practice.

Fantastic experience: Rosa is a such a great teacher. She challenge's me and makes the classes interesting. Rosa is very patient and helpful explaining something that I don't understand completely. She also gives a way to experience the Italian culture with all the activities that IDA offers.

Fantastic experience: I really appreciate the personal attention I receive from my instructors at Italian Dream Academy. Rosa and Claire are amazing. They are very supportive of everyone in the class, understand our unique difficulties, and providing appropriate intervention. With a blend of reading, writing, and speaking, it’s a great way to experience language learning.

Fantastic experience: IDA is a great place to learn! I’ve been taking classes with IDA for 2 years now, and Rosa is fantastic!

Fantastic experience: I was always curious about IDA and finally signed up after winning classes last year at our Chicchi club bingo event. It's been wonderful! Rosa is a great teacher -- patient, thoughtful and encouraging. While class is entirely in Italian (appropriately so), Rosa breaks things down for us so we understand new words and concepts. Since class is online, it offers flexibility with my schedule. If I have to travel and miss class, I'm able to watch the recording to stay current. And the homework isn't that heavy. I highly recommend IDA for anyone looking to brush up on Italian or learn as a beginner.

Fantastic experience: I began my Italian Dream Academy adventure after returning from a study abroad trip to Italy. My studies with Rosa have helped me stay in touch with the language, acquire additional language skills and have introduced me to a broader community of Italian language learners at a similar level. Rosa combines a warm, outgoing personality with attention to detail and superior teaching skills to offer up classes we count on to help us keep improving our Italian language skills. What’s Rosa’s secret ingredient? Her classes are baked not only with a chef’s skill but also with genuine affinity for all of us trying to learn, sprinkled generously with community-building!

Fantastic experience: I have traveled abroad twice with Rosa. The first trip was to Puglia. It was truly memorable in that we met her family , dined with them and were treated as such. The second was to the North and included Florence and other locations. It was also superb. I have taken advanced conversation with Rosa . She is an excellent instructor and goes the extra mile. I have made friends and learned to speak the Italian language more fluently through the varied activities such as movie night, game night, and many other activities. Great organization to become a part of.

Fantastic experience: My homeschool daughter is learning amd loving Italian with these classes. The instructors are amazing. I highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Rosa is extremely nice and very patient with me. I came into the Italian Dream Academy not knowing the basics of the italian language. Now, I can confidently give/receive directions, tell time/give a time, use a plethora of different verbs, ask how someone’s day is, and much more. Rosa also makes sure to teach about Italian culture, which is very interesting. I thoroughly enjoy our classes and am glad I found the Italian Dream Academy!

Fantastic experience: I have had the pleasure of attending two group sessions of Italian classes through Italian Dream Academy, both instructed by Laura. Laura was AMAZING - so patient with us, took the time to explain anything and made the class FUN! I cannot wait to sign up for another session after summer, and put my skills to use on an upcoming trip!. Grazie, Laura!

Fantastic experience: Classes and professors are great. University level lessons at a reduced cost! You will learn to communicate both written and verbally. I would highly recommend these lessons for anyone who wants to learn Italian!

Fantastic experience: I started taking online Italian classes with Professore Angelo. He is very professional and great instructor. Highly recommend Ciao

Fantastic experience: Rosa has re-energized me to learn more Italian and about Italy. I think we are so fortunate to have her and the Italian Dream Academy in Columbus, Ohio. While struggling to speak Italian, Rosa’s tireless support is so nurturing and creates a safe space to learn. Thanks Rosa for investing in central Ohio.

Fantastic experience: I stumbled upon IDA during a Google search, after taking a 10-year hiatus from learning the Italian language. I was so nervous to jump back in, but Rosa made me feel comfortable from the start. It really is a welcoming, fun and interactive environment. I am so happy I found IDA! I've made many friends from the classes and outside events, it's such a wonderful community. And Rosa and simply the best!

Fantastic experience: I have been studying at IDA for many years and have loved every class! Rosa is a very patient and engaging teacher who fosters language learning and practice in an encouraging and fun environment. Rosa also connects personally with her students and shares her deep knowledge of art and Italian culture.

Fantastic experience: I am thrilled with my on-line classes at Italian Dream Academy. Rosa Di Grottole is a dynamic instructor who makes every lesson interesting and enjoyable. Each class combines lively conversation with reading and writing about a topic of interest to the students (such as art, family, cooking, travel). Rosa also incorporates information about Italian culture into every lesson, so we are all learning about this beautiful country while we are learning the language. Rosa's great sense of humor and encouragement make the time fly!! I always look forward to the next class. I would highly recommend Italian Dream Academy to anyone interested in learning the Italian language or learning about Italy.

Fantastic experience: Ciao! I have been a student in the Italian Dream Academy since the fall of 2021, and with Rosa since last year. The classes focus on and are structured on all the elements of learning a language: grammar, writing, reading, listening and speaking. The textbook provides grammar review and a glossary of words and phrases at the end of the chapters. A workbook accompanies the textbook. It is helpful to use other resources such as Quizlet, Duo Lingo, YouTube videos and Joy of Languages: Italian to reinforce the Italian language. The instructors are helpful in sharing these resources. Review classes are offered, usually in the summer. Rosa also offers extra curricular activities such as field trips, a book club and festas throughout the year. Most of all, the classes are fun! I look forward to my class with Rosa every Monday.

Fantastic experience: Great experience learning italian with Italian Dream Academy. Small group classes that allows for interaction and conversation. Rosa is a wonderful teacher.

Fantastic experience: I love my Italian Dream Academy classes - Rosa is a dynamic , engaging and positive teacher and structures each class to meet the needs of the students. Rosa provides clear and insightful explanations that make even the more difficult concepts easy to understand. Classes are small, so each person gets speaking practice and individual attention. On top of that, the atmosphere is fun and engaging, making learning Italian an absolute joy. I highly recommend this class to anyone looking to learn the language in a supportive and dynamic environment!

Fantastic experience: I've been taking classes with IDA for a couple years and they are fantastic. I've been in class with both Rosa and Claire. They are both amazing teachers. Class is fun and engaging. The pacing is just right for working adults. I recommend!

Fantastic experience: Prof. Rosa provided me with an excellent experience trying out my first ever Italian course. My language skills grew significantly over the few months that I did group classes with her in the summer and prepared me beyond what was expected from me in university Italian classes. I am now minoring in Italian and couldn't thank Rosa enough for her teaching and kindness while I learned Italian with her. She makes everyone feel welcome and comfortable, no matter what level you are at! I love Italian Dream Academy!

Fantastic experience: I recently completed the intensive beginners class with the Italian Dream Academy and it was an incredible experience! From start to finish, the course was engaging, well-structured and packed with practical lessons that really helped me develop my language skills. Rosa is outstanding and her passion for the Italian language and culture is contagious! The small class size allowed for plenty of individual attention and Rosa was patient and attentive. I can’t wait to continue my language learning journey with Rosa and the Italian Dream Academy!

Fantastic experience: Rosa is a wonderful teacher. She is patient and encouraging but is great at challenging students to move forward in their knowledge and skills each week. I have really enjoyed the Italian Dream Academy course and have leaned so much. Looking forward to the next class.

Fantastic experience: A fantastico opportunity awaits you with the classes and lessons in the IDA! Rosa and Claire are so patient and joy-filled, that you don't even realize you are learning! For those who want to dive deeply into the Italian language, and for those who simply wish to learn a bit of la bella lingua (the beautiful language), I highly recommend the classes of the IDA! Try it, and I think you will enjoy the experience! See you soon (ci vediamo presto)!

Fantastic experience: I have been studying with IDA for the last six months and I have found it to be very effective for accelerating the learning I had been trying to do on my own. I had not done online classes for anything before but our teacher Rosa uses a variety of technology tools to keep things moving efficiently. I also appreciate her mix of immersion into Italian but also communicating in English as needed so we don’t get discouraged. You definitely have to be committed, though, and prepared to put in a lot of work on your own time if you’re going to progress.

Fantastic experience: Taking classes at Italian Dream Academy is a wonderful way to learn Italian. I had taken a few weeks of conversational Italian years ago and played around with some of the phone language apps, but this school really ticks all the boxes. My teacher, Rosa, is wonderful and encouraging, while at the same time really making sure we are moving forward in our learning. The program is just so comprehensive. Nothing is left out for us. We work on speaking, listening with understanding, reading, and learn Italian cultural aspects within the program. I can honestly say, that now in my retirement, I actually look forward to doing my homework!

Fantastic experience: IDA and having Rosa for an instructor, a dream indeed. Their strategy for teaching, (and I am total novice) are spot on. It isn’t just about learning to speak Italian, it also the understanding of the language, the breakdown of the how's and why's. All the while being taught with patience, compassion and truly caring about the student(s). A dream indeed!

Fantastic experience: Rosa has been helping me learn Italian for over a year, she is a great teacher and the classes are fun.

Fantastic experience: So glad I signed up for these classes! Learning a new language is never easy but the instructors make the process fun and accessible. The classes are small and designed to be supportive. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Rosa does a great job teaching the Italian language while also incorporating the art, idioms, and culture into the lessons. She is incredibly patient and wants you to succeed. Classes are limited to small groups to facilitate your learning. Cinque stelle!

Fantastic experience: Rosa e` la definizione di una maestra passionata. Lei e` paziente, porta le conversazioni interessanti che ci aiutano crescere e diventare piu` confidenti, e apre le nostre mente della cultura italiani in varie forme. Mi sono sentita pronta e confidente quando sono andata all'Italia a dicembre, grazie a Rosa e le sue lezioni. In addizione, le lezioni non consumono troppo tempo cosi` e` un hobby perfetto per quelli che lavorano. -- Rosa is the definition of a passionate teacher. She is patient, brings interesting conversations that help us grow and become more confident, and opens our minds to Italian culture in various forms. I felt ready and confident when I went to Italy in December, thanks to Rosa and her lessons. Additionally, the lessons don't consume too much time so it's a perfect hobby for those who work.

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend Italian Dream Academy. I enjoy learning from Rosa in the virtual class room and the in-person Academy events.

Fantastic experience: We love taking classes with Rosa and Italian Dream Academy! My daughter is taking her fourth year of private lessons with Rosa, and my husband and I have both taken the group classes. Here's what I love: classes are limited to a small size in order for everyone to participate, somehow virtual classes still feel like you're in the room with your classmates, and Rosa is the kindest and funniest instructor! The classes consist of maybe just 10-20% teaching, with the rest being interactions between classmates, coming up with questions and answers either in writing or verbally, and then feedback from the instructor (more teaching, just not like a lecture). The method is very effective. There is no other place where you can utilize your learning immediately in conversation. Trust me, I know. For example, Duolingo is great for learning vocabulary, but there is no interaction with another person. Italian Dream Academy is the way to go for learning how to speak another language and getting comfortable with having interactions in Italian. If you're interested in learning Italian, you'll feel like you hit the jackpot with Italian Dream Academy! I highly recommend it!

Fantastic experience: I started taking classes via video during Covid and found the instructors to be excellent. I was able to learn a lot and that process is continuing. The instructors are very helpful and genuinely nice people who make the virtual classroom experience interesting. You can tell they love what they do and are committed to teaching students to learn the language and appreciate the Italian culture. I am currently studying with Rosa who is very upbeat and exudes positive energy and has a very impressive resume of credentials. If you are thinking about studying Italian, the Italian Dream Academy is a great option.

Fantastic experience: I am so glad I found Rosa and the Italian Dream Academy when I sought to familiarize myself with the Italian language prior to a trip to Itay. Though Rosa and I spent only six weeks together, I gained an appreciation for the beauty of the language and the courage to attempt to speak, as well as some insight into Italy. Rosa was kind, encouraging and realistic about what we could accomplish. I have now continued classes with Rosa ---this time online group sessions. It is inspiring to learn with others. Rosa is an exceptional teacher. She knows how to keep me engaged and learning. I also participated in an historical/cultural session moderated by Rosa. That session greatly helped to prepare me for what I would find in Florence and Venice. I highly recommend The Italian Dream Academy. It is a very positive experience for me. I hope to continue work with Rosa, both in language and in her art sessions.

Fantastic experience: I have had a wonderful experience in participating in the Italian Dream Academy. My instructor, Rosa is patient, kind and professional. My parents immigrated to the USA from Italy and by learning the language they spoke is a way to continue their legacy. The workbooks are excellent and the zoom sessions are not only instructive but fun! ❤

Fantastic experience: My wife and I have been taking Italian language lessons with IDA for 3 years. Rosa is a wonderful instructor who is very attentive, patient and detail-oriented. In addition to flexible offerings of grammar classes, we have also benefitted immensely from attending IDA language conversation courses and special events. We are excited to utilize our newfound language skills during our upcoming adventures to Italy and abroad.

Fantastic experience: Rosa e' la migliore insegnante. Amo le lezioni con lei, e ho imparato tantissimo da lei. Io sono emozionata a imparare più in futuro! :)

Fantastic experience: This is a very good school for learning Italian! Rosa is definitely an amazing teacher and the lessons are always very interesting. Rosa is actually a native Italian speaker which means you can have 100% confidence that everything you are learning is correct. She was an invaluable resource during my recent trip to Italy both for answering language questions and understanding cultural norms!

Fantastic experience: Outstanding experience, and I am anxious to continue! Rosa is an excellent instructor - very patient, great explanations and real-world examples. I’m very grateful to have this level of help with learning Italian!

Fantastic experience: I've been taking lessons with Rosa and the Italian Dream Academy for almost 3 years. I started out only knowing a few words/phrases that I'd learned from my grandmother when I was younger, to being able to converse with local Italians during my first trip to Italy. There are also art and cultural classes, book clubs, and other in person events to share our love of all things Italian. I've not only started to learn a new language, but also met new people I now consider friends.

Fantastic experience: I have been studying with IDA for some time. Rosa has been a terrific teacher, her classes are excellent and always fun, which makes learning easy. But IDA goes beyond just vocabulary and grammar with additional class to learn the Italian language by learning Italian culture and history. She uses topics such as great Italian figures and families, Artists and art(Rosa is an expert), or focus on a particular area (eg Tuscany). Outings such as a guided tour of the Columbus museum of art’s Van Gogh exhibit. A book club to exercise Italian skills both reading and then discussing a book in Italian. Throughout the year (covid permitting) to meet at a restaurant, to build a community of individuals who also love Italy. Finally there are study abroad trips to use and learn Italian in Italy. Several years ago, Rosa took a group to tour Florence and most recently a tour of Campania(Naples) and Basilicata in southern Italy where Rosa is from.

Positive experience: I just got back from study abroad with Rosa. It was not only so much fun but a great learning experience because we all used the Italian we learned in classes and it all made sense as we heard ithe locals respond to us. We all learned so much more of the culture than a tourist would because Rosa was there to point out the nuances of normal Italian life today. Best day was the day we spent in her family home cooking, eating and exploring the town. It’s wonderful to put our class work to use in such a fun way!

Fantastic experience: Excellent and fun teachers.

Fantastic experience: Rosa put together an engaging series of lessons to help my family and I prepare for a trip to Italy. She answered every question and helped all of us feel confident, even though we are beginners and some of us never thought we could ever learn a language. Florence, here we come! And Italian Dream Academy, here we come back!

Fantastic experience: I have always been in awe at the ability of the people in European countries to speak more than their native language. So I decided that i would learn a second language by studying on my own with a set of language CDs and a book. Even with great intentions the experience in my opinion is never going to succeed. I discovered There are too many idioms, and word placements different than our own, and I had no one to ask why I was supposed to be doing or saying something in a certain way. I became disappointed and quit I then decided to go completely the other route and study at the local community college. I enrolled for Italian two days a week for 10 weeks What I didn’t realize was that a certain amount of content had to be presented in a very specific amount of time. The classes moved quickly and even with all the instructors help, if you didn’t really grasp a concept it didn’t matter, the instructor had to adhere to schedule That’s when I heard about Italian Dream Academy The classes are small and very personal. Everyone becomes friendly. The content mirrors that which you need to pass an Italian citizenship test, or a college textbook. The difference is that the instructor can teach at the speed of the small group, focusing on weak areas and moving on when everyone is comfortable. Homework is assigned each week in the areas of difficulty I told my husband that when we finish a section in these classes I feel as if I KNOW IT!

Fantastic experience: I can't express enough how thrilled my wife and I are with Italian Dream Academy. We are in the 3rd year, feel we have mastered the basics, and now are going beyond so we can travel Italy in retirement. Rosa Di Grottole is the best language instructor in Ohio (probably anywhere else). The course times are convenient and the cost very reasonable. We highly recommend Italian Dream Academy for anyone desiring to learn Italian, especially now that it is on-line and can be accessed from anywhere. Che buona fortuna!

Fantastic experience: I have been learning Italian with Professoressa Rosa De Grottole for three+ years both as a private tutor and in the weekly group classes "as an older/retired student of a new language". She is an incredible teacher and guide. Her ability to explain the language basics, nuances, and "the why" are essential to me and she does a great job. I have learned so much. Rosa is very patient and one never feels stupid or embarrassed learning with her. I feel confident that I will be able to function well in Italy when we travel through Italy again for a month in 2022! I highly recommend learning with Rosa and Italian Dream Academy.

Fantastic experience: Rosa is a wonderful teacher. She makes learning Italian fun. Classes are relaxed and enjoyable. My wife and I are taking class together. It is something that we have found that we enjoy doing together. We did take Italian classes back in college many years ago. But Rosa makes this experience so much more enjoyable and we are actually learning the language. Sergio is also very kind. We both give our highest endorsement for the Italian Dream Academy.!

Fantastic experience: I have been taking Italian lessons for three years. The instructors are excellent. The cost of classes is extremely reasonable.

Fantastic experience: Italian Dream Academy is the right way to learn Italian. Rosa has been my instructor from the beginning. She is very knowledgeable, patient and extremely dedicated. Classes are fun and engaging. My confidence and understanding of the language have improved immensely and I can't wait for my next trip to Italy

Fantastic experience: Not only do you learn the Italian language you also learn the culture and customs. The lessons are very interactive which helps you retain but you learn.

Fantastic experience: Rosa has been my tutor for several years now, and I couldn’t be happier. I speak, read, and write well. I have also taken art and culture classes at the school, and love the Italian book club. Now with so much online, it’s more convenient than ever.

Fantastic experience: I have had the pleasure of studying with Italian Dream Academy for several years, and have always been impressed with the instructors and course offerings. Each lesson is tailored to the students' needs, and my excellent and experienced teacher, Rosa, is able to change and modify lessons as we have questions during class. Rosa understands when we need more work with a new topic and is able to provide helpful and constructive feedback. For me, learning Italian started as a hobby, but has now become one of my passions, and I cannot recommend Italian Dream Academy highly enough.

Fantastic experience: I feel so lucky to have come across the Italian Dream Academy when I decided to learn Italian 3 years ago. What a wonderful community of people. My teacher, Rosa, puts her heart and soul into every lesson, making them interesting, useful, and entertaining. If you've ever considered learning about the Italian language and culture, this is the place to be.

Fantastic experience: I have been studying Italian with the Italian Dream Academy for 5 years! Rosa has been my teacher for four years and she is a great teacher. She is kind, caring and dedicated to her students. I also traveled to Italy in 2019 with Rosa and a group of students. The study abroad program is a fantastic way to visit Italy with a native speaker and learn about the culture, art and food of Italy. My experiences with the Italian Dream Academy have been very positive and if you are interested in learning the beautiful Italian language, I highly recommend taking lessons with them.

Fantastic experience: The Italian Dream Academy is a great resource for Italian learning. I have taken three types of courses – Italian Language (courses over multiple weeks), Italian Culture (a short series of seminars), and individual tutoring. In every case, the instructors (Rosa, Cylia, Samanta, and Sergio) have proven to be extremely competent, very patient, and extremely capable of keeping the students on track. A mix of native Italian speakers and fluent Italian speakers, the language courses cover the language from basics to very complex grammatical structures and each course builds upon the other. The culture seminars have been well researched and informative; I used them as a guide during our trip to Italy.

Fantastic experience: My teenage daughter has been taking lessons with Italian Dream Academy for a year and a half now and has loved it! Her school didn't offer Italian as a language choice, so we researched and found IDA. Ms Rosa has been her instructor and she has learned so much. She even chooses to take lessons in the summers so she can continue to excel. Highest recommendations for students of ALL levels from beginner to advanced.

Fantastic experience: I have really enjoyed learning Italian with Italian Dream Academy. Rosa is a fun, engaged and supportive instructor. Rosa takes a great deal of time planning classes and is always available for questions. Learning from a native speaker has been fantastic. We are learning about Italian culture, everyday living, and truly understanding the language not just memorizing a few phrases needed for a trip to Italy.

Fantastic experience: Always great time! The online Zoom classes are perfect for us, no commute and a great atmosphere with an engaging instructor. Thank you Italian Dream Academy for making learning Italian so much fun!

Fantastic experience: My Italian has gotten a lot better in the last year thanks to my lessons here. Rosa is an encouraging instructor who does a great job pushing students to learn more! I can't believe how I've progressed in such a rapid time and finally feel comfortable speaking in sentences. It feels great to be able to talk to my family in italy. Thanks Rosa!