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French American International School

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French American International School FRENCH AMERICAN mission Guidé par des principes de rigueur académique Guided by the principles of academic rigor and et de diversité, le Lycée International Franco-Américain diversity, the French American International School propose des programmes en français et en anglais, offers programs of study in French and English to pour assurer la réussite de ses diplômés dans un monde prepare its graduates for a world in which the ability dans lequel la pensée critique et la communication to think critically and to communicate across interculturelle seront déterminantes. cultures is of paramount importance. values Notre communauté internationale rassemble des Our international community brings together personnes de toutes origines. Ensemble, nous people from many backgrounds. Together we contribuons à créer une culture qui forme des êtres strive to create a shared culture that develops altruistes et déterminés. Dotés d’un sens moral, ils compassionate, confident and principled people œuvrent à un monde meilleur. Notre communauté who will make the world better. We base our repose sur les valeurs suivantes : community on these values: Respect Respect Intégrité Integrity Inclusion Inclusion Collaboration Collaboration Curiosité Curiosity French American International School is fully accredited by the following: THE GIFT OF A BILINGUAL EDUCATION IN FRENCH AND ENGLISH FOR YOUR CHILD Our youngest students pursue a bilingual curriculum in French and English through 8th grade. As students progress through the school, they hone their critical thinking skills, communicate in at least three languages, and participate in a rich array of arts, athletics, service mission learning, and travel programs. We are the only Bay Area school offering a truly multilingual, multicultural education that culminates in either a French Bac or International Baccalaureate program in our High School. Our classrooms are lively, and our school community is always engaging. Students and faculty from across the Bay Area and from around the world forge meaningful, trusting relationships as they experiment and explore, question and collaborate. Committed to the well-being and success of every student, our teachers bring global teaching experience and expertise in their disciplines into a differentiated classroom on a daily basis. Boldness is a hallmark of a French American education. Our students grapple with real issues raised in the context of a challenging curriculum. Here, students not only experience the world, but also develop a sense of autonomy, empathy, and agency. They are primed to go out into the world and values make a positive difference. There is no better way to see what we do than to visit our school. Our doors are open, and we look forward to welcoming you soon. MELINDA BIHN, ED. D. Head of School Maternelle FIRST STEPS IN A GENTLY UNFOLDING BILINGUAL EDUCATION WITH A WORLD VIEW hildren enter at Pre-K3, Pre-K4 or Kin- daily rituals around basic needs, transitioning between dergarten. Initially children benefit from activities, circle time and table activities. Our six learning classes that are conducted in French 80% domains are: of the time. Our youngest children are Appropriating language already on the first rung of the academic ladder. They transition from the security of Discovering writing Chome to begin an individual journey towards indepen- Becoming a student dence, in a loving and nurturing environment surrounded Action and self-expression using the body by a diverse group of peers. Our program is differentiated, highly kinesthetic and Discovering the world child-centered—tailored to age-appropriate, biological Perceiving, feeling, imagining and creating rhythms. We recognize each child as a work in progress and we are careful not to rush or push the children Through guided and free activities the children beyond their natural unfolding capabilities. We build develop fine and gross motor coordination in space, as gross and fine motor skills—gently priming the children well as sensory, emotional, cognitive and relational skills. for reading, writing and numeracy skills acquisition. Vocabulary, syntax and the rhythm of language are built As the children grow they begin to see themselves through daily verbal interactions in the classroom, in the more in relation to others and think beyond their im- context of physical activities and through stories, art, mediate emotional whims and needs. They learn self-suf- dance and song. ficiency as well as collaboration. They are encouraged to Gently, and in incremental steps, the children socialize speak up for themselves and express their own thoughts and develop autonomy. This is the prerequisite for the and questions logically, as well as follow directions. They critical thinking skills that will emerge in later years and learn active listening and the importance of waiting is at the core of the School’s Mission. for their turn. They get used to new routines including At French American International School, our youngest minds are immersed in two languages from day one. Teachers and expert assistants pay close attention to the linguistic and socio- emotional development of each student, warmly encouraging critical thinking, active exchange, and cooperation. Our Maternelle (Early Childhood Center) at 1155 Page Street stimulates the learning process: large, sun-drenched open classrooms along with expansive green areas blur the line between work and play. By the time they complete the 5th grade, our seamlessly bilingual students enter Middle School with strong senses of curiosity, collaboration, and autonomy. They have taken the first steps in a journey of lifelong learning. MARIE-PIERRE CARLOTTI Lower School Principal Grades 1—5 GRADES 1 AND 2— BUILDING Another factor that fosters logical, axiomatic thinking FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS is the gentle introduction to geometry and proof—a feature of our French mathematics curriculum. With ever increasing autonomy our students establish and consolidate their reading in both languages and hone their cursive writing skills. They continue to spend A HARMONIZED BILINGUAL CURRICULUM 80% of their time in French. We provide students with Accredited French schools around the world are enough vocabulary, structure, and competency in mandated to embrace the best of the local curriculum understanding and expressing themselves in French to and local approaches to teaching and learning. Over tackle any academic subject in Grades 3 through 5. the years our teachers have crafted a harmonized curriculum in two languages without redundancy that GRADES 3 THROUGH 5—IN DEPTH STUDIES today incorporates: Students explore language arts, math, science, history, Singapore Math geography and the arts at a much deeper level than The Columbia Teachers College Reading and Writing previously. These are the years where “balanced Workshop bilingualism” is honed. Students spend 55% of their class time in French and 45% of their time in English. Essential Hands-on Science taught in a generously equipped concepts are introduced in the third grade, reinforced laboratory in the fourth and mastered in the fifth. Experiencing Design and Coding in a devoted Tinker Space two distinct national approaches to the same subject Classes, taught by specialists, in Physical Education, discipline can, in subtle ways, broaden students’ Visual Art, Theatre, Music, and Library understanding of how another culture views the world. Part of educating our students to be global citizens In the spirit of differentiated, constructivist learning, is preparing them to have a safe and appropriate students are encouraged to formulate their own presence in the cyber world. We use the digital literacy questions collaboratively, especially at the beginning of curriculum developed by Common Sense Media. each unit of inquiry. Our students experience an age-appropriate LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM apprenticeship in critical thinking. They learn to “present Students in grades K through 5 take part in multiple the process” as well as the correct answer or final local fieldtrips and an overnight outdoor education draft. Through teacher feedback and peer editing they program that complements the taught curriculum develop precision and elegance in the use of language. and extends their learning in the classroom. They recognize the importance of always backing up These experiences develop a sense of belonging, arguments with hard data or textual evidence. responsibility, self-esteem and independence of mind. Students explore first-hand their relationship with nature and the environment, and give them varied contexts to speak French in a natural way. A traditional rite of passage for our 5th graders is their reciprocal exchange trip to Strasbourg, France. This represents the culmination of their lower school bilingual education and primes them for extensive global travel experiences waiting for them in the Upper School. SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING Our Counselors in partnership with the teaching teams facilitate the development of conflict resolution, collaboration and other social skills. We provide age- appropriate leadership and service opportunities. A team of Learning Specialists conduct screening assessments, direct instruction, and consultations with faculty, administrators, and parents to help all students recognize their particular learning modalities and develop strategies to reach their full academic potential. Middle School GRADES 6 THROUGH 8—MIDDLE SCHOOL ODYSSEY ur Middle School students make the with revolution,
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