L'Ecole Française du Maine

99 South Freeport Road, South Freeport, Maine 04078, USA. The campus sits in the coastal village of South Freeport, surrounded by forests and near the seashore.

Early Childhood (La Maternelle) and Elementary (through Grade 5)

French-immersion IB Primary Years Programme Candidate School

70 to 90 students annually representing over a dozen mother tongues

France

School hours 8:30 am–3:30 pm; Extended Day Care 3:30–5:30 pm

EFDM follows the French Ministry of Education's Les Programmes, organized into three cycles: Cycle 1 La Maternelle (Early Childhood/Kindergarten); Cycle 2 (grades 1–3); Cycle 3 (grades 4–5). The curriculum provides a seamless progression from early childhood through the primary years, with concepts connected across cycles. Some classes combine or split grades, and organization is determined by enrollment. Cycle 1 emphasizes language immersion and social development; Cycle 2 develops reading and writing in French and English, plus mathematics, science, and humanities; Cycle 3 deepens language skills and study across subjects, including technology. The school offers Advanced Middle and High School After School French Classes to maintain fluency and prepare for DELF exams.

DELF Exams are offered; the program comprises six units and passing the last levels can grant access to French universities without taking additional proficiency tests. The school is an IB World School with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP).

Advanced Middle and High School After School French Classes are offered for graduates and advanced French students to maintain fluency; classes are open to outside students; the program prepares students for DELF exams.

The school fosters a climate of peace and understanding. It emphasizes transdisciplinary learning and real-world connections beyond the classroom. The student body is diverse, representing over a dozen mother tongues, which supports empathy and open-mindedness. Outdoor activities and nature-based learning complement academics and help students balance study with physical activity. The School Council includes parent representatives and staff and oversees school life, rules, enrichment programs, and safety, reinforcing a community-centered environment.

The school teaches primarily in French. In Cycle 2, students begin reading and writing in both French and English, with skills developing across the cycle. In Cycle 3, English Language Arts becomes part of the curriculum, supporting continued bilingual development.

Outdoor activities and a balance between academic and physical activity are emphasized. A diverse, multilingual environment supports positive relationships, attitudes, and behaviors. The climate of peace and understanding is part of the school's culture, promoting empathy and intercultural understanding.

A non-discrimination policy commits the school to a safe, inclusive environment. The School Council oversees safety and security and school-life matters, including rules and enrichment programs.

Enrollment is open to any child aged three and up. Priority is given first to re-enrolling children, then to siblings of children enrolled, and then to the waiting list. If neither priority applies, applicants are placed on the waiting list. Begin the online application by creating an account. Upon account creation, you will receive an email containing a verification link. After your email address is verified, log in to your account and create a New Student Application for your child. You can log in and out of your account and access your open application. A non-refundable fee of $50 must accompany each application. After submitting the application, you will be able to track your admissions status by logging in to your account. You can print the completed application, monitor when the school receives any supplemental forms, and reprint forms if necessary. If you desire more information, you may request it and the Admissions Office will contact you. Consider scheduling a visit to meet the school community. For questions, contact the Admissions Office at (207) 865-3308.

EFDM offers need-based tuition assistance. To be considered for financial aid for the upcoming school year, families must submit a complete application by January 31, and financial aid decisions will be communicated by March 31. Applications submitted after the deadline may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, subject to available funds. The FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment platform is used to assess a family's ability to contribute toward educational expenses, and final financial aid awards are based on a holistic review of the FACTS estimate, the school's budget, policies and priorities, and the needs of the full applicant pool. Direct Scholarship Support is available. For French nationals registered at the Consulate in Boston, tuition assistance from the Government of France may be available, with early filing of US tax returns and form 1040; up to 100% of tuition fees may be possible in some cases.

A waiting list is used after priority is applied. Re-enrolling students and siblings are prioritized before others, and remaining applicants may be placed on the waiting list.