What kind of students do well at the French Academy?

Students with a variety of backgrounds and learning styles have excelled with us.

Our qualified teachers and small class sizes allow us to provide extra support – or additional challenges — when needed. Our warm, supportive and international environment helps children learn to their full potential.

How many students are in a class?

We truly believe big things happen in small classes. Our classes don’t exceed 16 students.  On average, our elementary school classes have 12 children. Smaller classes allow us give our students more individual attention, which helps them excel both academically and socially.

Is it just a French school or do you cover a full curriculum?

The French Academy covers a full curriculum. We follow the structure of the French Education Ministry, while adhering to the American guidelines established by the NJ Core Curriculum Standards. After attending our school, students are prepared to enter both French and American schools.

Do you teach writing?

We do. Our children learn to write in cursive. In Pre-K 3 and 4, they start to write in upper case while practicing their fine motor skills with loops and bridges on dry erase boards or paper. In Kindergarten, they will start to write in cursive. In first grade, it is a well-established skill which enables us to focus on other academic subjects in the later grades.

How is time divided between 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 in English. The ultimate goal at French ABC is to raise children equally in both languages.

What if you don’t speak any French?

In pre-school, it is not required for a child to speak French. In 1^st grade and up, prior knowledge of French is required. In addition, we offer language support for children who may need extra help in French or English. This is truly a nurturing environment and we do everything we can to give all of our students the support they need.

Does the school provide transportation?

Not yet. However, our active and close-knit parents often carpool to assist each other. In addition, we re-examine the financial realities of providing transportation every year and will continue to do so.

Is lunch provided?

Both campuses offer hot lunches twice a week. You can choose to sign up for the lunch program or provide a boxed lunch for your child.

What grades does the school serve?

Our Morris Plains campus serves children from 2 ½ years of age through Kindergarten (5 years old).  Our New Milford campus serves children from 2 years of age through 4th grade (CM1).

Aren’t grade structures a little different in French and English?

They are. This chart should help clarify.

Age	2-3	3-4	4-5	5-6	6-7	7-8	8-9	9-10	10-11
Class	TPS	PS	MS	GS	CP	CE1	CE2	CM1	CM2
	Nursery	Pre-K 3	Pre-K 4	K	1st grade	2nd grade	3rd grade	4th grade	5th grade
Cycle	Cycle 1: initial learning			Cycle 2: fundamental learning			Cycle 3: in-depth learning
Level	Preschool			Elementary
Level	Maternelle				Elémentaire

What are the class hours?

Classes start at 8:45 am and end at 3 pm. We strongly encourage punctuality as this helps children transition smoothly into their working day. Before school care is available at 7 am and after school care is available until 6 pm.

When is the school closed?

Our school is closed for two days in November during Teacher Convention and two days for Thanksgiving.  We are closed two weeks in December for Christmas and New Years, one week in February for mid-winter recess, one week in April for Spring break, and one day for Memorial Day.

What is the difference between afterschool and enrichment?

Our afterschool program focuses on French language development, while our enrichment program includes a variety of offerings such as art, sports, theater, Mandarin, ballet and science.