Welcome to the
Learning for Life
FrenchAm Academy provides an opportunity for public school choice through our unique, proven successful, dual language immersion program. The Academy offers a challenging academic environment of dual language immersion designed for elementary students to progress in scholastic achievement concurrently in the languages of French and English. The Academy’s educational philosophy of “Learning for Life” means an emphasis not only superior academic achievement but also the development of character, respect for oneself and the value of others, and the appreciation of learning.
A tuition-free, public charter school for Kindergarten to 5th Grade, FrenchAm Academy is for:
- Students seeking a full, dual-language immersion program
- Students seeking a French-English dual language program
- Students seeking a more rigorous, traditional, teacher-led program than their local school provides
Our full, dual language immersion program allows your child to complete Elementary school in both English and French at the same time. The fast pace is perfect for students who appreciate a challenge, Francophone students wishing to continue their studies in their native language, or families who want their children to leave Elementary school able to read, speak, write, and understand two top international languages.
FrenchAm students regularly outscore their peers in Arizona and France on standardized tests – and they do it having only half the amount of instructional time in each language.
BEYOND THE BOOKS
Students at FrenchAm Academy learn not only logical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, they also develop character, respect, and appreciation for learning through a comprehensive, rigorous curriculum designed around universal themes to engage and inspire the whole child.
Art, Music, and PE are weekly activities in our programs for full childhood development. In addition, in accordance with Arizona statues, we provide 3 recess periods per day to balance learning and play and allow our students to further develop their social and emotional skills.
We offer several fee-based programs in addition to our FrenchAm Academy academic programs.
- Friday Care program for families needing care when our school is closed. Friday Care provides structured fun activities, extra study time, and social play time.
- French and English Tutoring
- French Camps
Other FrenchAm Schools hosted events include:
- Fun theme days
- Family Potluck Breakfasts and Dinners
- Fundraising Activities
- Shows and Student Performances
Curriculum At A Glance
Students at FrenchAm Academy progress through their core academic subjects simultaneously in both French and English using curriculum selected to meet the French National Ministry of Education standards and the State of Arizona education standards.
Language Arts & Mathematics
Our Literacy and Math curriculum features:
- English language textbooks published by McGraw-Hill
- Taoki and Mots en Herbe French Elementary literacy textbooks and workbooks
- Singapore Math offered in French and English programs
Art, Music, and PE
We believe Art, Music, and PE are fundamental to providing a balanced learning curriculum for our students. Each week, our students engage in Art, Music, and PE through various forms and mediums.
Sciences & Information Technology
Scientific inquiry is the focus of FrenchAm Academy’s Science curriculum. This Science curriculum in English or French supports topics introduced in the Questioning the World curriculum used in Social Studies. It incorporates universal themes and a variety of materials supporting a problem-solving approach and continual development of curiosity.
History, Geography, Social Studies, Civics
Questioning the World (Questionner le Monde) is the focus of FrenchAm Academy’s Social Studies curriculum. The curriculum includes the universal themes, and students are able to express creativity through project-based assignments in addition to teacher-led instruction. The Questioning the World/Questionner le Monde focus is used in both the English and French-taught classes.
"Non Scholae Sed Vitae Discimus"
Nous n'apprenons pas que pour l'école mais pour la vie!
We Learn Not for School, but for Life!
Learning & Character
FrenchAm Academy students are taught to develop critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills that will benefit them through all of school and life. Character development is a cornerstone of FrenchAm Academy's Learning for Life philosophy. Students here learn to respect themselves and one another and develop understanding and appreciation of their community, country, and our world.
Admissions & Enrollment
You are welcome to apply for enrollment at FrenchAm Academy at any time. As needed, we maintain a wait list that is managed first come, first serve in accordance with applicable statutes.
All applicants are required to complete a placement test which is used to ensure correct grade level placement. Placement tests are not used to deny entry to FrenchAm Academy.
Complete and submit your application via our online form. Once the application is confirmed, we will schedule a placement test.
Complete and submit your application via our online form. Once the application is confirmed, we will schedule a placement test.
Academics At A Glance
Academic Calendar
FrenchAm Academy operates a 10-month academic calendar from August to May.
We provide week-long Fall and Spring Breaks along with two weeks for Winter Break.
School typically begins at the beginning of August and concludes in May before Memorial Day.
Bell Schedule
FrenchAm Academy operates Monday to Thursday from 8am to 4pm.
Drop off is 7:30am to 7:55am. Students must be in their respective classrooms by 8:00am to be considered on time.
The school day concludes at 4pm. Students are expected to be picked up at 4pm.
Age / Language / Proficiency Requirements
We offer programs for Kindergarten through Grade 5 (Age 5 to Age 11).
All applicants must complete a placement test used to ensure the student is placed into the correct academic classroom. The placement test is not used to deny enrollment.
While knowledge of the French language is not required in Grades K or 1, proficiency is expected beginning with Grade 2.
Special Education
FrenchAm Academy offers a Free and Appropriate Public Education to students with disabilities, who are currently eligible or are determined eligible to receive special education services and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
FrenchAm Academy complies with all aspects of federal and state civil rights and disability laws and are committed to ensuring that all students who are eligible for special education and related services who attend FrenchAm Academy receive these services.
FrenchAm Academy ensures that each child suspected of having a disability and in need of special education and related services will be timely located, identified, and evaluated pursuant to the IDEA.
If you believe your student has a disability and requires specialized instruction, or for more information about special education services at FrenchAm Academy, please contact our Chief Education Officer, Corinne Arnout: CEO@frencham.org
Average Teacher Salary
(A. R. S. §15-189.05)
- Average salary of all teachers employed in budget year 2022: $27,085
- Average salary of all teachers employed in prior year 2021: $26,407
- Increase in average teacher salary from the prior year 2021: $678
- Percentage increase: 2.6%
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2031 N Arizona Avenue, Ste 2. Chandler, AZ 85225
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The FrenchAm Schools admit students and employees of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students or employees at the school. FrenchAm Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity in administration of its educational policies, admissions or hiring policies, and athletic or other school-administered programs.