French American School of Princeton Invites Applications for New Accelerated French Language Immersion Program for Grades 1-3

PRINCETON, NJ. (February 1, 2023): French American School of Princeton (FASP) is pleased to welcome applications for its new Accelerated French Language Immersion program for grades 1-3 for the 2023-24 school year. No prior knowledge of French is required for entry. Information sessions will be held on Wednesday, February 15 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, March 4 from 9 to 10 a.m. or individually by appointment. Registration is required.

For over 20 years, the French American School of Princeton, located at 75 Mapleton Road in Princeton on the site of the former St. Joseph’s Seminary, has been a leader in bilingual education for grades preschool to 8. “The ideal time to learn a language is in childhood,” says Dominique Velociter, FASP Head of School. “Research shows that dual-language immersion students often perform as well or better than non-immersion students on standardized tests of English and math. FASP’s comprehensive bilingual program begins at age 30 months with children acquiring and learning French in a multicultural, welcoming, and supporting environment.”

FASP is excited to begin this new initiative in grades 1-3 to introduce new students and new families who may not have had an opportunity to enter a bilingual program previously. “We are delighted to welcome older students into our school to offer them not only the ability to learn another language, but also to benefit from the many advantages of a bilingual and multicultural educational setting,” continued Velociter. “Acquiring, learning, and living a second — or third in many of our student’s families — language gives students a distinct advantage over monolingual programs for intellectually curious students.”

The new Accelerated French Language Immersion program for grades 1-3 will deliver a challenging curriculum with the goal of instruction 30% in English and 70% in French. The students in this cohort will be with their grade-level peers for homeroom and classes in English (English Language Arts, Math, Science, Art and Music), and for Physical Education in French. They remain with their cohort for intensive French language classes, including Social Studies, Science and Math. Accelerated French Language Immersion students will be regularly evaluated in speaking, listening, writing, reading and will join their homeroom class when they reach the required level of oral and written fluency.

“We have designed our new program to appeal to motivated students and families who wish to learn the French language and are looking for a rigorous educational experience. To succeed in our program, students must have a solid academic background, especially in English, and be dedicated to meeting high academic expectations,” said Velociter.

FASP’s rigorous and meaningful blend of the French and American curriculums meets and exceeds both French governmental and New Jersey Public School standards-based requirements. FASP incorporates both academics, including literature, science, STEM, art, music, physical education and social-emotional learning, and the careful selection of highly qualified educators who steward students through their academic journeys. FASP is committed to a program of academic excellence designed to train the mind, strengthen the character, and enrich the spirit of each student through the benefits of bilingual learning.

With between 150-180 students, FASP is small by design to ensure that students and their families are supported in their bilingual education. FASP takes pride in the multicultural community of families who value the gift of a bilingual education and come together to support our mission. FASP graduates are extremely well prepared for high school and attend many prestigious International, American or French private or public schools following graduation.

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If you would like more information about French American School of Princeton, please call 609-430-3001 or email admissions@ecoleprinceton.org. or visit the website at www.ecoleprinceton.org