Les Lilas French Bilingual Community School vs North Seattle French School

	L Les Lilas French Bilingual Community School Seattle, United States	N North Seattle French School Seattle, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $16,100 - 31,900	Fees / year $23,020
Age range	Age range 3 - 11 years	Age range 3 - 10 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum French Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum	Curriculum French Curriculum, American Curriculum, Singapore Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 100	Pupils 104
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 6
Instruction language	Instruction language French, English	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened 2015	Opened 2013
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location 18560 1st Ave NE, Wing F, Shoreline, WA 98155, United States. The campus is in the Shoreline neighborhood within the Seattle metropolitan area. A private bus connects the Shoreline campus to Seattle, with routes to Green Lake and Phinney Ridge; pickup around 8:00 a.m. and drop-off around 5:35 p.m.; seats are first-come, first-served and bus enrollment is separate from after-school care.
Stages	Stages La Maternelle (ages 3–6); L'Élémentaire (ages 6–9); La Grande Élémentaire (ages 9–11); preschool through 5th grade.	Stages La Maternelle: Preschool, PreK and Kindergarten; L'Élémentaire: Grades 1–5.
School type	School type Independent, private, French-English bilingual school.	School type Private bilingual school with French immersion for preschool through 5th grade.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix International pupil mix with families from many countries and languages.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support A Learning Specialist provides differentiated instruction and supports individual learning needs.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Affiliated with AEFE and Mission Laïque Française (MLF Monde).	Country affiliation Affiliated with Mission Laïque Française (MLF) network.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Secular.
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.	School day structure Maternelle runs 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (half-day) or 8:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m. (full-day); Kindergarten runs 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; Elementary runs 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; After-school GLOBE runs 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Private 9-seat bus runs between Shoreline campus and Green Lake and Phinney Ridge in Seattle; pickup around 8:00 a.m. and drop-off around 5:35 p.m.; seats allocated on a first-come, first-served basis; bus enrollment is separate from GLOBE.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details Application fees - Application fee: USD 90 per child. This application fee is non‑refundable and may be paid online via Stripe (card) or by check. Tuition fees by program (2026–2027 school year) - Half‑day Preschool (Petite section & Moyenne section): USD 14,480 per year. Program hours: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. A 10% deposit of the annual tuition is due at enrollment (USD 1,448). Remaining balance after deposit: USD 13,032. Payment plan examples below show how that remaining balance is billed under each plan option. Included in tuition: all field trips (except the overnight 5th grade trip), books, and classroom supplies. - Full‑day Preschool (Petite section & Moyenne section): USD 23,020 per year. Program hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. A 10% deposit of the annual tuition is due at enrollment (USD 2,302). Remaining balance after deposit: USD 20,718. Included in tuition: all field trips (except the overnight 5th grade trip), books, and classroom supplies. - Elementary School (Kindergarten to 5th grade): USD 23,020 per year. School hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. A 10% deposit of the annual tuition is due at enrollment (USD 2,302). Remaining balance after deposit: USD 20,718. Included in tuition: all field trips (except the overnight 5th grade trip), books, and classroom supplies. Per‑installment figures by payment plan (examples based on the required 10% deposit and the published annual tuition amounts) - Deposit due at enrollment (10% of tuition): - Half‑day Preschool: USD 1,448. - Full‑day Preschool: USD 2,302. - Elementary (K–5): USD 2,302. - Plan A — One‑time payment of the remaining balance (applies after deposit): a single remaining payment is made and a USD 100 discount is applied to that remaining balance. Example amounts after the 10% deposit and before the USD 100 discount: Half‑day remaining balance USD 13,032; Full‑day/Elementary remaining balance USD 20,718. The USD 100 discount is applied for the one‑time payment option. - Plan B — Three installments: remaining balance split into three payments billed in August, November, and February. Example installment amounts (remaining balance ÷ 3): - Half‑day Preschool: USD 4,344 per installment. - Full‑day Preschool: USD 6,906 per installment. - Elementary (K–5): USD 6,906 per installment. - Plan C — Nine monthly installments: remaining balance billed in nine equal monthly payments from August through April. Example monthly amounts (remaining balance ÷ 9): - Half‑day Preschool: USD 1,448 per month. - Full‑day Preschool: USD 2,302 per month. - Elementary (K–5): USD 2,302 per month. Fees & discounts - Application fee: USD 90 per child (non‑refundable). - New Family Fee: USD 500 one‑time payment for families new to the school; this fee and the deposit are due at the time of enrollment. - Sibling discount: younger siblings receive a 10% tuition discount. - Included in tuition: all field trips except the overnight 5th grade trip, books, and classroom supplies. Billing schedule and payment terms - The non‑refundable deposit equal to 10% of the annual tuition and the New Family Fee are due at the time of enrollment to secure a student's place. Remaining tuition is payable according to the family's selected plan (Plan A, B, or C). Plan B payments are scheduled for August, November, and February; Plan C payments run monthly from August through April. A USD 100 discount is offered for families choosing the one‑time payment option. Families should expect annual tuition announcements in January and routine tuition increases from year to year. Boarding fees - North Seattle French School is a day preschool and elementary (K–5) program and does not operate a boarding program; boarding fees are not applicable. School hours and program types are published for preschool and elementary day programs. Other costs and optional programs - New Family Fee: USD 500 (one‑time). - After‑school GLOBE program (optional) and a private school bus service operating between the Shoreline campus and areas in Seattle are offered; these programs are arranged and billed separately from base tuition. Specific fees for the after‑school program and bus service are charged in addition to tuition. Refund information - The application fee (USD 90 per child) is non‑refundable. The deposit equal to 10% of annual tuition is non‑refundable and is required to secure enrollment. Other refund terms for tuition or additional program fees are governed by the school's enrollment and billing policies. Fee payment options - Application fee payment methods explicitly listed: online via Stripe (card) or by check. Families pay the non‑refundable application fee when submitting the application and pay the non‑refundable deposit and New Family Fee at enrollment. Payment arrangements for the remainder of tuition follow the selected payment plan (one‑time, three installments, or nine monthly installments).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements GLOBE after-school program (Childcare, Leisure and bilingual enrichment) runs 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The school operates a private 9-seat bus that travels between the Shoreline campus and Seattle routes to Green Lake and Phinney Ridge. Morning pickup is around 8:00 a.m. and drop-off is around 5:35 p.m. Seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Bus registration is separate from GLOBE. For more information, admissions@northseattlefrenchschool.com.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	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.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	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.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Executive Committee includes a Board Chair, a Vice Chair, a Finance Chair, and a Secretary.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details The school's bilingual curriculum aligns Washington State Common Core standards with the internationally recognized French curriculum, mapping overlaps and differences to integrate both. It enables bi-literacy and allows transition into either a French school or the local school system for middle school. The program emphasizes speaking, reading, writing, thinking, creative projects, and social-emotional learning in two languages. In preschool and kindergarten, instruction is primarily in French; in 4th and 5th grades, English time increases to a 50/50 ratio between languages. English and French teachers co-teach daily and collaborate on lesson plans and student growth, with regular language-department meetings and curricular projects.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
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.	Social & emotional learning NSFS integrates social-emotional development as a core element of its mission and values. The school aims to cultivate globally minded independent thinkers through bilingual education, with social-emotional development highlighted among its core values. The program emphasizes that character development is as valuable as academic learning and includes age-appropriate strategies for developing empathy, mindfulness, self-awareness, and communication at every grade level. The emphasis on social-emotional development is designed to help students become open-minded, tolerant, curious, and responsible community members. Through this integration, NSFS seeks to foster an engaged community of families and a supportive, inclusive classroom culture.
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.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school teaches in a French-English bilingual program.	English as an additional language NSFS offers immersion in French within a bilingual preschool through 5th grade. The program blends the established French curriculum with Washington State standards to enable bi-literacy and fluency in two languages. NSFS supports plurilingualism and home-language development, ensuring students stay engaged and proud of their home language while acquiring another. For preschool and kindergarten, no French is required; starting in 1st grade some knowledge of French is expected, and non-native speakers are assessed on a case-by-case basis. This bilingual approach is designed to prepare students for a globally connected world.
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.	Mental wellbeing Social-emotional development is a core value, with character development considered as important as academics. SEL is integrated throughout the NSFS program, with students learning empathy, mindfulness, self-awareness, and communication at every grade level. The school emphasizes relationships, belonging, and community involvement to support emotional well-being. The focus on DEI and family engagement further supports a positive emotional climate for students and families. This approach aims to cultivate students who are resilient, collaborative, and socially responsible.
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 —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	Facilities overview NSFS is located at 18560 1st Ave NE, Wing F, Shoreline, WA 98155, inside the Shoreline Center. The campus is safely located in the heart of a community center and offers shared facilities such as turf soccer fields, a playground, a Spartan Gym for indoor sports, and a stadium. The school is just steps away from the light rail, with parking at the corner of 1st Ave NE and NE 185th St. Enter the Shoreline Center via the South Entrance when visiting.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Facilities on campus include turf soccer fields, a Spartan Gym for indoor sports, and a stadium. The campus also features a playground to support outdoor activities and informal play. These spaces support physical education and after-school sports. The shared facilities are located on the NSFS campus inside the Shoreline Center.
Academic facilities	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.	Academic facilities The bilingual curriculum addresses Washington State Common Core standards and the French curriculum. The two curricula are mapped to overlap and differ, enabling bi-literacy and a smooth transition to either a French school or the local middle school. Preschool and kindergarten instruction is primarily in French, with English introduced gradually to reach a 50/50 language balance in 4th and 5th grades. The elementary program uses the Singapore Math method for mathematics. In 5th grade, students take the DELF language diploma, and a Learning Specialist supports differentiated instruction across grades.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Student Life includes an Enrichment Program, a Summer Camp (2026), and Extended Day.	Extra curricular facilities GLOBE, North Seattle French School's after-school program (Garderie, Loisirs & Optional Bilingual Enrichment), offers a variety of clubs and classes for different ages and interests. Clubs include Kung Fu, soccer, parkour, STEM, chess, and art. GLOBE runs Monday to Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and camp is available during breaks and in summer. NSFS operates a 9-seat private bus service between the Shoreline campus and Green Lake and Phinney Ridge in Seattle, with morning pickup around 8:00 a.m. and evening drop-off around 5:35 p.m. The Summer Camp is open to children aged 3 to 9 and takes place both inside NSFS and outdoors at the Shoreline Center.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History North Seattle French School opened in fall 2013 with a single kindergarten class. Since then, it has grown by one grade each year and established a preschool. In the 2018-2019 school year, it reached 5th grade, becoming a full bilingual elementary school in Seattle. The school began when a handful of parents shared the dream of a local French-American school and worked to make it a reality.
Community	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.	Community With our small class sizes and personalized attention, North Seattle French School ensures that every child's individual needs are met. Our supportive, community-focused environment fosters strong relationships between families, students, and teachers, creating a deep sense of belonging.
Parent teacher association	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).	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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.	Academic & intellectual French language immersion and Francophone culture define NSFS's bilingual education. Students develop critical thinking, emotional intelligence and a global perspective from an early age. The mission is to cultivate globally minded independent thinkers through bilingual education. An integrated curriculum and a focus on social-emotional development support learning.
Arts & creative	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.	Arts & creative GLOBE after-school enrichment includes Art clubs; other popular enrichment classes include Kung Fu, soccer, parkour, STEM and Chess. After-school programs run from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with additional camp during breaks and in summer.
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).	Cultural & language French language immersion and Francophone culture are central to NSFS. Through bilingual education, students gain a global perspective. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion are core values within the NSFS program.
Social & hobbies	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.	Social & hobbies After-school clubs offered through GLOBE include Art, Kung Fu, soccer, parkour, STEM and Chess, with activities designed for different ages and interests. These activities provide opportunities for students to explore varied hobbies and interests. The GLOBE program also operates after school from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and includes a bus option.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service NSFS fosters an engaged community of families and emphasizes Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. The school maintains community partnerships and hosts events such as the FrancoFun Gala.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Small class sizes and personalized attention support students' social and emotional wellbeing. Social-emotional development is a core focus as part of the integrated curriculum, contributing to a supportive school community.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision French and English are taught across NSFS programs. Language acquisition happens in an immersive environment, with body language and visual cues; English is introduced gradually through daily activities and literacy practices. By Grande Section, students navigate both languages, and by fourth grade the program maintains a 50/50 balance to support bilingual literacy. In fifth grade, students take the DELF exam to certify French language skills.
Bilingual teaching	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.	Bilingual teaching North Seattle French School uses a bilingual curriculum that integrates Washington State standards with the French curriculum to support bi-literacy across preschool through fifth grade. Preschool and kindergarten are taught mainly in French, with English introduced gradually; by fourth and fifth grades instruction is about 50% French and 50% English. English and French teachers co-teach in the classroom, collaborating on lesson plans and projects to connect the languages and support social-emotional learning. The program enables students to transition to either a French school or the local school system for middle school.
Immersion programs	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.	Immersion programs NSFS offers French immersion from preschool through fifth grade as part of a bilingual K-5 program. In the early years, instruction is in French to build language foundations, with English added gradually to support bilingual proficiency. By the fourth grade, teaching is 50% in French and 50% in English, with teachers co-teaching to support language development. The curriculum aligns with both the French educational framework and Washington State standards.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions Step 1 - Submit an Application Online. We are now accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year. Please submit an online application with the non-refundable $90 application fee per child, payable via Stripe or by check. If you are interested in the 2025-26 school year, contact admissions to know if space is available; preschool entrants must be 3 by December 31, 2026 and kindergarten entrants must be 5 by December 31, 2026.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Needs-based Tuition Assistance for K-5 is offered to help families access NSFS's bilingual education; Preschool does not currently offer financial aid. Aid is awarded as a grant and does not require repayment; awards range from 5% to 45% of tuition and are determined by the NSFS Tuition Assistance Committee using FAST, which analyzes family income, assets, family size, and other factors. The FAST online application opens January 9, 2026 and is due February 13, 2026 for new families (January 20, 2026 for returning families); multiple documents including tax returns and income proofs are required. For preschool, no NSFS aid is available; for eligible families, French Government Scholarships (Bourses Scolaires Françaises) may be available in addition to NSFS aid by applying with NSFS and consulting the Consulat Général de San Francisco site for deadlines. Tuition amounts for 2026-27: Half-day Preschool $14,480; Full-day Preschool $23,020; Elementary $23,020; Includes field trips, books, and supplies; Deposit 10% and New Family Fee $500; Sibling Discount 10%; Payment plans: Plan A (one-time payment with $100 discount), Plan B (3 installments), Plan C (9 installments).
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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