FISW is committed to follow the French system which is renowned worldwide for its complete and rigorous curriculum. It teaches the students how to become active and responsible learners. The preschool, taught by credentialed teachers, is the foundation of the educational system and prepares our students to achieve success in the primary grades.

Studies have shown that young children become linguistically capable in an immersion program within a year of involvement. It is our job to closely monitor academic as well as linguistic progress in order to address and resolve any impediments to the challenging curriculum. Our Head of School will be happy to supply you with studies pertinent to the advantages of a bilingual education.

Classes at the preschool level have a ratio of 10:1. They are in groups of up to 20 students with one teacher and an assistant. Primary grades are typically smaller than public school classes with a goal of 17 students.

Teachers are selected according to the standards set by the French Ministry of Education. All, including preschool teachers, hold teaching credentials from their native country. The criteria for teaching preschool and elementary age children is commensurate with a masters qualification in the USA.

FISW places students in classes based on age and ability. We also sometimes combine grades to allow students to benefit from a multi-age environment.

Absolutely. In fact, this is one of the reasons for instituting French Immersion schools in the United States. FISW adheres to the pedagogy outlined and endorsed by the French National Ministry of Education. Reintegration is done easily.

Again, yes. One of the reasons Americans find FISW so attractive is our high academic standards. The quality of education follows the highest standards for the both the public and independent school systems.

Absolutely! We have received approval by the State of Washington Board of Education and are fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education. All students take yearly evaluations and regularly scheduled exams for both the French and the American systems.

Our students have successfully returned to the French system or enrolled in American schools, including top private schools in the area such as Overlake, Forest Ridge, Vista at Open Window, Seattle Academy of Arts and Science, and others.

A local public middle school, Tillicum in Bellevue, provides one elective class per day for our students to continue French at their level. This is a popular choice for our graduates, who are often enrolled in 7th grade math and even science after completing their FISW education.

All applicant families and children meet with the Head of School. This serves several purposes - it introduces your child to our school and allows us to determine if your child will be successful in our program. Preschool children will be observed while using age-appropriate materials. Primary grade students will be given both a written and verbal assessment.

No. Students need to be able to understand and converse in French to be enrolled in the elementary classes. An assessment will be done before they are accepted at the school.

Our immersion program is designed to offset this by having the majority of the instructional time in French (75% versus 25% in English). Students may also receive additional small group instruction if needed. Over half of our families do not speak French as their main language at home, so we offer resources, such as adult after-school French classes and parent access to our school library, to supplement the child's exposure to French.

On the contrary. Studies show that learning more than one language greatly enhances the students' overall capabilities. Teachers are aware that it takes longer for a child to speak than to understand a new language and design activities that are challenging but easily understandable.

As a traditional European and American educational institution, FISW teaches respect and responsibility to its students which most often precludes behavioral problems regarding discipline. As normal issues arise among children, our policy is to intelligently seek to resolve and teach the appropriate lessons with open and clear communication between the child, the teacher, the parents and the Head of School. There are outlines which are set by the state of Washington as well.

Yes. About 10% of our families receive some amount of help towards tuition. French nationals may also apply to the French government for assistance. If you wish to apply for financial aid from the school, please ask our front desk, business manager or Head of School for the tuition assistance form at the time of enrollment.

Rather than calibrate or outline parental involvement, we assume that the families attracted to the French Immersion School of Washington are already interested and involved parents who expect to contribute to the betterment of their child’s education. We do need everyone's help to make the school function well!

Although it is common in other schools, we do not require volunteer hours. We believe that the school and the community of parents benefit from each other. We strongly encourage parents to be active in the school and help as much as possible. We offer a wide variety of ways that you can help, ranging from one-time options such as yard cleanup or field-trip chaperone to regular help, such as library volunteer, PTA positions or serving on the auction committee.

The school is a non-profit organization, with most of its budget coming from your tuition. Fundraising covers the final 10% of the budget. FISW holds two major fundraisers – an annual auction and an annual giving campaign. Contributions to both are important. We understand that every family is in a different financial situation, but hope that families will participate in whatever way they can.

Present enrichment class opportunities target areas that the Head of School and the parents feel to be of benefit to the children – Music, Art, Cooking and Chess Clubs offer fun filled activities for after school hours. In addition, we have homework help and language classes in French and English.

Yes. Our field trips include cultural events and opportunities. In addition, FISW hosts events, demonstrations and performances on campus.