Discover the LFSF Preschool JOURNEY

YOUR CHILD's BILINGUAL JOURNEY STARTS HERE

Welcome to Maternelle, the LFSF bilingual 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!

The Start of Your Child's Bilingual Journey

A GRAPH THAT PRESENTS AND EXPLAINS THE STEPS IN THE PRESCHOOL CYCLE

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START IN LA PETITE ECOLE

Learn + :PRESCHOOL CURRICULUM

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 nurturing 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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JOIN US FOR A PReSCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

Learn + : Check out our FAQ section

> LA PETITE ECOLE

La Petite Ecole (LPE) is a full immersion, international private preschool program available every morning of the week on our primary campuses, 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.

> BILINGUAL JOURNEY IN PRESCHOOL

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.

> PRESCHOOL CURRICULUM

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 purposeful learning, playing and resting as all are important and complementary parts of children development.

Discover our three beautiful campuses in nearby locations

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AFTER PRESCHOOL : INTERNATIONAL TRACK

AFTER PRESCHOOL+ : FRENCH TRACK

Continuous curriculum from preschool to life

AFTER PRESCHOOL, MAKE YOUR OWN PATH

Preschool prepares children to become successful students whatever path they choose. At LFSF, students can opt to continue on with a French immersion French track, or the International track that proposes a well-rounded program in English with some French.

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APPLYING TO PRESCHOOL

Discover LFSF at a glance : what you need to know about our school

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LEARN + : TUITION AND AFFORDABILITY

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

2022-2023 | SCHOOL TUITION

Petite École [Part Time] | Petite Ecole [Matinées] : $20,600
Petite École Full Time to Gr 5 | Maternelles au CM2 : $28,700
Gr 6 to Gr 8 | de la 6eme à la 4eme : $30,400
Gr 9 to Gr 12 | de la 3eme à la Terminale : $37,600

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.

We met with Amina MAINE, coordinator of our English department, to discuss the intricate "jeu à deux mains" between the French and English programs. She shared how bilingualism is taught and lived at LFSF.

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Parlez-vous Français? Your Preschooler could teach you!

A growing number of new parents are considering language immersion programs for their toddlers. For more than 50 years, LFSF has been the first choice of many families looking to give their child the gift of bilingualism. Learn why.

HOW BILINGUALISM SHAPES YOU : WHAT STUDENTS SAY

"Bilingualism doesn’t just mean that you can speak two languages fluently; being bilingual means that you are aligned with two different cultures, it means that you are exposed to two distinct schools of thought, arts, and lifestyles. By being assimilated into two different cultures, by being at the same time in the heart of France and the United States, bilingualism profoundly shapes you." (...) – Hirad

> 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.

> "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.

> 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!

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.