Overview
The children at the French Immersion School of Washington enjoy a rich program of diverse activities from the onset at the pre-school level. The small student/teacher ratio of 10 to 1 provides the youngest of our students with the supportive, nurturing environment that these young children need to flourish. A small student/teacher ratio continues as the children progress through the school and in doing so, ensures that the children receive the necessary attention to benefit most from the curriculum.

We follow the structure of the French Ministry of Education, which divides elementary school into three cycles of education. Children receive instruction in French for the majority of their day (approximately 75%).

Preschool Program

Our preschool program accommodates children as young as 2 1/2, up to age 5. The program is available as a 3-morning format (Monday/Wednesday/Friday) for the youngest children, 5 mornings, or 5 full days. The preschool day starts at 8:45, with drop-off starting at 8:30.

To be accepted into the preschool program, children must be 2 1/2 when they enter the school, and must be fully toilet-trained. We are restricted, due to licensing requirements, from accepting children who have not mastered toilet functions.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten at FISW is a full-day program, according to the French Ministry of Education format. This year is a transition from the preschool program to the primary program. Children start their day at 8:30, with drop-off starting at 8:15. No exposure to French is necessary at this level.

Primary Program

Children in the primary program, Grades 1 through 5, are expected to have some exposure to French, as 75% of their day is taught in French. The program is 8:30AM until 3:00PM.

As befits the cycles of education, children might be in a mixed-grade class during their time in the primary program. This is normal in French schools and all teachers at the school are familiar with mixed-level teaching. Children can benefit greatly as well, learning from each other and reinforcing what they know.

French as a Second Language (FLE) Program

For primary-level students (Grades 1 through 3) without prior exposure to French, FISW provides a parallel class of study to learn French as a second language. Students work at their own grade level and join the regular immersion classes when their facility with French is ready, normally after one year.
 

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French Immersion School of Washington

4211 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE

Bellevue, WA 98008

Tel: 425-653-3970

©French Immersion School of Washington 1999-2007

Last Modified: May 10, 2007