We know that choosing a school is a big decision for your family. Below are responses to some common questions from applicant families. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

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When are applications due?

Our initial application deadline is mid-January for the following school year, with families notified of a decision by mid-February. This year, applications are due January 19, 2026, and applicants are notified of acceptance on February 6, 2026. After that time, applications are accepted on a rolling basis depending on availability. Please contact the admissions team.

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Is there a waiting list?

Waiting lists depend on how many applications we receive and how many places we have available. Usually, there is a waiting list for Preschool and Kindergarten, so it is best to apply early.

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When will we hear about acceptance?

Re-enrolling families have priority until mid-January, with remaining class spaces filled with new applicants. Acceptances will be emailed in mid-February.

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

Tuition only covers 90% of the cost of educating your child, and the difference comes from our fundraisers. It is important that all families participate at whatever level they can. We do not ask for a certain donation amount, but would like families to donate what they can afford. Volunteer hours are not required, but the school does rely on parent volunteers for many activities and events. Your help is greatly appreciated!​

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How old should my child be to start at FISW?

At FISW, placement is simple: we begin with age, then tailor the experience to your child.
Age Guidelines (on the First Day of School):

• 2 years old - Toddler (Tout-Petits)

• 3 years old - Preschool (Petits)

• 4 years old - Pre‑Kindergarten (Moyens)

• 5 years old - Kindergarten (Grands)

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Is my child required to be potty‑trained to enroll?

Potty Training is not required for Toddlers

​The final placement is confirmed through the Family Interview and Admissions Assessment, to ensure that each child is placed with his well-being and success in mind.

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Does my child need to speak French? 

We have no language proficiency requirements for children entering in toddler, preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten.

For children entering in 1st - 5th grade, existing language proficiency in French is required.

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What are the school hours?

School starts at 8:30am for grades Kindergarten and up, and at 8:15am for preschool students. You may drop your student off in the classroom up to 15 minutes early free of charge.

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School ends at noon for preschool morning attendees, 3:00pm for full time preschool students, and 3:15pm for elementary students. Extended care is available before school starting at 7:45am and after school until 5:30pm. This service is known in the French educational system as garderie.

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What holiday schedule does the school follow?

FISW follows the French Ministry of Education schedule and plans a week-long break after every 6-7 weeks of school. This schedule 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. Childcare is available during the October break for a limited number of students. The school also offers six weeks of French immersion summer camp.

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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, French!