Family Communication and Engagement
Parent Portals
Discover Who Our Families Are
We are more than a French School, we are a true International School!
55
Nationalities
40%
Non-Francophone Parents
30+
Languages Spoken
Communication is the Key to Student Success
Listening and communicating with our parents is essential. Consequently, The French American Academy provides various opportunities for parents to receive information and share ideas with management. Through these many options, we listen to our parents’ concerns and continue to build an effective partnership.
Communication Triangle
Effective communication and collaboration between teachers, administration, and parents are essential for creating a supportive and nurturing environment that helps students reach their full potential.
The communication triangle symbol is central to the values of the French American Academy. It represents our commitment to keeping our students at the center of all we do, with everyone working together to provide the tools and support students need to thrive and bloom.
Empowering Your Child's Education
Your Child’s Key Parental Involvement
Parental participation in these events is essential as it not only fosters a deeper understanding of your child’s progress but also nurtures a collaborative and supportive educational environment that empowers your child to thrive.
Back to School Night is an important evening that takes place towards the end of September. We strongly encourage all parents to attend this event. It provides a unique opportunity to become acquainted with your child’s classroom, gain valuable insights into the upcoming academic year, and meet the FAA community.
Back to School Night starts with a general presentation with the Head of School, Division Directors, and a team presentation, followed by a time in your child’s classroom.
In your child’s class, you will receive crucial information about classroom organization, schedules, communication methods, academic and behavior expectations, the curriculum, important milestones, yearly objectives, and more.
(If you have specific questions about your child, please feel free to schedule an appointment with your child’s teachers.)
Attending Back to School Night is essential, as it represents a collaborative effort to provide the tools and support necessary to lay the foundation for a successful and enriching school year for your child.
Twice a year, in November and April, we host Parent-Teacher Conferences.
In November, we schedule our first parent-teacher conference, a 20-minute meeting with the teachers and parents. This meeting allows us to get to know each other, discuss your child’s strengths and areas of improvements, and define goals for the next period.
In April, we organize our second parent-teacher conference, providing an opportunity to summarize your child’s progress and begin planning for the year ahead.
Building a robust bridge between home and school life requires active parental involvement, and teachers genuinely appreciate receiving feedback and insights about their students from the parents’ perspective. Participation in these conferences is necessary in fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
Report cards are emailed twice a year, in January and June.
These reports offer an overview of your child’s progress, highlighting skills that are acquired and skills that are still in the process of acquisition.
Our report cards consist of two main components:
- Grades: The section provides an overview of your child’s performance at a specific point in time.
- Teacher Comments: The section provides insights into your child’s learning style, strengths, and areas for improvement.
It’s important to have open conversations with your child about their experiences, concerns, and aspirations to foster a strong parent-child relationship and support their growth.
To learn more about our report cards and how to discuss them with your child, please visit our blog, “7 Tips for Talking To Your Child About Report Cards”
Usually in the Fall, we host a Parent Visitation Day, where we welcome parents to sit in our classrooms and observe lessons and activities. It is an opportunity for learning more about Responsive Classroom Approach through Morning Meeting or have an eye to the centers provided to the students.
Once a year, we host a Parent Breakfast in your child’s classroom. On this day, our students have the opportunity to showcase the completion and the process of one or more of their projects to parents. You may learn about their math games, or discover the book they wrote, the skit they designed. Every year, it will be something new linked to our curriculum and the children’s interests. It’s a wonderful occasion for meaningful engagement between our school community and families.
Every year, we organize two shows: the Winter Show in December and the End-of-the-Year Celebration in June. During these shows, students perform on stage in front of all the parents and the FAA community.
The Winter Show typically focuses on singing, while our End-of-the-Year Celebration adopts various themes each year, including singing, dancing, acting, poetry reading, and more.
These shows provide students with a platform to develop confidence, creativity, and teamwork skills, which are crucial for their personal growth and future success. They also allow parents to witness their child’s growth and talents flourishing. Additionally, these shows strengthen the bonds within our FAA community, fostering a sense of togetherness and pride in our students’ achievements.
Get Involved with the Community and Make a Positive Impact on Your Child's Education
Parents are a vital part of the community at the French American Academy. With more than 40 nationalities, we are a vibrant community of international individuals. We offer numerous opportunities for parents to get involved and build relationships with all members of the community. By being active in the school community, sharing the school philosophy, and welcoming new families, parents can contribute to a sense of belonging and engagement within the school community and help to promote the school’s values.
Parents are the essential link between school and students. As a parent, you know how your child feels. For example, you know if he feels grumpy or if he is happy to go to school. As a result, you can help us better understand him or her. Moreover, you can also relay and amplify school messages. Finally, you can ensure homework is duly done.
Being a parent is not an easy ride! Of course, much of it is joy and victories to share. But there are also challenges, doubts, lack of time and many other things that can make you feel overwhelmed.
Get involved in one of our many exciting activities, connect with other parents, build new relationships and make a meaningful contribution to The French American Academy community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference!
Family Engagement
At The French American Academy, we have various committees open to parents who wish to join.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee
The DEIB committee supports equitable and inclusive experiences for all our community members. The committee meets regularly and is representative of the school’s diversity. The committee’s mission is to make recommendations and provide resources or training to faculty and parents. The community also creates events to support a diverse and inclusive culture.
The committee has 4 sub-committees to work on specific topics:
- Curriculum
- Policies
- Professional Development
- Community / Book Club
Sustainable Development Committee
The Sustainable Development Committee includes parents, students, faculty, and administration. It is an opportunity to learn about the ongoing sustainable development actions and work together to generate ideas and take action towards a more sustainable future using the 17 UN Goals.
The French American Academy has earned level 2 of the AEFE Sustainable Development label and is currently working on the level 3.
Eco-delegates are actively participating in this committee.
Two additional committees are meeting when necessary:
The Medical Task Force, which was so important during Covid
The AI and ChatGPT Task Force to reflect on technological innovations
The French American Academy supports families and students with informative and interactive workshops. Topics vary depending on the wishes of our community and have included, for example:
- Playful Inquiry Learning by France Weill, speech pathologist
- How to reduce stress and anxiety in our children by Laurianne Neidecker, Psychologist
- Screen usage for our children, moderated by Chiara Giannini, Psychologist
- Neurodiversity and learning differences by Dr. Vanessa Vega
Between December and February, the French American Academy offers in-person meetings for each grade. It is an informal platform to ask as many questions as possible about the learning milestones of the specific grade, the expected social and emotional development of this age or any other topics. It’s a moment to share suggestions or learn more about the exciting projects of the next grade. We do believe in constructive feedback, while building a culture of anticipation knowing what comes next.
The Grade level meetings take place in the morning, right after drop-off and will last about 45 minutes.
Our Head of School takes at heart to be available and listening to our community. Therefore, three times a year, parents can join a lovely breakfast to discuss our school life and services, share feedback and suggestions with the upper management team.
The Head of School breakfasts take place from 8:30 to 9:30 am, with a maximum of 15 attendees to ensure a productive and fruitful conversation. Attendance at our Head of School breakfasts typically ranges from 8 to 15 parents.
Parent Teacher Organization
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a collaborative body composed of parents and teachers that works to enhance the educational experience and foster a strong community spirit within the school.
Our PTO is very active and organizes many events, such as the book fair, wine tastings, movie nights, and more! The PTO works towards specific goals and programs, raises funds to support the school, but also serves as a way of meeting other parents in the FAA community.
By joining the PTO, you’ll contribute to important goals and programs, support fundraising efforts, and immerse yourself in the FAA community. We warmly invite new members to bring their unique talents and ideas.
Interested?
For the Englewood campus, reach out to pto@faacademy.org, and for the Jersey City campus, connect with us at ptojc@faacademy.org.
Join the ranks of our dedicated and engaged class parents and take an active role in shaping your child’s educational experience. In this role, you will serve as a vital link between the school and the parents in your child’s class, helping to keep everyone informed about important events and answering practical questions. You will help the PTO officers by promoting the social events offered.
Class Parents play a crucial role in supporting both communication and assistance within your child’s class.
- You will communicate information about school and PTO events
- Answer practical questions for parents
- Participate in school events
Learn more about this essential role by reviewing our brochure .
Frequently Asked Questions
- Checking in with your child’s teacher regularly
- Asking for progress reports or grades
- Reviewing homework assignments and projects
- Participating in parent-teacher conferences
- Becoming a class president