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French American School of Tampa Bay

United States, St Petersburg

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees $16,239 - 19,987
Ages 3 - 12 years
Pupil numbers 43
Type Co-educational
Opened 2017
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum
Taught languages English, French
Typical class size 8
Strengths Languages, Performing Arts, Outdoor Education
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary
Introduction

French American School of Tampa Bay (FASTB) is a day school serving students ages 3 to 12. It delivers a bilingual education blending French and American approaches. The French curriculum (Les Programmes) is taught with total immersion in early childhood; the English program follows practices of American schools and harmonizes with the French curriculum to support bilingual learning. The school uses the IB Primary Years Programme to teach the French National Curriculum, with candidacy in 2021 and IB World School status achieved in 2023. FASTB is accredited by the Florida Department of Education and Mission Laïque Française and serves as a DELF/DALF testing center. Distinctive features include a dual-language pathway from La Maternelle, partnerships with AFSA, AEFE, and MLF, and exposure to cultures. Facilities include five classrooms, a library, a Tiki Hut for events, and an outdoor playground overlooking a lake; aftercare, clubs, and a bilingual summer camp complement life here.

2100 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702, United States

The Essentials

French American School of Tampa Bay has 43 pupils, typical class sizes of 8, instruction in French, English.

Location
2100 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702, United States. The school is located in St. Petersburg, Florida. It operates as a bilingual IB World School.

Stages
Early Childhood; Elementary; Middle School

Type
Private day school; IB World School offering English and French instruction

Country affiliation
France (Partner of Mission Laïque Française)
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school does not offer boarding. Before Care from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. and After Care from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. are available as Extended Day options.

Governance and Ownership
The School Council governs FASTB and is composed of the School Director, all teachers, the Inspecteur de l'Education Nationale (IEN), and parent representatives.
Fees

Annual tuition at French American School of Tampa Bay ranges from USD 16,239 to USD 19,987 for 2026/27.

Application fee

- A non-refundable application fee of USD 50 is charged per application.

Enrollment deposit

- A non-refundable enrollment deposit of USD 1,000 is required upon acceptance of the enrollment contract; this deposit is applied in full toward the annual tuition.

Tuition fees (annual amounts by program / year group)

- EC2 (Toute Petite Section) — Full Days (8:30–3:00):
- 2 days/week (Tues & Thurs): USD 9,240 per year.
- 3 days/week (Mon/Wed/Fri): USD 12,705 per year.
- 5 days/week (Mon–Fri): USD 16,748 per year.

- EC2 (Toute Petite Section) — Mornings Only (8:30–11:30):
- 2 days/week (Tues & Thurs): USD 6,930 per year.
- 3 days/week (Mon/Wed/Fri): USD 10,395 per year.
- 5 days/week (Mon–Fri): USD 14,438 per year.

- EC3 (Petite Section):
- 2 days/week (Tues & Thurs): USD 8,743 per year.
- 3 days/week (Mon/Wed/Fri): USD 12,491 per year.

- 5‑Day Early Childhood Program (Petite/Moyenne Section, 8:30–3:00): USD 16,239 per year.

- 5‑Day Kindergarten (Grande Section, 8:30–3:00): USD 18,113 per year.

- Elementary Grades 1–6 (CP–6ième, Mon–Fri 8:30–3:00): USD 19,987 per year.

Illustrative payment breakdowns (payment-plan examples)

- Payment schedules: tuition may be paid in full or by an approved payment plan; payment periods are scheduled from June through March.

- Plan A — Full Payment (due by June 1): a 2% discount is applied to the full annual tuition. Example discounted totals (annual × 0.98):
- EC2 full-day 2 days: USD 9,055.20.
- EC2 full-day 3 days: USD 12,450.90.
- EC2 full-day 5 days: USD 16,413.04.
- EC2 mornings 2 days: USD 6,791.40.
- EC2 mornings 3 days: USD 10,187.10.
- EC2 mornings 5 days: USD 14,149.24.
- EC3 2 days: USD 8,568.14.
- EC3 3 days: USD 12,241.18.
- 5‑Day Early Childhood: USD 15,914.22.
- Kindergarten 5‑Day: USD 17,749.74.
- Elementary 1–6: USD 19,587.26.

- Plan B — Semi‑annual (60% due June 1; 40% due December 1): administrative fee USD 250 per family applies. Example semi-annual installments (60% / 40%):
- EC2 full-day 2 days: USD 5,544.00 (June) / USD 3,696.00 (Dec).
- EC2 full-day 3 days: USD 7,623.00 / USD 5,082.00.
- EC2 full-day 5 days: USD 10,048.80 / USD 6,699.20.
- EC2 mornings 2 days: USD 4,158.00 / USD 2,772.00.
- EC2 mornings 3 days: USD 6,237.00 / USD 4,158.00.
- EC2 mornings 5 days: USD 8,662.80 / USD 5,775.20.
- EC3 2 days: USD 5,245.80 / USD 3,497.20.
- EC3 3 days: USD 7,494.60 / USD 4,996.40.
- 5‑Day Early Childhood: USD 9,743.40 / USD 6,495.60.
- Kindergarten 5‑Day: USD 10,867.80 / USD 7,245.20.
- Elementary 1–6: USD 11,992.20 / USD 7,994.80.

- Plan C — Monthly Installments (payments spread over 10 months, June through March): administrative fee USD 550 applies. Example monthly amounts (annual ÷ 10):
- EC2 full-day 2 days: USD 924.00 per month.
- EC2 full-day 3 days: USD 1,270.50 per month.
- EC2 full-day 5 days: USD 1,674.80 per month.
- EC2 mornings 2 days: USD 693.00 per month.
- EC2 mornings 3 days: USD 1,039.50 per month.
- EC2 mornings 5 days: USD 1,443.80 per month.
- EC3 2 days: USD 874.30 per month.
- EC3 3 days: USD 1,249.10 per month.
- 5‑Day Early Childhood: USD 1,623.90 per month.
- Kindergarten 5‑Day: USD 1,811.30 per month.
- Elementary 1–6: USD 1,998.70 per month.

Student / ancillary fees

- Annual student fee: USD 650 per student (covers field trips, Music & Me/Music Together program, enrichment activities, special events, facilities, books/classroom materials, and technology).

- Extended Day / Aftercare: available from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; fees for Extended Day and after‑school clubs are charged in addition to tuition (specific rates for aftercare are set separately).

- Private Suzuki instrumental lessons: available on-site; lesson fees are paid directly to the instructor.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Billing period: standard payment schedules run June through March.

- Deadlines and plan terms:
- Full payment due by June 1 (2% discount applied).
- Semi‑annual: 60% due June 1, 40% due December 1 (USD 250 administrative fee).
- Monthly: payments spread over 10 months (June–March) (USD 550 administrative fee).

- Mid‑year enrollment: tuition is prorated by dividing the annual tuition by 10 (months) and charging the number of months the student will attend; any month in which attendance begins is counted in full. Prorated amounts must be paid in full by March 1; the full‑pay discount does not apply to prorated tuition.

Refund information

- The enrollment deposit (USD 1,000) is non‑refundable. No additional refund or withdrawal schedule is specified in the published tuition and payment information.

Boarding / residential provision

- Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school and provides aftercare/extended‑day services rather than residential boarding.

Fee payment options and merchant details

- Tuition billing and payment administration are handled through FACTS Tuition Management Services. Families enroll in FACTS to select and manage payment plans.

- FACTS supports multiple payment methods (automatic bank drafts/ACH and credit/debit card payments; schools commonly note convenience fees for credit card transactions). Specific accepted payment methods and any card convenience fees are applied by FACTS as part of the payment agreement.

Other notes on charges

- Administrative fees tied to payment plans: USD 250 for semi‑annual plan (Plan B); USD 550 for monthly installment plan (Plan C). These administrative fees are charged in addition to the annual tuition.

- Incidental charges (special activities, extended care, private lessons) are billed separately from tuition and vary by service; private lesson fees are paid directly to the instructor.

(End of fees overview)
Academics

French American School of Tampa Bay teaches IB (PYP), Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum for students aged 3 to 12.

Curriculum
Follows Les Programmes of the French Ministry of Education. The French curriculum is taught in Cycle 1 (EC3, EC4, and K) with total French immersion to build a strong language base. The English curriculum is developed following best practices of American independent schools and harmonizes with the French curriculum to provide a bilingual learning experience. The IB Primary Years Programme is used at FASTB to teach the French National Curriculum, with candidacy starting in 2021 and IB World School status achieved in 2023. FASTB is accredited by the Florida Department of Education and by Mission Laïque Française and is an official DELF and DALF testing center.

Higher Education Progression
The school has a track record of students moving through high school and into college.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social and emotional learning enables students to become aware of their actions, words and responsibilities in their personal and social lives. The program emphasizes sensitivity and compassion, rules and responsibilities, and critical thinking and reasoning, and it invites reflection on dignity, equality, solidarity, respect and freedom from discrimination.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
If concerns arise that a child may require additional services beyond what FASTB can provide, a team is convened including parents, teachers, child development services, a psychologist, a speech therapist and others to develop an action plan. If needed, a psychosocial evaluation or therapy is arranged to support the student and foster a welcoming learning environment for all.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
French is the primary language of instruction; English is developed alongside as a taught language. FASTB uses a bilingual immersion setting with key English-speaking components, and a Student Language Portrait helps tailor support for students who are new to learning in French or English. The program supports the advancement of English language skills in addition to French.

Mental Wellbeing
La Maternelle is a positive, play-based, nurturing environment that ensures emotional wellbeing and builds self-confidence. Movement and physical education contribute to emotional development, and social and emotional learning is integrated across the program to support wellbeing.

Safeguarding
FASTB maintains a non-discrimination policy and clear channels for reporting misconduct by staff. The School Council is responsible for safety and security, and policies for reporting concerns are posted for staff. The school provides explicit safeguarding measures to protect student health, safety and welfare.
Parent Experience

History
FASTB was founded in February 2017 and, after a building and playground renovation in the summer of 2018, opened its doors in September 2018. The school offers a bilingual international education with French immersion from Early Childhood through Grade 6, combining French and American education approaches and exposure to both cultures.

Community
The school offers a variety of programs and activities for students and non-students alike. It maintains a Parents Association and Adult Education classes, and welcomes student teachers from France and local public high school students to collaborate on projects. The campus is located at 2100 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parents Association aims to foster close relationships among the parents, students, faculty and administration. It encourages parent participation and support, assists the school in achieving common goals, and sponsors activities that augment the quality of students' life. Volunteers may join several committees including class activities, communications, community relations, parent activities, parent education, or school services. Email: parentsassociation@fastb.org.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Located in St. Petersburg, FASTB sits in the heart of Tampa Bay. The campus features a large outdoor playground with a pirate ship, swings, and several structures, plus a large outdoor lunch area overlooking a lake. The main building houses five large classrooms, a library, two offices, and a staff room/kitchen; the Tiki Hut area provides space for Café & Conversation, parent-teacher conferences, and cultural events. The campus is clean, well-lit, and well-maintained, with an air conditioning and air filtration system, and is secured with a camera system and locked-door policy during school hours. Florida health and licensing authorities regularly inspect the campus, and FASTB holds accreditation from IB PYP, AFSA, AEFE, MLF, and the Florida Department of Education.

Academic Facilities
The main building has five large classrooms, a library, two offices, and a staff room/kitchen. The Tiki Hut area provides space for Café & Conversation, parent-teacher conferences, and cultural events.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Music Arts Program includes Music & Me (in-school program for Early Childhood through Grade 1), Music Theory in elementary grades, and a Choral program; private Suzuki instrument lessons are offered on-site with parent involvement required for private lessons. Aftercare runs 3:00–5:30 p.m. with optional enrichment activities; Before Care is available from 7:30–8:15 a.m. After-school clubs include LEGO Club, Sensory Exploration Club, Drawing Club, Jewelry Making Club, Performance Club (theatre), Multi-Sport Club, Embroidery Club, and Soccer Club in French. FASTB also offers a bilingual Summer Camp from June to August.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school teaches in French and English. The French curriculum is taught under the French Ministry of Education's Programs (Les Programmes), with contextual adaptations. The English curriculum is developed following best practices of American independent schools, harmonized with the French program to provide a bilingual learning experience. FASTB is a candidate school for the Primary Years Programme and is pursuing authorization as an IB World School, with accreditations including IB PYP Fully Approved, Florida Association of IB World Schools Fully Approved Member, and Mission Laïque Française Partenaire.

Arts & Creative
All grade levels are immersed in a Music Arts Program, including Music Together, Chorus, and private Suzuki guitar lessons. Art education includes two- and three-dimensional projects, a student art portfolio, and an annual art show. The library offers French and English books and hosts a Virtual Art Museum (Artsonia) for sharing student art.

Cultural & Language
French Studies are taught in French under the French Ministry of Education with contextual adaptations. The English curriculum is developed following best practices of American independent schools, and the two curricula are harmonized to provide a bilingual learning experience. La Maternelle and early childhood emphasize language acquisition, with La Maternelle taught in total French immersion. The library includes French and English materials to support bilingual education, and field trips and cultural experiences broaden language learning.

Social & Hobbies
Excursions and field trips are part of the curriculum, including visits to museums, concerts, and outdoor learning experiences. Music Arts Program and chorus provide collaborative social activities for students across grade levels. Art projects and a yearly art show give students opportunities to create and share work. The library supports social and cultural engagement with French and English materials and online sharing through Artsonia.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Cycle 1 emphasizes socialization and language development in a caring environment. The school maintains a screen-free policy through grade 1 to promote language immersion and personal interaction. Outdoor learning experiences include Fort De Soto excursions, biking trips, and marine science activities at the beach and aquarium. Cooperative games and dance supplement team sports in physical education.
Languages

Language Provision
The multilingual learning community includes Arabic, Czech, English, Filipino, French, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, and Vietnamese. English and French language support are available; specialized tutoring in FLE and ELL helps students with varying language backgrounds. All subjects are taught in French, with English provided as a second language.

Bilingual Teaching
The school teaches all subjects in French from PreK through Grade 5. In PreK–K instruction is 90% French and 10% English; in Grade 1–5 it is 70% French and 30% English. Specialized tutoring in French and English supports students with varied language backgrounds.

Immersion Programs
The school offers a French Immersion program from PreK through Grade 5. All subjects are taught in French within an IB Primary Years Programme framework, following the French National Curriculum and Florida standards. FASTB is the only accredited French-Immersion school within a 500-mile radius.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
The school teaches in English and French. The school has IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) accreditation and is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. The school is Fully Approved by the Florida Department of Education and is an approved member of the Florida Association of IB World Schools. The school is homologated by the French Ministry of Education and the Agence pour l'enseignement français à l'étranger, a partner establishment. The school is a partner of Mission Laïque Française and an active member of the Association of French Schools in North America and the French International Schools in North America. The school is a DELF/DALF testing center accredited by France Education International. The school is licensed for Pinellas County Child Care and is approved for VPK Florida; it meets Homologation and Step Up for Students programs. The DELF/DALF testing center status is official. The school operates under France Education International DELF/DALF testing provisions.
Admissions

Admissions
Enrollment is open to any child aged three and up, with priority given first to re-enrolling children, then to siblings of enrolled children, and then to the waiting list. Families are encouraged to apply online by creating an account to begin the New Student Application; after verification, log in to create the application. A non-refundable $50 application fee is required. You can track the admissions status online, print the completed application, and reprint forms as needed. To request more information or schedule a visit, contact the Admissions Office at (727) 800-2159.

Scholarships
Florida scholarships accepted include Florida Tax Credit, Family Empowerment, McKay, Gardiner, and Hope. The school partners with Step Up For Students, AAA Scholarships, and the Florida Department of Education to administer these scholarships for students in grades K and up. French nationals registered at the Consulate in Miami may qualify for scholarships from the Government of France; deadlines commonly include late February and require US tax returns. Direct scholarship support includes limited supplemental awards of up to $700 per student via FACTS. Decisions about financial aid are communicated by March 31 for the upcoming academic year; late applications are considered case-by-case.

Waitlist
Enrollment uses a waiting list with priority order: re-enrolling children first, then siblings of enrolled children, and then those on the waiting list.
School Events
The school has not added events
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