How To Create A Classroom On Duolingo In Minutes

A Classroom On Duolingo: Are you ready to revolutionize your language learning classroom? Duolingo’s virtual classroom platform offers educators a powerful, engaging way to teach languages while tracking student progress in real-time.

Whether you’re a school teacher, university professor, or private tutor, creating a Duolingo Classroom can transform how your students learn languages.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about setting up and maximizing a Duolingo for Schools account.

You’ll learn how to create your classroom in minutes, not hours, while unlocking powerful teaching tools you might not know exist.

Understanding Duolingo Classroom

Before diving into setup, let’s understand what makes Duolingo Classroom so valuable for language educators.

Duolingo for Schools extends the popular language learning app into a full-fledged educational platform. It maintains the app’s engaging, gamified approach while adding teacher-specific features like:

Custom assignment creation
Detailed progress tracking
Student performance analytics
Classroom management tools
Communication features

“Duolingo Classroom transformed how I teach Spanish. My students’ engagement increased by 78% in the first month alone.” – Maria Rodriguez, High School Spanish Teacher

The platform supports over 40 languages, making it versatile for virtually any language curriculum. Best of all? It’s completely free for educators and students.

System Requirements and Compatibility

Before setting up your Duolingo Classroom, ensure you meet these basic requirements:

Device Type	Requirements
Computer	Modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge), stable internet connection
Mobile	iOS 14+ or Android 7.0+, Duolingo app installed, stable internet connection
Tablet	iOS 14+ or Android 7.0+, Duolingo app installed, stable internet connection

Students can access your classroom through either the web or mobile app, allowing flexibility in how they complete assignments.

Free vs. Paid Features

While Duolingo for Schools is free, understanding the differences between free accounts and Duolingo Plus subscriptions helps set expectations:

Free Duolingo for Schools includes:

Unlimited classes and students
Full assessment system
Complete progress tracking
Assignment creation
All language courses

Duolingo Plus (paid subscription) adds:

Ad-free experience for students
Offline lessons
Unlimited hearts (attempts)
Legendary level access
Progress quizzes

The good news? The free version contains everything you need for effective classroom management.

Also Read: Where Is The Practice Button On Duolingo? Complete Guide (2025)

Step 1: Creating Your Teacher Account

Let’s begin by setting up your teacher account, which differs from standard Duolingo accounts.

Registration Process

Visit schools.duolingo.com
Click “Sign Up” in the top right corner
Choose “I’m a teacher”
Enter your professional email (school domain emails get faster verification)
Create a strong password
Complete your teacher profile

Setting Up Your Professional Profile

Your teacher profile serves as your digital identity in the Duolingo Classroom ecosystem. Complete it with:

Your full name and title
School or institution name
Subject area and grade levels
Professional profile picture (optional but recommended)
Brief professional bio

Pro Tip: Use your institutional email when possible. Duolingo prioritizes verification for emails with educational domains (.edu, k12.xx.us, etc.).

Verification Process

Depending on your email domain, verification may be:

Instant (for recognized educational domains)
Manual review (1-2 business days)
Documentation-based (requiring proof of teaching status)

While waiting for verification, you can still explore the platform’s features using a limited demo version.

Step 2: Designing Your First Language Classroom

With your teacher account verified, you’re ready to create your first virtual classroom.

Navigating the Classroom Creation Dashboard

Log into your account at schools.duolingo.com
From your teacher dashboard, click “Create a Class”
You’ll see the classroom configuration page

The interface is intuitive, with clear sections for each aspect of your classroom setup.

Naming and Organizing Your Classroom

Strong classroom management starts with thoughtful organization:

Choose a descriptive class name (e.g., “Spanish 101 – Fall 2025” rather than just “Spanish”)
Add your school or institution name
Include grade level or proficiency target
Add course section number if applicable

This detailed naming helps when managing multiple classrooms and supports better data organization in your dashboard.

Setting Language Goals

Now for the heart of your language learning environment choosing your course:

Select the language you’ll be teaching (Spanish, French, German, etc.)
Choose the language students will learn from (usually their native language)
Set course difficulty level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
Establish weekly XP (Experience Points) goals

XP goals provide clear targets for student participation.

Here’s a general guideline:

Student Level	Recommended Weekly XP
Beginner	30-50 XP
Intermediate	50-100 XP
Advanced	100-150 XP
Intensive Course	150+ XP

Remember that 10 XP roughly equals 10 minutes of active learning time.

Step 3: Student Enrollment Methods

Once your classroom is configured, you’ll need to add students. Duolingo for Schools offers several flexible enrollment methods.

Class Code Enrollment (Most Popular)

The simplest approach uses a unique class code:

From your teacher dashboard, select your classroom
Find the “Class Code” box (typically 6-8 characters)
Share this code with students
Students visit duolingo.com/classroom or use the app
They enter the code to join

This code remains valid throughout the class’s existence, making it easy to add late enrollees.

Email Invitation Process

For a more direct approach:

From your classroom page, click “Invite Students”
Enter student email addresses (individual or comma-separated list)
Customize the invitation message
Click “Send Invitations”

Students receive an email with instructions and a direct link to join.

Bulk Enrollment for Larger Classes

For classes with 20+ students:

Download the CSV template from your teacher dashboard
Fill in student names and emails
Upload the completed CSV
Duolingo will process the list and send invitations

This method saves significant time for large classes while maintaining enrollment tracking.

QR Code Enrollment

Perfect for in-person settings:

From your classroom page, select “Share”
Choose “QR Code”
Display the code on your projector or print handouts
Students scan the code with their device’s camera
The code directs them to join your classroom automatically

Pro Tip: Generate a new QR code each semester for security purposes and to avoid confusion with previous classes.

Step 4: Customizing Your Classroom Experience

The power of Duolingo Classroom lies in its customization. Let’s explore how to tailor the learning experience to your curriculum.

Adjusting Lesson Progression

Control how students move through the course:

Linear Progression: Students must complete each lesson in sequence
Open Progression: Students can skip around based on interest or need
Timed Release: New sections unlock according to your schedule

From your classroom configuration panel:

Click “Settings”
Select “Course Progression”
Choose your preferred style
Save changes

Creating Custom Assignments

Assignment creation is one of the most valuable features:

From your classroom page, click “Assignments”
Select “Create New Assignment”
Choose the skill or lesson to assign
Set due date and time
Add instructions or learning objectives
Set minimum XP requirements
Choose whether to make it required or optional

Customizing course materials through assignments lets you align Duolingo with your curriculum, rather than the other way around.

Setting XP Goals and Challenges

Motivation through gamification is Duolingo’s strength:

From your classroom page, select “Challenges”
Choose from:
- Individual challenges
- Group challenges
- Class-wide challenges
Set the challenge parameters (time period, XP goal, rewards)
Launch the challenge

Students receive notifications about active challenges, spurring friendly competition.

Also Read: Why Did Duolingo Icon Change: A New Look And Purpose

Step 5: Powerful Assessment Tools

Assessment system capabilities let you measure progress beyond simple lesson completion.

Quiz Creation and Customization

Create targeted assessments:

From your classroom, select “Assessments”
Click “Create Quiz”
Choose topic areas to include
Set time limits and attempt restrictions
Preview the quiz
Assign to students

Quizzes draw from Duolingo’s extensive content library while matching your specific teaching focus.

Assignment Grading System

The built-in grading system provides several evaluation methods:

Completion-based grading
Accuracy-based grading
XP-based grading
Custom rubric grading

Configure your preferred approach:

From “Settings,” select “Grading”
Choose your primary grading method
Set minimum thresholds for passing
Enable/disable automatic grade calculation

Test-Out Options for Advanced Students

For students with previous language experience:

From your classroom, select “Settings”
Enable “Test-Out Option”
Choose which units can be tested out of
Set minimum passing scores

This feature prevents advanced students from getting bored with material they’ve already mastered.

Step 6: Utilizing the Analytics Dashboard

The teacher dashboard provides powerful real-time progress monitoring tools.

Individual Student Progress Tracking

Drill down to individual performance:

From your classroom, click “Students”
Select a student’s name
View their complete learning history:
- Lessons completed
- Time spent learning
- Accuracy rates
- Streak length
- Problem areas

This granular progress tracking helps identify struggling students early.

Class-Wide Performance Metrics

Get the big picture with class-wide analytics:

From your classroom, select “Analytics”
View aggregated data including:
- Average completion rates
- Class engagement levels
- Top-performing students
- Most challenging lessons
- Peak usage times

These metrics help evaluate your curriculum’s effectiveness.

Identifying Problem Areas

The dashboard highlights learning challenges:

From “Analytics,” select “Skills Overview”
View color-coded skill mastery levels
Identify commonly missed concepts
See vocabulary retention rates
Note grammar structures needing reinforcement

This information guides lesson planning and intervention strategies.

Data Export for School Reporting

For formal reporting requirements:

From your classroom, select “Reports”
Choose report type:
- Activity reports
- Achievement tracking summaries
- Participation reports
- Skill mastery reports
Select date range
Choose export format (CSV, PDF, or Excel)
Download or email the report

These exports integrate easily with most school grading systems.

Step 7: Student Engagement Features

Student progress improves dramatically with engagement. Duolingo’s built-in features help maintain motivation.

Leaderboards and Competition

Foster healthy competition:

From your classroom, select “Leaderboards”
Enable weekly or unit-based leaderboards
Choose metrics (XP gained, lessons completed, streak days)
Set visibility options (full class or anonymous)
Enable/disable notifications

Leaderboards tap into students’ natural competitiveness while keeping focus on learning goals.

Achievement Badges and Rewards

Recognize accomplishments:

From “Settings,” select “Achievements”
Choose which badges to enable:
- Streak milestones
- Perfect score badges
- Unit completion awards
- Speed learning badges
- Helping others badges
Set custom class-specific achievements
Determine whether achievements display publicly

These digital rewards provide constant positive reinforcement.

Group Challenges and Collaborative Learning

Build team skills through:

From your classroom, select “Groups”
Create learning teams (random, teacher-assigned, or student-chosen)
Set team challenges with shared goals
Enable team chat for peer support
Create team leaderboards

Collaborative challenges teach cooperation while maintaining individual accountability.

Streaks and Motivation Maintenance

The streak feature keeps students consistent:

From “Settings,” select “Streaks”
Set minimum activity for streak days
Enable streak freezes (limited passes for missed days)
Create streak restoration opportunities
Set streak rewards at milestones

Long streaks correlate strongly with language retention, making this feature particularly valuable.

Step 8: Communication Features

Effective communication features bridge the gap between in-person instruction and digital learning.

In-App Messaging

Direct communication within the platform:

From your classroom, select “Messages”
Choose message recipients:
- Individual student
- Selected group
- Entire class
Compose your message
Set priority level
Schedule delivery time (immediate or future)
Enable/disable replies

This secure messaging system keeps all communication in one place.

Comment and Feedback System

Provide guidance on specific activities:

From student reports, find the activity to comment on
Click “Add Feedback”
Choose feedback type:
- Encouragement
- Correction
- Question
- Instruction
Write your comment
Tag specific skills or concepts
Submit the feedback

Students receive notifications when you leave feedback, creating teaching moments.

Parent Notification Options

Keep parents/guardians informed:

From “Settings,” select “Parent Access”
Choose what parents can see:
- Assignment due dates
- Completion status
- Assessment scores
- Time spent learning
Set notification frequency
Enable/disable direct parent messaging
Generate parent access codes

This transparency helps create a supportive learning environment beyond the classroom.

Creating Class Announcements

Share important information:

From your classroom, select “Announcements”
Create a new announcement
Set visibility duration
Choose delivery method:
- In-app notification
- Email
- Both
Schedule announcement timing
Add attachments if needed

Announcements appear prominently when students open Duolingo, ensuring high visibility.

Step 9: Managing Multiple Classrooms

As your Duolingo Classroom usage grows, effective organization becomes crucial.

Organization Strategies

Keep your teaching organized:

Use consistent naming conventions
Color-code different course levels
Tag classes with subject areas
Create classroom groups by department/grade
Archive inactive classrooms promptly

These practices prevent dashboard clutter and confusion.

Copying Classroom Settings

Save time when creating similar classes:

From your dashboard, select the source classroom
Click “Copy Class”
Choose which elements to copy:
- Basic settings
- Assignments
- Challenges
- Custom content
Modify class-specific details
Launch the new classroom

This feature reduces setup time from minutes to seconds.

Time-Saving Administration Hacks

Streamline your workflow:

Create assignment templates for recurring tasks
Build a question bank for quick quiz creation
Use batch operations for student management
Schedule content releases in advance
Set up automated progress reports

These practices can save hours of administrative work each week.

Archiving Past Classrooms

Maintain clean organization while preserving data:

From your dashboard, select the completed classroom
Click “Archive Class”
Choose data retention options:
- Keep all data (recommended)
- Remove student identifiers
- Export data before archiving
Confirm archiving

Archived classes remain accessible but don’t clutter your active dashboard.

Also Read: Does Duolingo Send Threatening Messages? The Complete Guide

Troubleshooting Real Problems

Even the best platforms occasionally have issues. Here’s how to solve common Duolingo Classroom problems.

Student Access and Login Issues

When students can’t access your classroom:

Verify they’re using the correct class code (codes are case-sensitive)
Ensure they’ve created a Duolingo account first
Check if they’re logged into the correct account
Have them try a different browser or clear cache
Verify they have a stable internet connection

For persistent issues, regenerate the class code from your dashboard.

Course Material Synchronization Problems

If assigned content isn’t appearing:

Check your classroom’s time zone settings
Verify assignment publication dates
Have students fully close and reopen the app
Ensure students have the latest app version
Check for pending app updates

Most synchronization issues resolve with app restarts or updates.

Mobile vs. Desktop Differences

Understanding platform variations prevents confusion:

Feature	Mobile App	Desktop Browser
Offline Learning	Available (Plus only)	Not available
Audio Exercises	Available	Available (requires microphone)
Keyboard Shortcuts	Limited	Extensive
Screen Space	Limited	Expanded view
Notification Management	In-app	Email or in-browser

Communicate these differences to students so they can choose their preferred platform.

Account Linking Challenges

When students have trouble connecting existing accounts:

Verify they’re using the same email address
Check if they’re trying to join multiple classrooms
Have them unlink from previous classrooms first
Guide them through the “Connect Existing Account” flow
If needed, help them create a new classroom-specific account

Linking existing accounts preserves student progress from personal Duolingo use.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Classroom Features

Once comfortable with the basics, explore these advanced Duolingo Classroom capabilities.

Integrating with Other Educational Platforms

Extend functionality through integration:

Connect with Google Classroom:
- From “Settings,” select “Integrations”
- Choose “Google Classroom”
- Authorize the connection
- Select which data to sync
Link with learning management systems:
- Canvas
- Schoology
- Blackboard
- Moodle

These integrations streamline grade reporting and assignment management.

Using the API for Custom Solutions

For technically-inclined educators:

Apply for API access through the developer portal
Use the Duolingo API to:
- Create custom progress visualizations
- Build specialized reports
- Develop supplementary tools
- Integrate with proprietary school systems

While not necessary for most teachers, API access enables powerful customizations.

Tracking Long-Term Language Acquisition

Monitor deep learning outcomes:

From your classroom, select “Long-Term Analytics”
View retention metrics beyond simple lesson completion
Track vocabulary retention rates
Monitor grammar rule application across contexts
Analyze translation speed improvements

These metrics reveal true language acquisition rather than just activity completion.

Creating Custom Curriculum Supplements

Enhance the learning experience:

From your classroom, select “Resources”
Add supplementary materials:
- Cultural context documents
- Pronunciation guides
- Grammar explanations
- Vocabulary lists
- Real-world usage examples

These resources provide deeper context than Duolingo’s standard lessons alone.

Real Teacher Success Stories

These case studies illustrate the platform’s impact in various settings.

High School Spanish Implementation

James Davidson, a high school Spanish teacher in Colorado, transformed his curriculum:

“Before Duolingo Classroom, homework completion averaged 62%. After implementing daily 10-minute Duolingo assignments, completion rates jumped to 94%. The platform’s gamification elements turned homework from a chore into something students actually looked forward to.”

Key stats from his implementation:

94% homework completion rate
23% improvement on standardized testing
100% student engagement with at least 3 lessons per week

University French Department Rollout

Dr. Claire Fontaine at Northeastern University integrated Duolingo for Schools across their French department:

“We implemented Duolingo Classroom as a supplement to traditional instruction. Our results were remarkable students using the platform 4+ times weekly scored 17% higher on oral proficiency assessments than those using it less frequently.”

Their implementation highlights:

Standardized assignment structure across 12 course sections
Integrated progress tracking with university LMS
Custom pronunciation supplements
Weekly 100 XP minimum requirement

Private Tutoring Business Expansion

Maria Chen, a private language tutor, leveraged Duolingo Classroom to scale her business:

“Duolingo Classroom allowed me to monitor student progress between our weekly sessions. I could see exactly what they’d practiced and where they struggled, making our face-to-face time infinitely more productive. I’ve doubled my client base while maintaining quality.”

Her approach included:

Custom assignments based on session content
Daily streak requirements with weekend flexibility
Vocabulary lists tied to conversation topics
Parent access to monitor children’s progress

Conclusion

Creating a Duolingo Classroom takes just minutes, but its impact on your language teaching can last for years.

The platform’s combination of engaging content, powerful classroom management tools, and comprehensive progress tracking transforms how students experience language learning.

Remember these key takeaways:

Start simple: Begin with basic features before exploring advanced options
Be consistent: Regular, short assignments outperform occasional long ones
Use the data: Let analytics guide your instruction
Embrace gamification: Leaderboards and challenges boost motivation
Supplement thoughtfully: Combine Duolingo with your existing curriculum

Whether you’re teaching Spanish to high schoolers, French to university students, or Mandarin to adult learners, Duolingo for Schools provides the framework for effective, engaging language instruction.

Ready to create your first classroom? Visit schools.duolingo.com to get started today!

FAQs About Duolingo Classroom

Is Duolingo Classroom completely free?

Yes! All teacher dashboard features, classroom management tools, and language courses are 100% free for educators and students.

How many students can join my classroom?

There’s no limit classrooms can accommodate from 1 to 1,000+ students.

Can I create multiple classrooms?

Absolutely. Most teachers create separate classrooms for different courses, periods, or semesters.

Do students need to create Duolingo accounts?

Yes, but they can either create new accounts or link existing ones to your classroom.

Can parents see their child’s progress?

Yes, through the parent access feature, which provides limited visibility into assignments and progress.

What languages can I teach with Duolingo?

Over 40 languages are available, including Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Italian, Korean, and many more.

Can I use Duolingo Classroom on mobile devices?

Yes, both you and your students can access all features through the mobile app or web browser.

How does grading work?

You can choose completion-based, accuracy-based, or custom grading methods to align with your teaching approach.

Can I export data for school grading systems?

Yes, comprehensive reports can be exported in multiple formats compatible with most school systems.

What’s the minimum age for students?

Duolingo requires students to be at least 13 years old, or younger with parental consent and special classroom settings.

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Holly Wallace

Holly Wallace is a Duolingo expert, providing insightful reviews, pricing details, and FAQs. She helps language learners navigate Duolingo effectively, making language learning accessible, engaging, and efficient for users of all levels.