The FISW Experience
Inquiry-Based Learning
Our students benefit from inquiry-based learning, a form of active learning that hinges on piquing a student’s curiosity by posing questions, problems or scenarios rather than simply presenting established facts or portraying a smooth path to knowledge.
Students discover, explore, question in depth, seek answers, and solve problems. They actively practice new skills. As they gain new knowledge, they find purpose and interest in these skills. They reflect, share with others, and, finally, build and design based on what they have learned.
In the process, students develop a love of learning. They understand the value of making mistakes and start taking risks.
The Arts
We take great pride in our arts program that is embedded in our curriculum and includes performing and visual arts as well as singing.
The visual and performing arts curriculum at FISW teaches students far more than basic skills. Through individual and collaborative projects, students are encouraged to develop their abilities and discover a lifelong love of the arts while actively engaging in qualitative problem solving, technology, and aesthetic literacy.
Each year our performing arts calendar includes numerous performance opportunities: class plays, choral performances, and a full-length end of the year Spectacle. Students learn to write and perform plays, create sets, sing and operate the sound and lighting systems.
Our visual arts curriculum encourages self-expression and artistic choices. It also develops an appreciation of the world and of the history of the arts.
We emphasize artistic skills, sustained practice, and risk taking. Connections are constantly being made between our academic and artistic curricula to reinforce students’ learning.
Athletics
Physical education is an essential part of a child’s education and is embedded in our French curriculum. Students engage in physical activities both individually and in a team setting.
In Preschool, our curriculum is focused on developing our students’ gross motor skills, coordination, ability to respect the rules of a game, and cooperation.
In Elementary School, students further develop their fundamental and advanced motor skills while being introduced to new movements, techniques, and patterns. They engage actively in different sports: team sports, athletics, water sports (swimming, kayaking, sailing).
These activities help students improve their self-confidence and their ability to cooperate. Physical education provides students with opportunities to increase their level of physical fitness and appreciation of efforts.
Extended Day
FISW offers extended care in the morning starting at 7:45 am and in the evening until 6:00 pm, on almost all school days. It is billed separately from tuition.
Extended care is also available during the fall, mid-winter, and spring breaks.
After School Activities
Our after-school activities provide students with opportunities to explore new skills and talents and do their homework with supportive staff. We offer a wide variety of classes for all ages in French and in English.
After school activities may include: yoga, ballet, cooking, coding, math club, theater, science, painting, French homework, chess club, sewing, lego robotics, and arts and crafts.
Summer Camp
Voyage with us on a fun, interactive immersion adventure with children of all backgrounds and experience levels! Each year FISW Summer Camp offers 5 week-long sessions with a new theme.
Each theme is approached through active games, fun activities, guest presentations, and, for campers 5 and older, weekly field trips, all while being immersed in French! Camp is conducted in French, but previous French language experience is not required.
Open to students ages 2.5 through 11. Young campers must be fully potty-trained, with school experience. All sessions from 9 am to 3 pm. Afternoon garderie (extended day) options are available from 3-5:30 pm on a weekly basis.
Experiential Education
Our students also develop knowledge, skills and values from direct experiences outside the academic setting through service learning, daytime field trips, overnight field trips, and a trip to France.
Service learning: Students learn to serve their community. This provides them with the opportunity to take initiative, make decisions, and be accountable for the results.
Day field trips: We take advantage of resources in our local community to enrich the FISW educational experience. Our students benefit from field trips throughout the school year to local theaters, museums, and environmental centers. These experiences outside the classroom allow students to explore firsthand what they have studied in class and build connections between the classroom and the outside world.
Overnight field trips: Starting in 4th grade, our students take overnight field trips. This develops in them a sense of community, responsibility, and independence.
International field trip: Our 5th graders’ bilingual education culminates with an exchange trip to France for ten days. Students and accompanying teachers spend time at our sister school, a small French elementary school in Normandy, while also exploring the area and connecting their studies with French history and culture.
FISW Library
Our bilingual library holds over 20,000 volumes in French and in English. Students in all grades visit the library twice each week, once with their French teacher and once with their English teacher, to check out books. We also hold weekly parent library hours. Library hours for the 2022-23 school year will be announced soon.
It is important to us that all students develop a love of learning early on. Our librarian works with teachers on pedagogical projects and helps students select books according to their interests and reading level.
