The École: A Bilingual French-American Preschool in Manhattan

Located in New York City's Flatiron District, The École is an independent French-American school welcoming children from age two into a bilingual learning environment that combines the best of French and American early childhood education.

At The École, bilingualism begins with the youngest learners. From Pre-Nursery through Kindergarten, children are immersed in French and English throughout their school day, developing language skills naturally through play, exploration, stories, music, movement, and hands-on activities.

The school's approach brings together the structured foundations of the French curriculum with the creativity and inquiry-based learning characteristic of American early childhood education. Children are encouraged to ask questions, explore their surroundings, express themselves, and develop the confidence and independence that will support them throughout their education.

With qualified, native-speaking French and English teachers, small classes, and a close-knit international community, The École provides an environment in which children can develop academically, socially, and emotionally while becoming comfortable communicating in two languages.

A Bilingual Education Beginning at Age Two
The École's Maternelle welcomes children from Pre-Nursery through Kindergarten, offering a carefully structured progression that supports each stage of early childhood development.

In Pre-Nursery, children as young as two take their first steps into school life in a nurturing and stimulating environment. With a maximum of 12 children, two qualified teachers—one native French speaker and one native English speaker—and a dedicated classroom assistant, the program provides individualized attention during this important transition.

Daily activities are designed to encourage language development, social interaction, fine and gross motor skills, creativity, and independence. Through imaginative play, art, music, storytelling, and exploration, children build the foundations for learning in both French and English.

As children progress through Nursery, Pre-K, and Kindergarten, their learning becomes increasingly structured while remaining rooted in discovery and hands-on experiences. They develop early literacy and numeracy skills in both languages, alongside scientific curiosity, artistic expression, and an understanding of the world around them.

Throughout Maternelle, the French and American teaching teams work together to ensure that children benefit from both educational traditions, developing the skills and confidence to move successfully into Elementary School.

Small Classes, Individual Attention, and an International Community
The École's approach to early childhood education recognizes that children develop at different rates and bring their own interests, experiences, and abilities to the classroom.

Small class sizes allow teachers to observe each child's progress closely and adapt activities to individual needs. The emphasis is on building strong foundations while preserving the curiosity, imagination, and enjoyment of learning that characterize early childhood.

Families also become part of a diverse international school community, where children encounter different languages, traditions, and perspectives from their earliest years.

The school's Maternelle Building, located at 206 Fifth Avenue, provides a dedicated setting for its youngest students, with classrooms and learning spaces designed around their developmental needs.

A Bilingual Journey That Continues Beyond Preschool
One of the advantages of beginning at The École is the opportunity to continue a French-American bilingual education beyond the preschool years.

After Kindergarten, students can progress through Elementary and Middle School, following a curriculum that combines French and American academic standards and develops genuine bilingualism and biliteracy.

The École is fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education from Maternelle through Middle School and belongs to the AEFE network of French schools worldwide. Its accreditation was renewed in 2026 for a further five years.

As students grow, they benefit from increasingly broad academic and enrichment opportunities, while remaining part of the same international school community.

At the end of 8th Grade, graduates pursue a variety of high-school pathways, including leading independent, public, specialized, international, and bilingual schools. An optional partnership with Léman Manhattan Preparatory School also provides a route toward a bilingual International Baccalaureate Diploma.

For families considering preschool, The École therefore offers both a strong foundation in early childhood education and the possibility of a continuous bilingual learning journey through Middle School.

Discover The École's Maternelle
Families interested in learning more about The École's preschool program are invited to attend an in-person Open House.

These visits offer an opportunity to explore the Maternelle Building, meet members of the teaching and leadership teams, and learn how the school's French-American approach works in practice.

For families living abroad or unable to attend in person, remote visits can also be arranged by contacting admissions@theecole.org.

Discover The École in video

theEcole.org

Maternelle Building
206 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10010

Elementary & Middle School Building
115 East 22nd Street
New York, NY 10010