To see every subject from two angles and shape every skill with two mindsets—these are the gifts we strive to instill every day in our bilingual Elementary students, during these critical years when children lay the foundations for future learning.
Our Elementary curriculum provides the structure to bring out the learner in every child, combining the content-rich French National curriculum with the inquiry-based approach of the American system. Native-speaking teachers guide each class through humanities, math, and social sciences in English and French, art, STEAM, music, sports, and theater in English or French, and Mandarin and Spanish starting in 3rd Grade. Personalized programs take advantage of our high teacher-to-student ratio, allowing students to develop their curiosity, dig deeper, and expand their knowledge.
Agile minds
Learning to make leaps
The Elementary years are a critical time in a student’s development when they acquire the mindset and toolkit of the lifelong learner. Immersed not only in two languages but in two educational systems, students at The École have the unique opportunity to learn two ways of approaching every problem—strengthening both higher-order critical thinking and creative expression, exploring both friendly competition and group collaboration, and giving their growing learning muscles twice the exercise and twice the opportunity to understand.
Open hearts
Celebrating differences that make a difference
Surrounded by classmates of wide-ranging nationalities but connected through their two shared languages—and the beginnings of a third—our Elementary students build friendships with people whose experiences are different from their own. From these personal connections, they begin to recognize how differences are what makes their relationships more engaging and rewarding—and why respect and caring for others is so important in their community and the world. The Student Council, recess clubs, the House system, and other initiatives give our students plenty of opportunities to build— and be celebrated for—a strong sense of character.
Bright futures
Creating confident students
Every aspect of our Elementary program—from the content we cover to the character we celebrate—is designed to build our students’ capacity for and independence in learning. As they move through the years, both American and French standardized tests provide opportunities for staff and parents to honor achievements relative to a larger body of students, focus activities around personal growth areas, and map long-term educational plans. So that each student feels well-positioned for success in the next stage of bilingual learning at The École’s Middle School, or at other schools here in New York, or across the world.
Suggested Summer Reading
The suggested Elementary Summer Reading Lists for 2024-2025 can be found here.
Questions about our Elementary curriculum?
If you’re interested in learning more about our foundational curriculum for Elementary students, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re very proud of our program and would love to answer any questions you may have or discuss in more detail how your child can benefit from a bilingual education at The École.