Early Learning - Lycée Francais de San Francisco

Welcome to Maternelle, the LFSF bilingual Preschool

question, create and explore : it all starts in Preschool!

At LFSF, Preschool can start as early as age 2! The 3 to 4 year cycle-referred to as "Maternelle", in French -, plays a key role in the development of children and their successful transition into thriving students. It builds the foundations children will later use during their entire schooling. It inspires them to question, create and explore while allowing them to develop their individual personality. It builds the confidence they need to trust their own power to act and think responsibly. Finally it develops their ability to learn and succeed at school and in life. It all begins here!

A program for CHILDREN to LEARN TOGETHER AND LIVE TOGETHER

The class represents a learning community that lays the foundations for building social skills. Diversity and inclusion are a focus of the LFSF Preschool program. Understanding and respecting differences is key and adults ensure that all children are treated equitably under all circumstances.

Group activities are important in the construction of cognitive tools: recognizing, comparing, categorizing, contrasting, constructing images, linking events, using words referring to space, time, and so on. Activities focused on collective problem-solving or decision-making are also useful as they involve argumentation, explanation, questions, interest in what others believe, think and know.

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LA PETITE ECOLE

La Petite Ecole (LPE) is a full immersion program available every morning of the week on our Sausalito campus, for children 2 and older. It is the gateway to the Early Learning program. It focuses on socialization and introducing these very young children to school while giving them an early start on bilingualism.

La Petite Ecole

PARLEZ-VOUS FRANçAIS?..

Your preschooler could teach you!
From age 2 in La Petite Ecole, to Kindergarten, children initiate their bilingual journey. Learn more about the building of bilingualism, the approach we have at LFSF and how the French and US programs and teams actively work strategically together.

Bilingual Journey in Preschool

PURPOSEFUL LEARNINGS

The progressive acquisition of the French and the English languages, as well as development of social and motor skills and cognitive abilities are the focus of these important years. The day is divided between learning, playing and resting as all are important and complementary parts of children development.

Preschool Curriculum

LEARN + : HOW TO APPLY FOR PRESCHOOL

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WATCH + : MOVEMENT AND TUMBLING IN PRESCHOOL

What is the schedule in Preschool?

IN LA PETITE ECOLE

La Petite Ecole (LPE) is a full immersion program available every morning of the week on our Sausalito campus, for children 2 and older. It is the gateway to the Early Learning program, focusing on socialization and introducing these very young children to the world of Preschool while giving them an early start on bilingualism. It can be completed by an afternoon daycare program we call Happy Play.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LA PETITE ECOLE AND HAPPY PLAY

FROM PRESCHOOL TO KINDERGARTEN

8:00-8:30* am | Drop off and Welcome time in classes
8:30-3:15 pm | Class (including nap time, recesses and lunch break)
3:15-3:30* pm | Dismissal and pick up time

Note that these times may vary slightly with sanitary protocols.

Before and After School Care

Childcare and after school activities are available for an additional fee from 7:30am to 8:00am and 3:30pm to 6pm.

Our campuses provide environments that stimulate curiosity and meet children's needs while safely fostering opportunities to develop sensory, motor, social and cognitive skills. The daily schedule is adapted to the group and ensures the balance between physical and cognitive activities. Drop off, recess, nap time or bathroom breaks are all opportunities to learn and moments that are conducted safely and aim to empower children.

What is the required age for enrollment in Preschool at LFSF

My child was born in 2020

My child was born in 2019

My child was born in 2018

My child was born in 2017

My child was born in 2016

When is the best time to start

Early is best ! Although some may argue that it is never too late to learn a second language and enjoy the benefits of bilingualism, educators encourage parents to start early, giving their child more time to master the new language.

Anytime during Cycle 1 : Our teaching approaches to French immersion have proven highly successful for students entering LFSF at any time during Preschool, including Kindergarten, without French. Because many of our K students have had experience with bilingualism for one or a few years, they contribute to enriching the bilingual environment for the newcomers.

Learning takes time and is rarely linear. Repetition, practice, revisiting concepts in various conditions are necessary to strengthen skills. Learning from the teacher, from peers, self-training or even automation are all used to that purpose and guided by each child's own preferred way of learning. The mental operation of memorization in young children is not voluntary but more so triggered by emotions or repetition. During these early years, children rely heavily on what they see and feel to create memories. From the age of five to six, language becomes a greater ressource in understanding and retaining information.

When to apply to preschool for a sibling

What is the tuition in Preschool

2021-2022 | SCHOOL TUITION

Petite École [Part Time] | Petite Ecole [Matinées] : $19,410
Petite École Full Time to Gr 5 | Maternelles au CM2 : $27,060
Gr 6 to Gr 8 | de la 6eme à la 4eme : $28,720
Gr 9 to Gr 12 | de la 3eme à la Terminale : $35,500

By law, students who do not have a parent/guardian residing in the United States are required to pay tuition in full prior to obtaining his/her student U.S. visa.

LFSF, an unexpected yet perfect fit

For an English speaking couple relocating from Cincinnati, Ohio, LFSF wasn't an obvious fit. After a few years at the Sausalito campus, they are happy to share their positive experience. Today, both Ryan and Emily are involved in the school as room parent and board trustee.

READ RYAN AND EMILY's STORY

"We chose a French school for our daughter – and we’re not French!"

When Jennielyn and Jaime were looking for a preschool for their daughter, they were drawn to the LFSF bilingual education and curriculum. Today Gigi is in Gr1 and her academic and social development have been remarkable.

READ JAIME's STORY

A WELCOMING SCHOOL TO ALL

Eric, Jason, and their children Stella and Xavier, joined LFSF five years ago. Today, academically and socially, they're still feeling lucky. And they are committed to doing their part to make sure people know that LFSF is a school where all families are welcome!

READ JASON'S STORY

What do you like best about LFSF?.. The approach to teaching, the community and the commitment to provide a great experience for students and families.

LFSF parent

Français

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AFTER PRESCHOOL? WELCOME TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL !

How can LFSF support students with no French at home?

A SAVOIR FAIRE

Our teachers are very used to managing groups of students with very different language levels. Some students come to LFSF with no French nor English. A lot of the learning initially happens through play, song or stories where language is acted and/or translated (often by the assistant teacher) to establish the mental flexibility of switching from one language to the other.

The learning of French is largely supported by the remarkably high percentage of French speakers amongst our students. It is a real advantage for students who do not have French at home. Read more about the LFSF advantage.

STUDY HALL

Study hall will provide children with the support of a French or English teacher. Please note that homework only start gently at the Elementary level and its purpose is only to review materials or concepts presented during the day.

FLE TEACHER, A SPECIALIST

The FLE teacher is there to specifically support students with no French at home. Ask your teacher about the role of the FLE teachers in your class.

How can we support our child if we do not have French at home?

Do not worry: 35 to 40% of our families do not have French at home. In fact, every year, some of our seniors graduate speaking multiple languages and not having had the support of a French parent at home.

Make sure to explain to your preschooler the value of bilingualism and enjoy him/her teaching you words, and sharing songs and stories. It is very unique and extremely empowering for little ones to be in a position to be the teacher!

LFSF also organizes classes for parents interested in learning French. Please inquire about French classes for adults with your campus receptionist.

How are learning differences accommodated

Because every student is unique, teaching is tailored to each child. Our teachers are used to accommodating learning differences to engage every student in every class.

Some learning differences require the support of learning specialists who will work collaboratively with the teachers to develop personalized strategies and plans. Read more about our team of specialists.

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