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French American School of Denver

United States, Denver

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Opened 2021
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum French Curriculum, American Curriculum
Taught languages French, English
Strengths Languages, STEM, Outdoor Education
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction

French American School of Denver is a tuition-free charter elementary school, 2350 N Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80205, opposite City Park. It offers a bilingual French–English immersion program with a two-way model that teaches in both languages, one language at a time, with peer-to-peer language sharing. The curriculum aligns French educational standards with Colorado State Standards. Kindergarten (la Grande Maternelle) is 90% French instruction with English Language Arts and Social Studies in English; First through Third Grade (cycle 2) is 80–90% French; Fourth and Fifth Grade (cycle 3) is 70% French with some subjects taught in English (ELA, Social Studies, Science, Math). Social Emotional Learning uses Zones of Regulation. It serves K–5 as a tuition-free charter, with a middle school affiliation to Denver Language School for grades 6–8 starting 2025–26. Facilities include an Art Room, Library, Flex Space, Cafeteria, Kitchen, an on-site basketball court, and three recesses near City Park.

2350 N Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80205

The Essentials

French American School of Denver has instruction in French, English.

Location
2350 N Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80205. Located in the City Park neighborhood, directly across from City Park and within walking distance to the Denver Zoo and the Science Museum. The campus offers a bilingual French-English curriculum for K-5 students.

Stages
K-5 (Kindergarten through 5th grade).

Type
A bilingual French-American school in Denver, Colorado.

School day structure
School day for K-5 begins with arrival from 7:45 to 8:00 am and class starting at 8:00 am, with dismissal at 3:30 pm and pick-up from 3:30 to 3:45 pm. On-site AM and PM programs run 7:00–7:45 am and 3:45–5:50 pm, with Study Hall for Grades 1-5 from 3:45–4:30 pm.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are required for all students. Collared tops (long or short-sleeved) must be white, navy blue, or burgundy; bottoms must be navy, khaki, or gray and may include pants, shorts, skorts, skirts, jumpers, or dresses. Denim is not permitted, logos are not required, and hats may not be worn indoors; Fridays are spirit wear days.

Food Options
Breakfast and a hot lunch are served daily, and breakfast and lunch are free for all students for the 2025-2026 school year. Water bottles are encouraged and bottle filling stations are available; food allergies should be reported to the office. High-sugar beverages or snacks are not allowed, outside food deliveries are not permitted.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a tuition-free public charter elementary school in Denver. It is governed by a Board of Directors, which is responsible for contract compliance with Denver Public Schools and for the school's policies, budgeting, and leadership. The School Accountability Committee provides additional oversight.
Fees
Application fees
- There is no application fee charged by the French American School of Denver. Enrollment for new students is handled through the Denver Public Schools SchoolChoice process (one unified application).

Tuition fees (by year group and per term)
- The French American School of Denver is a tuition-free public charter elementary school serving Kindergarten through Grade 5. There is no annual or per-term tuition charge for K–5 students (tuition = USD 0).

Billing schedule and payment terms (school-wide and optional charges)
- There is no school-wide tuition billing schedule because the school does not charge tuition for K–5 students. Optional, charged items are billed individually as described below (AM/PM programs, a la carte food items, enrichment programs, events, and donations).
- A la carte meal items and additional cafeteria purchases are paid through the MySchoolBucks parent payment portal. Breakfast and lunch service are provided at no charge to all students; extra items require payment at time of purchase through MySchoolBucks.
- AM/PM program and enrichment charges are billed per session/day as shown under Arrival + Dismissal and are managed through the school's sign-up/payment system (Active Campus/Active). Specific amounts for standard offerings are listed under Optional program fees below.

Optional program fees (examples and standard rates)
- A.M. Program (onsite early care): $5 per day (pre-registered); $10 per day (drop-in).
- After School Enrichment (3:45–5:50 pm): $10 per day (pre-registered); $15 per day (drop-in).
- Study Hall (Grades 1–5; 3:45–4:30 pm): $10 per session (pre-registered); $15 per session (drop-in). An additional $5 drop-in charge applies if the child is not picked up by 4:30 PM. If a child transitions from Study Hall to After School Enrichment at 4:30 PM, After School charges apply at $4 per hour. Sign-up and payment take place via the school's Active Campus/Active registration system.
- Additional themed activities, clubs and vendor-run after-school offerings may carry separate charges set by the vendor; those activities are announced and billed separately.

Lunch, breakfast and food charges
- All student breakfasts and lunches are provided free of charge. Any extra entrees or a la carte items must be purchased through MySchoolBucks. Families should use the Parent Portal to access MySchoolBucks for payments. Free/reduced benefit qualification forms are provided for eligible families.

Uniforms, spirit wear and standard student items
- A simple, affordable uniform dress code is required. Uniform garments may be purchased from general retailers (examples listed include The Children's Place, Old Navy, Target, French Toast, Goodwill, Walmart). The school does not require purchase of a school-logo item; spirit wear (sold via the PTO) is permitted on designated days. Costs for uniforms are paid by families at retail prices.

Fundraising, suggested contributions and other voluntary charges
- The school operates an Annual Fund to cover budget shortfalls; the stated shortfall is $1,500 per student and families are asked to consider direct giving or monthly donations to help bridge that gap. Donation options include one-time gifts, monthly donations, corporate matching, stock gifts, and participation in fundraising events. Corporate sponsorship levels are shown beginning at USD 250 and up to USD 2,500 for certain benefits. Donations are collected through the school's designated donation platforms. Participation in fundraising (gala tickets, sponsorships, PTO sales, etc.) carries separate charges when applicable.

Boarding / residential fees
- Boarding is not applicable. The French American School of Denver is a day elementary school (K–5) and does not offer boarding or residential programs.

Refund information
- There is no school-wide tuition to refund. Refund policies for optional paid items (AM/PM sessions, enrichment classes, vendor-run activities, a la carte purchases, event tickets, or third-party programs) are determined by the specific program provider or payment platform used for that item; families should follow the provider's registration and payment terms for refund procedures. The school does not publish a single, centralized refund policy for all optional charges.

Fee payment options
- MySchoolBucks (linked via the Parent Portal) is used for school meal-related payments and accepts standard online payment methods.
- AM/PM programs, study hall and many after-school signups and payments are managed through Active Campus / Active (the school's registration platform for these programs).
- Donations to the Annual Fund and event sponsorships are accepted through the school's chosen donation platforms and fundraising pages (examples include ColoradoGives and event-specific channels). Payment methods on those platforms typically include online card payments and other online donation mechanisms.

Other incidental costs parents should expect
- Optional paid after-school clubs and vendor-run activities (fees set by vendors).
- Spirit wear and PTO merchandise (prices set by PTO).
- Fundraising event tickets, corporate sponsorships, and one-time or recurring donations (amounts depend on the event and giving level).

Note on published detail: the school operates as a tuition-free K–5 public charter; the only recurring parent charges published on school pages are for optional AM/PM programs, after-school enrichments, study hall, a la carte food items and voluntary fundraising/donation initiatives. No application fee or tuition schedule by grade or term is charged for K–5 students.
Academics

French American School of Denver teaches French Curriculum, American Curriculum.

Curriculum
The school combines the academic traditions of France and the United States. It uses a two-way immersion (TWI) model that teaches in two languages, with one language taught at a time and peer-to-peer language sharing. The curriculum aligns with French educational standards while also meeting Colorado State Standards. Kindergarten (la Grande Maternelle) is 90% French instruction; English Language Arts and Social Studies are taught in English. First through Third Grade (cycle 2: apprentissages fondamentaux) is 80–90% French instruction; English Language Arts, Social Studies, and 3rd-grade Math are taught in English. Fourth and Fifth Grade (cycle 3: consolidation) is 70% French instruction; some subjects are taught in both English and French, including English Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Math. Social Emotional Learning is supported through Zones of Regulation. Specials include dedicated art, STEM, and physical education, and music during class time.

Gifted and Talented
Gifted & Talented programming includes Advanced Learning Plans (ALPs) with one academic and one social-emotional goal, developed in collaboration with families and teachers. Progress is shared twice a year. GT programming features small-group instruction during WIN time, project-based learning, and opportunities such as Destination Imagination, Science Fair, and Shakespeare Festival; classroom teachers receive coaching and resources to differentiate instruction. Students who show strong potential but are not yet formally identified may be monitored through a Talent Pool, with differentiated support in the classroom.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Whole-Child Development emphasizes social-emotional growth, character, and leadership through intentional instruction, positive behavior supports, and opportunities for student voice and responsibility. The program integrates social-emotional learning and aims to nurture well-being alongside academics.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Differentiated support for diverse learners includes targeted, culturally responsive services for English language learners and students with exceptionalities; interventionists and classroom teachers collaborate to provide inclusive, small-group instruction and personalized strategies.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The dual-language immersion program places English language learners and native English speakers in bilingual instruction, supporting biliteracy in French and English; targeted, culturally responsive support is provided as part of differentiated services.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is addressed through Whole-Child Development, focusing on social-emotional growth, character, and leadership. Suicide prevention and response programming is in place, with access to community resources to support students' physical and psychological safety.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding policies include a visitor protocol with front-office check-in and security measures, safeguarding of student data privacy, and established safety-related policies such as suicide prevention and response.
Parent Experience

History
In August 2021, the French American School of Denver became Denver's first and only free public French immersion elementary school to serve the Denver area. The school is a tuition-free public charter elementary school. Now in operation, it serves nearly 240 students in grades K-5. The bilingual French and English curriculum adheres to the highest educational standards of both the United States and France.

Community
FASDenver fosters a diverse, multilingual, international community that emphasizes language, culture, and global thinking. It inspires a passion for language and culture and develops critical thinking, creativity, and empathy. The school encourages broad community involvement through effective communication, volunteerism, social events, and PTO engagement across the FASDenver community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school has a PTO that offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities, including Room Parent coordination, Visiting Artist sessions, and Teacher/Staff Lounge support. It provides a Summer Liaison Program, communications tasks, and opportunities to assist with special events through PTO committees. PTO leadership works with the school on fundraising and event planning, and family involvement is encouraged through activities and events such as Mardi Gras Masquerade.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is housed in a beautiful, spacious facility located directly across from City Park, a short walk to the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and the Carla Madison Recreation Center. Students enjoy frequent field trips. The campus supports a healthy, active lifestyle with three recesses per day. The building is located at 2350 N Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80205.

Sports Facilities
The campus includes a basketball court on site for PE and recreational play. There is a dedicated playground on campus for daily outdoor activity. City Park is directly across the street, providing additional space for outdoor activities. Three recesses per day support physical activity.

Academic Facilities
The building features extra large classrooms. There is a dedicated Art Room. A Library is on site. A Flex Space provides flexible learning areas. A Cafeteria and a Kitchen support meal service.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Frequent field trips are part of the student experience. Three recesses per day support physical activity and outdoor exploration. City Park across the street provides space for outdoor activities during school days. The school offers a bilingual French-English immersion program, which enriches learning experiences.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Two-way immersion delivers instruction in two languages, reinforcing both languages throughout the day. Kindergarten has 90% French instruction, with English Language Arts and Social Studies taught in English. First through third grade is 80-90% French, while fourth and fifth grades are 70% French, with some subjects taught in English (ELA, Social Studies, Science, and Math). The curriculum aligns with French educational standards and Colorado State Standards.

Arts & Creative
Art, STEM, physical education, and music are integrated as class-time specials. Musical education includes singing, listening, and exploration. Main learning areas include acting and expressing through artistic activities and a focus on world representation and emotion, with dedicated art, STEM, and music offerings within the curriculum. Les Misérables is a student performance featuring all students from FAS Denver and L'École de Denver.

Cultural & Language
L'École de Denver provides bilingual preschool education as an early exposure to language. Alliance Française de Denver offers language classes, cultural events, and community programs that connect people through the arts, film, literature, and more. These programs foster French language exposure and cultural engagement within Denver's French-speaking community.

Social & Hobbies
The Parent Teacher Organization coordinates volunteer opportunities, with background checks required for school volunteering. The school hosts community events such as the annual Gala and fundraising initiatives. The Les Misérables After Party is a community-led fundraiser featuring an after-event program and opportunities for involvement.

Community & Service
Parents and volunteers can engage through the PTO, which coordinates volunteer activities and supports school programs. Community fundraising events, including Les Misérables-related activities, raise funds to hire teachers and support staff. Sponsorships and annual giving campaigns further support school programs and community involvement.

Leadership & Professional
The School Accountability Committee informs and encourages parent and community involvement in planning and evaluating the instructional program. The committee and school leadership pursue bilingual, bi-literate learning and prepare students for success in local and international settings, aiming to develop community leaders who can connect with others in French and beyond.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Social-emotional learning follows the Zones of Regulation program to enhance self-awareness and emotional skills. The curriculum includes physical education, arts, and music as part of everyday learning to promote well-being and healthy development. The program also emphasizes motricity, health, safety through physical education, and holistic student well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught are French and English. In Kindergarten, 90% of instruction is in French, with English Language Arts and Social Studies taught in English. In grades 1-3, 80-90% of instruction is in French, with English Language Arts and Social Studies and 3rd-grade Math taught in English. In grades 4-5, 70% of instruction is in French, with some subjects taught in English and French (including English Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Maths).

Bilingual Teaching
The school provides bilingual instruction in French and English.

Immersion Programs
FASDenver employs a two-way immersion model that delivers instruction in two languages, one language at a time, and encourages peer-to-peer language sharing. The program combines the traditions of France and the United States and aligns with French educational standards and Colorado state standards. It creates a bilingual learning environment designed to develop bilingual, bi-literate learners through a French language-immersion curriculum delivered in a diverse setting.
Admissions

Admissions
1. The school is a tuition-free public charter elementary school authorized by Denver Public Schools, serving Kindergarten through 5th grade. The school offers a bilingual French and English curriculum. Families enroll through the Denver Public Schools School Choice process. For the 2026-27 school year, Round 2 applications are open until 4 p.m. on August 31.
2. Apply through the DPS Parent Portal to rank the French American School as your #1 school choice (you can rank multiple schools). Fill out an online application for each student and for each sibling you wish to attend the school next year. This ensures your request is considered within the DPS School Choice process.
3. Register with the French American School in March/April after you receive your school placement results. Waitlisted candidates will be contacted if spots open. Waitlist results do not carry over from year to year.

Waitlist
Waitlisted candidates will be contacted if spots open; waitlist results do not carry over from year to year.
School Events
The school has not added events
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