How Does the Rosetta Stone Compare to TFK?

When it comes to deciding who is going to help your child learn Spanish, the choices can be overwhelming! After all, there can be a lot to consider, especially when looking for the answers online. Where should you even start, and how can you know which program is the right one?

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.

One of the most popular language-learning software to date is Rosetta Stone, making a name for itself since 1992. For both its popularity and ubiquity, it’s probably a contender on your list. While Rosetta Stone 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!

Structure

Rosetta Stone

Graduated from its CD-ROM days, Rosetta Stone is 100% digital. The basic structure is this: choose your language, your level, and your goal. After these initial decisions, you’ll gain access to the 12 units which make up the bulk of the course and are available offline when downloaded. These units are accessible throughout the duration of your subscription, which can be as short as three months or as long as a lifetime. Each unit is designed around a particular topic, which could be a trade-off if you’re hoping to have some say in the content your child is learning.

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 using the Bellieu Method. 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, to ensure 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

Rosetta Stone

Similar to flashcards, Rosetta Stone’s approach utilizes single-word memorization and visual association. Eventually, these words lead up to full sentences that the student either matches to pictures or repeats aloud. For a student who has a short attention span or wants to focus only on vocab, this could be beneficial.

This article from Scientific American says that language acquisition via reading is effective but not efficient, concluding that interactive learning is more conducive (like how we learn our first language).

TruFluency Kids Spanish Immersion Online

TFK teachers pride themselves on opting out of using vocab lists and single word instruction, instead relying 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.” Que genial!

Age Limits

Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone offers student and homeschool subscriptions, offering progress monitoring tools and software designed to correct pronunciation and promote retention. It’s unclear if the content is adjusted to catch a student’s interest, though they are beginning to pilot additional materials like stories and games. Unfortunately, live lessons and on-demand videos are not available for learners under the age of 18.

TruFluency Kids Spanish Immersion Online

At TruFluency Kids, our materials are designed 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 make sure to prioritize that fact when planning our age-specific lessons. Levels include beginners, intermediate/dual language, and advanced/native speakers.

Scheduling

Rosetta Stone

Depending on the subscription you choose, your child can access Rosetta Stone’s course content whenever you deem fit. This is appealing to parents who are weary about screen time, or who want to take a hands-off approach to scheduling.

TruFluency Kids Spanish Immersion Online

TFK classes take place from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm CDT, meaning no matter where in the world you are, there will be a session that fits into your family’s busy life. We offer courses that differ in length with your child’s attention span in mind. To take the hassle out of scheduling, we offer sessions that span four weeks long. You can choose as little as one day per week, or as many as three. Flexibility is always a priority of ours, so mix and match as needed. If you need to miss a class, you can jump into another class. Or if you only want 2 out of the 3 days of a course, you can only buy those 2 days.

Pricing

Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone operates on a subscription service, with rates as follows:

• 3 months: $11.99/mo paid in full (access to a single language)
• 12 months: $7.99/mo paid in full (access to a single language)
• Lifetime: $299 once paid in full (unlimited languages)

TruFluency Kids Spanish Immersion Online

At TFK, you pay either per session (four weeks) or per drop-in class.

Our rates are broadly accessible, ranging from $12 per drop-in to $228 for 12 sessions over 4 weeks. These prices account for 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!