L'Elementaire: Grades 1-5 - North Seattle French School

Academics

L'Élémentaire - 1st grade to 5th grade

Cycle 2 - 1st to 3rd Grades (CP / CE1 / CE2)

Fundamental Developmental Areas

Cycle 2 focuses on the comprehension and development of fundamental skills. Students learn to read, write, and communicate fluently in both French and English. Our curriculum covers reading, writing, oral language, math, science, art activities, social studies and physical education. Learning is strongly based on concrete, real life situations. Students manipulate, experiment, use visuals in their work and discover the world. By the end of the cycle, the students have a strong foundation on skills they will use throughout their life: solve a problem, understand a text, write a text and work on a project.

Cycle 3 - 4th & 5th Grades (CM1 / CM2)

Consolidation of Developmental Concepts

Cycle 3 focuses on consolidating skills and developing independence and leadership. Students explore more complex concepts in a deeper way. Through projects, students develop their research skills, question the world, publish final drafts of writing and present to peers. By Grade 4, teaching is 50% in French and 50% in English, ensuring that academic goals are reached in both languages in order to facilitate a smooth transition to middle school. In 5th grade, students take the DELF test, a diploma issued by the French Ministry for National Education certifying French language skills in reading, writing, speaking and comprehension.

Key Information

Elementary School Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

We offer after-school and enrichment programs. More information here.

Please see our FAQ for age cut-off date requirements.

Singapore Math Method

NSFS is using the highly effective Singapore math method focusing on mastery (not just learning for a test), which is achieved through intentional sequencing of concepts.Some of the key features of the approach include the CPA (Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract), progression, number bonds, bar modeling, and mental math, which support different learning styles.Instead of pushing through rote memorization, students learn to think mathematically and rely on the depth of knowledge gained in previous lessons.

Learn more about the Singapore Math.

Tailored Learning for Every Child

At our school, we believe that each student is unique, and the same approach to learning doesn’t work for everyone—just like the same bike doesn’t fit every rider. This is why we embrace differentiation in the classroom. By tailoring lessons and strategies to meet individual needs, we ensure that each child receives the support and challenges they need to thrive. Our Learning Specialist works closely with teachers and students, offering personalized guidance to help every learner reach their full potential.