Welcome to FluentFront: The Startup Helping New Immigrants Speak the Language of Opportunity
- Jimmie
- May 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 7
When Lina, a 29-year-old nurse from the Philippines, arrived in Toronto last fall, she thought her biggest hurdle would be adjusting to the cold. Instead, it was the day-to-day conversations—ordering food, filling out job applications, navigating awkward small talk at work—that froze her in her tracks. “My English was okay on paper,” she says. “But real life doesn’t follow a script.”

Enter FluentFront, a sleek, startup-powered solution that’s quietly transforming how new immigrants break into English-speaking society—without breaking the bank.
At just $25 an hour, FluentFront offers superb-quality, online English language instruction that flexes around busy schedules and evolving needs. Whether you’re prepping for an ESL exam, getting a handle on business English, or just trying to keep up with the barista at Starbucks, FluentFront has a lesson for you. Think of it as Duolingo with a human touch—live instructors, real-world scenarios, and culturally-aware communication coaching tailored for people stepping into a brand-new world.
🔗 Visit FluentFront to book your first lesson or schedule a free placement chat.
Speaking Real Life
“We focus on conventional language—the kind of phrases you actually hear on the street, not just in textbooks,” says founder Jimmie Calmese, a college instructor and grant writer. “There’s a big gap between grammar rules and grocery-store conversations. We close that gap.”
For many, that includes modules on business English, with mock interviews, résumé polishing, and email etiquette built in. For others, it’s about passing the TOEFL or IELTS, the gatekeepers to higher education and professional licensure. Lessons are delivered via Zoom, Google Meet, or the FluentFront app, with small group or 1-on-1 options.
The Immigrant Advantage
While many language platforms offer slick tech and gamified apps, FluentFront is going for something more radical: accessibility that works. Scheduling is 100% flexible—students pick their times, instructors adapt—and pricing stays low, even as demand rises.
And there’s more on the way. The company is piloting AI-powered pronunciation coaching, cultural etiquette crash courses, and micro-credentials that students can add to their LinkedIn profiles.
English is the Key, Fluent
In a world increasingly shaped by migration, mastering English isn’t just about speaking. It’s about belonging, participating, and being heard. FluentFront gets that—and they’re building the bridge one lesson at a time. Whether you’re new to the country or just ready to find your voice in it, FluentFront might be your smartest first move.
🔗 Visit FluentFront to book your first lesson or schedule a free placement chat.

Why FluentFront Was Founded
FluentFront was born out of founder Jimmie Calmese's personal journey as a native of Northside St. Louis, Missouri, USA. After leaving North America to pursue high school in Frankfurt, Germany, he quickly realized that mastering English in an academic setting didn't fully prepare him for real-life interactions—job interviews, networking events, even casual conversations at the grocery store. “I saw so many talented, capable people struggling to find their footing—not because they lacked skills, but because they lacked the right words,” Jimmie recalls. “FluentFront was my answer to that problem.”
Determined to create a more human-centered, culturally aware language learning experience, he launched FluentFront to bridge the gap between textbook English and the language of everyday success. His mission: to empower immigrants and low-resourced populations with not just language proficiency, but the confidence to thrive in their new communities.
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