École Napoléon

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What are the advantages of an immersion program?

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. 

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2. What is école maternelle?

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.

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3. What if more than one language is already spoken at home?

Children have an amazing ability to adapt and learn new languages. Our total immersion program allows all children to successfully learn French even if more than one language is spoken at home. Through continuous exposure to the language, children learn to associate words and concepts in French while learning proper pronunciation and intonation. Many times, children who already speak another language have a better capacity to learn additional languages.
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4. Are there classes for parents?

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.

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5. Will French immersion hinder my child's English language skills or integration into the regular school system?

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.

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6. If my child goes to the French School, does he/she need to go to another pre-school or kindergarten?

Ecole Napoleon provides a complete education for your child that includes a comprehensive curriculum; therefore, sending your child to another half-day pre-school or kindergarten is completely optional.
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7. What if I don't speak French or French is not spoken at home, how will I be able to help my child's progress and reinforce learning at home?

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.

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8. How will I know what's going on at the Ecole Napoleon?

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.

9. How will I know the progress my child has made?

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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.

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10. How can I get involved?

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.

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11. Does the French School offer any summer programs?

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.