North Seattle French School

Celebrating French Language and Francophone Cultures at the French Fest

communication — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 18:28:45 +0000

Every year, North Seattle French School is proud to be an active participant of the French Fest at the Seattle Center, organized by France Education Northwest. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate French language and francophone cultures.

One of the highlights of the day? Students’ performances from the four French bilingual schools! Our students took the stage twice—once as an NSFS group and again alongside students from the three other French schools. Hearing them sing together was a powerful reminder that they are part of a larger bilingual community, where language connects us across schools and backgrounds.

This year, all four French schools also collaborated on a special exhibition on sustainable development: Explorer ensemble les 17 Objectifs de Développement Durable♻️, a joint project as part of the AEFE network.

We want to extend a huge merci to our amazing volunteers, parents, and staff who helped prepare for the event, run our booth, and support the students on stage. Your dedication and enthusiasm made this day possible!

And of course, a special shoutout to the winner of our Acorn Guessing Game—an NSFS student! Their guess of 232 acorns was impressively close to the actual count of 225. They won an acorn squishmallow a a prize.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating French language and culture at this fantastic event. We already can’t wait for next year!

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Building Connections: How Our Study Buddy Program Strengthens the NSFS Community

communication — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 22:02:35 +0000

At North Seattle French School, one of the most cherished traditions among our students is the Study Buddy program—a simple yet powerful initiative that brings together older and younger students to learn from and support one another. More than just an academic partnership, it’s a relationship-building experience that fosters confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging in our bilingual school community.

A Special Bond Across Grades

From the moment they are paired, our Study Buddies create meaningful connections. Older students take on a mentorship role, guiding their younger peers through activities, reading together, and sharing school traditions. Younger students, in turn, look up to their buddies, gaining confidence in their bilingual journey and feeling a stronger connection to the school as a whole.

This bond is especially evident in moments like when our 2nd graders practiced reading preschool books in class, preparing to read them aloud to their little preschool buddies. One student was so dedicated to getting it just right that he learned the books by heart!

Our preschoolers love these visits so much that they regularly ask their teacher, “When do we see our buddies again?” The excitement and anticipation show just how meaningful these relationships are to them.

The Benefits of the Study Buddy Program

The impact of the program goes beyond the classroom. Here’s why our students love it, and why parents appreciate its value:

Leadership & Responsibility: Older students develop patience, empathy, and leadership skills as they guide their younger buddies.
Confidence & Belonging: Younger students feel seen and supported, making their transition into school life smoother and more enjoyable.
Bilingual Growth: Interacting in both French and English, students practice language skills in an authentic, engaging way.
Community Spirit: The program reinforces the close-knit, supportive environment that makes NSFS unique.

Learning Through Fun and Connection

Beyond reading together, Study Buddy activities create lasting memories:

Making crêpes together: a delicious way to bond!
Playing board games: developing social and cognitive skills in a relaxed setting.
Practicing reading: boosting confidence in both French and English.

These shared experiences make the Study Buddy program one of the most beloved traditions at NSFS, creating friendships that last beyond a single school year.

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Moving to Seattle with Children: A Guide for French-Speaking Families

communication — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 20:16:17 +0000

Relocating to a new city is an exciting adventure, but can be stressful when you have young children. If you’re moving to Seattle from another country, this guide will help you navigate key aspects of settling in—education, housing, finances, and building a community.

Why Seattle is a Great Place for Families

Seattle offers family-friendly neighborhoods, outdoor adventures, and a welcoming community. Seattle is home to over 485 parks, offering playgrounds, hiking trails, and waterfront activities. Popular spots like Green Lake, Discovery Park, Carkeek Park, and Richmond Beach provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.

From Francophone cultural festivals to bilingual schools and meetups, Seattle has a growing French-speaking network that makes it easier for families to settle in and stay connected to their roots. Our school is proud to be a part of this vibrant community, offering a bilingual environment that supports both academic success and cultural identity.

Understanding Education in Seattle

One of the biggest adjustments for families coming from another country is understanding the differences in education. In the US, school starts in kindergarten. Kindergarten is the equivalent of the French grande section. Students in the US must turn 5 by August 31st to start kindergarten in September. However, North Seattle French School accepts students based on the French system and the December 31st cut-off date.

Grade levels equivalence are as follow. In some school districts, 6th grade is part of the elementary school instead of middle school.

Our bilingual preschool and elementary school offer small class sizes and individualized attention, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a nurturing and academically rigorous environment. We provide guidance to families to ensure a smooth transition, and offer extra support in English to our new students coming from a French-speaking country.

Essential Contacts for Francophone Families

We know how important it is to connect with people who understand your needs. Here are Francophone professionals ready to help:

Merveille Madilamba at BECU in Shoreline can assist with your banking and financial needs. BECU is a community-focused credit union that makes settling in easier. merveille.madilamba@becu.org – +1.800.233.2328 – 18336 Aurora Ave N Suite 109 in Shoreline.
Nathalie Boss, a French-speaking real estate agent, can help you find the perfect home in a family-friendly neighborhood. https://nathalieboss.johnlscott.com/home

For rental homes, you will find listings on Zillow.com and Trulia.com.

Questions about neighborhoods, sports and kid activities, pediatricians and dentists, daycares for younger siblings, please contact Aurélie Declerck, our Admissions Manager, at admissions@northseattlefrenchschool.com, or by phone: +1 206.365.1034. We’re here to help.

Practical Tips for Settling In

Enrollment in a Bilingual School
- Contact us early to learn about enrollment and requirements. We offer virtual tours through GoogleMeet or facetime on WhatsApp. We’ll guide you through the admissions process and help ensure your child’s transition is seamless. We know visas, paperwork and finding a home take time.
Community Connections
- Join events or meetups organized by the French-American Chamber of Commerce or the Union des Français de l’Etrangers, story times at local libraries, to build your social network. Our community committee organizes playdates and get-togethers to help our families connect.
Cultural Adjustment
- Embrace Seattle’s love for outdoor activities: family hikes, camping trips, water activities or winter fun, pumpkin patch and fruit picking, etc… there’s plenty to explore. Put on your rain boots and sunglasses (you never know…), grab your favorite drink at a coffee shop, and discover the beauty of the Pacific Northwest!

Welcome to Seattle!

Moving with children is no small task, but with the right resources, you can make it a positive and enriching experience. It’s such a chance for your family!

If you’re looking for a bilingual, community-focused school, our doors are open. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can support your family’s transition to life in Seattle.

The post Moving to Seattle with Children: A Guide for French-Speaking Families appeared first on North Seattle French School.

North Seattle French School Welcomes Seattle Kraken Player Yanni Gourde for an Inspiring Visit

communication — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 19:11:08 +0000

North Seattle French School’s students had the extraordinary opportunity to meet Yanni Gourde, a key player for the Seattle Kraken and a proud francophone from Quebec. Yanni Gourde took time to interact with our students, sharing stories about his hockey career and answering their eager questions in both French and English.

As a bilingual and francophone school, North Seattle French School (NSFS) strives to create meaningful, real-world connections for students, and Yanni’s visit brought this mission to life. With a strong community of families from Quebec and Canada, NSFS is proud to support students in becoming confident bilingual speakers who can connect with diverse, global perspectives.

During the visit, Yanni graciously answered the students’ eager questions in both languages. When asked by one student why he chose hockey over other sports, he shared that his passion began by competing with his two brothers. His humor came through when he answered another question about whether he had ever been to the penalty box: “I have been there a lot,” Yanni admitted with a laugh.

The bilingual connection deepened as Yanni shared personal insights about speaking French with other francophone players in the NHL and raising his two children to be bilingual, with French being the primary language spoken at home. His accessibility and warmth left a lasting impression on both students and staff.

One parent shared their gratitude on social media, writing: “It was such a surreal thing to watch my son meet an NHL player for the first time today at his school. Yanni Gourde was so gracious, patient, and kind with our elementary students and the staff at North Seattle French School. He answered questions —sometimes the same one two or three times! — signed things, and shared his time with some adoring fans. I am so grateful. My son was in awe, and it is a dream to see your kid see what one of his current dreams looks like.”

NSFS believes that bilingual education is more than language acquisition; it’s an entry into a world of diverse cultural experiences. Events like these underscore NSFS’s dedication to fostering a strong, supportive community where students can find inspiration from outstanding bilingual role models.

We are immensely thankful to Yanni Gourde and the Seattle Kraken for making this unforgettable day possible, as well as for their commitment to inspiring the next generation of bilingual leaders.

“North Seattle French School is proud to provide experiences like these, where language and culture come alive in ways that inspire our students every day.”

Aurélie Declerck, Enrollment & Outreach Manager

Contact: communication@northseattlefrenchschool.com

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Introducing Our Next Head of School

communication — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 16:08:23 +0000

Dear NSFS Community,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am delighted to share with you that the board voted unanimously to hire Erin Brust as the next NSFS head of school (HOS), for an initial term of three years. We are excited that we found a leader who is not only a great fit for our school but also able to lead NSFS into our next chapter.

Erin is currently the Assistant Head of School and Director of Institutional Advancement at the French Immersion School of Washington (FISW), located in Bellevue, WA. She has worked at FISW for 10 years serving many roles, including admissions, advancement, marketing and communications. She supported FISW through two Head of School transitions and oversaw the first FISW capital campaign and two priority FISW initiatives: integration and retention of English faculty and robust advancement of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) work. Erin is a French-speaking American who is passionate about the rich diversity of Francophone cultures.

In the HOS survey completed after Erin’s visit to our school, NSFS faculty, staff and parents provided enthusiastic feedback on her credentials and “fit” with our community, noting especially that Erin is bilingual, experienced in running a similar French/American bilingual school, and clearly embraces the NSFS mission and values. We are thrilled to welcome Erin into the NSFS community.

We would like to share a few words from Erin about joining NSFS:

” I am honored to have the opportunity to join North Seattle French School at this exciting moment in the school’s journey with your recent French accreditation, Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS) candidacy, and full-time preschool on the horizon. You are entrusting me with something very precious, and it is with deep gratitude and enthusiasm that I look forward to serving as your next Head of School.

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone – students, teachers, staff, parents, board members and the Search Committee – for welcoming me so warmly into your school community. I value your openness and your time. Your love for your special, francophone school community is infectious. There was an atmosphere of collaboration and care that was evident in every corner of the school.

It was clear in each conversation how much Jennifer has brought to NSFS during her time as Head of School, and how appreciated she is by the school community. I am so fortunate to build on her inspiring work, and I look forward to collaborating with her on a smooth and meaningful transition. I can’t wait to get started!”

We had planned originally for our next HOS to start on July 1, 2025. However, Erin’s family has a wonderful opportunity to spend six months in France due to her husband’s sabbatical that is awarded every 10 years. As such, Erin will start as NSFS HOS on January 1, 2026. We are grateful to Jennifer Annable for agreeing to extend her time at NSFS through December 31, 2025 and to serve as a part-time consultant beyond her last day at NSFS, to facilitate a seamless transition.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I extend my deep gratitude to all members of the NSFS community for your commitment to this search process and your thoughtful feedback. I am especially grateful to my fellow members of the search committee for their service during this comprehensive search process. We are also thankful for the guidance and support of our search consultant, Joan Beauregard, of Educators’ Collaborative.

As we look ahead to the next chapter for NSFS, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for Jennifer Annable and her remarkable contributions to NSFS, working in collaboration with her team, including:

Strengthening hiring and integration of NSFS French and English teachers
Obtaining French Ministry of Education accreditation and NWAIS accreditation candidate status
Establishing a support program serving students of all learning styles
Submitting formal application for a full day preschool
Enriching NSFS programs for music, art and physical education

Above all else, Jennifer’s unfailing enthusiasm, positive attitude and humanity have created a true NSFS family that is the cornerstone of our identity. We look forward to celebrating Jennifer’s legacy at the NSFS gala on March 8, 2025 and throughout her tenure at NSFS.

In closing, with the prospect of new and exciting leadership and the continuing dedication of our wonderful teachers, staff, and families, we look forward to a bright future for North Seattle French School.

Sincerely,

Jen Thiebaud

Chair, Board of Trustees & Search Committee

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Accreditation by the French Ministry of Education

communication — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 21:14:11 +0000

Dear NSFS Community,

We are thrilled to announce that North Seattle French School has officially received the accreditation for cycles 2 and 3 (from 1st to 5th grades) from the French Ministry of Education!

Receiving this accreditation, in addition to the NWAIS (Northwest Association of Independent Schools) Candidacy status that we received earlier this year, is the recognition of the hard work of our teachers and staff, and of the strength of our curriculum. NWAIS and the French ministry of Education have certified that the teaching and environment provided to our students at NSFS comply with their high standards in terms of curriculum, teaching objectives and organization.

We are very proud of the NSFS team, and we would like to specifically thank Celine Bourdales, our Director of Curriculum and Instruction, for her leadership on the project, and Audrey Petitpierre, our Lead French teacher, for her strong support.

NSFS is now part of the extensive AEFE (French Agency for the Advancement of French Abroad) network of more than 560 French schools, with over 390,000 students, enrolled in 138 countries. It opens doors to training programs to our teachers and staff and scholarships from the French government to qualifying families.

Full-day preschool is a prerequisite to be accredited for cycle 1 (la maternelle). Once NSFS receives the license from DCYF (Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families) for our building to have a full-day vs. a half-day preschool, we would then apply for the accreditation for cycle 1.

Thank you to all of you for your continued trust and support. Together, we have made this success possible, and together, we will continue to nurture and grow our vibrant school community.

If you have any questions or would like to share in our celebration, please feel free to reach out to Jennifer Annable at jennifer.annable@northseattlefrenchschool.com.

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The Lifelong Benefits of Graphic Practice in French Maternelle

communication — Mon, 01 May 2023 18:17:50 +0000

Graphic practice is a key component of the French curriculum in preschool and kindergarten. This approach to early childhood education emphasizes the importance of developing children’s motor skills and creativity through various forms of artistic expression. It also develops their visual-spatial awareness, self-regulatory skills and their attention to details.

By engaging in graphic practice, children learn how to control their movements and manipulate objects with greater precision and accuracy. Research has indicated that a child’s fine motor development can predict their educational achievements, specifically in reading, math and attention.

At NSFS, we incorporate play-based graphic practice weekly in our maternelle classrooms. Our students are encouraged to explore lines, curves, shapes through different techniques and materials. They are using their body, movement, sculpting, drawing and more. On the picture below, you will see our students practicing “les ponts“, a graphic they need to write m,n, 3 and h for example.

We are proud to offer this unique and enriching aspect of the French curriculum to our students in our French-immersion preschool and kindergarten. It provides a solid foundation for lifelong learning and success. Learn more about our Maternelle program.

Graphic Practice in French Immersion Preschool

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