Columbia’s Dual Language School

Cultivating independent, respectful, and creative problem-solvers through our unique
applications of the Dual-Language Immersion and Montessori methods since 2005.

We offer core programs for children ages 18 months through age 12 that feature:

 
View fullsize At La Petite Ecole we love building creativity into our curriculum and play time! Our teachers and assistants spend quality time with each student to encourage them to explore their imaginations. We love seeing our students "build" creativi
View fullsize We had a great time at our Yearbook Signing this weekend! We love providing opportunities for our families to get together outside of school in order to build a stronger community. It's awesome to see how happy the children are to see each other :) #
View fullsize We're having a great summer at La Petite Ecole! This week we explored the ocean! We made sensory bottles, constructed edible boats, and went on a treasure hunt! #lapetiteecolecomo #lapetiteecole #frenchimmersion #frenchimmersionschool #summerschool #
View fullsize Can you believe it's already May?? Do you have plans for your kids this summer yet? Sign them up for a great experience at La Petite Ecole! Here, they will have the chance to make new friends, explore different topics and learn a new language! Che
View fullsize Spring has sprung at La Petite Ecole! We used our creativity to make spring-inspired art projects. We had fun with science learning about the parts of a flower and the life cycle of a caterpillar/butterfly. #scienceasart #springinspiredart #lapetit
View fullsize Taking advantage of the beautiful day to talk about what birds use to make their nests. At La Petite Ecole we only need to step outside to be surrounded by trees and nature. The kids were very proud to help create "grab bags" of nesting m
 

Small class sizes

Excellent teacher to student ratios

Individualized instruction 

Emphasis on positive social interactions 

Curriculum founded in creativity

French and English Dual-Language Immersion

Now, what is Dual-Language Immersion, and why do we use this method at La Petite Ecole?

In our language immersion model, we introduce children to a second language as an intrinsic part of their environment. Students learn academic content in both English and the target language, French, without the use of simultaneous translation.

Our teachers speak to our children in French during French class and in English during English class. We do not translate words for children, but rather teach the children to think in the target language with the aid of routines, sign language, and imagery. 

According to the latest research, we know the language center in the brain undergoes the greatest development in the first years of life. If a child is casually exposed to a second language at a young age, they will learn to speak both languages, with the accent they hear around them, and will easily switch between the languages learned. Most importantly, the children will learn to think in the target language as opposed to translating in their head.

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What the Research Says About Immersion?
What the Research Says About Immersion?

Through our unique program, your preschooler or elementary student will not only become fluent in French, they will be able to speak with a native accent, which is next to impossible to achieve when learning a foreign language at a later age.

Click here to read more about the benefits of language immersion

Although language fluency is a bonus,
the real results we seek in our students are:

 

  • Broadened cultural awareness

  • Higher cognitive function at an earlier age 

  • Better problem-solving abilities

  • Improved neurological development

 

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