Picture from the Lycée Français de New York’s website
Higher math scores. Cultural diversity. State standards. With so many education priorities, where does the French language fit in? Surprisingly, in an increasing number of New York City public schools. Over the past two years, six new French-English dual language programs have been introduced.
In schools in Harlem, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and the Upper West Side, students are taught half the day in French, and the other half in English. Classes generally begin in kindergarten with a balanced mix of Francophones and Anglophones. The goal is for all students to attain fluency in both languages.
The new dual language programs are a joint effort between the New York Department of Education and several other organizations. Text books and teacher workshops are provided by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy. The French-American Cultural Exchange (FACE) and other foundations offer financial support and expertise. And Education Française à New York (EFNY)serves as the go-between between the schools, the parents and other parties.
How well does it work? “Très bien!” The popularity of the program at PS58 in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, has prompted the addition of a second class for each grade. Some might say the reason for this is that more adults are watching French movies and drinking French wines. But I think it’s simply because speaking French is a true asset in an increasingly global economy, particularly when the language is spoken in over 50 countries.
For a complete list of dual language programs in NYC, click here
Fabrice Jaumont is Education Attaché at Cultural Services of the French Embassy and the founder of the 4,000 member social network New York in French
Picture from the Lycée Français de New York’s website
