30 Years of LFC: Through the Eyes of Teachers

As the Lycée Français de Chicago (LFC) marks its 30th anniversary, we invite you on a journey through time, recounted through the voices of the teachers who have been its heart and soul. Their stories trace a remarkable evolution, from a bold experiment in an old building to a dynamic international campus, all while nurturing a steadfast sense of community.

The Starting Line: Bittersweet & the Blue Door

LFC began its journey at the Bittersweet campus, near North Irving Park Road and North Lake Shore Drive, a place teachers recall for its unique blend of grand ambition and intimate charm.

Beatrice Neveu (1995), a maternelle teacher and founding staff member, remembers, "There was the feeling of embarking on something extraordinary, the creation of a school! But not just any school—a French school, and in Chicago at that." Pre-elementary teaching assistant and founding staffer, Diénéba Soma (1995) describes it as a "small, close-knit village. Everyone knew each other, and there was a genuine family spirit that made coming to work every day a joy."

Nathalie Meyfren Rado (2001), a primary school French as a second language teacher, vividly recalls the "blue door of 613 West Bittersweet," leading to a classroom that was once a kitchen. She notes that "of the six windows in my classroom, only one creaked open, and air conditioning couldn't be installed," illustrating the era's quaint resourcefulness.

This atmosphere immediately welcomed newcomers. Primary reading specialist Shannon Ryan (1998) encapsulates the feeling: "When I think back on those years, it truly felt like a family. We were all taking a risk on this little start-up school... and it was incredible!" Middle school history and geography teacher Linwood Donovan (2014) also noted the powerful, immediate warmth: "The first person I met was Nancy Kabengele. Something about her quiet warmth immediately made me feel welcomed…"

Teachers fondly recall the school's simpler, low-tech beginnings. Stéphane Martin (2006) describes when "most communication was still done on paper," from correspondence notebooks to hand-cut absence slips. Fellow elementary teacher Alexandra Mignet (2013) shares a similar memory of the era's quirks, recalling the "humor" of how running the projector and air conditioning at once "lost all the electricity!"

The Midpoint: Ambition, Identity, and the Big Move

The years leading up to 2015 were defined by a surge in enrollment and ambition that ultimately necessitated the new campus, solidifying LFC's identity and drive for excellence.

The Flames athletic program, born from sheer willpower and community passion, became a vibrant symbol of this spirit. Athletic Director Philippe Audasso (2006) shares an unforgettable anecdote from the early, volunteer-driven years: "During an away game in Evanston... my car broke down... We all got out of the car, pushed it through the snow... and continued our route by CTA bus... We still won the game!" For Audasso, this moment underscores the resilience and resourcefulness that have helped fuel the LFC’s success.

The move to the current, purpose-built campus in 2015 was the culmination of this growth and ambition. It brought infrastructure that matched the school’s aspirations. Maternelle English teacher Rob Rauch (2006) compared today's robust administrative team to the "one person who used to do the accounting, helped in admissions, payroll, and HR.”

Nathalie Meyfren Rado (2001) describes the opening of the new campus as "very special," highlighting the joy of discovering "our new school... The new gym, the immense playground, and then the soccer field enchanted us." Instructional technology specialist Kevin Nouvel (2013) agrees, noting the dramatic improvement from "the muddy courtyard of the old building... to the current, spacious areas."

The Horizon: Global Mindset, Lasting Connections

Today, LFC stands as a beacon of international education, prioritizing academic innovation, specialized support, and cultivating curious individuals.

The expansion of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program stands out as a defining moment. Both Neveu and secondary school technology and physics teacher Cécile Carrie (2014) noted a progressive shift toward a more international focus, with Neveu noting, "Today, our French Lycée has become more international, even if we remain attached to our unique teaching."

The school has evolved into a "technological learning hub." Maternelle teacher Christelle Vieillard (2001) explains the shift: "The school is no longer solely the place of knowledge; it is also the place of creation, connection, and differentiation." Mandarin and U.S. Math teacher Ling Bai (2015) confirms this, noting the school has moved from a "very academic focus" to one that is "much more lively and dynamic" with programs like STEAM and international trips.

This focus on student development has been championed by specialized staff. Secondary School Learning Specialist Meg Folker (2010) highlights the school's commitment: "The Student Services Department has now grown so that there is a primary school team and a secondary school team... to make sure each student is being met where they are." Elementary English teacher Hadley Smillie (2004) credits the "best of both worlds" approach, noting the positive changes in "bilingual projects like STEAM... and the emphasis on social emotional development approaches."

In the end, while buildings and programs change, the fundamental spirit of LFC endures. As high school art teacher Laurence Lignel (2019) puts it, "What characterized the LFC for me was this strong notion of community... all united around the same values. Embracing a secular, positive, and inclusive educational philosophy." Thirty years on, this unwavering commitment remains the enduring legacy.

Do you have a memory you’d like to share? Share a favorite LFC moment to help us celebrate our 30th anniversary.