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Maternelle: Preschool–Kindergarten

Children playing with sand

We refer to the Preschool - Kindergarten program at FASRI as "La Maternelle," and it is organized into 3 distinct sections:

1.) Petite Section = PK1: 3 years old by September 1st;
2.) Moyenne Section = PK2: 4 years old by September 1st;
3.) Grande Section = Kindergarten: 5 years old by September 1st;

The Maternelle – known as Cycle 1 in the French curriculum – acts as an integral foundation for the elementary level.

When a student at the French American School reaches the age of 6, they have already spent 3 years in our Maternelle program and can express themselves in both French and English.

For 3 years they learn in 2 languages; the skills they acquire in one reinforces their learning in the other. Children at this age may not even realize that they have begun their bilingual journey.

Our Maternelle curriculum is divided into the following 5 areas:

Within the framework of a structured program,  students at the French American School enjoy many project-based learning experiences which connect with the world outside of the classroom and foster creativity and curiosity:
•interdisciplinary STEAM projects
• regular outings to parks, museums, & cultural events
• outdoor teaching and learning
• free play time
• music, poetry, & art
• socialization with peers and teachers from other countries.

Teachers use songs, games, movement and hands-on activities to help them achieve academic proficiency and foster joy of learning and intellectual curiosity.

Language learning is monitored and guided carefully throughout the day. Games and manipulation foster the acquisition of mathematical concepts.

Throughout the Maternelle, the subjects remain largely integrated, and the social emotional component continues to be developed.

In addition to the five main areas in our early learning program we also emphasize the following skills:

By the end of their time in the Maternelle program our students know how to:
• participate in a respectful school environment;
• cooperate with others;
• when to listen, when to help and when to ask for help;
• how to exert control over their emotions and develop the confidence that comes from that;
• have a high level of autonomy in their daily routines;
• learn how to participate actively in their own learning.


Maternelle School Schedule


School hours are:

Early drop off:
7:30am to 8:15am

Maternelle School:
8:30am to 2:45pm

Afterschool program:
2:45pm to 5:30pm

FASRI essentially follows the calendar of the Providence Public Schools except for a one-week break in October.



“I am blown away by how they pick up the pronunciation. She is counting in French all the time and singing all the songs.”
~ FASRI parent