You’ve probably found yourself thinking that it would be so much easier if somebody did that work of comparison for you and your family. We totally get it, and that’s why we’re here today. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how TruFluency Kids compares with one of today’s most popular ways to study a language: Duolingo. Launched to the public in 2012, Duolingo today has more than 500 million registered users. It’s well known for “gamifying” language learning with points, streaks and leaderboards.
While Duolingo and TruFluency Kids share the same goal (teaching Spanish), we differ in our approaches. Here’s a simple breakdown at a quick glance. Keep reading below for more information!
TruFluency Kids
Structure
Sentences vs. Words
Context
Age Limits
Teacher Consistency
Native Speaker Instructors
Scheduling
Pricing
Duolingo
Structure
Sentences vs. Words
Context
Age Limits
Teacher Consistency
Native Speaker Instructors
Scheduling
Pricing
Structure
Duolingo
Duolingo prides itself on feeling “more like a game than a textbook.” Duolingo lessons incorporate reading, writing, listening and speaking practice to prepare users for situations where they will need to use Spanish. Machine learning algorithms match the difficulty of the lesson to the skills of the learner. Test questions measure progress.
TruFluency Kids Spanish Immersion Online
TruFluency Kids also operates online, offering convenient and personalized live tutoring sessions. We categorize our classes by skill level to give precisely the right level of guidance and instruction. And, most importantly, your child will be practicing with a native speaker every time — guaranteed. Our teachers come prepared with videos, songs, picture stories/comics and games. This ensures that your child is not only entertained but involved, encouraging them to speak for at least half of the class. Plus, we offer the opportunity for our students to access two curriculum websites chock-full of supplemental tools for an entire year (an impressive $400 value).
Full Sentences vs. Single Words
Duolingo
While Duolingo emphasizes a functional approach to language learning and students can practice speaking full sentences, its biggest shortcoming is that it does not offer conversation practice with a real, live person. There’s just nothing like conversation when it comes to motivating students and showing them how a language works in real life.
TruFluency Kids Spanish Immersion Online
TFK teachers pride themselves on avoiding vocab lists and single-word instruction. Instead, they rely on guided conversation, storytelling with images, and activities using everyday phrases like “Let’s go!”. Our goal is to make learning both impactful and relevant so that your child reaches their specific language goals at a pace that is right for them.
One parent even told us this great news: “The approach to language learning is excellent. My daughter’s interest in learning Spanish has been low until taking these classes. She is really engaged and looks forward to them.”
Age Limits
Duolingo
Duolingo serves people of any age who want to learn Spanish. Users who are younger than 13 are restricted from social features. In 2021, Duolingo also started offering an app specifically for kids called (you guessed it) Duolingo Kids.
TruFluency Kids Spanish Immersion Online
At TruFluency Kids, we design our language-learning specifically for students ages 4-17. Based on their age and skill level, kids will be placed into classes allowing for either one-on-one or small-group instruction to work its magic. Skilled educators who are fluent in instructional design are crucial to a positive learning environment for children, and we prioritize that fact when planning our age-specific lessons. Levels include beginners, intermediate/dual language and advanced/native speakers.
Scheduling
Duolingo
Since Duolingo does not use live instructors, it’s available 24-7.
TruFluency Kids Spanish Immersion Online
TruFluency Kids combines the advantages of live instruction and flexible scheduling. Our daily classes take place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central Time. That means that no matter where in the world you are, and no matter what’s going on with your busy family. you’ll be able to find a session that works for you. As all parents know, kids can have very different attention spans. So we offer classes that differ in length. To take the hassle out of scheduling, we offer sessions that span four weeks long. Choose as little as one day per week, or as many as three. We know how important flexibility is to you, so you can always mix and match as needed. If your young language learner needs to miss a class, they can jump into another class. Or if you only want two out of the three days of a course, you can buy only those two days.
Pricing
Duolingo
Duolingo is free to use. But you can also opt for a premium version called Duolingo Plus, which costs $6.99 per month. One of the main amenities of Duolingo Plus is that it’s ad-free. Its other features include personalized lessons to practice your mistakes and progress/mastery quizzes. And then there’s the Duolingo Family Plan. This newer option (added in 2021) allows the primary account holder to share Duolingo Plus with up to five other people. The family plan costs $120 per year, billed annually.
TruFluency Kids Spanish Immersion Online
A TFK class starts at $12 per class for ages 4-6, $17 for 7-9 and $19 for 10 and up. Our pricing accounts for class frequency, preparation and a whole trove of songs, worksheets and games that remain accessible even when the class ends. $400 worth of online activities come with every course.
Read more about how TruFluency Kids works, and test out the classes for yourself!
