Finding the Right Balance: How Purposeful Homework Supports Learning and Family Involvement
Homework is one of the most debated topics in education today, with ongoing questions about whether students are being asked to do too much or too little after school. Some are concerned about its impact on young learners. Excessive homework may interfere with a child’s rest, play, and overall well-being, ultimately undermining the appropriateness and […]
3rd Grade Student Art Exhibit on Display at Liberty State Park Nature Center
The third-grade students have spent the spring confronting an uncomfortable truth: the ocean is drowning in plastic. As part of the school’s Water Day, the students undertook an ambitious project that combined science, research, and sculpture to raise awareness about marine pollution. It began with plastic collected from their homes, families, neighbors, other students, and […]
A Season of Learning: Supporting Summer Reading Goals
For students entering second grade and up, the French American Academy teachers assign summer reading tasks, activities, and challenges to ensure that students retain their reading stamina and skills. We do this because it’s very helpful for preventing the dreaded “summer slide” (more on that here), and because it’s useful for students to return to […]
The Exit Project
What is the Exit Project? Every year, our 5th-graders end the school year with an Exit Project. But what is this endeavor? A Pedagogical Approach Rooted in Real-World Learning The exit project aligns with the school’s educational philosophy by actively engaging students in real-world, meaningful, and multidisciplinary projects. Project-based learning employs a dynamic classroom approach […]
What Is the Albertine Prize for Kids?
Every year, French American schools across North America take part in the Albertine Prize for Kids, a unique bilingual reading initiative. The goal? To encourage students to discover new authors, develop a love for reading in both French and English, and vote for their favorite book from a curated selection. But what exactly is this […]
Transitioning From Elementary to Middle School
At the French American Academy, our commitment to pedagogical continuity goes hand in hand with nurturing our students’ growing independence. As our 5th graders prepare to step into middle school, we recognize that the transition isn’t simply about changing the classrooms, it’s about adapting to the new organizational structures, meeting new teachers, and embracing different […]
