Frequently Asked Questions
What is immersion?
Immersion is defined as a method of foreign language
instruction in which the regular curriculum in taught through the medium of
the language. The foreign language is the vehicle for content instruction; it
is not the subject of instruction. (Center for Applied Linguistics).
How does FISW differ from an American private
school?
The FISW is committed to follow the French
system which is renown 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.
How long will it take for my child to become fluent
in another language?
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. The Director will be happy to supply you with studies
pertinent to the advantages of a bilingual education as well as a copy of the
curriculum.
What is the student/teacher ratio?
Classes at the preschool level have a ratio of
10:1 at the most. 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 maximum of 17 students.
What are the qualifications of
the teachers?
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.
Will my child be able to
transfer back within the French educational system with ease?
Absolutely. In fact,
this is one of the reasons for instituting French Immersion schools in the
United States. The FISW adheres to the pedagogy outlined and endorsed by the
French National Ministry of Education. Reintegration is done easily.
Will my child be able to
proceed within the American school system easily?
Again, yes. One of the
reasons Americans find the FISW so attractive is that the high level of
quality in education follows the highest standards for the public as well as for the
independent school system.
Is the French Immersion School of
Washington poised to prepare my child for entrance into the top schools at the
time of middle school?
Absolutely. We have received approval by the
State of Washington Board of Education and are being accredited by the French Ministry of
Education. All students take yearly evaluations and regularly scheduled exams
for both the French and the American systems.
Do you require an entrance exam?
A meeting with the director will be scheduled.
It serves several purposes: it introduces your child to the school and allows
us to determine if your child’s placement in the school is appropriate.
Preschool children will be observed while using age-appropriate materials.
Primary grades students will be given an assessment.
Is it possible to enroll my child at the third
grade level without a working knowledge of the French language?
Yes. The French Immersion School has
instituted a parallel program that allows children (starting 1st
grade through 3rd grade) with no previous knowledge of French, to learn French as a
Second Language and then be matriculated in a regular class as soon as
possible. Students have 60% instruction in French and 40% instruction in
English. For some classes such as art, music, PE, they are regrouped with the
regular classes.
We do not have French language skills. Will this
prevent my child from progressing in French?
Our immersion program is designed to offset
this by having the majority of the instructional time in French (75% versus
25% in English). Students also receive additional small group instruction if
needed.
Over half of our families do not speak French as the main language at home, so
we offer resources, such as after-school classes in French and borrowing
privileges for parents at our school library, to supplement the child's
exposure to French.
Does the language acquisition prevent children from
achieving academic success?
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.
What is the policy regarding
discipline?
As a traditional
European and American educational institution, the 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
director. There are outlines which are set by the state of Washington as well.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Parents wishing to ask for financial aid
should obtain the form to fill out at the time of registration.
What is the expected role of
parents in the school?
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 not require volunteer hours. Rather, we
offer a wide variety of ways that you can help the school if you wish,
ranging from one-time options such as yard cleanup or field-trip chaperone
to regular help, perhaps in the library or by filling a role in the
Parent-Teacher Alliance.
Does FISW expect an annuity in addition to
tuition?
The school is a
non-profit organization. Contributions to the school may take many forms. Some
families are in a position to contribute monetarily; others prefer to give
their time and volunteer.
Tuition is designed to be as low as possible, so additional contributions
through school fundraising activities, whether with time or money, are
always welcome, as your budget and schedule allow.
Am I able to observe a class
in progress?
We encourage it.
Are there enrichment classes available?
Present enrichment class opportunities target
areas that the Director and the parents feel to be of benefit to the children
– the Music, Art, Cooking and Chess Clubs offer fun filled activities for after
school hours. In addition we have music labs and language classes in French
and English.
Do the classes go on field trips?
Yes.
Our field trips include cultural events and opportunities.
In addition, FISW hosts events, demonstrations and performances on
campus.
| 
