La migliore scuola per lo studio dell'italiano One of the good things to come out of this pandemic are the online Italian classes that were started on the Zoom platform after the shutdown of live classes in March. I had visited Scuola Leonardo da Vinci several years ago to get some information on taking an intensive program in Florence. A return to work delayed my plans. I was so happy the school had kept my contact information and sent me an email in March announcing the new programs. Early every morning, Monday - Friday, I participated in the intensive program for 12 weeks, then I transitioned to the Part-Time program, twice a week. The teachers, custom materials developed by Scuola LDV and class format are the best I have ever experienced in my attempts over the years to improve my Italian language skills. First of all, there is nothing that can substitute for a native Italian speaker who has professional level training to teach Italian to a foreign student, and this is an important feature of Scuola LDV. My teachers, Francesca, Simona and Antonella are very patient, friendly, skilled at making learning a very enjoyable experience. They use a teaching format that facilitates speaking Italian, the hardest part for many of us. Consequently, my speaking skills have improved. It is a great pleasure to meet students from all over the world and I feel that I have made many new friends. The Zoom platform worked amazingly well and even allowed small group breakout sessions. You would not know that online teaching was a new format for these teachers given how well they used the technology. Becoming fluent in Italian is a long-term endeavor and I am so pleased with the improved Italian proficiency as well as insights into Italian culture that I have gained through my participation in these classes. While attending live classes and experiencing all the wonderful aspects of living in Florence would be ideal, until it is possible to travel, I will continue my classes online with Scuola LDV.