Opening September 2026 · Chicago's North Shore
Connecting Cultures Through Language
ربط الثقافات من خلال اللغة
Kalima Language Academy offers Arabic language and cultural education for children, teens, and adults — welcoming both complete beginners and heritage learners.
الافتتاح في سبتمبر ٢٠٢٦
Our Programs
Arabic for Every Stage of Life
From first letters to confident conversation — we meet every learner where they are.
Children
Kindergarten & Elementary
Build a joyful foundation in Arabic through conversation, vocabulary, reading, writing, stories, and age-appropriate cultural learning.
Learn more→Teens
Middle & High School
Develop confidence in speaking, reading, and writing Arabic while strengthening connections to language, culture, and heritage.
Learn more→Adults
Adult Learners
Practical, welcoming Arabic instruction for adults beginning the language or returning to skills learned earlier in life.
Learn more→Beginners & Heritage Learners Welcome
Whether you are learning your first Arabic letter or reconnecting with the language of your family, Kalima will meet you where you are.
Why Kalima
A Different Kind of Language School
Small Classes
A supportive learning environment designed to give students personal attention and opportunities to participate.
Language & Culture
Language and culture belong together. Lessons connect Arabic conversation, reading and writing with traditions, stories and cultural understanding.
Every Stage of Learning
From kindergarten through adulthood, Kalima welcomes learners beginning Arabic as well as those strengthening an existing connection to the language.
Arabic Educator & Presenter
Violette Abawi presenting "AI in the Arabic Language Classroom" at the 2026 CATA Pedagogy Conference at the University of Chicago.
Meet Your Instructor
Meet Violette
Kalima Language Academy was founded by Violette Abawi, an experienced Arabic educator with a deep love of Arabic language and culture. Violette creates a warm, encouraging environment where students can build confidence, develop meaningful language skills, and strengthen their connection to Arabic culture and heritage.
Location
Serving Chicago's North Shore
Serving Northbrook and surrounding communities. Our classroom location will be selected based on enrollment to provide convenient central access for participating families and adult learners.
Priority Enrollment
Priority Enrollment Now Open
Classes begin September 2026. Contact Violette for program details, schedules, and enrollment information.
Classes begin September 2026 · Chicago's North Shore