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French Immersion and Multilingualism

In case you were wondering...No, learning French will NOT negatively impact your child’s English language skills- au contraire- their vocabulary will be expanded and enriched with a certain flair of “je ne sais quoi!” 

Multilingualism: Researchers agree learning several languages develops better cognitive skills, including enhanced creativity, adaptability, analytical skills, and multi-tasking abilities. 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. Also, attending class in a diverse cultural and socioeconomic environment positively affects relationships, attitudes, and behaviors. Students gain an understanding of and appreciation for other cultures.

Language Immersion: Our world has changed dramatically and is rapidly moving closer towards becoming fully interconnected. Children will require new ways of thinking, strong language skills, and an open mind to succeed. Learning another language is a step towards joining the global community. Today, more than half of the world’s population is bilingual, making mastering a second language an increasingly important way of interacting with the world.  Many bilingual students show not only the capacity but the desire to learn a third language. In addition to being a valuable résumé builder and competitive edge in the academic and professional markets, recent research demonstrates that bilingualism may also improve early brain development and the ability to focus in distracting environments, decide between competing alternatives, and disregard irrelevant information.

Why choose French immersion for my child?

1. Being bilingual opens one more door for their future well-being and gives them a lifelong ability to communicate with French-speaking people worldwide.
2. Learning French increases their appreciation of other languages and cultures as well as their own.
3. Being bilingual is a real asset that increases job opportunities.
4. It helps them learn other languages.
5. It gives them a more global view of the world.
6. It enriches travel experiences, especially in the 53 countries where French is spoken.
7. It enhances their creativity and problem-solving ability.
8. It has a positive impact on their intellectual growth and cognitive development.
9. It helps them become more flexible thinkers with superior listening skills.
10. Learning a second language has a positive effect on learning your first language skills. In other words, learning French improves your English language skills. By the end of the elementary school years, students in immersion often outperform those in a monolingual program on literacy tests.
11. French Immersion students meet or exceed English program students’ performance in mathematics.
12. Students in French Immersion have higher self-esteem, better social skills, and more open-minded, empathetic individuals.

Mission Statement

L’Ecole Française du Maine offers an educational experience entirely in French, instilling in our students a constant curiosity towards foreign languages and the world’s diverse cultures. We believe that through play, actions, and the search for independence, each child discovers his/her unique path to learning and obtains the necessary tools for development. The children are encouraged to express themselves freely in French and through various art forms, boosting their confidence and knowledge. Through this commitment to language and culture, we’re able to provide a diverse, mind-opening educational experience in an atmosphere of understanding and discovery.