Questions Fréquentes

Students must meet the minimum age requirements to enroll in FFLO. 2's Program student must be 2 years and 5 months by the first day of school. 3's Program students must be 3 years old by the first day of school. 4's Program students must be 3 years and 10 months by the first day of school.

Yes, all children are required to be potty-trained to attend French for Little Ones.

Classes start at 8:45 am and end at 1:30 pm or 3:00 pm depending on the program. We strongly encourage punctuality as this helps children transition smoothly into their working day.

Yes, we can arrange for your child to be dropped off at 8:00 am. There is an additional $15 per child early drop-off fee. We require an advance notice of at least 48-hours. A confirmation email will be sent to parents confirming availability.

We ask families to pack a healthy snack and lunch on a daily basis. We have a microwave and a fridge available upon request.

We truly believe big things happen in small classes! Our classes don’t exceed 12 students in the 3’s and 4’s program. The 2’s program has a capacity of 10 students. Smaller classes allow us to give our students individual attention, which helps them excel both academically and socially. Additionally, each classroom has a dedicated head-teacher and assistant. Our student-teacher ratios are: 6:1 for the 3’s and 4’s Program 5:1 for the 2’s Program

We are thrilled to collaborate with our partner, Play Kids Greenpoint which offers a French enrichment after school program for children ages 4-8 years old. Play Kids is a different entity and any questions regarding enrollment or registrations must be made directly on their website. Play Kids' after school program is not included in FFLO's tuition. For more information or questions, please visit their website here.

We understand that every child has unique needs and routines, and we strive to accommodate them as best as possible. During nap time, we create a calm and restful environment, but for children who don’t sleep, we offer alternative quiet activities ( reading books, engaging with puzzle, drawing or coloring, relaxing with soft music).

No worries! We offer virtual tours, making it easier for families who are not yet in New York to learn about our program. However, participation in our family playdate is mandatory. This helps us ensure that FFLO is a good fit for your family and avoids any potential confusion. Once you arrive in New York, we look forward to conducting a family playdate where you can meet our staff and classroom instruction in session. This interaction is essential for establishing connections and understanding our community better.

After attending FFLO, we have several options for families looking to continue their child's education in French. If the French language is a priority for your family, we can recommend various schools—both private and public—within the city and Brooklyn. Please keep in mind that public schools operate on a zoning basis, so we cannot guarantee placement. Additionally, some public schools may require your child to be tested as part of their admissions process. We're here to support you in finding the best educational path for your child!

Non-French speaking children can enroll at FFLO for the 2’s and 3’s program. Children applying to the 4's program must have previous French school experience or are native-French speakers in order to be admitted to FFLO.

FFLO’s philosophy is to fully immerse students in the French language. We use a scaffolded immersion model for developing French proficiency in a comfortable, stress-free way. Our teachers support students’ experiences and knowledge as they are learning the language. This ensures that non-francophone students immediately begin to learn important everyday vocabulary and structures, and can have success communicating right away, without feeling as though they’ve been thrown into a bewildering environment. For the 2’s & 3’s programs, we translate to English as needed and use repetition, miming, and the thorough articulation of words. Children are immersed in the language while they explore various themes and learn vocabulary through fun and exciting activities such as music, arts & crafts, cooking, science and more. The 4’s program is taught only in French which is why we require 4’s students to have taken French classes, are currently enrolled in a French-language program or French is the main language spoken at home.

Bilingualism or multilingualism is an amazing gift to give your child.⁠⁠⁠ Exposing your child to 2+ languages will not cause a language delay.⁠⁠⁠ In fact, research shows that the best time to expose your child to a second language is during early childhood.⁠ Naturally, a child will improve their English language skills by being immersed in the English language in their everyday activities outside of school. In the past, we have had many children from French speaking families who would suddenly start speaking English to their parents at home. Children also tend to use English and French during playtime activities, so they are versed in both languages.

Of course! We welcome non-French speaking families to FFLO. Non-French speaking children can enroll at FFLO for the 2’s and 3’s program. Children applying to the 4's program must have previous French school experience or are native-French speakers in order to be admitted to FFLO. Please keep in mind that it is a commitment -- and investment of time -- for families who do not speak French at home to choose our bilingual program. Part of that is a willingness to expose children to the French language and French-speaking cultures outside of classroom hours. Through our school and after-school programs, we offer many opportunities for children to speak French after regular school hours. Our experience is that this commitment yields profound rewards for students and parents alike!

The 4’s program is a structured program which requires students to have French speaking and comprehension abilities. At this level, students are challenged in literacy, critical thinking, math, writing and more. Most students who enter the 4’s program have at least 1 or 2 years of previous FFLO experience. With that said, if your child has no prior French school experience, but you feel he or she may be a good fit, we would be happy to meet and discuss if our program is a good fit for your family. Please email us at fflo.service@gmail.com to learn more.

We absolutely revel in our diversity. We welcome all backgrounds and nationalities as well as many New York based international families who share a passion and openness to the world of learning. FFLO follows the curricula of both the French National Education but also integrates elements of American culture. FFLO represents different models of families which helps to connect children with the outside world. FFLO is a great option for families who are looking for a well-rounded, enriching and challenging school with and bilingual curriculum.

Foreign language learning enhances children's ability to focus, build confidence, academic achievement and communication. As the second most widely taught language in the world, learning French provides priceless opportunities to study and appreciate foreign cultures.

Our teachers use a variety of engaging methods to introduce the French language to non-French speaking children. The primary goal of our program is to teach the French language, and our instruction is conducted primarily in French. While we can provide translations in English as needed, our focus remains on immersing children in the French language. To give you more insight, when children respond in English, we validate their answers and then repeat them in French to ensure understanding. This approach not only reinforces their learning but also helps them gradually become comfortable with using French. By creating a supportive and interactive environment, we help children build their language skills while enjoying the learning process.

FFLO is a French program, not a bilingual program. Our teachers are French-speaking, and our curriculum follows the guidelines set by the French Ministry of Education. This means we have specific educational goals to achieve within the framework of the French education system. Our focus is on immersing children in the French language and culture to provide an authentic and enriching learning experience.

No, the 2's program corresponds to "La Toute Petite Section," the 3's to "Petite Section," and the 4's to "Moyenne Section" in the French education system. The French system differs significantly from the American system, focusing on distinct developmental goals and educational approaches. We encourage parents to familiarize themselves with the objectives outlined by the French Ministry of National Education to better understand our curriculum. We will also share this information during our virtual tour. While the American system may prioritize different benchmarks, our programs are designed to align with the French educational philosophy, emphasizing language acquisition, cultural understanding, and holistic development in a French-speaking environment.

In the 4's program, known as Moyenne Section, our goals focus on preparing students for reading by learning about phonemes, graphemes, letter sounds, and syllables. In France, formal reading instruction begins in Kindergarten, so our approach emphasizes foundational skills in French literacy. In the 4's program, children do not yet begin formal reading, but they work on essential skills that prepare them for reading. This includes learning about phonemes, graphemes, letter sounds, and syllables. These foundational skills are crucial for developing their reading abilities, which will be further developed in the 5's program. The focus is on exploring language and word awareness rather than reading complete texts. While we can fully support your child in recognizing letters, sounds, and phonemes in French, we do not provide instruction in English reading. We encourage your family to practice English reading at home to reinforce those skills. Our program is designed to immerse children in the French language, and your support at home will be invaluable in helping your child thrive in both languages.

The Admissions Process is comprised of the below steps: Attend a Virtual Tour (1-hour) Submit an Online Application including a $200 application fee. The submission of an application does not guarantee a spot. Admissions Interview with Parents/Guardians (1-hour) Child Drop-off Play-date at FFLO for your child from 8:45 to 10:30am Notification of Acceptance Decision by January Submit Registration Information Packet & 1 Tuition Deposit Payment First Payment Due by August 15th

Applications should be received by the due date. However, we have rolling admissions and we will consider any late applications if there are available openings. FFLO will send a friendly reminder but without responding after 48 hours we will assume that you forfeit your spot.

Yes, we accept students during the year, given the availability of spots.

Admission decisions do not depend on how early applications are submitted. Specifically, the admissions process includes a review of child evaluations, parent interviews, any existing school records and other factors that help us make sure all admitted students will thrive in our bilingual learning environment.

We welcome many French families into FFLO and give equal consideration to all families, including non-French speaking ones. Given the level of French needed to thrive in our school, we do ask all families to make a commitment to expose their children to the French language and culture outside the classroom.

Please contact us as soon as possible if you will not be able to attend your virtual tour so we can reschedule the session and release the time for others.

Congratulations! We will need you to sign, complete and return the registration packet. All forms are essential to finalize the enrollment. We will also ask you to secure your spot by submitting a check with 1 months deposit tuition. The registration packet and deposit check can be made out to FFLO French Immersion LLC and mailed to: The Yard Williamsburg Attn: French for Little Ones, Sonia Gautier 33 Nassau Avenue, 2nd Floor Brooklyn, NY 11222

Parents whose child is accepted, but who prefer to wait before committing to FFLO are placed in our waiting list. Their seat is not guaranteed until they sign the contract and make the first payment.

We want to ensure that FFLO is a good fit for your child and family and that our learning environment offers an opportunity to excel both academically and socially. Criteria of acceptance include but are not limited to being potty-trained, readiness to be socialized, understanding of social and personal interactions, ability to follow school routines and structures as well as previous French language school experience (for the 4’s program).

We understand that sometimes plans change, and we strive to support families through this process. Please note that our deposit is non-refundable, as it helps secure your child's place in our program. Withdrawals can occur for various reasons, such as moving, finding the school isn’t the right fit, medical or travel issues, etc. We encourage families to fully explore our program during the virtual tour, attend a family playdate, and observe our instruction to ensure it aligns with your expectations before finalizing enrollment.

We understand that every child develops at their own pace, and potty training can vary greatly from one child to another. If your child is not yet potty trained, we recommend discussing this with us so we can explore how to best support you and your child during this transition. While we require children to be potty trained, we can share guidance and effective methods to assist you. The three-day method has been successful for many families, but we recognize that each child may respond better to different approaches. We’re here to help and provide you with the resources you need for a smooth transition! Please be aware that if your child is not potty trained by September, we will offer the option to join the program at a later date. However, our last entry date is in December, as we do not welcome students after this point to ensure cohesive academic development. If your child is not ready by December, we will assume you forfeit your spot at FFLO, and the deposit will not be refundable.

No, the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Yes, we offer a sibling discount for the second (youngest) child if both children are enrolled at the same time. However, please note that once the oldest sibling leaves FFLO, the sibling discount will no longer apply.

We do not offer refunds on payments that are made for the full year. If you have circumstances that may require you to remove your child from the FFLO program (job, relocation, etc.) during the school year, we do not recommend choosing the yearly payment option. Trimester and monthly payment plans are available.

There are 3 payment options available: 1.) Full-year payment; 2.) Payment in 3 Installments; and 3.) Monthly payments in 10 Installments Payment in Full can be made directly to FFLO French Immersion LLC by check or bank wire transfer prior to July 1st. There is a $500 reduction in tuition for full year payments in one installment made prior to July 1st. The $500 reduction is not available to recipients of Financial Aid. Payment in 3 Installments directly to FFLO French Immersion LLC by check or bank wire transfer on or before : First Installment : August 15th Second Installment : November 15th Third Installment : February 15th Payment in 10 Installments : Payment is made through the payments platform system. Payments are due on the 15th of every month beginning with August 15th and ending on April 15th

Yes, we offer a referral discount! If a current family refers a new family who fully registers and secures a spot at FFLO, both families will receive a discount on tuition. Please contact us for more details on how the referral program works