Unexpected visit! The French Academy welcomes 43 5th graders from Paris stranded in Minnesota on their way back to France
April 29, 2010
Life is full of surprises ... on Friday, April 16, our unexpected visitors joined our 102 preschool and elementary students and shared their daily life. After spending 10 days at the French School in Portland in an exchange program, they were stranded in the Twin Cities as all European airports were closed due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland. They safely returned home on Tuesday April 20, after spending five days in our beautiful Minnesota. Thanks to the joint efforts of our wonderful community of students' family and business partners, what could have been a nightmare became an enriching adventure.
Click on the links below to read their story and share their smiles.
- Star Tribune
- WCCO (Saturday)
- KARE 11
- WCCO (Monday)
- France-Amérique Magazine (French)
- Their arrival in Paris - M6
Parent Testimonials
“After just two months at FAM, my daughter has a better French accent than I do!”
—English-speaking, Pre-K parent
“When my children speak French to native French speakers they always say that they speak like they are French. 'They sound like little French kids' is the comment we get”
—English-speaking, Pre-K parent
“After only two months, my child was singing a French song to my parents. I felt so proud and just amazed how quickly a 3-year-old's brain picks up the new language. I'm so excited to see the expansion of French. Thanks for such great teachers!”
—English-speaking, Pre-K parent
“We have gone to Europe with the kids the past three years. Last year, age 5, they did all the translating in France for me when I needed road directions or help ordering at restaurants. We have been at the school 4 years and each year they speak more and more French. This year, when having play dates with French students, they primarily speak French. It is a true gift for them to have this knowledge and capability at such a young age. ”
—English-speaking, 1st grade parent