French in Action is a video-based French course created by Yale, WGBH Boston, and Wellesley College in 1987. It uses immersive storytelling to teach the language, focusing on real-life situations.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. Studies show that homeschooled students are accepted to college at rates comparable to or higher than their traditionally schooled peers, and they tend to earn higher GPAs in their first year of college (Journal of College Admission, 2010).
What is French in action?
French in Action is a groundbreaking video course for learning French. It was created by Yale University, WGBH Boston, and Wellesley College back in 1987. Designed by Professor Pierre Capretz, the course has 52 episodes, each lasting half an hour. It teaches French through total immersion, mostly using the language itself with visuals to help understand. You follow Robert Taylor, an American student, and Mireille Belleau, a French woman, as they explore life in Paris. The series gained a loyal following after airing on PBS and is still a top free resource for French learners.
The capretz method
French in Action follows a unique approach: French is French, not just English in disguise. Instead of translating, you learn by watching. You observe native speakers in real situations, picking up on gestures, expressions, and context clues. Each episode starts with a short intro in English for context, then dives into French. This method mimics how kids learn their first language—through exposure and recognizing patterns, not through strict grammar rules. It takes patience at first, but it builds real understanding, not just translation skills.
Is it right for your homeschool?
French in Action is great for learners who are self-motivated and can handle some confusion. The early episodes may feel tough—you won’t catch everything, and that’s part of the plan. Trust the process; understanding will come. The production style shows its age, with 80s fashion and tech, which some find fun while others might be distracted. For homeschool families, it offers solid French instruction for free, but many find it helps to use the companion textbooks for grammar and practice. It’s challenging enough to prepare students for college-level French.
The bottom line
French in Action is impressive: a thorough, immersive French program that’s completely free. For homeschool families wanting a break from apps or pricey tutors, it offers top-notch instruction that has helped many become fluent. The key is commitment—this isn’t a quick-fix solution. But, students who stick with it through the tough parts often end up with strong skills that translation-based programs struggle to build.
