At the French Academy, we believe in the transformative powers of a bilingual education. Nothing is more important than starting that education at a young age. This early exposure takes full advantage of a child’s innate language-learning abilities and natural curiosity about the world.

Of course, as a school dedicated to bilingual learning, we also keep a careful eye on the research in the field.

Some key findings from recent years include the following*:

• Bilingualism at an early age enhances general cognitive development.
• The intellectual stimulation produced by the regular use of two languages enhances potential for abstraction, symbolism, conceptualization, and problem solving. The benefits of this stimulation are particularly remarkable in mathematics.
• Bilingual children score higher on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and achieve a higher grade point average.
• Bilingualism favors the learning process of a 3^rd or 4^th language.
• Bilingualism does not only provide academic advantages but also encourages an open mind and a tolerance toward differences and other cultures.
• According to research at Dartmouth College, multilingual children score 15 to 20 points better on IQ tests; have larger vocabularies than their peers; speak at an earlier age than most children; have more self-confidence; read sooner; and have fewer reading problems than their peers.
• They also have fewer temper tantrums because they are able to communicate their needs sooner and more effectively and generally perform at an overall higher level.

How does it work at the French Academy?

At the French Academy, children are taught to be bilingual with varying emphases on French and English.

At 2 years old, 90% of the curriculum is taught in French. Then, as the children get older the number of hours taught in English slowly increases (3 hours per week at 3 years old, 6.5 hours in first grade).

By fourth grade, they will receive an equal amount of teaching in French and English.

The ultimate goal is fluency in both languages. And, it works.

Many of our children started in our program without knowing a word of French, Louis, Charlotte, Daniel, William, Zoe, Zaire and many other…. Through our program, they were exposed, intrigued and eager to communicate.

Before the end of the school year, they were able to have a full conversation with their teachers and classmates. Those in First Grade can read in French and English.

Your child can also enjoy similar success.

If you’re interested in the subject, these articles provide excellent information and insights:

Bilingual acquisition

Read article >

Language Learning Starts Early: Making the Most of the Opportunities by Leanne Leak

Read article >

Effects of Bilingualism and Biliteracy on Children’s Emerging Concepts of Print by Ellen Bialystock

Read abstract >

New York Times: Looking for babysitters: foreign language a must.

Read article >

*References:
Bialystok, Ellen. « Bilingualism in development: Language, literacy and cognition», Cambridge University Press, 2001

Caccavale, Therese. « Correlation between early second language learning and native language skill development » Learning Languages, volXIII n°1, 2007

Calvet, J.-L. & A. «Classement des langues dans le monde », La Recherche 2009;

Dehaene, S. « Les neurones de la lecture » Ed. Odile Jacob

Weber, G.,     “American Association of Teachers of French (ATTF)” National Bulletin, vol. 24, 3:22-28, 1999

Hagège, C, “L’enfant aux deux langues”, Ed. Folio + Conference sur le breton