Are you looking to give your child the benefits of a second language and culture while challenging them in a supportive learning environment?
The Accelerated French Program is designed to challenge and prepare students for a rigorous education. The Accelerated French Program includes two divisions: an accelerated French program for elementary school students and an accelerated French program for middle school students. The elementary school level gives students an opportunity to learn French and join the bilingual track in middle school. The middle school program provides students with a strong foundation in French.
The French Accelerated Program is a separate academic program for students with limited or no French knowledge.
Our small class sizes give students the individualized support they need to succeed in the program.
Students not only learn a new language more effectively than in a traditional public school but also experience the rigor of two curricula at the same time.
Students become not just bilingual but bicultural. They are exposed to a diverse and international community, giving them the opportunity to gain two unique perspectives.
At the French American Academy, we recognize that not all students begin their educational journey with prior exposure to the French language. That’s why, starting in 6th grade, we offer a French Accelerated Program designed specifically for motivated students who are new to French but eager to become bilingual.
Students in this program are often already bilingual in another language and have demonstrated strong academic performance in English, which equips them with the cognitive and linguistic foundation to take on the challenge of acquiring a new language with confidence and success.
This program offers a dedicated track within our middle school curriculum, where students receive intensive French as a second language (FSL) instruction in small groups, separate from fluent speakers. What makes this program accelerated and immersive is that students also experience other core subjects—such as science, visual arts, music, and physical education—taught in French. This integrated approach allows students to hear, use, and engage with the language across a variety of real-world contexts throughout their school day.
The goal of the French Accelerated Program is to provide students with a solid foundation in French-building vocabulary, comprehension, and confidence, while fostering a deep cultural understanding. With consistent progress and commitment, students may become eligible to transition into the bilingual track of our IB Candidate High School, where fluency and academic performance in both languages are key components.
This pathway offers a unique opportunity for students to join a global community of learners, develop strong language skills, and prepare for success in an international academic environment.
9th grade is also a key entry point for students with no prior knowledge of French, and marks the beginning of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Learning additional languages is a core component of the IB philosophy, as it fosters intercultural understanding, open-mindedness, and a deeper engagement with the global community.
Students will learn French during their “Language Acquisition” class, and will also benefit from instruction and experience in other core subjects, such as sciences, performing arts, and physical education, taught in French.
To succeed in our program, students must have a solid academic foundation, especially in English, and be dedicated to meeting high academic expectations.
Entry Grades for the French Accelerated Program:
Admissions Requirements:
Demonstrated ability to learn quickly, along with a willingness and interest in learning a new language.
*Students who are bilingual or demonstrate strong language aptitude are considered strong candidates for the program.
The Accelerated French program is suitable for highly motivated students who want to learn the French language and are looking for a more rigorous educational experience.
