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

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. 

Preschool children playing outdoors

 

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. 

preschool girl looking at herself in mirror

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.

 

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.

Continuous curriculum from preschool to life
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NEWS & NOTEWORTHY in PRESCHOOL

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. 

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

Read More about HOW BILINGUALISM SHAPES YOU : WHAT STUDENTS SAY

 

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! 

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"I live in the city. I go to school in Sausalito!"

A growing number of San Francisco based families make the choice to first enroll in la Petite Ecole, only available in Sausalito. After a year enjoying our sunny and kid-friendly location, most decided to stay. Karen, whose son Tom is now in preschool, explains her family’s choice. 

Read More about "I live in the city. I go to school in Sausalito!"
LFSF @ Sausalito : bilingual education with a Marin flair

This year, our dynamic admissions team has been meeting with a growing number of families moving to Marin in search of a different lifestyle. The attraction of our open campus, safely tucked away, all on one level, filled with light, offering lots of green and open spaces, increasingly seduces families who, for some, make the choice of this campus, even when residing in the city!

Read More about LFSF @ Sausalito : bilingual education with a Marin flair
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