Community Is at the Heart of Everything We Do

At the heart of every successful educational institution lies a strong, vibrant community. This is no different at the Lycée Français de San Francisco, where community is not just a concept—it’s the foundation of who we are. “Community is not just a buzzword,” explains Emmanuel Texier, Head of School. “It’s the heart of our school’s identity. Every parent, teacher, and staff member works together to create a nurturing environment where students thrive academically and personally.”

A Collaborative Partnership with the Parent Association

At the Lycée, all parents are automatically members of the Parent Association (PA), a key pillar of our community. Led by its president, Denise Ford, and a dedicated team of parents, the PA fosters a sense of belonging, encourages family involvement, and strengthens the connection between families and the school. “The PA plays a vital role in fostering community, encouraging involvement, and supporting both the school and its families. It serves as a bridge, connecting families with one another and creating opportunities to build lasting relationships. For those new to the area—whether arriving from another country or another part of the U.S.—the PA also offers a welcoming network, making it easier to feel at home and learn about the school,” Ford explains.

The partnership between the school and the PA is built on shared goals and values. “Parents bring invaluable perspectives that guide us toward more meaningful learning experiences,” explains Texier. “By working hand-in-hand with the Parent Association, we foster a culture of trust, understanding, and shared responsibility that truly enhances our school community.”

Building a Stronger Lycée Community

The Lycée community reflects a shared commitment to bilingual education, cultural diversity, and global citizenship. Key elements of this thriving community include:

• Diversity and Inclusion: With over 50 nationalities and 30 languages represented, the Lycée celebrates cultural exchange through themed workshops and events like Nowruz, Diwali, and Día de Muertos, ensuring every family feels seen and included.
• Supportive Relationships: From starting at age 2 through graduation, students build lifelong connections, often likening their peers to siblings.
• Shared Values: Respect, curiosity, excellence, empathy, and open-mindedness guide the daily life of the Lycée, shaping interactions and learning experiences.
• Collaboration and Involvement: Families work alongside teachers and staff to organize events, fundraisers, and initiatives that enrich school life and strengthen ties.

However, building a vibrant community requires intentional effort, mutual respect, and a shared connection to the school’s mission. That’s where volunteering becomes essential.

Together, Creating a Place That All Can Call Home

The Parent Association plays a complementary role by engaging families, organizing events, and supporting initiatives that enrich school life. It serves as a conduit for parental involvement, offering structured ways for families to contribute their time, ideas, and resources.

A great example of this involvement is the Winter Fair that took place in early December on the lower school campus. Organized in collaboration between the school and the PA, the event brought together parents, students, and even school leaders. “Big events like this one, or the Spring Fair, have been very successful in building a strong sense of community among families,” says Ford. “The opportunity to sit around a table or lay down a blanket on the grass and share fun moments with friends and like-minded families while the kids play and engage in crafts and DIY projects in a safe environment, is always a hit!”

In an international school like the Lycée, where families come from diverse cultures and backgrounds, the school and PA work together at bridging differences. Events celebrating holidays like Nowruz, Diwali, and Día de Muertos bring the community together on the campuses, offering everyone the chance to share their heritage and experiences.

Other parent-led groups contribute in meaningful ways as well. The Lycée Dads’ Club organizes fun events to engage parents, while the Digital Literacy Group hosts workshops focused on online safety and technology use. These efforts further strengthen bonds within the community.

The Essential Value of Volunteering

“Without volunteer support, we couldn’t organize many of the events that make our school special, such as field trips and sports activities like the Lycée Cross or the Décathlon,” explains Ford. Volunteers play an essential role by contributing their time, skills, and energy to support the school and enrich student experiences.

Volunteering takes many forms, from helping teachers with class activities to supporting fundraising events like the Auction Gala. Parents also mentor students, host job shadowing weeks, and participate in events like the Career Fair or Start-Up Lycée. These contributions bring real-world expertise into the classroom, enhancing student learning in ways that go far beyond textbooks.

Volunteering allows parents to play an active role in their child’s education while fostering a stronger connection to the school. “A school thrives on the active involvement and dedication of its families,” says Ford. “It provides the opportunity to feel they can contribute to the excellence of the education provided and richness of the experiences students benefit from.”

A Community Beyond Our Walls

The Lycée’s community extends beyond the school grounds. The Théâtre du Lycée Français (TLF), hosted at the Erick Moreau Theater, is a cornerstone of French culture in the Bay Area, featuring performances by renowned actors. Lycée students uniquely benefit from this program, participating in theater studies and master classes. The TLF program is made possible thanks to the generosity of donators. You can become a VIP today, secure VIP seats and even meet and greet with the artists!

The Lycée also partners with many institutions like the Alliance Française, whose teachers provide French classes for adults on all three Lycée campuses, the French-American Chamber of Commerce, or Teuko that brings technology into the daily lunch packing routine, saving parents' time and leaving them inspired and motivated. Lycee also benefits from its affiliation with networks such as NAIS, CAIS, and AEFE. These connections further enhance the intitution's mission to deliver a world-class, globally oriented education.

Conclusion: A Community Built on Connection and Involvement

“At the Lycée, community is key,” says Texier. “It’s an essential part of the success and well-being of students, teachers, and families.” Volunteering plays a central role in building this vibrant community, offering parents opportunities to contribute, connect, and make a difference.

If you’re already part of the Lycée community, you might make volunteering part of your New year’s resolution. Simply reach out to the Advancement department or the Parent association.  

And if you’re considering joining the Lycée community, we look forward to welcoming you soon! Simply inquire now!