Welcome to preschool!
YOUR CHILD's BILINGUAL JOURNEY STARTS HERE
Welcome to Maternelle, OUR bilingual Preschool
At the Lycée, preschool can start as early as age 2! This 3 to 4-year program, known as "Maternelle" (meaning motherly), plays a crucial role in children’s development and their successful transition to primary school. Maternelle lays the foundation for their entire educational journey, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, confidence, and social skills. Truly, it all begins in Maternelle!
I'M A BIG KID NOW!
AN INSIDE AND INSIGHTFUL VIEW OF THE PRESCHOOLER EXPERIENCE
In this mini video series, our Maternelle students share their school life experience in the cutest way possible.
What they prefer, what they learn, who they play with and how… you’ll gain insights into what’s happening in their young minds… and in the playground!
Starting School : 10 tips and tools for a confident start
Starting the school year, especially for the very first time, is an exciting change for both children and their parents or guardians! In this post, we explain what to expect and offer tips and tools to help you navigate this important transition with confidence and support your child during this journey. The goal is not to avoid all uncomfortable feelings but to recognize that it is normal to feel that way and that new and unknown situations can be challenging.
Your roadmap to navigating preschool admissions successfully
Choosing the right preschool for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. At the Lycée Français de San Francisco (aka the Lycée), we understand that this process can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Our goal is to provide you with the information and support you need to make the best choice for your family. This guide is designed to help you navigate the admissions journey at the Lycée, offering practical tips and insights tailored to preschool admissions.
PRESCHOOL : 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.
WHAT PARENTS SAY ABOUT MAKING THE LFSF CHOICE
AFTER PRESCHOOL : Two tracks working together
The French track : language immersion
The French Track delivers the well regarded French immersion curriculum, composed of the French National curriculum and a solid US program.
FRENCH TRACK:
- GRADE LEVEL FRENCH PROFICIENCY REQUIRED
- FRENCH NATIONAL CURRICULUM (80%) + ENGLISH PROGRAM (20%)
- DUAL DIPLOMA
(French Baccalaureat + USHS diploma)
The international track: language acquisition
The International Track proposes a rigorous English-focused program with an outstanding French language acquisition curriculum. It is delivered using the International Baccalaureate (IB)* platform.
INTERNATIONAL TRACK:
- NO FRENCH REQUIRED
- ENGLISH (80%) • FRENCH (20%) *
- IB APPROACH
- DUAL DIPLOMA
(IB bilingual diploma + USHS diploma)
*for non-French speakers.
Our students' university acceptances and their outstanding results to local and French tests reflect their exceptional mastery of both educational systems and highlight their global perspective. Our unique, student-centered, 4 year college preparation is also an invaluable asset in preparing them well for the future.