Admission FAQ

We know that choosing a school is a big decision for your family. Here are some common questions that application families have asked us. If you have additional questions, please call and ask.

When are applications due?

We accept applications as soon as tuition is set, typically in mid-January. At that time, we also hold open house tours, where application packets are available. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is there a waiting list?

Yes, our preschool in particular usually has a waiting list. However, our acceptance rate is still fairly high, as not all children who apply are ready to enter school in September.

When will we hear about acceptance?

Re-enrolling families have priority until mid-February and then remaining class spaces are filled with new applicants. Acceptance decisions for new families are mailed at the end of March.

Do you require volunteer hours or donations in addition to tuition?

To support our mission of a welcoming environment, we do not require additional funds or time from you. However, tuition only covers 90-95% of the cost of educating your child and the difference does come from various fundraising events throughout the year, which the parent community organizes with volunteers. Any amount of time or money that your family can give to help with these efforts is much appreciated.

How old should my child be before applying?

Per French Ministry of Education standards, children must be 3 before December 31st. Since this is a school, rather than a daycare, Washington State standards also require that children be toilet-trained before entering class.

What are the school hours?

School starts at 8:30 a.m. for Kindergarten and up, and at 8:45 a.m. for preschool students. Students can be dropped off up to 15 minutes early free of charge, or as early as 8:00 a.m. for a nominal fee.

School ends at noon for preschool morning attendees, 3:05 p.m. for full time preschool students, and 3:15 p.m. for elementary students. Extended care is available after school until 5:30 p.m. on a prepaid basis. This service is known in the French educational system as garderie.

What holiday schedule does the school follow?

FISW follows the French Ministry of Education plan of having a week-long break after every 6-7 weeks of instruction. This divides the school year into 5 sections, with breaks falling at the end of October, the end of December, mid-February, and early- to mid-April. While the October break is unusual for Washington State, the school attempts to align the other breaks with similar vacations in the Issaquah and Bellevue school districts.

Where do graduates of FISW go?

Students who complete the cycles of education at FISW have gone on to academic success in local public and private schools. Students have also successfully moved back and forth from the educational system in France. Our local schools tend to place our graduates in advanced math and science, and of course in French!