Drowning in a Sea of French

I started a French class last week.  It's a fast course, and when they say fast, they mean fast.  I have about 8 hours at school then come home (during rush hour traffic) to do homework and extra study.  We have learned a lot.  I could have a conversation with someone after only 4 days of class, that is if I could retain all of the information being taught.  Apparently I'm not a fast learner.  I need the extra study, and then some more.  I'm trying to decide if it's worth it, missing two months of my kids lives, because that's what I feel like I'll be doing.  Maybe there's a slow course for a couple of hours a day.  That I could handle.  But for now, I'm on the fast track.  Wish me luck.  I need it.