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EFB École Française de Boston - Concord Avenue Campus

United States, Boston

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees $21,100 - 26,000
Ages 2 - 11 years
Pupil numbers 110
Type Co-educational
Opened 2008
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum
Taught languages English, Spanish
Strengths Languages, Visual and Creative Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary
Introduction

EFB École Française de Boston is a private bilingual French–English international school with three campuses: Concord Ave Cambridge (PreK–5th), Walden Square Cambridge (Toddler–K), and Watertown (Toddler–K). The school offers the French Ministry of Education curriculum with English instruction increasing by grade, from 20% in CP to 40% in CM2, and aligns French National Education guidelines with the Massachusetts Department of Education to support transitions to public schools. Most classes are taught in French, with English gradually integrated to support bilingual fluency and strong academic foundations. The school serves 270+ students from 25 nationalities and employs about 50 staff. The standard day runs 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., with before-school care from 8:00 a.m. and extended-day options until 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. The libraries offer books in French and two other languages. The program emphasizes active, student-centred learning, language development, and cultural immersion, including family involvement and community events.

799 Concord Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States

The Essentials

EFB École Française de Boston - Concord Avenue Campus has 110 pupils, instruction in French, English.

Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts, with Concord Ave campus in Cambridge serving PreK–5th grade and Walden Square (Cambridge) as well as Watertown campuses serving Toddler–K. Primary Concord Ave address: 799 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138; Watertown campus address: 2 Rosary Drive, Watertown, MA 02472.

Stages

Four levels of teaching: Toute Petite Section (Very Young Section), Petite Section, Moyenne Section, Grande Section. Concord Ave (Cambridge) serves PreK–5th grade; Watertown and Walden Square (Cambridge) serve Toddler–K.

Type

Private bilingual French–English international school offering a French Ministry of Education curriculum; English instruction increases with grade level (20% in CP, rising to 40% by CM2).

Additional learning support

SEL and learning support teachers provide assistance for social-emotional learning and student support.

Country affiliation

France (AEFE network).

School day structure

Opens at 8:30 AM; Dismissal at 3:00 PM; After School/Clubs from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Diving Deeper

Food Options

School Breakfast is offered to families a few times each year.

Governance and Ownership

EFB is a non-profit organization governed by a board of directors. Families can serve on a school committee (board of directors, fundraising, event or after-school committees).
Fees

Annual tuition at EFB École Française de Boston - Concord Avenue Campus ranges from USD 21,100 to USD 26,000 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Admissions application fee (school program): USD 75, non‑refundable.
- FLAM program: USD 30 application fee (non‑refundable); once admitted, an additional non‑refundable USD 80 is due. A Tuition Deposit of USD 400 is due at signing of the agreement and will be credited toward FLAM tuition.

Annual tuition by campus and year group

- Walden Campus (Toddler – Kindergarten, 21 Walden Square, Cambridge):
- Toddler: USD 26,000 per year.
- Pre‑K to Kindergarten: USD 23,750 per year.

- Watertown Campus (Toddler – Kindergarten, 2 Rosary Drive, Watertown):
- Toddler: USD 23,500 per year.
- Pre‑K to Kindergarten: USD 20,600 per year.

- Concord Ave Campus (Pre‑K (≈2.9 years) – Grade 5, 799 Concord Ave, Cambridge):
- Pre‑K to Kindergarten: USD 21,100 per year.
- Grades 1–5: USD 22,000 per year.
- Textbook charge (Concord Ave): USD 330.

Discounts and special reductions

- Sibling discounts: 5% discount for the second child and 10% discount for the third child.
- Early‑payment discount: 3% discount if tuition is paid in full before June 1 of the previous year.
- Loyalty discount (Gold Member Program for 2026–2027): USD 2,000 tuition discount for students entering CM1 or CM2 with at least five years enrolled at the school.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Enrollment and billing are handled through the school's TADS registration and tuition system; families complete the TADS admission/enrollment process to set up billing agreements. Confirmation in writing is required within two weeks of an admission decision to secure a place.
- The school offers the option to pay tuition in full (eligible for the 3% discount if paid before June 1) or to set up an installment plan via TADS; the specific installment schedule (number and timing of payments) is arranged through each family's TADS tuition agreement.

Fee payment options

- Payments are processed via TADS; typical payment methods accepted by TADS include credit card, check, money order, and bank‑account (ACH) debits. Credit card payments may incur a convenience fee (TADS standard practice). Exact available methods for a given family account and any convenience fees are set in the TADS agreement.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable to this school (EFB operates day campuses for Toddler through Grade 5).

Other costs and fees

- Textbooks (Concord Ave campus): USD 330.
- Application and admission fees as listed above (school application USD 75; FLAM application USD 30; FLAM admission USD 80; FLAM tuition deposit USD 400).
- Additional incidental charges (for example, after‑school clubs, camps, special activities) may be billed separately through school billing/TADS per activity enrollment.

Refund information

- Application fees are non‑refundable. FLAM's admission fee is non‑refundable. The FLAM Tuition Deposit (USD 400) is credited toward tuition at the time of enrollment. Specific refund or withdrawal terms for tuition payments and deposits are governed by the school's enrollment/tuition agreement in TADS.

Notes on billing mechanics and late/returned‑payment handling

- TADS processes withdrawals on scheduled dates and applies any convenience or returned‑payment fees per its standard billing policies; families set an automatic payment method in their TADS tuition agreement. Late fees, returned‑payment fees, and exact payment dates are governed by the family's TADS agreement and the school's billing terms.
Academics

EFB École Française de Boston - Concord Avenue Campus teaches Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum for students aged 2 to 11.

Curriculum

Based on the French National Education guidelines and enhanced by various educational approaches and learning principles, our programs promote creativity, self-discipline, independence, active learning, and positive reinforcement. We work closely with the Massachusetts Department of Education to ensure compliance with American standards and to facilitate a seamless transition to public schools. This blend supports adapting to diverse learning needs and preparing students for academic success. Most classes and activities are taught in French, with English gradually integrated, reaching up to 40% in CM2 (5th grade).

Student Teacher Ratio

Small class sizes and a high teacher-to-student ratio support a personalized learning experience.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school has a dedicated Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) teacher, Dana Issa. Ivette Vera provides Learning Support to assist teachers and students as needed. The school's approach emphasizes resilience, empathy, and responsibility as part of student development alongside academic growth. The educational vision aims to nurture confident, curious, and fulfilled learners who engage thoughtfully with the world. The environment is warm, welcoming, and nurturing, supporting social-emotional growth through collaboration with families and staff.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Ivette Vera provides Learning Support as Learning Teacher Support. Dana Issa serves as the SEL teacher, supporting students' social-emotional development as part of student support services.

Mental Wellbeing

Wellbeing is prioritized as part of the educational approach. Resilience and empathy are developed alongside academic growth. The environment supports the overall wellbeing of each child.
Parent Experience

History

Since 2008, EFB has proudly served families seeking a French education. The journey began with the FLAM program opening in 2008 with 25 students. The first EFGB full-time class opened in Belmont in 2010. The Watertown campus opened in 2013, followed by the Walden Campus in 2017 and the Concord Ave campus in 2023, establishing three campuses with 185 students, 15 classes, and 50 staff. In 2024, EFGB became EFB, a non-profit organization serving 270+ students from 25 nationalities across three campuses.

Community

EFB is a community that prioritizes a warm, family-oriented environment and collaboration between home and school. Family involvement is encouraged and families have a voice in their children's learning journey. Families can serve on a school committee (board of directors, fundraising, event or after-school committees), and the school hosts family-focused events such as apple picking, dance parties, and farm outings, as well as occasional School Breakfast gatherings. The educational vision emphasizes open-mindedness, diversity, and a culture that welcomes multiple cultures and languages alongside academic growth.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The school believes that teachers and parents should work in unison, with collaboration guiding teaching and families regularly invited to speak in class. Families may serve on a school committee (board of directors, fundraising, event or after-school committees) and participate in various projects throughout the year. Open lines of communication and events such as family breakfasts foster strong parent involvement. Apple picking, dance parties, and farm outings are examples of family-focused events organized to strengthen the school community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Three campuses: Concord Ave Cambridge (PreK–5th), Walden Square Cambridge (Toddler–K), and Watertown (Toddler–K). In 2024, the three campuses served 270+ students from 25+ nationalities with 50 staff. Classrooms and outdoor spaces, including a playground, support daily learning. The standard day runs 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; before-school care runs 8:00–8:30 a.m., and extended-day options run 3:00–5:00 p.m. or 3:00–6:00 p.m. Free play and snack times occur during extended-day programs at the Cambridge campuses.

Academic Facilities

Curriculum is based on French National Education guidelines and is enhanced in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Education to align with American standards. Most classes are taught in French, with English gradually integrated, reaching up to 40% in CM2 (5th grade). The program aims to build true bilingualism and a strong academic foundation through active, student-centered learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities

After School / Clubs offer two formats: clubs and extended day care. The before-school program runs 8:00–8:30 a.m.; Extended Day runs 3:00–5:00 p.m.; Extra Extended Day runs 3:00–6:00 p.m. Free play and structured activities occur in classrooms and on the playground. The Cambridge Concord Ave campus hosts after-school programs for PreK–5th; Watertown hosts Toddler–K; Walden Square hosts Toddler–K. Clubs include activities such as art, music, sports, and storytelling, supporting language development and cultural immersion.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The Elementary program prepares students intellectually and socially for the life and educational journey ahead. The program focuses on reading, writing, French, and numeracy, including calculus. It encourages analytical and creative thinking, self-confidence, and independence. English instruction increases gradually from 20% in CP to 40% by CM2, creating a bilingual learning environment.

Arts & Creative

Students engage in regular artistic exploration, including visual arts, music, and performing arts. In music education, students build a repertoire of rhymes and songs and develop listening skills through famous works. Art history is introduced and integrated across disciplines to deepen understanding of artistic expression and cultural heritage. The libraries across all campuses provide books in French and two other languages, supporting language-rich creative learning.

Cultural & Language

EF Boston is a multilingual, multicultural community that welcomes families and diverse cultures. Family involvement is encouraged; parents may speak in class and serve on a school committee. The school hosts family-focused events such as apple picking, dance parties, and farm outings to strengthen community connections.

Social & Hobbies

After School / Clubs offers two formats: clubs and extended day care. The clubs immerse children in French language and culture with activities such as art, music, sports, and storytelling. Extended day provides a calm environment with a snack and recess. The Cambridge Ave Concord campus serves PreK–5th grade.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Physical Education is a vital part of the curriculum. Students engage in activities such as yoga, mini-fencing, French pétanque, ultimate frisbee, dance, track and field, and racket sports. Civics and ethics fosters social-emotional learning with SEL and learning support teachers, cultivating kindness, empathy, cooperation, resilience, and a positive mindset. These programs aim to prepare students to become thoughtful, engaged global citizens.
Languages

Language Provision

French is the language of instruction across the school. In Preschool, the entire day is taught in French. In Elementary, English instruction increases from 20% in CP to 40% in CM2, resulting in about 60% French and 40% English by CM2.

Bilingual Teaching

The school uses a bilingual approach in French and English. Instruction is primarily in French, with English introduced progressively. In Elementary, English instruction increases from 20% in CP to 40% in CM2, while French accounts for about 60% of instruction by CM2. The school fosters a bilingual environment that supports literacy in both languages.

Immersion Programs

From the beginning, the school created a full immersion French curriculum and school culture. The immersion program centers on learning French within a French-language environment across the school day, supporting language mastery and cultural immersion.
Admissions

Admissions

Admissions for the 2026/27 school year start in October. EFB is a French immersion school in the Boston area offering the French National Education curriculum, starting at 21 months old. The admissions process allows parents and children to meet with teachers, visit facilities, and become familiar with the education philosophy. Admissions applications for 2026/27 began in October and must be completed on the TADS platform after creating a personal account; a $75 nonrefundable application fee applies. The process includes a one‑on‑one meeting with the family (about 45 minutes). Key dates: admission requests are due by February 28, 2026; after that, applications are considered subject to availability in each classroom; final admission decisions are provided in the spring. You can schedule a meeting via Calendly and Open Houses are offered. Financial aid applications must be completed by February 28, 2026; decisions are communicated by the end of March; you must confirm in writing to secure a spot. Financial aid is not guaranteed and depends on annual funds. Gold Member Program: CM1 or CM2 students who have been enrolled at EFB for at least five years are eligible for a $2,000 tuition discount for the upcoming school year.

Scholarships

Gold Member Program: New for 2026–2027, CM1 or CM2 students who have been enrolled at EFB for at least five years receive a $2,000 tuition discount for the upcoming school year. Financial aid is available; applications are due February 28, 2026; decisions are typically communicated by the end of March; financial aid is not guaranteed and depends on the annual funds allocated. Bourses du Consulat Général de France à Boston is listed as a potential aid source.

Waitlist

After the admission request deadline, applications are considered subject to availability in each classroom.
School Events
The school has not added events