THE BILINGUAL ADVANTAGE Grades 1-5

french american international school

A fully engaged Bilingual Education with a world view.We provide a challenging learning environment in French and English. Our teachers are mindful of the success and well-being of each student. We maintain a stimulating and high quality teaching atmosphere to help each child develop confidence and a love of learning. Our students are at the center of the learning process which encourages critical thinking, creativity, dynamic interactions in two languages, cooperation and autonomy, all to prepare them to thrive in any multicultural, global setting.

The Three Cycles U.S. Grade French Equivalent French Immersion

Cycle 1Maternelle

Early Learning

PK3PK4

Kindergarten

Petite sectionMoyenne sectionGrande section

80%

Cycle 2Apprentissages Fondamentaux

Acquiring Fundamental Skills

1st Grade2nd Grade

CPCE1 80%

Cycle 3Approfondissements

Going Deeper

3rd Grade4th Grade5th Grade

CE2CM1CM2

55%

Cycle 2 First and Second grades are combined in the Cycle des Apprentissages Fondamentaux. Here, with ever increasing autonomy, students develop their basic skills including reading in both languages and cursive writing. As in their Early Learning years, Cycle 2 students spend 80% of their time in French. The goal to provide students with enough vocabulary, structure, and competency in understanding and expression in French in order to tackle any academic subject in French in Cycle 3. A logical, systematic approach and a pride in presentation of work are also viewed as prerequisites for clear thinking and future academic success.

Cycle 3 Third, fourth and fifth grades are combined in the Cycle des Approfondissements. Here students explore language arts, math, science, history/social science and the arts at a much deeper level. These are the years where “balanced bilingualism” is honed. Students in these grades spend 55% of their time in French class and 45% of their time in English class. In Cycle 3 essential concepts are introduced in the third grade, reinforced in the fourth grade and mastered in the fifth grade. Experiencing two distinct national approaches to the same subject area can in subtle ways broaden the students’ understanding of how another culture sees the world. In the spirit of differentiated, constructivist learning, students are encouraged to ask their own questions at the beginning of a unit of inquiry. These questions are often transcribed and posted on the wall.

From an early age our students experience an age-appropriate apprenticeship in critical thinking. This consists of: presenting the process as well as the correct answer or final draft; logical, axiomatic thinking; precision and elegance in the use of language; and—not least—backing up arguments with hard data or textual evidence. Another factor that fosters critical thinking is the gentle introduction to geometry and proof that is a feature of our French mathematics curriculum.

Speciality ClassesBeginning in Cycle 2, a range of enrichment classes taught in French by specialist teachers punctuate the day: Visual Art, Physical Education, Theatre, Music, and Library. Digital technology is integrated into the curriculum; it is not an end in itself.

Learning SupportStudent learning and wellness is supported by a cohort of dedicated Learning Specialists and Counselors. We provide a rich menu of conflict resolution, social skills, leadership and service opportunities and other counseling services.

Our Learning Specialists provide screening assessments, direct instruction, and consultation with faculty, administrators, and parents to help all students recognize their particular learning modalities and develop strategies to reach their full academic potential.

FRENCH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL | LYCÉE INTERNATIONAL FRANCO-AMÉRICAINOFFICE OF ADMISSION 150 OAK STREET, SAN FRANCISCO CA 94102 | 415-558-2060

coumbad@frenchamericansf.org | www.internationalsf.org

Experience the world.