Preschool | Nursery, Pre K, K

Our Preschool offers a warm, bilingual setting where children learn through structured play and exploration. Small classes foster early math, science, language, and arts skills while nurturing social-emotional growth and friendships across cultures.

A Firm Foundation in French

In Nursery-3 (Petite Section), children of all French levels join a 100% French-speaking environment. Starting early at the Lycée offers an extra year of French learning and cultural immersion, introduced playfully and creatively, with English integrated in Pre-K (Moyenne Section) and Kindergarten (Grande Section).

With the addition of Pre-K and Kindergarten, our bilingual preschool provides children with the complete Cycle 1 of the French preschool system, a foundation for learning and thriving in their years ahead at the Lycée and beyond.

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Veronica McGivney Park, Director of the Preschool

We know that early immersion is the most effective way to help students attain comfort and mastery in language and culture. Children in early immersion programs build language and cognitive skills. Children who start early in our program reap more benefits of being bilingual.

A Structured, Comprehensive Educational Program

Accredited by the French Ministry of Education and NYSAIS
A balance of play, structured activities, and hands-on projects that help children engage with the world around them
Small classes (maximum 22 students) for individualized attention
Cross-disciplinary projects in art, science, and physical education, always tied to language learning
Arts, music, movement, library-time, and physical education
Activities in both French and in English integrated into every school day starting in Pre-K
Family participation through morning “parent time,” celebrations, story readings, and special events
Secure outdoor play spaces accessible twice daily, including a rooftop playground

Every classroom in our safe and secure building is staffed by two certified childhood-development experts. In Pre-K and Kindergarten, children also work with a dedicated English teacher, spending then 80% of their time in preschool in French and 20% of their time in English and moving seamlessly and authentically between these two core languages.

Vannina Boussouf, Assistant Head of School, Director of Primary (Preschool-Elementary)

A fundamental aspect of the preschool program is Social Emotional Learning, helping students to understand themselves, their emotions and those of the people around them. Being able to acknowledge and accept their feelings helps children to learn better, to be creative and be happy.

All Language Levels Welcome

Students do not need to speak French or English to join the Lycée’s 3s and Pre-K programs—young children pick up languages naturally. Classes are fully integrated, with differentiated instruction to support all learners.

Teachers know children won’t understand everything at first, so they use gestures, visuals, and expressive communication to build comprehension. Through songs, rhymes, routines, and group activities, students quickly begin using French with confidence.

To further strengthen the French, after-school care and activities are offered in French. Saturday morning French classes for families offer an opportunity to bond with your child in their new language. In addition, the Lycée's Summer Camp is a full-immersion French-language camp for children 4 years+. Families find our camp to be an excellent way to introduce children to French and to the Lycée itself!

Knowing Themselves, Building Empathy

Social and Emotional Learning is a fundamental aspect of our Preschool curriculum. Understanding one’s own emotions—and those of others—is central to our teaching. Children who can recognize and express their feelings learn better, are more creative, and are happier.

Each year, initiatives like the Day of Understanding celebrate the cultural and religious diversity of our community and strengthen the sense of belonging.