San Diego French-American School354

Grades: Preschool (ages two to four) through eighth grade

San Diego French-American School offers a rigorous French-American dual accredited curriculum. The dual-language immersion program emphasizes strong academic achievement and enhanced linguistic skills in a multi-cultural environment.

Originally founded as a preschool (the French-American International School/L'Ecole Française de San Diego) in 1988, San Diego French-American School has grown and developed into an educational institution recognized for its rigorous curriculum and the success of its bilingual and multi-lingual students. Mr. André Bordes, an original founder, remains the headmaster of the school and executive director.

The bilingual curriculum uniquely combines the pedagogic requirements of the French educational system and the State of California's education framework at each grade level. Reinforcement language classes are offered in English and French to children who are not fluent in these languages. Students in need of additional help are also given support in their lessons in small groups.

The school's dedication to its students, coupled with small class size, are critical in the development of the students' abilities to master two languages simultaneously.

Approximately 70%-80% of the curriculum is administered in the French language, with the remainder in English. Spanish is added as a third language in 5th - 8th grades. In this manner, the students are prepared to enter either an American high school or a French lycée.

During the summer, San Diego French-American School offers La Tour du Monde, summer camp in which children learn to communicate in the French language by recreating simple situations, and through hands-on and developmentally stimulating activities. Educational computer games, art, sports, and field trips are all part of the program and facilitate learning the language.

SDFAS offers an extensive afterschool activities program, including the arts, sciences, music, and sports. Extended care is available at an additional charge and there is an optional hot lunch program for $4.50 per day. Transportation is available to North County coastal.