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Les Lilas French Bilingual Community School

United States, Seattle

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees $16,100 - 31,900
Ages 3 - 11 years
Pupil numbers 100
Type Co-educational
Opened 2015
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum French Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum
Taught languages English
Typical class size 15
Strengths Languages, STEM, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary
Introduction

Les Lilas French Bilingual Community School in Kirkland, Washington, offers a Montessori-based program that combines a French curriculum with bilingual instruction in French and English for children ages 3 through 11. The school is organized into three divisions: La Maternelle (ages 3–6), L'Élémentaire (ages 6–9), and La Grande Élémentaire (ages 9–11), with mixed-age classrooms and small class sizes designed to support individualized learning. English instruction amounts to six hours per week, with French immersion and bilingual projects integrated into math and other subjects. The campus emphasizes hands-on Montessori materials, technology-enabled projects, and a project-based approach to language development. Les Lilas is affiliated with Mission Laïque Française (MLF Monde) and is homologated by the French Ministry of Education with AEFE membership. The school operates from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with extended hours, and offers an enrichment program and a French-immersion Summer Camp. Address: 14216 132nd Avenue NE, Kirkland, WA 98034.

14216 132nd Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034, United States

The Essentials

Les Lilas French Bilingual Community School has 100 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in French, English.

Location
14216 132nd Avenue NE, Kirkland, WA 98034. The school is located in the Seattle suburb of Kirkland. The school serves preschool through 5th grade.

Stages
La Maternelle (ages 3–6); L'Élémentaire (ages 6–9); La Grande Élémentaire (ages 9–11); preschool through 5th grade.

Type
Independent, private, French-English bilingual school.

Country affiliation
Affiliated with AEFE and Mission Laïque Française (MLF Monde).

School day structure
Regular hours: 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; Extended day: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Hot lunch program offers 4–6 daily menu items and weekly cycle menus, with seasonal changes. Parents order online in advance, and the menu includes vegan and nut-free alternatives with a detailed list of ingredients. Payments are accepted by debit and credit cards.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is governed by the Les Lilas Board of Directors, which sets the mission and vision, establishes the strategic plan and school policies, and ensures financial stability while supporting and assessing the head of school. Virginie Harroch-Hudry is a co-founder and Head of School.
Fees

Annual tuition at Les Lilas French Bilingual Community School ranges from USD 16,100 to USD 31,900 for 2026/27.

Application and non‑refundable fees

- Application Fee (new & returning students): USD $100, due January 31, 2026.
- Enrollment deposit to secure a spot: 10% of the annual tuition, due March 1, 2026 (listed as a non‑refundable deposit).
- New Family Fee (one‑time): USD $1,500, due June 30, 2026.
- Learning Journey / Snack Fee (annual): USD $600, due August 1, 2026.

Tuition fees by program (annual and monthly amounts)

- La Maternelle (ages 3–6) — Half Day (8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.): Annual USD $15,500; Monthly USD $1,550.
- La Maternelle (ages 3–6) — School Day (8:00 a.m.–3:15 p.m.): Annual USD $21,500; Monthly USD $2,150.
- La Maternelle (ages 3–6) — Dawn‑to‑Dusk (7:45 a.m.–6:00 p.m.): Annual USD $27,000; Monthly USD $2,700.
- L'Élémentaire (ages 6–9) — School Day (8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.): Annual USD $21,900; Monthly USD $2,190.
- L'Élémentaire (ages 6–9) — Dawn‑to‑Dusk (7:45 a.m.–6:00 p.m.): Annual USD $27,400; Monthly USD $2,740.
- La Grande Élémentaire (ages 9–11) — School Day (8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.): Annual USD $22,300; Monthly USD $2,230.
- La Grande Élémentaire (ages 9–11) — Dawn‑to‑Dusk (7:45 a.m.–6:00 p.m.): Annual USD $27,800; Monthly USD $2,780.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment timing options: Yearly payment (due July 1, 2026) or Monthly — 9 equal payments (September 1, 2026 through June 1, 2027; March 2027 is prepaid with the deposit).
- A deposit equal to 10% of annual tuition is required to secure enrollment (deposit due March 1, 2026).
- Tuition is due on the first of each month when on the monthly plan. A late fee of 15% of the delinquent balance is assessed after the 5th day of the month. If tuition and fees remain unpaid within seven school days, attendance will be suspended until payment is current. Returned payments incur a USD $35 service charge.
- Garderie, Découverte (enrichment), and camps are enrolled and billed separately from tuition.

Boarding fees

- Not applicable. Les Lilas is a day school serving preschool through grade 5 and does not offer boarding facilities.

Other costs and recurring fees

- Garderie daily drop‑in (3:00–6:00 p.m.): USD $20 per hour.
- Early drop‑off (before 8:00 a.m.): USD $7 for every 5 minutes.
- Découverte (after‑school 1‑hour enrichment) — Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions (8 classes / session): USD $280 per session.
- Garderie on Parent/Teacher Collaboration Days (12:30 to child's regular dismissal time, preregistration required): USD $60 per day.
- Fall & Spring Break Camps (9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.): USD $450 per week for students; USD $500 per week for non‑students.
- Mid‑Winter Break Camp (9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.): USD $180 for 2 days.
- School Break Camps aftercare (3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.): USD $225 per week.
- Summer Camp (seasonal program): USD $465 per week.

Refunds and cancellation

- All tuition payments are non‑refundable, including in cases of unanticipated school closures. There is explicitly no refund for dawn‑to‑dusk tuition in cases of unanticipated closures (for example, stay‑at‑home orders or inclement weather). Non‑refundable fees (application, deposit, new family fee, learning journey/snack fee) are identified and have specified due dates.

Discounts and special billing notes

- A sibling tuition discount of 10% applies to the second student (the student with the lower tuition). Families may choose to donate this discount back to the school as a tax‑deductible annual fund donation. Les Lilas reserves the right to raise tuition and fees each year.

Fee payment options (billing formats and timing)

- Billing formats: pay the full annual tuition (yearly) or spread tuition over nine equal monthly payments (September–June, with March prepaid by the deposit). Tuition on monthly plans is billed and due on the first of each month. The published schedule does not list specific accepted instruments (credit card, bank transfer/ACH, or check) in the tuition & fees document; for accepted payment instruments or to arrange payment, contact the Les Lilas Business Office at dyana@les-lilas.com or the school main contact at contact@les-lilas.com.
Academics

Les Lilas French Bilingual Community School teaches French Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum for students aged 3 to 11.

Curriculum
Les Lilas French Bilingual Community School serves preschool through 5th grade in Kirkland, Washington. The program is Montessori-based and French-English bilingual. La Maternelle (ages 3–6) uses mixed-age classrooms with small class sizes and a Montessori curriculum; six hours of English instruction weekly. L'Élémentaire (ages 6–9) is Cycle 2, a mixed-age class (CP/1st through CE2/3rd) with a lead teacher certified in French and Montessori; instruction is in French with immersion, and a portion of math is taught in English, plus a bilingual project one afternoon each week. La Grande Élémentaire (ages 9–11) is Cycle 3 (CM1/4th and CM2/5th) with continued French immersion and Montessori materials, supplemented by technology-enabled projects; English is included along with a bilingual project.

Student Teacher Ratio
Small class sizes.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Counseling Office promotes emotional intelligence and supports the social and emotional growth of students and families. The counseling program includes an advisory child therapist, short-term counseling, parent education workshops, and classroom observations. Grace and Courtesy lessons supplement social-emotional learning.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Learning Support Office provides one-on-one and small-group differentiated learning; the Learning Specialist helps families understand learning challenges and does not diagnose or assess disabilities. Standardized testing and other assessments may be conducted, with data kept confidential and shared only with relevant staff and families. ABA Therapy services are available with Behavioral Technicians, and there is a Special Education Teacher on staff.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school teaches in a French-English bilingual program.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported by the Counseling Office, which promotes emotional intelligence and social-emotional development. Services include short-term counseling, classroom observations, parenting workshops, and the advisory child therapist's support for students and families.

Safeguarding
The school does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or disability in admissions and educational policies, programs, and activities.
Parent Experience

History
Les Lilas opened its doors in September 2015 on the initiative of a French math teacher living in the United States and her business-minded American sister-in-law. Their mission was to create and develop a school adapted to the individual needs of children, based on a pedagogy that allows each child to transcend the pre-established limits of traditional schools and to reach their full potential in school and in life. The school's name embodies three ideas: Les Lilas (Lilac) signifies joy and a desire to learn; French reflects a commitment to the curriculum of the French Ministry of Education; and Bilingual and Community emphasize dual language instruction and parental involvement. The school relocated in 2016 to a larger space at Bridle Trails Mall and opened L'Élémentaire for grades 1–3; in 2017 it received certification from the Department of Children, Youth & Families and, in 2018, nonprofit status and the opening of La Grande Élémentaire for grades 4–5. It was accredited by Mission Laïque Française in 2020, achieved homologation by the French Ministry of Education with AEFE membership in 2023, and in 2024 added a new building for an extra Lower Elementary class along with playground renovations.

Community
The school emphasizes a community where teachers, parents, and children learn together, and parent involvement is encouraged through volunteering to help teachers with monthly learning journeys (field trips), organizing traditional cultural celebrations, or leading weekly art, science, or sports/fitness workshops. The Calendar of Events features community-building activities such as French Fest, learning journeys like Museum of Illusions, and family-oriented events including Math Week and scheduled DELF assessments. Examples of recent events include a Community Building Event: French Fest and the Elementaires Learning Journey: Museum of Illusions, illustrating ongoing engagement across the student body and families.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Association is the Les Lilas Action Committee (LAC); enrollment automatically makes you a member. The LAC's purpose is to keep the Les Lilas community healthy and rewarding and to mobilize parent resources for the school's support. The Parent Association is led by elected officers. The 2025–2026 committee includes Sara Bidgood as Co-Chair, with a second Co-Chair to be announced (TBD).
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is an independent, private, French-English bilingual school in Kirkland, Washington, that combines the rigorous French curriculum with Montessori pedagogy. It serves preschool through 5th grade with La Maternelle (ages 3–6), L'Élémentaire (ages 6–9), and La Grande Élémentaire (ages 9–11). La Maternelle emphasizes small class sizes and personalized lessons. Regular school hours are 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., with extended hours from 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. The address is 14216 132nd Avenue NE, Kirkland, WA 98034.

Academic Facilities
Montessori pedagogy and a rigorous French curriculum underpin the academic program. La Maternelle (ages 3–6) focuses on independence, exploration, socialization, and learning with small class sizes. L'Élémentaire (ages 6–9) uses self-correcting materials to foster focus, and La Grande Élémentaire (ages 9–11) emphasizes mastery of the French language.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Student Life includes an Enrichment Program, a Summer Camp (2026), and Extended Day.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school has La Maternelle for ages 3–6 (Preschool, Pre-K and Kindergarten). The program fosters independence, exploration, socialization, and learning, with small class sizes allowing personalized lessons. The school has L'Élémentaire for ages 6–9, where students independently use self-correcting materials in an environment primed to feed their absorbent minds, preparing them to embrace the rigorous French curriculum. The school has La Grande Élémentaire for ages 9–11, building understanding of the larger world and fostering collaboration and problem-solving, with mastery of the French language as a focal point.

Arts & Creative
The school has an Enrichment Program, Discovery, offering non-academic after-school classes led by Les Lilas teachers or outside vendors. Past classes include Yoga, Art, Drama, and Engineering. There is also after-school homework help to support La Grande Élémentaire with French homework.

Cultural & Language
The school has Summer Camp 2026, an eight-week French-immersion program offered to Les Lilas and non-Les Lilas students at all French-speaking levels. It runs from June 22 to August 14, with two programs: La Maternelle (for ages 4–6) and L'Élémentaire (rising 1st to 5th graders). The camp is built around weekly themes and rotating activity stations, such as Studio Mode (dress-up), Blocks & Legos (towers, marble runs), Les Médias (music, coding, DJing), La Salle de Jeux (pinball, foosball), La Boulangerie (bread baking), La Grotte des Cartes (card games), Club de Karaoké & Danse (sing and dance), La Salle de Dessin (drawing, painting), La Bibliothèque (reading), and Le Mystère de la Mascotte (hidden mascot).

Social & Hobbies
The school has Extended Day (Garderie), before and after school care designed to enrich and create exploratory opportunities for students. It exposes students to a variety of disciplines like art, drama, chess, team-building activities, reading, and storytelling, as well as games and puzzles. There are outdoor activities and a healthy snack, and enrollment is flexible from school year to as-needed. Garderie hours are mornings 8:00–8:30 a.m. and afternoons 3:00–6:00 p.m.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Extended Day supports well-being through outdoor activities and a healthy snack. The program offers before- and after-school care with safe, fun, and flexible childcare solutions. Garderie hours are mornings 8:00–8:30 a.m. and afternoons 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Languages

Language Provision
French is the primary language of instruction. English is taught as part of the bilingual program, with six hours of English per week in La Maternelle. English is integrated into other subjects in Cycle 2, with a portion of math taught in English and bilingual projects co-taught by the French and English teachers. The program serves students from preschool through 5th grade.

Bilingual Teaching
The school offers a bilingual French-English immersion program. In each class, there are two educators—one French-speaking and one English-speaking—both trained and qualified in the Montessori pedagogy. The program uses Montessori mixed-age classrooms to support language development and social growth. The school serves children from preschool through 5th grade.

Immersion Programs
The bilingual immersion program integrates French and English instruction throughout the curriculum. It uses the Montessori method and mixed-age classrooms to support language development. In La Maternelle, the bulk of instruction is in French with six hours of English lessons each week. In L'Élémentaire, a portion of the math program is taught in English, and a bilingual project is led weekly by the French and English teachers.
School Events
The school has not added events
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