French American School of Puget Sound - Mercer Island vs Les Lilas French Bilingual Community School

	F French American School of Puget Sound - Mercer Island Seattle, United States	L Les Lilas French Bilingual Community School Seattle, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $0 - 43,850	Fees / year $16,100 - 31,900
Age range	Age range 3 - 15 years	Age range 3 - 11 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum	Curriculum French Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 445	Pupils 100
Typical class size	Typical class size 6	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language French, English	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened 1995	Opened 2015
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location FASPS operates two current campuses in the Puget Sound region: Mercer Island campus (Preschool through Grade 8) at 3795 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040, just off I-90 next to the Stroum Jewish Community Center; Seattle – Capitol Hill campus (Preschool) at 1823 East Madison Street, Seattle, WA 98122. A North Beacon Hill campus for Upper Elementary and Middle School is planned at 2203 23rd Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98144, coming soon.	Location 14216 132nd Avenue NE, Kirkland, WA 98034. The school is located in the Seattle suburb of Kirkland. The school serves preschool through 5th grade.
Stages	Stages 18 months through Grade 8. Mercer Island campus serves Preschool through Middle School; Seattle – Capitol Hill campus serves Preschool; a future North Beacon Hill campus will serve Upper Elementary and Middle School.	Stages La Maternelle (ages 3–6); L'Élémentaire (ages 6–9); La Grande Élémentaire (ages 9–11); preschool through 5th grade.
School type	School type —	School type Independent, private, French-English bilingual school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Over 60 nationalities represented. 38% of students have one Francophone parent.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support HiCap Program supports highly capable students with flexible learning pathways, enrichment, cross-grade placement, and curriculum acceleration. Formal identification requires an external educational psychologist evaluation, typically including cognitive testing (e.g., WISC-V) and a full-scale IQ above 130.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad) affiliation and Mission Laïque Française (MLF Monde). Member of AFSA (Association of French Schools in North America), and connected with NAIS and NWAIS networks.	Country affiliation Affiliated with AEFE and Mission Laïque Française (MLF Monde).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Regular hours: 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; Extended day: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Bus service details	Bus service details The bus program serves Seattle and the Eastside. Buses run once in the morning, arriving by 8:10 AM, and twice in the afternoon, leaving at 3:50 PM and 5:00 PM. Registration is first-come, first-served for Kindergarten through 8th grade.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - Application fee (per student): USD 110. - Tuition-assistance application processing fee (Clarity): USD 65. Tuition fees by year group (2026–2027 academic year) All amounts shown are annual tuition in USD. Per-term figures below are the annual amount divided into three equal installments (simple 3-term division for reference). Deposit calculations shown are 8% of the annual tuition. - Preschool (Bébé & TYPK only) — 2-day week - Annual tuition: USD 16,500. - Per-term (equal 3-term division): USD 5,500.00. - Enrollment deposit (8%): USD 1,320.00. - Preschool (Bébé & TYPK only) — 3-day week - Annual tuition: USD 23,500. - Per-term (equal 3-term division): USD 7,833.33. - Enrollment deposit (8%): USD 1,880.00. - Preschool / Elementary School (TYPK through Grade 5) - Annual tuition: USD 38,650. - Per-term (equal 3-term division): USD 12,883.33. - Enrollment deposit (8%): USD 3,092.00. - Middle School (Grades 6–8) - Annual tuition: USD 43,850. - Per-term (equal 3-term division): USD 14,616.67. - Enrollment deposit (8%): USD 3,508.00. - Sibling discounts - Third enrolled sibling: USD 3,500 discount. - Fourth sibling and up: USD 5,000 discount. Deposit and refund information - Enrollment deposit: 8% of total tuition. The deposit is non-refundable and is required to secure an enrollment seat. - Other refund terms (for tuition, auxiliary programs, camps, or ancillary fees) are governed by the school's enrollment and program agreements; the 8% enrollment deposit is explicitly non-refundable. Billing schedule and payment terms - Enrollment requires a signed enrollment contract and payment of the enrollment deposit (8% of tuition) by the school's published deadlines for the admission cycle; the school publishes specific deadlines for tuition-assistance and enrollment steps for each admissions cycle. For the 2026–2027 cycle, tuition-assistance application deadlines were published as January 9, 2026 (returning families) and February 27, 2026 (new families). - The school issues tuition and program charges according to the enrollment and billing procedures set in the enrollment contract and billing communications. The enrollment deposit is applied toward the total tuition balance. Other costs and optional program fees - Garderie (before- and after-school care), enrichment classes, middle-school extended-day activities, break camps, and summer camps are offered as auxiliary programs; these programs are available yearlong, session-based, or drop-in and typically carry additional fees separate from base tuition. Pre-registration is required for many auxiliary programs. - Hot lunch service is available to all grades through a partner ordering platform (Ordo); lunch orders and payments are handled through that system and are charged in addition to tuition. - Transportation, clubs, certain enrichment offerings, and some middle-school activities may incur additional charges; these are billed separately according to program sign-up and participation rules. - Uniforms are not listed as a standard, universal charge; any required or optional school-branded items or supplies would be charged separately when applicable. Boarding - The school operates preschool through Grade 8 and does not provide a boarding program; boarding fees are not applicable. Tuition assistance and scholarships - FASPS awards need-based tuition assistance and reports awarding over USD 2 million annually to support roughly 20% of families. Need-based tuition-assistance applications for the 2026–2027 cycle are processed through the Clarity platform; the Clarity application requires a USD 65 fee. French citizens may also be eligible for French government Bourse Scolaire (AEFE) support administered via the French Consulate channels. Fee payment options and processing (application, program, and auxiliary fees) - Application and tuition-assistance application fees are processed online through the school's application and financial-aid platforms (Ravenna for admissions applications and Clarity for financial-aid applications). Hot-lunch orders and payments are processed through Ordo. Specific payment methods accepted for tuition bills and auxiliary program invoices (for example, credit card, ACH/bank transfer, or check) are set out in the school's enrollment and billing communications for each admissions cycle and in program registration materials. Summary (quick reference) - Application fee: USD 110 per student. Tuition-assist application fee: USD 65 (Clarity). - Annual tuition (2026–2027): Preschool 2-day USD 16,500; Preschool 3-day USD 23,500; Preschool/Elementary USD 38,650; Middle School USD 43,850. Deposit = 8% of tuition (non-refundable). Sibling discounts: USD 3,500 (3rd), USD 5,000 (4th+).	Fee details Application and non‑refundable fees - Application Fee (new & returning students): USD $100, due January 31, 2026. - Enrollment deposit to secure a spot: 10% of the annual tuition, due March 1, 2026 (listed as a non‑refundable deposit). - New Family Fee (one‑time): USD $1,500, due June 30, 2026. - Learning Journey / Snack Fee (annual): USD $600, due August 1, 2026. Tuition fees by program (annual and monthly amounts) - La Maternelle (ages 3–6) — Half Day (8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.): Annual USD $15,500; Monthly USD $1,550. - La Maternelle (ages 3–6) — School Day (8:00 a.m.–3:15 p.m.): Annual USD $21,500; Monthly USD $2,150. - La Maternelle (ages 3–6) — Dawn‑to‑Dusk (7:45 a.m.–6:00 p.m.): Annual USD $27,000; Monthly USD $2,700. - L'Élémentaire (ages 6–9) — School Day (8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.): Annual USD $21,900; Monthly USD $2,190. - L'Élémentaire (ages 6–9) — Dawn‑to‑Dusk (7:45 a.m.–6:00 p.m.): Annual USD $27,400; Monthly USD $2,740. - La Grande Élémentaire (ages 9–11) — School Day (8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.): Annual USD $22,300; Monthly USD $2,230. - La Grande Élémentaire (ages 9–11) — Dawn‑to‑Dusk (7:45 a.m.–6:00 p.m.): Annual USD $27,800; Monthly USD $2,780. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment timing options: Yearly payment (due July 1, 2026) or Monthly — 9 equal payments (September 1, 2026 through June 1, 2027; March 2027 is prepaid with the deposit). - A deposit equal to 10% of annual tuition is required to secure enrollment (deposit due March 1, 2026). - Tuition is due on the first of each month when on the monthly plan. A late fee of 15% of the delinquent balance is assessed after the 5th day of the month. If tuition and fees remain unpaid within seven school days, attendance will be suspended until payment is current. Returned payments incur a USD $35 service charge. - Garderie, Découverte (enrichment), and camps are enrolled and billed separately from tuition. Boarding fees - Not applicable. Les Lilas is a day school serving preschool through grade 5 and does not offer boarding facilities. Other costs and recurring fees - Garderie daily drop‑in (3:00–6:00 p.m.): USD $20 per hour. - Early drop‑off (before 8:00 a.m.): USD $7 for every 5 minutes. - Découverte (after‑school 1‑hour enrichment) — Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions (8 classes / session): USD $280 per session. - Garderie on Parent/Teacher Collaboration Days (12:30 to child's regular dismissal time, preregistration required): USD $60 per day. - Fall & Spring Break Camps (9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.): USD $450 per week for students; USD $500 per week for non‑students. - Mid‑Winter Break Camp (9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.): USD $180 for 2 days. - School Break Camps aftercare (3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.): USD $225 per week. - Summer Camp (seasonal program): USD $465 per week. Refunds and cancellation - All tuition payments are non‑refundable, including in cases of unanticipated school closures. There is explicitly no refund for dawn‑to‑dusk tuition in cases of unanticipated closures (for example, stay‑at‑home orders or inclement weather). Non‑refundable fees (application, deposit, new family fee, learning journey/snack fee) are identified and have specified due dates. Discounts and special billing notes - A sibling tuition discount of 10% applies to the second student (the student with the lower tuition). Families may choose to donate this discount back to the school as a tax‑deductible annual fund donation. Les Lilas reserves the right to raise tuition and fees each year. Fee payment options (billing formats and timing) - Billing formats: pay the full annual tuition (yearly) or spread tuition over nine equal monthly payments (September–June, with March prepaid by the deposit). Tuition on monthly plans is billed and due on the first of each month. The published schedule does not list specific accepted instruments (credit card, bank transfer/ACH, or check) in the tuition & fees document; for accepted payment instruments or to arrange payment, contact the Les Lilas Business Office at dyana@les-lilas.com or the school main contact at contact@les-lilas.com.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Hot lunches are provided on campus through a partnership with Ordo; the menu changes weekly and accommodates most dietary restrictions.	Food options Hot lunch program offers 4–6 daily menu items and weekly cycle menus, with seasonal changes. Parents order online in advance, and the menu includes vegan and nut-free alternatives with a detailed list of ingredients. Payments are accepted by debit and credit cards.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership FASPS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by a self-selecting Board of Trustees. The Board works with the Head of School (the Board's only employee) to set policies, provide strategic direction, and uphold the school's mission, vision, and values. The school has two campuses: Mercer Island and Seattle – Capitol Hill.	Governance and ownership The school is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is governed by the Les Lilas Board of Directors, which sets the mission and vision, establishes the strategic plan and school policies, and ensures financial stability while supporting and assessing the head of school. Virginie Harroch-Hudry is a co-founder and Head of School.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The FASPS Approach blends the French national education framework with US practices to prepare students for success. Bilingual instruction is integrated across subjects, enabling students to think, learn, and innovate in both French and English. The curriculum follows France's cycles, aligning grade levels with the French system through a Cycle and Grade Conversion Chart. MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessments monitor growth in mathematics, reading, and language usage and provide RIT scores to track progress over time. The school serves students from 18 months through Grade 8 and is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS).	Curriculum details Les Lilas French Bilingual Community School serves preschool through 5th grade in Kirkland, Washington. The program is Montessori-based and French-English bilingual. La Maternelle (ages 3–6) uses mixed-age classrooms with small class sizes and a Montessori curriculum; six hours of English instruction weekly. L'Élémentaire (ages 6–9) is Cycle 2, a mixed-age class (CP/1st through CE2/3rd) with a lead teacher certified in French and Montessori; instruction is in French with immersion, and a portion of math is taught in English, plus a bilingual project one afternoon each week. La Grande Élémentaire (ages 9–11) is Cycle 3 (CM1/4th and CM2/5th) with continued French immersion and Montessori materials, supplemented by technology-enabled projects; English is included along with a bilingual project.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio 7:1 student-to-adult ratio.	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes.
Exam results	Exam results MAP assessments show that FASPS students grow consistently and perform well above national and international averages across grade levels, with particular strength in mathematics and reading. MAP results provide growth data over time to inform instruction.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression FASPS alumni have attended a range of universities, including the University of Washington, Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Columbia University, Georgetown University, and the University of California Berkeley, among others.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented HiCap Program supports highly capable students who demonstrate advanced cognitive abilities, curiosity, and a strong need for academic challenge. Within a bilingual environment, students progress at a pace aligned with their strengths while remaining socially connected and emotionally supported. Formal identification requires external evaluation (e.g., WISC-V) and typically demonstrates a full-scale IQ above 130. The program offers enrichment, cross-grade placement, and curriculum acceleration, including three types of enrichment (Exploratory, Skill-Building, and Research & Innovation) and flexible pathways. Decisions about HiCap services are made collaboratively with families.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning The Counseling Office promotes emotional intelligence and supports the social and emotional growth of students and families. The counseling program includes an advisory child therapist, short-term counseling, parent education workshops, and classroom observations. Grace and Courtesy lessons supplement social-emotional learning.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The Learning Support Office provides one-on-one and small-group differentiated learning; the Learning Specialist helps families understand learning challenges and does not diagnose or assess disabilities. Standardized testing and other assessments may be conducted, with data kept confidential and shared only with relevant staff and families. ABA Therapy services are available with Behavioral Technicians, and there is a Special Education Teacher on staff.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language The school teaches in a French-English bilingual program.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported by the Counseling Office, which promotes emotional intelligence and social-emotional development. Services include short-term counseling, classroom observations, parenting workshops, and the advisory child therapist's support for students and families.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The school does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or disability in admissions and educational policies, programs, and activities.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The French American School of Puget Sound operates two campuses: Mercer Island (Preschool, Elementary, Middle School) and Seattle – Capitol Hill (Preschool Campus), with a North Beacon Hill campus planned for the future. The Mercer Island campus is a two-story building with 30 classrooms, a dedicated library, and versatile outdoor spaces. The Seattle – Capitol Hill campus houses a Preschool program in a building at 18th and E. Madison Street with three classrooms, a cozy library corner, an outdoor play space, and an indoor swing gym shared with the Rosen Family Preschool. The North Beacon Hill campus will feature a state-of-the-art facility to serve up to 240 students in grades 4–8, including modern classrooms, an indoor gym, a gathering space, dedicated art and STEM labs, a library, and an outdoor play area.	Facilities overview The school is an independent, private, French-English bilingual school in Kirkland, Washington, that combines the rigorous French curriculum with Montessori pedagogy. It serves preschool through 5th grade with La Maternelle (ages 3–6), L'Élémentaire (ages 6–9), and La Grande Élémentaire (ages 9–11). La Maternelle emphasizes small class sizes and personalized lessons. Regular school hours are 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., with extended hours from 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. The address is 14216 132nd Avenue NE, Kirkland, WA 98034.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The Athletics Program emphasizes physical wellness and teamwork and competes in leagues such as the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) and the Cascade Middle School League (CMSL). Fall sports include Coed Soccer (K–Grade 8), Cross Country (K–Grade 5), and Coed Volleyball (Grade 6–8); Winter sports include Boys Basketball (Grades 5–8), Girls Basketball (Grades 5–8), and Cheer Squad (Grades 5–8); Spring sports include Track & Field (Grades 5–8) and Soccer (Grades 1–5). The Athletics Department also organizes the Cross Scolaire “Fun Run” in the fall, Middle School Ski Trips in the winter, and the Annual Soccer Picnic in the spring. The Seattle Capitol Hill campus features an indoor swing gym used for athletics and Preschool activities.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Mercer Island houses 30 classrooms and a dedicated library, with versatile outdoor spaces to support learning from 18 months through Grade 8. The Seattle – Capitol Hill Preschool campus offers three classrooms with a cozy library corner, plus an outdoor play space. A North Beacon Hill campus coming soon will include modern classrooms, an indoor gym, dedicated art and STEM labs, a library, and an outdoor play area. The facilities are designed to support learning across the school's age range and program breadth.	Academic facilities Montessori pedagogy and a rigorous French curriculum underpin the academic program. La Maternelle (ages 3–6) focuses on independence, exploration, socialization, and learning with small class sizes. L'Élémentaire (ages 6–9) uses self-correcting materials to foster focus, and La Grande Élémentaire (ages 9–11) emphasizes mastery of the French language.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Clubs & Service offers middle school clubs including Magic: The Gathering, Webradio, Math Club, Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Yearbook, Musical Theater, Cooking, and Science Club. Campus Engagement provides leadership opportunities such as peer mediation, cross-grade mentoring, reading buddies, STEAM Fest teaching, and admissions ambassadors. Community Service activities include collecting for Tutu's Pantry, serving at Cherry Street Food Bank (Northwest Harvest), collecting supplies for a teen homeless shelter, collecting DVDs for Seattle Children's Hospital, writing letters to veterans, environmental restoration projects, and visits to elderly residents. These activities connect students with the broader Seattle area through service and collaboration.	Extra curricular facilities Student Life includes an Enrichment Program, a Summer Camp (2026), and Extended Day.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Founded in fall 1995 by Patricia Blaise-Caves and Véronique Dussud with 13 students in the basement of a Newcastle church, FASPS moved to Newport Hills a year later due to growth. By 1999 enrollment reached 146 and the school relocated to Mercer Island, converting an old fire station near the Stroum Jewish Community Center; Dussud left to start the French Immersion School of Washington. Leadership changes followed, including Christine Knorr (1999–2001) and Yves Rivaud (2001–2003); expansion campaigns funded a one-story building completed in 2004 and a second floor added in 2008 to launch the middle school. Eric Thuau became Head of School in 2010, and the first graduating middle school class followed in 2011. In 2022 FASPS bought a city block on Seattle's North Beacon Hill for a future permanent home (opening 2026–2027) and expanded in 2024 with a dedicated preschool campus in Capitol Hill; today the school serves over 470 students from more than 60 countries.	History Les Lilas opened its doors in September 2015 on the initiative of a French math teacher living in the United States and her business-minded American sister-in-law. Their mission was to create and develop a school adapted to the individual needs of children, based on a pedagogy that allows each child to transcend the pre-established limits of traditional schools and to reach their full potential in school and in life. The school's name embodies three ideas: Les Lilas (Lilac) signifies joy and a desire to learn; French reflects a commitment to the curriculum of the French Ministry of Education; and Bilingual and Community emphasize dual language instruction and parental involvement. The school relocated in 2016 to a larger space at Bridle Trails Mall and opened L'Élémentaire for grades 1–3; in 2017 it received certification from the Department of Children, Youth & Families and, in 2018, nonprofit status and the opening of La Grande Élémentaire for grades 4–5. It was accredited by Mission Laïque Française in 2020, achieved homologation by the French Ministry of Education with AEFE membership in 2023, and in 2024 added a new building for an extra Lower Elementary class along with playground renovations.
Community	Community When your family joins FASPS, you become part of a warm, inclusive community where every member is valued. The FASPS Parent Committee (FPC) strengthens these connections through social events, volunteer opportunities, and initiatives that bring families, faculty, and staff together. The community celebrates monthly parent coffees, the annual Kermesse carnival, and staff appreciation gatherings. It also supports learning by fundraising for the Cultural Agility Fund, which funds field trips, performances, and global experiences, and by coordinating volunteers and grade-level liaisons to support all families.	Community The school emphasizes a community where teachers, parents, and children learn together, and parent involvement is encouraged through volunteering to help teachers with monthly learning journeys (field trips), organizing traditional cultural celebrations, or leading weekly art, science, or sports/fitness workshops. The Calendar of Events features community-building activities such as French Fest, learning journeys like Museum of Illusions, and family-oriented events including Math Week and scheduled DELF assessments. Examples of recent events include a Community Building Event: French Fest and the Elementaires Learning Journey: Museum of Illusions, illustrating ongoing engagement across the student body and families.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The FASPS Parent Committee (FPC) is the school's parent association; it strengthens connections through social events, volunteer opportunities, and initiatives that bring families, faculty, and staff together. It organizes monthly parent coffees, the annual Kermesse carnival, and staff appreciation gatherings. It coordinates volunteers and grade-level liaisons to support all families. It funds the Cultural Agility Fund to support field trips, performances, and global experiences, and coordinates food/clothing drives and partnerships with Mercer Island organizations.	Parent teacher association The Parent Association is the Les Lilas Action Committee (LAC); enrollment automatically makes you a member. The LAC's purpose is to keep the Les Lilas community healthy and rewarding and to mobilize parent resources for the school's support. The Parent Association is led by elected officers. The 2025–2026 committee includes Sara Bidgood as Co-Chair, with a second Co-Chair to be announced (TBD).
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school has middle school clubs that support academic enrichment. Math Club and Science Club promote STEM inquiry and collaboration. Webradio develops digital literacy and communication skills. Yearbook Club and Musical Theater Club also strengthen analytical thinking and teamwork.	Academic & intellectual The school has La Maternelle for ages 3–6 (Preschool, Pre-K and Kindergarten). The program fosters independence, exploration, socialization, and learning, with small class sizes allowing personalized lessons. The school has L'Élémentaire for ages 6–9, where students independently use self-correcting materials in an environment primed to feed their absorbent minds, preparing them to embrace the rigorous French curriculum. The school has La Grande Élémentaire for ages 9–11, building understanding of the larger world and fostering collaboration and problem-solving, with mastery of the French language as a focal point.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school has arts and creative clubs including Musical Theater Club and Cooking Club, which provide opportunities to perform, create, and collaborate. Yearbook Club documents school life and designs layouts, supporting visual storytelling. These activities foster creativity, collaboration, and project-based work.	Arts & creative The school has an Enrichment Program, Discovery, offering non-academic after-school classes led by Les Lilas teachers or outside vendors. Past classes include Yoga, Art, Drama, and Engineering. There is also after-school homework help to support La Grande Élémentaire with French homework.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language The school has Summer Camp 2026, an eight-week French-immersion program offered to Les Lilas and non-Les Lilas students at all French-speaking levels. It runs from June 22 to August 14, with two programs: La Maternelle (for ages 4–6) and L'Élémentaire (rising 1st to 5th graders). The camp is built around weekly themes and rotating activity stations, such as Studio Mode (dress-up), Blocks & Legos (towers, marble runs), Les Médias (music, coding, DJing), La Salle de Jeux (pinball, foosball), La Boulangerie (bread baking), La Grotte des Cartes (card games), Club de Karaoké & Danse (sing and dance), La Salle de Dessin (drawing, painting), La Bibliothèque (reading), and Le Mystère de la Mascotte (hidden mascot).
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The school has clubs that support social interests and hobbies, including Magic: The Gathering, Webradio, Cooking Club, Yearbook, and the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA). The GSA Club offers a space for dialogue and peer support. These clubs promote friendship, creativity, and practical problem-solving outside the classroom.	Social & hobbies The school has Extended Day (Garderie), before and after school care designed to enrich and create exploratory opportunities for students. It exposes students to a variety of disciplines like art, drama, chess, team-building activities, reading, and storytelling, as well as games and puzzles. There are outdoor activities and a healthy snack, and enrollment is flexible from school year to as-needed. Garderie hours are mornings 8:00–8:30 a.m. and afternoons 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Community & service	Community & service The school has community service opportunities that empower students to volunteer beyond the school. Students collect for Tutu's Pantry, serve at Cherry Street Food Bank, collect supplies for a teen homeless shelter, and collect DVDs for Seattle Children's Hospital. They also write letters to veterans, participate in environmental restoration at local parks and beaches, and visit elderly residents in retirement communities.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school has leadership opportunities on campus, including peer mediation, cross-grade mentoring, and reading buddies. They also participate in STEAM Fest teaching and serve as admissions ambassadors. These roles foster leadership, communication, and collaboration.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing All middle school students have the opportunity to participate in after-school athletics in Fall, Winter, and Spring (Soccer, Cross Country; Basketball, Volleyball; Track & Field). After-school options include clubs, bilingual study workshops, and indoor/outdoor activities that support wellbeing. Athletics foster physical health, teamwork, and resilience.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Extended Day supports well-being through outdoor activities and a healthy snack. The program offers before- and after-school care with safe, fun, and flexible childcare solutions. Garderie hours are mornings 8:00–8:30 a.m. and afternoons 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision French and English are the languages of instruction. An immersive bilingual program begins at 18 months, and many students develop age-appropriate fluency in French by the end of Kindergarten. The program supports dual-language proficiency across core subjects, with FAST providing structured pathways toward full bilingual participation. Students learn across subjects such as math, science, and history in both languages.	Language provision French is the primary language of instruction. English is taught as part of the bilingual program, with six hours of English per week in La Maternelle. English is integrated into other subjects in Cycle 2, with a portion of math taught in English and bilingual projects co-taught by the French and English teachers. The program serves students from preschool through 5th grade.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school offers a bilingual program in French and English for students from 18 months through Grade 8. Bilingual learning is integrated across subjects such as math, science, and history, enabling students to think and learn in both languages. The program blends the French national education framework with US practices to support bilingual development and global citizenship. Students develop age-appropriate fluency in both languages across the curriculum.	Bilingual teaching The school offers a bilingual French-English immersion program. In each class, there are two educators—one French-speaking and one English-speaking—both trained and qualified in the Montessori pedagogy. The program uses Montessori mixed-age classrooms to support language development and social growth. The school serves children from preschool through 5th grade.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs FAST Track (French Accelerated Scholars Track) is a program for students with little or no prior French who join the bilingual system. It provides intensive, personalized language acquisition in two phases, with initial focus on oral comprehension, foundational literacy, and academic vocabulary in French while students continue English coursework; later phases bring more regular French classes with ongoing support. By the end of the program, students become confident bilingual learners who participate fully in the French-American curriculum. Preschool and Kindergarten offer an immersive bilingual environment beginning at 18 months, with many students developing fluency in French and English by Kindergarten.	Immersion programs The bilingual immersion program integrates French and English instruction throughout the curriculum. It uses the Montessori method and mixed-age classrooms to support language development. In La Maternelle, the bulk of instruction is in French with six hours of English lessons each week. In L'Élémentaire, a portion of the math program is taught in English, and a bilingual project is led weekly by the French and English teachers.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations The school is accredited by the French Ministry of National Education and by the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS).	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The school offers a harmonized bilingual program from TYPK (18 months) through Grade 8, combining French and American curricula to develop proficiency in both languages. Learn about FASPS by signing up for an in-person tour or registering for open houses through the Ravenna application portal. Preschool and kindergarten applicants can attend Discovery Morning on a Saturday in March, while elementary and middle school applicants experience a Class Visit Day scheduled by the Director of Enrollment Management. A 15‑minute Book a Call with the admissions team is available to answer questions.	Admissions —
Scholarships	Scholarships The school awards over $2 million in tuition assistance each year, supporting about 20% of families. The program is based on demonstrated financial need and the availability of funds, with the Clarity Financial Aid system used to determine a family's level of need based on assets, income, expenses, and debts (the application is mobile-friendly). French citizens may be eligible for Bourses Scolaires through the French Consulate in San Francisco, and families may also apply for tuition assistance with FASPS; the Bourse Scolaire application is submitted online through Scolaide, a portal managed by AEFE, with information on creating a profile available from the Director of Enrollment Management. A list of supporting documents can be found for the Bourses Scolaires, and eligibility details are provided by the French Consulate. The school's Tuition Assistance FAQ explains that tuition assistance decisions are independent from admissions decisions, and that the Tuition Assistance Committee (comprising the Head of School, CFO, Director of Enrollment Management, and a board member) makes those decisions based on the provided financial information; a New Family Fee is a one-time charge that supports capital expenditures.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →