Choosing an international education is a bold step, especially when the language is new to both the child and the parents. We sat down with Serena Lehman, a parent at The French American Academy (The FAA), to discuss her family’s experience navigating the transition into our bilingual community and education. From the challenges of a new language to the joy of seeing her son, Tristan, starting to think in French since joining Grade 5 this fall, Serena shares the “behind-the-scenes” of their journey.
1. To start, could you tell us a bit about your family’s language background and what motivated you to choose a French bilingual education for Tristan?
I’m essentially a monolingual speaker, and while I’ve learned other languages as an adult, I know firsthand how much effort and time it takes to reach fluency later in life. It was always a point of frustration for me that I didn’t gain that same natural ease in another language as in English.
My partner is from Colombia and speaks Spanish, so Tristan was already exposed to Spanish from a young age, at home and during our time abroad. However, I really wanted him to have a third language. I believe French is very significant to understanding our culture and history, and I’ve always loved the culture and the time I’ve spent with friends in France. I wanted to give Tristan the gift of that fluency while he was young, the prime time to truly absorb it.
2. Every parent worries about their child “fitting in” when they don’t speak the language yet. How did you feel about the transition, and how was Tristan supported?
I was definitely worried about him integrating! I’ve always had my eyes on The FAA, however, I initially wasn’t sure if he had the French level needed to thrive in the bilingual program. When I learned about the introduction of the International Track, I knew it was the right fit!
The small, tight-knit community here worked entirely in his favor; it felt like a second home from day one. I’ve been so astounded by how the teachers individualize education within such a diverse group. Tristan also works closely with his French tutor, Leila. It’s intense work, but the support has been incredible. Seeing him now able to do French Maths with his classmates is a testament to how well the school bridges that gap.
3. Can you describe that “lightbulb moment” when you realized Tristan was truly becoming bilingual?
It really happened at the start of the second half of the school year. He actually joked, “Oh, now I speak Spanish with a French accent, I’m losing my Spanish!” While we had a laugh about that, the real shift was hearing him start to think in French. He’s showing so much more confidence and comfort now.
One of the proudest moments for me is seeing him prepare for his Exit Project, The FAA’s bilingual capstone research and oral presentation. He was a little intimidated at first because he isn’t a native speaker, but he’s excited to show his classmates how much he has learned. He’s even found a love for traveling with the school, from a Maths competition in Boston to a trip to Montreal where he saw the language in action outside the classroom.
4. What has been the most rewarding part of this experience for you as a parent?
I’m so proud of his broadened mindset! Being exposed to another culture has made him flexible; he realizes there isn’t just one way to solve a problem. He isn’t intimidated by new experiences anymore: he knows he can enter a new environment, make friends, and succeed.
I’m also deeply proud that he didn’t resist the challenge of acquiring this third language. He embraced the opportunity to learn a new language just because I told him it was something he’d be grateful for later. Seeing that independence and confidence grow in him has been a joy.
5. What would you say to other non-French speaking families who are considering The FAA?
I would tell them that this is a gift you give your children that will impact them in ways you can’t even imagine yet. The community is so incredibly welcoming to both French and non-French speaking families.
It is a unique place in the educational landscape, whether you are in New York or Bergen County. You’ll find wonderful teachers who truly get to know your child, helping them not only acquire a new language but learn to think critically about the world.
