Researchers agree that dual-language learners develop better cognitive skills and display a greater capacity for creativity, adaptability, analytical skills and multi-tasking. These abilities help explain why these students typically score better in verbal intelligence, conceptualization and global thinking, and more easily discover creative solutions to problems. In addition, attending class in a diverse cultural and socioeconomic background positively affects relationships, attitudes and behaviors. Students gain an understanding of and appreciation for other cultures.

How we maximize the multilingual learning experience:

FACT: Success in school depends upon the child's command of cognitive/academic language, which is very different from the social language used at home or acquired through traditional language courses:

• The Lycée provides a French immersion program, where the language is taught through oral training, books, music, poetry, math and science, as well as day-to-day cultural/social exposure and exchanges.

FACT: Competence in a first language facilitates the development of second language in literacy and academic language skills. The best predictor of proficiency in another language is proficiency in the native language. The native language should therefore be nurtured:

• We encourage development of the mother tongue to promote cognitive development and as a basis for learning the second language.
• Our curriculum develops reading and writing skills in English for native English speakers as early as kindergarten.
• Parents should always speak their native language with their bilingual or multilingual child.

FACT: Children who master multiple languages develop learning strategies that help them when learning additional languages.

• Our students have the opportunity to learn Spanish and German after 7th grade, when their command of the French and English languages is strong.

FACT: Children learn an additonal language in different ways depending upon their culture and their individual personality.

• With small class sizes and a special focus on wellbeing, our students receive personal attention.
• Students are regularly tested and evaluated in both languages to assess progress and to detect possible learning challenges.
• We provide tutoring and remedial classes in both languages for those who seek or can be helped with additional support.
• It is not necessary for the parents to speak French for their child to become fluent in French.

FACT: The development of cognitive/academic language requires time––4 to 7 years of formal instruction until complete fluency.

• To reap the maximum benefits of this dual-language, dual-culture experience, schooling at the Lycée should be intended/seen as a long-term experience.
• Parents' understanding of the challenges and benefits of dual-language education is essential.

FACT: Students fluent in multiple languages consistently outperform their peers on standard language and academic achievement tests.

• The success of our students exemplifies this academic achievement: They are routinely accepted by some of the most prestigious universities in North America and Europe.

How Non-French-Speaking Families Can Support French Language Acquisition

Parents do not need to speak French for their children to progress at the Lycée. However, they can encourage the use of French outside of school and support the learning process by:

• Subscribing to French children's magazines––our librarian helps select age-appropriate publications
• Starting in 1st grade, encouraging children to regularly visit the library and check out French books to read at home
• Buying, renting or borrowing French videos, CD-Roms or music CDs
• Subscribing to a TV network that offers TV5, the international francophone TV station
• Using French-speaking babysitters
• Hosting French-speaking high school students from the Lycée
• Participating with their children in French cultural activities
• Organizing play dates with French-speaking families of the Lycée
• Having older children develop pen-pal relationships with francophone children
• Taking trips to French-speaking countries
• Sending their children to French summer camp

For more information, visit our Library and/or our External Resources pages.