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French American Academy

United States, Jersey City

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees $20,300 - 32,500
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 335
Type Co-educational
Opened 2007
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, French Curriculum, IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages French, Spanish, English
Typical class size 7
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

French American Academy is a private bilingual school serving ages 2 to 18, with campuses in Englewood, Jersey City, The Heights, New Jersey. It offers both the American and French curricula, integrated with the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) and the IB Diploma Program (DP). The High School in Jersey City is an IB Candidate program pursuing authorization for the Diploma. Instruction is delivered in English and French, with 95% of classes taught in both languages. Preschool and Kindergarten require no prior French knowledge, and an Accelerated French Program (AFP) supports 1st through 8th graders with no previous French. The FAA is affiliated with France and the United States and accredited by the Middle States Association and the French Ministry of Education. Facilities include large classrooms, libraries, gymnasia, and dedicated Art and Music rooms, plus STEM resources. Extracurriculars include Summer Camp, enrichment programs, and after-school language offerings at Jersey City.

118 Ferry St, Jersey City, NJ 07307, United States

The Essentials

French American Academy has 335 pupils, typical class sizes of 7, instruction in French, English.

Location
The French American Academy operates campuses in Englewood, NJ and Jersey City, NJ. The Englewood campus serves Preschool through Elementary; the Jersey City campuses serve Preschool through Elementary on one site and Middle School through High School on another. FAA serves Jersey City, Englewood, Hoboken, and the NYC area.

Stages
Preschool; Elementary School; Middle School; High School.

Type
Private bilingual international school; instruction in English and French; 95% of classes taught in both languages; High School in Jersey City offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Over 55 nationalities represented; diverse international student body.

Country affiliation
France and United States
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Lunch is available daily; students can sign up for a hot, balanced meal or bring a lunch box. Lunches are provided by Daily Delicious and include a main course, side, and fresh fruit. Meals use 100% grass-fed beef and free-range chicken with fresh organic produce and are prepared daily.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a private international school with campuses in Englewood and Jersey City, NJ. It is accredited by the Middle States Association and the French Ministry of Education and is affiliated with AEFE; it is pursuing International Baccalaureate (IB) authorization as a candidate school.
Fees

Annual tuition at French American Academy ranges from USD 20,300 to USD 32,500 for 2026/27.

Application & Enrollment Fees

- Application fee: USD 140 per application (non‑refundable).
- One‑time New Student Admission Fee (registration): USD 2,000 (due at registration; non‑refundable).
- Enrollment deposit: USD 2,500 due once a child is accepted to hold the place; the deposit is deducted from the tuition invoice and is non‑refundable.

Tuition — Jersey City (Downtown) — Lower School (2026–2027)

- Pre‑K2 through Pre‑K4 (5 full days): USD 29,240 per year (annual). Per 10‑month payment plan: USD 2,924 per month.
- Pre‑K2 and Pre‑K3 only (5 mornings or 3 full days): USD 24,120 per year. Per 10‑month payment plan: USD 2,412 per month.
- Kindergarten & Grade 1: USD 30,430 per year. Per 10‑month payment plan: USD 3,043 per month.
- Grade 2 & Grade 3: USD 31,000 per year. Per 10‑month payment plan: USD 3,100 per month.
- Grade 4 & Grade 5: USD 31,830 per year. Per 10‑month payment plan: USD 3,183 per month.

Tuition — Englewood — Preschool & Elementary (2025–2026)

- Pre‑K2 through Pre‑K4 (5 full days): USD 26,400 per year. Per 10‑month payment plan: USD 2,640 per month.
- Pre‑K2 and Pre‑K3 only (5 mornings or 3 full days): USD 20,300 per year. Per 10‑month payment plan: USD 2,030 per month.
- Kindergarten: USD 26,400 per year. Per 10‑month payment plan: USD 2,640 per month.
- Grade 1: USD 27,900 per year. Per 10‑month payment plan: USD 2,790 per month.
- Grades 2–5: USD 29,450 per year. Per 10‑month payment plan: USD 2,945 per month.

Tuition — Jersey City (The Heights) — Middle & High School (2025–2026)

- Middle School (Grades 6–8): USD 31,600 per year. Per 10‑month payment plan: USD 3,160 per month.
- High School (Grade 9): USD 32,500 per year. Per 10‑month payment plan: USD 3,250 per month.

Billing schedule & payment terms (all campuses)

- Standard billing format: tuition billed on an annual basis with the option to pay annually or via a 10‑month payment plan (10 equal monthly payments from September through June). The first invoice on the monthly plan includes the September and June installments plus any applicable fees; the enrollment deposit is deducted from the first invoice. A 3% discount applies to tuition paid in full by June 1. A Tuition Refund Plan (insurance) is charged at 3% of tuition and fees. Families starting mid‑year are billed prorated tuition and full admission charges. Sibling discounts apply (typically 7% for second child; larger discounts for additional siblings as specified).

Before care, aftercare, study hall and transport (selected optional recurring fees)

- Jersey City (Downtown) before care (7:30–8:30am): USD 150 per month.
- Jersey City (Downtown) aftercare options: USD 400 per month (3:00–5:30pm); USD 440 per month (3:00–6:30pm); USD 300 per month (3:00–4:30pm); occasional hourly care USD 25/hr.
- Englewood before care (7:30–8:30am): USD 120 per month. Englewood aftercare (3:00–6:30pm): USD 360 per month. Combined before+aftercare: USD 420 per month. Aftercare/homework (3:00–4:30pm): USD 240 per month. Occasional hourly care USD 23/hr.
- Jersey City (Heights) study hall / aftercare: Aftercare (3:00–6:30pm) USD 400 per month; Study Hall (3:00–4:30pm) USD 270 per month; occasional Study Hall USD 25/hr.
- School bus (Englewood): from Harlem K & up USD 720 (annual); from Harlem Pre‑K USD 575 (annual).

Other recurring and optional fees

- Annual ESL or FSL support fee where required by language assessment: USD 2,000 (not mandatory for all students).
- Tuition Refund Plan (insurance): 3% of tuition and fees.
- Computer insurance fee (secondary school only): USD 75 (covers damage; does not cover loss).
- Enrichment classes: typically USD 30–50 per class depending on campus and offering.
- School photo packages: starting at approximately USD 40–42.
- Yearbook: approximately USD 50.
- PTO membership (Englewood): USD 70 for the first child, USD 40 per sibling.
- Lunch program: available (Daily Delicious); billed separately. Specific per‑meal or program pricing is charged through the lunch program.

Refunds & cancellations

- Tuition, enrollment deposit, application and new‑student fees are non‑refundable. Tuition and fees are generally non‑refundable; the school offers a Tuition Refund Plan (insurance) at 3% which is presented as the mechanism related to refunds/insurance of tuition. Students withdrawing after enrollment pay prorated tuition for time enrolled, subject to the school's stated non‑refund policies.

Boarding

- Boarding is not offered; the school operates as a day school and charges no boarding fees. Before‑ and after‑school care and optional study hall programs are available and charged as above.

Fee payment options

- Payment plans: annual payment (one‑time) or a 10‑month monthly payment plan (September through June). Annual payment qualifies for a 3% discount if received by the specified deadline (June 1). The monthly plan is billed as 10 equal installments; the first invoice typically includes September and June installments plus any applicable fees, with the deposit deducted.
- Accepted payment methods (campus communications specify): Credit card, cash, check, and Zelle (payments may be accepted to the school contact specified for parent payments). Specific payment recipients and account/Zelle addresses are provided in school billing communications.

Notes on discounts and special billing rules

- Sibling discounts: second child discount and additional family discounts apply (examples cited: 7% for second child; increased discounts for third child and up; different percentages apply for half‑time enrollment). Mid‑year starters pay prorated tuition but full admission charges. Before/aftercare, lunch and enrichment are billed separately and must be paid prior to services rendered.
Academics

French American Academy teaches American Curriculum, French Curriculum, IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
The school follows both the American curriculum (accredited by the Middle States Association) and the French curriculum (accredited by the French National Ministry of Education) from Preschool through Elementary School. The program uses a bilingual co-teaching approach with a project-based method, social and emotional learning, and International Education. No prior knowledge of French is required to enroll in Preschool or Kindergarten; an Accelerated French Program (AFP) is offered for 1st through 8th grade for students with no prior French experience. The FAA High School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Candidate program in Jersey City. Classes are taught in English and French, with 95% of classes taught in both languages.

Student Teacher Ratio
7:1

Higher Education Progression
FAA High School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Candidate program in Jersey City, and graduates attend high schools such as Bergen County Academies, Bergen Catholic, UNIS, Saint Peters Prep, McNair High School, and Lycée Français de New York.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school nurtures healthy students through Social & Emotional Learning (SEL). SEL is supported by a Responsive Classroom approach that fosters a sense of belonging, purpose and confidence. It emphasizes Growth Mindset development, teaching that intelligence and talents can be developed over time. Non-Violent Communication helps students identify unmet needs and express their feelings to resolve conflicts. The school treats social and emotional skills as essential to learning and involves families as partners.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
For special needs, FAA provides a comprehensive approach including ESL-FSL intervention with language support in French or English; non-English-speaking students are accepted at every grade. FSL support is available to English-speaking students starting in Kindergarten, with early grades featuring substantial French immersion. An Instructional Student Support program reinforces reading, writing and math; a multidisciplinary Intervention Team addresses learning, behavior or health needs with in-house professionals. The process emphasizes collaborative problem solving to support individual students.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school offers ESL (English as a Second Language) and FSL (French as a Second Language) support, with language specialists providing English or French instruction as needed. ESL classes are designed for non-native English speakers; FSL support is available to English-speaking students from Kindergarten and up, with early grades featuring substantial French immersion. The International Track, available at Englewood and Jersey City campuses, requires no French; students can benefit from bilingual education while learning French at their own pace.

Mental Wellbeing
SEL supports mental wellbeing by developing self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. The school uses a Responsive Classroom approach to create a nurturing, inclusive, and safe environment and emphasizes a Growth Mindset and Non-Violent Communication to foster resilience and positive social interactions.

Safeguarding
The school is committed to a safe and respectful environment for all community members. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging is a core value, with a Diversity & Inclusion Committee guiding training and events to promote inclusion. The Student Support team includes an Intervention Team with a licensed psychologist, a licensed speech therapist and a licensed clinical social worker to provide in-house support for students with learning, behavioral or health needs.
Parent Experience

History
The French American Academy began in September 2007 as The French Academy of Bergen County with an after‑school program for 25 children. In September 2008 the school opened full‑time Preschool and Kindergarten, marking the start of the full‑time school. In April 2009 it received accreditation from the Middle States Association, and in September 2009 the elementary school opened with more than 54 students from 10 nationalities. Jersey City campus opened in November 2012, and bilingual co‑teaching was introduced the same year, with a middle school starting in September 2013. In July 2021 the New Milford campus relocated to Englewood, and in September 2025 a third campus opened in The Heights, New Jersey, to serve middle school through high school.

Community
The FAA is home to 55 nationalities, with 40% of families non‑Francophone and more than 30 languages spoken. Family engagement is central, with a very active Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) that organizes events such as a book fair, wine tastings, and movie nights to support the school and community life across campuses. The school lists Back to School Night, Parent‑Teacher Conferences, and Head of School breakfasts as ongoing engagement activities, and hosts family workshops and other events to foster involvement. There are calendar details and resources for Englewood and Jersey City communities to stay connected.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a collaborative body of parents and teachers that works to enhance the educational experience and foster a strong community spirit. It organizes events such as the book fair, wine tastings, and movie nights, and uses funds to support school programs while connecting parents with the FAA community. New members are welcome, and there are separate PTO contacts for the Englewood campus (pto@faacademy.org) and the Jersey City campus (ptojc@faacademy.org). The organization also supports committees and involvement such as the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging committee and the Sustainable Development committee, as well as workshops and other parent engagement activities.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The French American Academy operates on two New Jersey campuses, Englewood (Preschool–5th grade) and Jersey City (Preschool–Middle School). Englewood highlights include a perimeter fence, a large green field for outdoor activities, a secure playground, large classrooms, an indoor gymnasium, an art room, a music room, a library, a cafeteria, and STEM & Math resources. The Jersey City campus is a three-story building with 23 classrooms and a large gymnasium for physical education and indoor recess.

Sports Facilities
Indoor gymnasium for physical education and indoor recess are available at both campuses; Englewood also features a large green field for outdoor sports, while Jersey City offers a substantial gymnasium.

Academic Facilities
Englewood provides large classrooms, a well-equipped library, and STEM & Math resources to support hands-on learning; Jersey City comprises 23 classrooms in a three-story building and a large gymnasium for structured activities.

Extra Curricular Facilities
On-campus arts facilities include an Art Room and a Music Room. Extracurricular offerings include Summer Camp and enrichment programs, with after-school programs and private language classes available at Jersey City.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school follows both the American curriculum, accredited by the Middle States Association, and the French curriculum, accredited by the French National Ministry of Education. It emphasizes bilingualism, co-teaching, a project-based approach, social and emotional learning, and international education. In Jersey City Heights, the Middle School to High School are IB candidate programs, pursuing authorization for the IB Middle Years Program and the IB Diploma Program.

Arts & Creative
A performing arts theater and opportunities in music, drama, and visual arts are part of the high school offerings. The Jersey City Heights campus highlights hands-on, project-based learning across the arts, with facilities that support theater and related creative programs.

Cultural & Language
The school provides a bilingual program in French and English. No prior knowledge of French is required to enter Preschool or Kindergarten, and French language instruction is part of the curriculum from early grades.

Social & Hobbies
A range of after-school activities and enrichment options are offered, including clubs in Model UN, Aviation & Engineering, Math, and Eco-Delegates. The program integrates hands-on projects and international experiences as part of student life.

Community & Service
Community-oriented events are part of the school culture, including Community Day and MLK Jr.–themed activities that emphasize service, understanding, and belonging.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership development and mentorship are provided, along with a Personalized Success Plan and college and career counseling beginning in Grade 9. The program highlights small class sizes, project-based learning, and strong faculty mentoring to support student growth.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Facilities include state-of-the-art spaces such as STEM makerspaces, a performing arts theater, and athletic facilities (gym, swimming pool, tennis courts, sports fields). A daily lunch program is available, with before- and after-school care options, and social-emotional learning is emphasized to support student well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught are French and English; instruction blends the French and American curricula. Students become fluent and literate in two languages while studying math, science, arts, and humanities. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association and the French National Ministry of Education, enabling smooth transitions between American and French educational systems. 95% of classes are taught in both languages.

Bilingual Teaching
The school provides bilingual education in French and English across Preschool through High School. Preschool is about 80% French, with English instruction increasing through 4th grade. Grades 1–2 are 70% French and 30% English; Grades 3–4 are 60% French and 40% English; Grades 5–8 are 55% French and 45% English; the High School includes an International Track. Bilingual co-teaching has French and English teachers delivering lessons in both languages.

Immersion Programs
Preschool features French language immersion for roughly 80% of the day. The program uses bilingual co-teaching so students engage with the same concepts in both languages. An International Track is offered for Elementary & Middle School.
Reputation

Awards
Niche Best Schools of 2022

Accreditations
Middle States Association Accreditation; French Ministry of National Education accreditation; New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS) accreditation; AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad) affiliation; AFSA affiliation; AEFE 3D; 2022 Niche badge; 2025 badge
Admissions

Admissions
Applications are being accepted for 2025-26 and 2026-27. Families may apply via Quick Acceptance (PK2 and PK3), Standard, or Late Applications. Quick Acceptance offers a fast decision after submitting the online application, meeting with the Division Head and Admissions Director, and paying the deposit to secure the seat; this option is currently offered only for PK2 and PK3. Standard Applications have deadlines ( July 3, 2025 to January 20, 2026 for the 2025-26 cycle) with complete applications due by January 20, 2026 and decisions issued no later than February 13, 2026; enrollment forms and deposits are due within two weeks of the decision; late applications are welcome after January 20, 2026 on a rolling basis. After submitting the application, families are invited to a family interview with the Division Head and Admissions Director. MAP testing may be required after submission depending on grade level. Preschool & Kindergarten require age qualifications: Pre-K2 must be 2.5 by the first day; Pre-K3 must be 3 by December 31; Pre-K3 and up must be potty-trained; Pre-K4 must be 4 by December 31; Kindergarten must be 5 by December 31. Elementary & Middle School have track options: Grades 1–5 require French to join the bilingual track, with an International Track available at Englewood for students with no prior French; Middle School at Jersey City offers the bilingual track (Grades 6–8) with French fluency required, and the International Track is available at Jersey City starting in Grade 6. High School accepts applications for Grades 9 and 10 for the 2026–27 year, with no prior French knowledge required for those grades.

Scholarships
Financial aid is available through The French American Academy Scholarship Program and through French government bursaries. FAA Financial Aid is need-based and may combine with AEFE-supported aid; applications require a letter of request to Fabienne Tomeda (ftomeda@faacademy.org), tax returns for the two most recent years, and, for French nationals, the AEFE financial aid application and response. If parents are divorced or separated, both must file for aid. The school uses the NAIS School and Student Services (SSS) to help determine an affordable contribution. French government bursaries are available to French citizens for Pre-K3 through Grade 8 via AEFE and the French Consulate in New York. Tuition can be paid in monthly installments or annually, with a discount for annual payment.

Waitlist
If an accepted student delays enrollment or chooses not to enroll, they may be placed on the waiting list. The enrollment seat is guaranteed only after the enrollment form is submitted and the deposit is paid; after January 20, 2026, late applications are accepted on a rolling basis and seats become available as spaces allow, at which point enrollment forms are sent to waitlisted families.
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