Message from Mark Rosenblum, Head of High School
It is a privilege to welcome you to FASNY’s high school, grades 9 through 12. We offer a challenging bilingual and bicultural education in French and English. And, as in our Middle School, the course of study in our High School meets the official criteria of French National Education. At the same time, through its academic, extracurricular, and community service programs, FASNY’s high school compares favorably with many of the most prestigious American independent schools in metropolitan New York. FASNY’s high school successfully prepares students for higher education in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France.
In 9th grade, our students prepare for and take the national French Brevet exam, and in 10th grade students explore a number of electives taught in French and/or English to help them get to know their academic interests. In 11th and 12th grades, students choose either the S (Science) or ES (Economics and Society) track of the French Baccalaureate, as well as decide whether or not to pursue the International Option of the French Baccalaureate (OIB). The college counseling process begins in 10th grade, is individualized, and offers guidance for students and parents with respect to academic and extracurricular choices, standardized testing, and the college application process.
In my role as Head of High School, I work closely with the High School Dean, Mme. Isabelle Gilet, the School Counselor, Ms. Anita Giordano, the college counselors, Mr. Paul Martin, Mrs. Jessica De Domenico and Mme. Isabelle Manné, the Athletic Director, Mr. Hugues O’csay, the student Government Advisor, David Ellinghaus, Clubs Advisor, Gilbert Ekotto, the “professeur principal” for each class and, of course, with a team of expert teachers and coaches. Faculty members establish and maintain close relationships with students and work with them to build self-confidence and ensure success. Varied teaching styles offer students the opportunity to learn in different ways. Welcoming collaborative dialogue with parents along the way, we all work with a diverse multinational student body to cultivate a learning environment that combines rigor, creativity, respect, tolerance, multiple-perspective taking and character development.
Mark Rosenblum
Head of High School
Message from Helaine Couty, Head of the Middle School
It is my pleasure to welcome you to FASNY’s Middle School, grades 6 through 8. The curriculum in the Middle School is thoroughly bilingual: students have as much classroom time in English as in French. The course of study meets the official criteria of French National Education and compares favorably with best practices at pre-eminent American independent schools throughout metropolitan New York. The move to middle school is an important milestone in your child’s schooling. This is a time of increased independence AND increased responsibility. As the children navigate the personal and academic challenges of the middle school years they will find a team of dedicated teachers, administrators and support staff to guide them as they learn to master not only the academic rigors of these grades, but also the social, and emotional demands of the preteen years.
I work closely with the Middle School Dean, Mr. Gilbert Ekotto, the School Counselor, Ms. Anita Giordano, the “professeur principal” for each class, and a team of caring, experienced teachers to create a learning environment that serves the needs of the whole child. Complementing the highly demanding yet rich academic bilingual curriculum, are life and study skills classes where the students “learn how to learn” (time management, goal setting, test and note taking strategies, learning style awareness etc.) and also learn how to communicate effectively, solve conflicts, and be positive, contributing members of a school community. FASNY students are encouraged to participate actively in the school clubs and sports teams. An active student government organizes picnics, game nights, ski trips and dances to further enrich the school experience. Just as the elementary school prepares the students for the challenges of Middle School, it is the Middle School Division’s goal to prepare the students for the next important step in their academic career – high school.
Message from Julie Faure, Head of the Lower School
The French-American School of New York Lower School includes Grades 1 through 5. It is a very special place in which to learn and grow. Here, children from all over the world come together not only to experience the benefits of two different educational methods and philosophies, but also to join a community in which tolerance, understanding, and respect for differences can be developed. It is a unique and dynamic community, nurturing yet rigorous, where our children discover their own strengths and talents. They also begin a journey towards becoming truly global citizens whose view of the world has been broadened and enriched both intellectually and culturally by their experience at FASNY. We hope that you and your family will join us on this journey.
Julie Faure
Head of Lower School
Message from Isabelle Adamo, Head of the PreSchool
Welcome to the Scarsdale campus, home of our seven preschool classes and three First Grade classes. For many students, the preschool years at FASNY are the first exposure to a second language and culture. Preschool is the first milestone in the journey towards becoming fully functional in French and in English both academically and socially. To make this experience successful, language acquisition is at the heart of our program. Students develop language through all of the preschool and elementary skills taught, in a caring and nurturing environment.
Throughout this process, faculty, staff, and parent body work collaboratively towards the goal of making the bilingual and bicultural adventure into a positive learning experience.
We pride ourselves on fostering our children’s positive development through play and experiments while developing autonomy, understanding of their environment, and early literacy.
We are looking forward to welcoming your child to our program and to embarking on this journey with you.
Isabelle Adamo
Head of PreSchool
