Parent's Review of French International School of Philadelphia in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania

What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)

French International School of Philadelphia

In what town or city is this school located?

Bala Cynwyd

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

French International

What grade levels are represented at this school?

pre-K3 through 8th grades

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

some by bus, some by car

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

Facilities: large field for soccer, 2 playgrounds, computer center, French library, adjacent to American public library, multi-purpose room with a stage, hot lunch program for those who desire it, annual science fair.

Extra-curricular activities: after-school study hall and/or child care available; early morning child care available; after school classes in such subjects as drama, soccer, chess, German, gymnastics, plastic arts. Early morning classes in music/chorale. Ongoing relationship with and field trips at the Barnes Foundation (art) (among many other types of field trips throughout the year).

Three-week summer camp in French every July (open to the regular students and to non-students, ages 4-9).

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

My daughter has not had repatriation issues, but there are many children in the school who do have international lifestyles. The school is accredited in both the American and French systems, so repatriation to France is facilitated. There are special language-support sessions during the school day for children who need extra help with their French OR English skills. The after-school study hall is also available for children who need help with homework.

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

There is a very active parent organization which does fund raising activities (notably a fun Wine Tasting and Silent Auction each year), service activities (a half-day of community service projects with the children each year on Martin Luther King Day), and combination events (for example, an elaborate Halloween Fair, which is both very social and a fund raiser). The parents also have monthly coffee get-togethers in different homes, and the Parent Association meets in the evening several times a year. Parents are also encouraged to do presentations to the children on areas of their expertise, whether that be foreign cooking styles, music, art, how holidays are celebrated in different countries or religions, etc.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

It's a fantastic school!