Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Immersion?
Language Immersion is an approach to foreign language instruction in which the usual day-to-day teaching is done in a foreign language. The teachers at La Petite Ecole almost always speak to the children in French. This more closely mimics the way in which young children learn their first language and feels natural to them.
Why learn a language through immersion?
Research consistently shows that learning a language through immersion is very successful. Through immersion, children acquire native-like accents and learn to think in the target language as opposed to translating in their head. This research has prompted a shift away from teaching language in isolation and toward integrating language and content. Immersion is more effective at any age!
What is unique about La Petite Ecole?
At La Petite Ecole, we not only teach in French, but also foster the development of children in all areas. We strongly support teaching responsibility for ones learning, behavior, and actions. We help children become independent (getting dressed, cleaning up after themselves, asking for help when they need it, etc...) The children, the teachers, and the families of La Petite Ecole all have a sense of community. Teachers and Students genuinely love and respect each other.
Instruction at La Petite Ecole is highly individualized. Oftentimes, there are two or three adults working with 10-12 children. The head teachers and their assistants are native speakers of French. College students who minor or major in French serve as additional teachers.
What is similar to other comparable educational programs?
The children at La Petite Ecole learn typical school expectations and concepts. Literacy, field trips, circle time, play time, snack, ... are all aspects of the program.
How will my child transition to other educational programs?
It is a little known fact that Kindergarten is not mandatory in the State of Missouri. Children can enter the first grade regardless of previous education. However, La Petite Ecole alumni have easily transitioned to both public and private institutions. In fact, it is reported that they often outperform their peers.
Do I need to be able to speak French in order for my child to enroll?
No, you do not. Young children learn to discriminate between languages and their speakers (or non-speakers) very early on. A bilingual child as young as two will only address a speaker of one language in that language. However, you might seize this opportunity to brush up on your high school French or begin learning it yourself.
Shouldn’t my child learn Spanish instead of French?
Fluency in a second language is not the main goal of an early immersion program! Most importantly, children who are given this opportunity at an early age develop neurological pathways that are unique to this experience. In a way, they become “smarter”. The added bonus of speaking another language is icing on the cake. This said...
Although Spanish is widely spoken in the U.S. today, there are some great advantages to learning French. Some of which are:
* Unlike Spanish, Modern English is a direct descendant of French; after the battle of Hastings, in 1066, French was the language spoken in the English Court for several generations. A blending of French and English ensued. As your child progresses in his education, knowing the meaning of some common French words will shed some light on some obscure English terms. Is that an advantage on standardized tests?
* French is spoken on all continents of the planet!
* French is beautiful!
Will you be offering Spanish in the future?
Perhaps we will. As the school grows and gains support in the community, so will the variety of its programs.
What happens when my child leaves the school?
Aside from the development of the brain in ways that would have been impossible without learning another language (which allow a child to think abstractly sooner and more effectively), how do you maintain the language skills acquired, per se?
At La Petite Ecole, we continue to foster our alumni’s language skills by offering a weekly class at school. Children come to L.P.E. after their school day is done to practice singing, speaking, reading, and writing in French.
Also, the Concordia Languge Villages in Minnesota is a state of the art summer camps for children as young as 6. In a camp like setting, villagers are immersed in the language of their choice. There are currently 15 world languages taught. The director of L.P.E. is also involved in this program and would gladly discuss this with you.
Will my child be confused if he/she learns another language?
Research shows that the best method of learning a second (or even a third) language is by consistently having the same person speak to the child in the same language. If the speaker is not a native language, he/she could speak the Target Language in a specific context. For example, an American parent who speaks French can choose to speak that language at bath time. When this first method is used at home, it is referred to as the “one-parent one-language” method. Since French is used almost exclusively at school, the children are used to hearing and speaking French in this setting. Thus, it comes naturally to them. Unlike adults, children are not put off or stressed out about this at all. They can easily compartmentalize the different languages. There may be, however, a period of transition where English words are used in a French context. That’s French with a “twist”!
Would you enroll students either 2 or 3 days a week?
Aside from the children enrolled in the Toddler Program, the answer is No. Although we understand that not attending school daily could be suitable for some families, it is necessary that the children hear the second language daily in order for immersion to work. Furthermore, children adjust more easily to “going to school” if this is a daily experience.
Will my child forget the French once he/she is out of school?
Research shows that it will be much easier for him or her to continue learning French in the future. Furthermore, acquiring a third or fourth language will be greatly facilitated. Also, the long lasting effects of the newly developed neurological pathways will help your child learn in all other academic areas. This is the greatest benefit of early immersion!
Will La Petite Ecole offer an elementary program?
It is likely that La Petite Ecole will expand in the early elementary levels in the future.
We welcome any additional questions you may have. Please submit these via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it