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 […]

Why Naps Are Important for Children and How to Support Nap Transitions

At the French American Academy, we understand how vital naps are in the early years. As parents, we often underestimate the power of the afternoon nap. While for adults, it may be a luxury or a way to make up for a late night, for young children, naps are a vital biological necessity, especially during […]

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 […]

Math Week: Numbers Come to Life!

In a spirited celebration of mathematics, we hosted our annual Math Week in March, engaging students across both the Jersey City and Englewood campuses in a series of hands-on math activities designed to bring numbers to life. Spotlight on the Kangaroo Math Competition At the Englewood campus, excitement peaked with hosting the prestigious Kangaroo Math […]

How to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Kids (Without Losing Your Mind)

If you’ve spent time with a preschooler, you know the routine. One minute, they’re happily stacking blocks; the next, they’re on the floor, wailing like a siren. Welcome to early childhood, where frustration is frequent, sharing feels impossible, and the word “no” is the ultimate betrayal. But here’s the thing: tantrums aren’t just chaos. They […]

La Galette des Rois: A Delicious Tradition with Layers of Learning

During the first weeks of January, French and Francophone communities around the globe indulge in a time-honored treat: La Galette des Rois, or “King’s Cake.” Originally part of the Epiphany celebration, which honors the visit of the three wise men to baby Jesus, the modern galette has transcended its religious roots to become a cultural […]