The French Academy of Minnesota - French School, Preschool and Elementary

Parents Community

FAM Parents Community : Socialize-Connect- Discover-Understand

We believe a good school does not only rely on the quality of the curriculum and the teachers, or on friendly and nurturing environment...It also relies on the students themselves and their social environment. The multi-cultural environment at FAM provides the students and their families exposure to culture from all over the world, as well as the discovery of different habits and tradition. Families of the school come from different states not only within the US, but also from France, Switzerland, Morocco, Netherlands, Canada, Belgium, Italy, Spain, UK, etc. This fact unquestionably opens the students’ minds to the world and helps them understanding the truly meaning of “difference”.

Parents are also welcome to share their personal skills and passions both within the classrooms, as well as within the variety of activities shared across the school (e.g. fund-raising and events committees for the Annual Gala, Winter Party, book fairs, uniform sales, picnics etc.)

Communication

A secured Parents section in FAM website gives up-to-date information about the school life and is the reference for all the important documents you will need, such as school policies, student directory, etc. FAM also publishes a weekly newsletter, posted in the parents’ mail folder at the school and on the website. This newsletter contains all of the weekly important school information, events, as well as an overview of what has been done and studied in all of the classrooms.

French Tradition

Your children will be exposed every day to French culture and French holiday tradition. Parents are also included in that exposure due to the art crafts and weekly folders children bring home. In addition, the special events organized throughout the year, such as “Fête de l’Hiver”, “Galette des Rois”, “Carnaval”, “Semaine du Français” invite families to become actively engaged in the French Tradition as well.

Monthly Social events

Every second Friday of the month, FAM Parents are invited to a “morning coffee” to socialize with their fellow parents. Usually a particular topic is discussed concerning French language, culture, event or cross-cultural differences. Parents have affirmed that these meetings help families feel at ease in discussing cultural differences relating to education and social habits, especially in our bilingual and multi-cultural community.
“Parents Happy Hour”: Because it’s also important to socialize in an informal and fun setting outside of the School, parents at the French Academy gather every first Thursday of the month from 5 to 7 pm for Happy Hour. Sharing a glass of wine and some appetizers while talking about your last French experience or exchanging useful tips about life in Minnesota is always a very nice moment.

Classes for Parents

Why should your child be the only lucky one to become fluent in French? Parents can also join the 270 million of people speaking French in the world. Because you may want to be able to follow-up your children’s homework, plan a family vacation to France or simply broaden your career opportunities, the French Academy also offers French classes for Parents.
Group classes are offered in partnership with the Alliance Française of Minneapolis-St Paul, conveniently in the school premises right after drop-off or in their downtown location. Home private classes are also offered by French native parents with teaching degree.
FAM also offers, in partnership with the Alliance Française of Minneapolis-St Paul, English classes for French speakers. These classes are conveniently held in the school premises right after drop-off and include focus on grammar, vocabulary and even the Minnesota accent, to help you express yourself in every situation.

 

---