“It’s been great to see them not only maintaining their French but also growing quickly in their English skills. They really enjoy the bilingual setting and are truly thriving in this environment. It’s incredible to see how effortlessly they switch between languages, and it still surprises me sometimes!”
Q: Can you tell us a little about your family and what brought you to The French American Academy?
We are originally from the Netherlands, and from 2021 to 2024, we lived in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, just outside of Paris. During those years, my daughters attended the Lycée International, where they learned French and truly embraced the language and culture. When we moved to New Jersey in September 2024, it was really important to us to continue their education in French. And voilà; that’s how we found The French American Academy! We’re so happy to have discovered this wonderful community where our girls can keep growing in a bilingual environment.
Q: How has your child adapted to learning in both French and English?
They’ve adapted really well! Before joining The French American Academy, they had never had any formal education in English. All their schooling had been in French (and Dutch) at the Lycée International in France (and in the Netherlands. So we were curious to see how the transition would go. It’s been great to see them not only maintaining their French but also growing quickly in their English skills. They really enjoy the bilingual setting and are truly thriving in this environment. It’s incredible to see how effortlessly they switch between languages, and it still surprises me sometimes!
Q: What has your child enjoyed most about project-based learning at the FAA?
My oldest daughter really enjoyed the “Water in the World Today” project. She loved being able to dive deep into this topic in a creative and hands-on way. Working together with her classmates, in both French and English, gave her a real sense of purpose, and she was excited to explore the topic from different angles. The fact that it wasn’t just about facts, but about understanding global issues and thinking about solutions, made it really meaningful for her. She especially enjoyed presenting the project at the end and it gave her a strong sense of pride and achievement to share what they had created together.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment, field trip, event, activity, or achievement your child has experienced at the FAA?
One of the most memorable moments for us was when our youngest daughter went on her very first field trip with the FAA. She had never been on a school trip before, and when she first heard about it, her immediate reaction was: “I don’t want to go.” She was really anxious about being away from us for a whole week and it just felt too scary and overwhelming for her.
What truly touched us was how the FAA team handled it. They noticed her hesitation early on and responded with so much care. They took the time to reassure her, to motivate her gently, to have conversations with her about it and most importantly, to give her the confidence she needed to believe she could do it. And she did!
When we received the photos during the trip, we couldn’t believe our eyes, she looked so happy and proud. It was a huge milestone for her, and such a beautiful moment for us as parents. That trip became a real turning point; not just a fun experience, but a big personal victory for her.
Q: How do you feel the bilingual education at the FAA is preparing your child for future opportunities?
I think it’s absolutely wonderful. I’m genuinely so impressed by how the bilingual education is shaping my children, not just academically but also in terms of their confidence, worldview, and adaptability. Being fluent and comfortable in both French and English (and Dutch) at such a young age is an incredible gift that will open so many doors for them in the future. Whether in education, international opportunities, or even just their ability to connect with people from different backgrounds. I truly believe this type of education is laying a strong foundation for whatever paths they choose later in life.
Q: What does being part of the FAA community mean to your family?
Being part of the FAA community has meant so much to our family. Especially as newcomers to New Jersey. Right after the school year started, I joined the PTO, and I felt incredibly welcomed. In such a short time, we’ve met so many kind and open people who were more than willing to share practical tips, answer questions, and help us settle in. The community is truly supportive, and it goes beyond school.
Personally, I’ve also made meaningful friendships very quickly, which has made our transition to a new country so much smoother and more joyful.
Q: Do you have a favorite place in Jersey City or nearby where you like to spend time together?
So many to be honest! From the boutique Sirena (for myself) close to school, to Maggie’s Farm Espresso for a nice coffee, to have a takeaway pizza from Razza and to eat it outside on our small rooftop, to Balthazar in NY, Dante in NY, and Mission Ceviche in New York.
Q: What’s one family activity that always makes you laugh or brings you closer?
One family activity that always brings us closer and usually includes a lot of laughter is spending time together exploring new places. We love to travel, try new foods, and enjoy spending time with family and friends. Since moving to New Jersey, we’ve really embraced the best of both worlds: visiting the vibrant city of New York, and also escaping into nature for walks, hikes, or quiet weekends at the beach. Whether we’re discovering a new bakery, having a picnic in the woods, or just sharing stories around the dinner table, those are the moments that really connect us and make us feel at home. No matter where we are.
Q: Do you have a favorite family trip or memory you’d like to share?
We feel so lucky that we live within driving distance of our family in Canada, and it means a lot to us to be able to see them regularly. One of our favorite family trips was Christmas in Canada last year, where we were reunited with the entire family and visited Miami in the winter to meet up with our Canadian relatives. It was such a memorable experience because not only did we get to spend quality time together, but we also enjoyed the sunshine and warm weather. Those sunny days, laughter, and family moments made it truly special and something we’ll always cherish.
Q: Does your family have a motto or saying that you live by?
Our family motto is “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”. It reminds us to appreciate everyday joys and cherish the simple things that truly make life special.
