An all French-speaking environment enables your child to learn French in the same manner as his/her native language. At the Ecole Napoleon, French is not a separate subject; rather it is the language of instruction for the entire curriculum exploring concepts in math, reading, science, etc. This method enables your child to directly associate words and concepts in French while establishing native fluency.
Most children in France begin their formal education at the age of three when they enter école maternelle, a program lasting three years prior to elementary school.The Canadian Department of Education recognizes France’s école maternelle as one of the foremost young child learning programs in the world.
For those who wish to embark on the journey along with their children or to brush up on their high school or college French, the Ecole Napoleon offers beginners to advanced level French lessons for adults. Many classes are conveniently scheduled during the evenings and weekends and they are free for one of the parents.
No, in fact research indicates that children who study a foreign language develop a better understanding and command of their native language. All skills and concepts learned at the Ecole Napoleon are transferable and applicable to traditional schooling. Children in our immersion program tend to be better prepared than their counter-parts as they have already acquired many other skills such as cursive writing and are well ahead on the foreign language component.
It is not necessary to speak French at home in order for your child to successfully acquire the language as our program meets daily for almost three hours. During this time your child is immersed in the French language. The frequency and repetition of the language along with the one-on-one attention your child receives at the Ecole Napoleon will give him/her the necessary reinforcement. Additionally, a variety of media exists to keep your child engaged in the French program. From books to music CDs to DVDs, there are many age-appropriate options that you can explore. At the beginning of the school year, parents receive a Resource Guide containing teacher-recommended books, CDs and DVDs available for purchase to assist in reinforcing the language at home.
To ensure that parents stay connected, the Ecole Napoleon offers various communication vehicles including weekly previews and summaries from teachers, a monthly newsletter and email reminders from administration.
Bi-annual meetings to discuss your child’s progress are held in the fall and again inspring. Parents also receive a Livret Scolaire (Report card), a bi-annual evaluation detailing the skill acquisition. Additionally, at the end of each month, the Cahier de Vie, a compilation of songs, nursery rhymes and student’s work is sent home for parents to see their child’s progress from month to month.
We encourage all parents to be involved in our parent programs, Cercle de Parents,which organizes social events throughout the year and various other activities. Parents are also invited to volunteer to be Room Parents assisting administration and teachers in coordinating a variety of school celebrations.
Ecole Napoleon offers summer programs in July and August since 8 years. The Summer program is a great way for children to continue building on their French skills while enjoying the outdoors.