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The French American School of Miami

United States, Miami

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 11 years
Pupil numbers 264
Type Co-educational
Opened 1995
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum
Taught languages French, English
Typical class size 17
Strengths STEM, Languages, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Elementary
Introduction

EFAM, The French American School of Miami, is a private bilingual school for ages 3 to 11 delivering a French curriculum with integrated English instruction and funded tuition. It is affiliated with France, accredited by the French Government, and a member of AFSA and the Society for French Schools in North America. The National French Curriculum guides PreK through Kindergarten, with preschool part of l'école maternelle. Preschool offers full French immersion with a bilingual assistant; from PreK 4, English is three hours weekly, rising to four in Kindergarten and up to nine by Fifth Grade. In Elementary, cycles 2 and 3 coordinate both curricula: Social Studies in English, history and geography in French, and math in both languages. EFAM operates on two campuses, South Miami and Miami Shores, and features STEAM Labs (STIAM) with weekly bilingual sessions. The program emphasizes sustainability, libraries, field trips, clubs, student councils, and community service.

650-651 NE 88th Terrace, Miami Shores, FL 33138, United States

The Essentials

The French American School of Miami has 264 pupils, typical class sizes of 17, instruction in French, English.

Location
The school has two campuses: North Campus at 650-651 NE 88th Terrace, Miami Shores, FL 33138; South Campus at 7701 SW 76th Ave, Miami, FL 33143. The North Campus is in the Miami Shores neighborhood and the South Campus is in South Miami. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15am to 5:30pm.

Stages
PreK-3 to 5th grade (Preschool/Kindergarten and Elementary).

Type
Private bilingual school offering a French immersion program with integrated English education; tuition funded.

Country affiliation
Affiliated with France; accredited by the French Government; member of AFSA and the Society for French Schools in North America.

School day structure
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:15am–5:30pm.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
All students wear a uniform every day at EFAM and on school outings. The uniform consists of a red or white polo shirt bearing the EFAM logo and navy blue or beige pants, shorts, or a skirt. Optional: a navy blue hoodie or rainwear with the EFAM logo.

Food Options
A wide variety of healthy meals are served in the EFAM cafeteria; a French catering company prepares and delivers meals daily at both campuses.

Governance and Ownership
EFAM is a private Florida corporation founded in 1995. It is homologated by the French Ministry of National Education and Youth and is part of the AEFE network; EFAM is also a member of AFSA. EFAM operates on two campuses, North Campus in Miami Shores and South Campus in Coral Gables.
Fees
Application fees
- Application fee: USD 175 (non‑refundable).
- Enrollment deposit due at registration: USD 1,800 for returning students; USD 2,200 for new students (payable upon enrollment).
- Entrance test fee (if required): USD 100.
- Recommendation / supplemental form processing: USD 5 per page.

Tuition fees by year group (amounts shown as annual total and as the 10‑installment plan amount)
- PreK‑3, PreK‑4 and Kindergarten:
- Annual tuition: USD 17,400.
- Payable in 10 installments: USD 18,550.
- Elementary (1st to 5th grade):
- Annual tuition: USD 18,915.
- Payable in 10 installments: USD 20,140.
- Sibling discount: 10% discount applies to the second child and to additional siblings.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Recurring tuition may be paid via a payment plan chosen at enrollment; a 10‑installment plan option is available. The 10‑installment plan includes a mandatory tuition refund insurance.
- All recurring and incidental payments are processed through the school's RenWeb/FACTS online parent portal; recurring amounts are withdrawn automatically from the chosen payment method according to the selected payment schedule. Parents select the payment plan and payment method in the RenWeb/FACTS portal at enrollment or re‑enrollment.
- Non‑recurring items (aftercare hourly charges, clubs, library fines, special materials, certain field trips, etc.) are invoiced separately and processed through the RenWeb/FACTS portal.
- Late payment charge: 1% monthly on any balance past due. Returned payment fee: USD 30 per returned check or returned portal payment.

Enrollment / billing deposits and related conditions
- Enrollment deposits noted above are due to secure the place at the time of enrollment. Recurring payment plans are set up in the RenWeb/FACTS portal and withdrawals occur automatically from the chosen payment method. Certificates and records are released only after all balances are paid.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable. The school serves preschool and elementary grades (PreK through 5th grade) and does not offer boarding.

Other costs and incidentals
- Uniforms: wearing the school uniform is required daily. Uniform items (polo shirts with logo, navy or beige bottoms, optional navy hoodie or rainwear with logo) are sold by the school's approved suppliers (Apple Uniform in Miami and online via Company Casuals). No uniform prices are listed on the school's fee pages.
- School supplies: grade‑specific supply lists are provided for each class and are billed or purchased separately as needed; supply lists are published per grade. Replacement charges apply for lost or damaged school‑issued items (textbooks, school bags for new Pre‑K/K, nap mats for new Pre‑K).
- After‑school programs, clubs and special activities: these are additional charges billed as non‑recurring items through the portal. Late pick‑up fee: USD 5 per minute per child after 5:00 PM. Parents will be billed for replacement or repair of lost/damaged items.

Refund information and early withdrawal
- The 10‑installment payment option includes mandatory tuition refund insurance as part of that plan. Specifics of the insurance policy are administered through the tuition plan.
- Early withdrawal procedure: parents must notify the administration in writing; all outstanding balances must be paid in full before the school will prepare and release official documents (release/certificates/records). The school will invoice for any replacement costs for school property not returned or returned damaged.

Fee payment options
- Online payments and automated recurring payments: RenWeb/FACTS online parent portal (automatic withdrawal from the chosen payment method).
- Other accepted payment instruments (by request): personal check, money order, cashier's check, wire transfer or cash, payable to the French‑American School of Miami. Recurring payments are set to be withdrawn automatically from the chosen method in the portal.

If you need concise, clearly formatted lines for each fee item to paste into a database (one line per fee), those figures and notes can be rendered without headings upon request.
Academics

The French American School of Miami teaches American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum for students aged 3 to 11.

Curriculum
The school follows the National French Curriculum guidelines for PreK‑2 through Kindergarten; preschool and Kindergarten are part of l'école maternelle. Preschool offers full immersion in French, with a full‑time bilingual assistant in each classroom. Starting in PreK 4, English is taught for 3 hours per week, and in Kindergarten English totals 4 hours per week. EFAM welcomes students from France and other countries, with up to 9 hours of English instruction per week. In Elementary, Cycle 2 (First–Third Grade) and Cycle 3 (Fourth–Fifth Grade) the French and English curricula are coordinated; English hours rise from 5 hours in First Grade to 9 hours in Fifth Grade; Social Studies are taught in English and history/geography in French, while Math is taught in both languages. Outside the regular curriculum, field trips occur three times per year per grade, and digital technology is integrated across learning.

Higher Education Progression
Fifth-grade graduates are enrolled in prestigious middle school programs within the EFAM community. Examples include International Studies Charter High School (ISCHS), Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, and Ransom Everglades.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social-emotional learning is a cornerstone of EFAM. EFAM uses Hors-Piste, a socio-emotional learning program developed in Quebec, to help students recognize their emotions, reduce anxiety, and strengthen their social skills. Since 2024, Hors-Piste has complemented EMC, the pHARe program, and the EVAR program in a spirit of continuity. Every two weeks, students gather for a 45-minute to 1-hour session led by two characters representing different emotions who guide interactive activities. A family-based extension of learning through at-home challenges helps reinforce skills in daily life.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
EFAM provides accommodations for students with additional needs when required. The academic team may arrange an evaluation by the appropriate professional. Accommodations may be documented in written plans such as PPRE, PAP, or IEP. The school collaborates with families and professionals to support eligible students.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EFAM prioritizes French immersion while preparing students for English-language education beginning in the 6th grade. Introductory English is offered: 3 hours per week in PreK4 and 4 hours per week in Kindergarten. English instruction increases through elementary school: 5 hours/week in 1st grade, 6 in 2nd, 7 in 3rd, 8 in 4th, and 9 in 5th grade. Non-English speakers may receive ESOL instruction as needed. From 2nd grade, math, science, and social studies are taught in English to develop vocabulary and skills in the American curriculum, with bilingual co-teaching sessions.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through daily social-emotional learning and dedicated school counselors. Social-emotional development is integrated into daily routines across all EFAM classes. EFAM counselors provide emotional support on both campuses, complementing other services as needed. Positive discipline practices, student councils, and classroom rules foster self-regulation, empathy, and responsible decision-making.

Safeguarding
EFAM prioritizes safeguarding and child protection. Staff are required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect to child protective services. EFAM follows the authorities' instructions in such cases. EFAM preserves confidentiality of family records and safeguards sensitive information. In emergencies, EFAM will contact parents and may call Emergency Services (911) if needed.
Parent Experience

History
EFAM opened in 1995 on Sunset Drive with a single kindergarten class of seven students. It was founded by Mme Lena McLorin-Salvant, who identified a need for French immersion. In 2002 the school moved to unify all classes on a single site in Miami. In 2014 a second campus opened in Miami Shores to support the growth of the local French-speaking community. EFAM is preparing to open a third campus to extend its mission through middle school in the coming years.

Community
The EFAM Parents Club is a non-profit organization made up of 13 volunteer chairs and directors who organize a range of on-campus activities and off-campus community events. They enrich school life by celebrating the holidays with festive treats and decor, and by funding important school initiatives. The club hosts community-building events such as the Kermesse, the Virginia Key Park Beach Cleanup, and the Wine & Cheese Night fundraiser, and coordinates a used book sale and uniform swap. Volunteers and fundraising from EFAM families and local businesses support their work.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The EFAM Parents Club is a non-profit organization made up of 13 volunteer chairs and directors who organize a range of on-campus activities and off-campus community events. They sponsor community building social events for families including Beach Cleanup, Movie Night, and Kermesse/Spring Carnival, and on-campus activities such as Halloween Treats, Santa gifts, Galettes des Rois, Crepes for Chandeleur, Spring Egg Hunts, and the 5th Grade Graduation. Their three main annual fundraising activities are Wine & Cheese Night, Photos with Santa, and Yearbook Sales. The club funds teacher training programs and parent education classes and has funded school equipment such as playground turf, sun shades, and the North Campus playgrounds.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
EFAM operates on two campuses located in South Miami and Miami Shores. The North Campus is at 650-651 NE 88th Terrace, Miami Shores, FL 33138, and the South Campus is at 7701 SW 76th Ave, Miami, FL 33143. The school features STEAM Labs (STIAM) that transform classrooms into spaces for hands-on exploration, with weekly sessions from preschool through fifth grade led by French and English teachers using both curricula. EFAM maintains school libraries and welcomes library donations via an Amazon Wishlist. EFAM has a Level 2 sustainability certification since 2023 and, as of February 2026, has diverted 8,647,575 pounds of organics from the landfill; gardens are planted on both campuses as part of sustainability initiatives.

Academic Facilities
STEAM Labs (STIAM) provide weekly sessions for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics from preschool through fifth grade. Each four-week cycle features a guided experiment, a discussion to articulate discoveries, and an assessment, with French and English teachers co-leading activities drawing on both curricula. Students keep records of learning with drawings, prototype photos, and experiment notebooks, using materials such as balances, magnets, sensors, and art/design supplies to support hands-on exploration. In kindergarten, students study seeds and germination and observe local ecosystems; in elementary grades, projects cover weather phenomena, nutrition, plant classifications, and methods for separating mixtures, all within a bilingual framework.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Gardens are planted on both campuses as part of sustainability initiatives, including composting and eco-friendly practices. The school has organized community collections (e.g., for Kristi House and Jamaica relief) and ongoing environmental activities tied to EFAM's sustainability themes and campus projects.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school uses bilingual practices with French as the predominant language of instruction and English taught as a separate subject. The French and English curricula are harmonized on common themes, and school-wide projects are covered in both languages. Starting in PreK-4, English is taught for up to 3 hours per week; Kindergarten receives 4 hours per week; EFAM welcomes students from France and other countries and provides up to 9 hours of English instruction weekly. Social Studies is taught in English, and history and geography are studied in French; Mathematics is taught in both languages.

Arts & Creative
Music and visual arts are integral to the program. In grades 1–5, the music instructor teaches music history, notation, rhythm, singing, and choir. Artistic and cultural education is emphasized, including cinema and audiovisual media as part of cultural literacy. STEAM Labs provide hands-on, bilingual experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics led by French and English teachers.

Cultural & Language
The school uses bilingual practices with French as the predominant language of instruction. The French and English curricula are harmonized on common themes, and school-wide projects are covered in both languages. Bilingual co-teaching brings together French and English teachers who plan and teach lessons collaboratively.

Social & Hobbies
After-school clubs are offered on both North and South campuses. After-school care is available with a weekly package and hourly rates. The schedule includes after-school clubs and study hall after regular classes.

Community & Service
The EFAM Parents Club is a non-profit organization made up of volunteers who organize on-campus activities and off-campus community events. Community events include a beach cleanup, Kermesse, Wine & Cheese Night, and a used book sale, among other activities. The club funds EFAM initiatives such as teacher training programs and parent education classes.

Leadership & Professional
Students participate in student councils to practice leadership, responsibility, and cooperation. EFAM's fifth-grade graduates are enrolled in prestigious middle school programs within the EFAM community. Alumni outcomes demonstrate ongoing leadership and academic progression into local middle schools.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school places student well-being at the heart of learning. In 2022-2023, all teachers and assistants received Positive Discipline in the classroom, and the team received training in collaborative classroom practices and in addressing social conflicts and bullying. In maternelle, daily rituals help children identify, name, and explain emotions, and in elementary, rituals like What's New? or Emotions Weather Forecast help students express daily feelings and develop empathy. Mediation and structured supports are used to guide conflict resolution and reinforce healthy social interactions.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches in French and English, with French language instruction predominant in all classes and the curricula harmonized in regard to common themes. In elementary grades, two of five novel studies are covered bilingually each year, and English instruction hours vary by grade (5–9 hours weekly). ESL support is available for non-English speakers (up to 2 hours per week).

Bilingual Teaching
Bilingual co-teaching is part of the curriculum; the French and English teachers teach together in co-taught classes and plan these lessons weekly, covering subjects such as language arts, literature, math, science, and art.

Immersion Programs
Preschool offers full immersion in French. From PreK-4, English is taught for 3 hours per week, and Kindergarten has 4 hours per week of English. In the elementary grades, English instruction increases from 5 hours in 1st grade to 9 hours in 5th grade. An ESL program provides beginner English instruction up to 2 hours per week for non-English speakers.
Reputation

Accreditations
The school is approved by the French Ministry of National Education and is a partner institution of the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE). It is also a member of the Association of French Schools in North America (AFSA).
Admissions

Admissions
1. Apply online using the EFAM Online Application. The North campus (650/651 NE 88th Ter, Miami Shores) and the South Campus (7701 SW 76th Ave, Miami) share the same online application, and you may apply for one campus or for both. A non-refundable application fee of $175 is due with each application. After submitting the application, you can create an account, log in to your application, and track its status online.

2. 2026-2027 REGISTRATION CALENDAR: From October 15, 2025, the registration portal opens for the 2026/2027 school year. Applications (administrative documents, report cards, medical certificates, etc.) are submitted through February 2026 and are recorded in the system; they remain on the waiting list until March 1, 2026.

3. February 2026: Entrance exams – Elementary (for students from non-AEFE-approved schools). Notifications are sent by email to families whose applications are complete.

4. March 1, 2026: Selection and confirmation. Publication of results; successful applicants receive official notification. Enrollment must be confirmed by March 15, 2026, including payment of the deposit.

5. March 2026–July 2026: Enrollment portal remains open year round to modify information, ask questions about available places, and view responses.

6. August 2026: Open House and submission of medical documents; deadline for submitting medical forms is August 15, 2026.

Scholarships
Scholarships can be awarded to French citizens upon request at the Consulate General of France in Miami. EFAM does not accept scholarships from the state of Florida.

Waitlist
Applications remain on the waiting list until the selection date of March 1, 2026. Notifications are sent by email to families whose applications are complete.
School Events
The school has not added events
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