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History of The French American Academy

Discover our History

High-quality education is not created overnight. It takes a team of dedicated and passionate individuals to envision a future where students can develop a love of learning through the acquisition of multiple languages, perspectives, and cultures. We strive to be the best French school in New Jersey.

Discover the history of the French American Academy and our growth into the multi-state Bilingual School Group that we are today!

September 2007
After-School Program Opens

The French American Academy starts its first program under the name, The French Academy of Bergen County. There are 25 children attending the after school program with one day of immersion for younger attendees.

September 2008
Full-Time Preschool & Kindergarten Opens
Best French school in New Jersey

The school expands, offering Preschool and Kindergarten classes. This marks the beginning of the Full Time School. Next, the plan is to open an additional grade every year toward a true international bilingual school.

April 2009
Accreditation from the Middle States Association

The French American Academy receives its 1st accreditation from the Middle States Association on Elementary schools. This was a critical accomplishment and a major milestone, the result of many months of hard work by the teaching team, parents, and board members. We take great pride in the accreditation from the Middle States Association, a significant step forward on our journey towards becoming the best French school in New Jersey.

In support of its conclusion, the Association stated: “The Middle States Association team commends the French American Academy  for its:

“…enormous accomplishments in such little time and with such limited resources. A dedicated, well-trained faculty and strong leadership seem to be at the heart of the school’s rapid success….”

September 2009
Elementary School Opens

The French American Academy opens its first “1st grade” class with more than 54 students from 10 different nationalities.

July 2010
Relocation to a Bigger Campus

The school continues to grow. After an exhaustive search for a new facility, and other sizable challenges, an ideal school building becomes available in New Milford on July 1st. The second grade opens in September.

September 2012
Co-Teaching is Introduced

Co-Teaching, where the English and French teachers are teaching collaboratively and meaningfully in the same class, is introduced. In short, it is a true example of excellence in bilingual education.

November 2012
Jersey City Campus Opens
Best French school in New Jersey

The French American Academy opens a campus in Jersey City, NJ to serve the needs of a growing international population for which bilingualism is an essential part of education. As such, the campus is ideally located, 15 min away from Manhattan by subway, well served by public transportation services (local bus, light rail), and in the downtown area of Jersey City).

September 2013
Middle School Opens
Visit from the French Ambassador

The French American Academy opens a 6th grade, its first step into Middle School, at the New Milford campus.

July 2017
First Bastille Day in Jersey City
Bastille Day in Jersey City

As a testament to its support of francophone cultural and bilingual nature, The French American Academy organizes its first Bastille Day in Jersey City!

September 2018
Middle School Relocates to Jersey City
Best French school in New Jersey

The FAA relocates its Middle School (6th, 7th and 8th grades) from New Milford to Jersey City.

September 2019
Co-Teaching

As we strive to become the best French school in New Jersey, we continuously develop and implement cutting-edge curriculum approaches. Co-teaching is generalized to all classes of comparative grammars from 1st grade to 8th grade and science co-teaching is is introduced in all grades.

March 2020
Covid-19 Transition
Screen shot of a remote learning classroom with zoom at the French American Academy

The French American Academy transitions from In-Person to Remote Learning during the time of Covid-19. Due to the state mandate, school buildings are closed but the education continues without interruption.

This is a key milestones as the whole community (teachers, students, parents) shows its adaptability to exceptional circumstances.

July 2020
First Program to Re-open

As our two campuses reopens with summer camp sessions, both “in person” and “remote learning”, we experience summer as never before. We feel like we are making history as one of the first program to re-open in the state of New Jersey.   

In September 2020, the entire school was back to in-person learning thanks to the development & implementation of a rigorous Sanitary Protocol by the FAA's Health Task-Force. 

Thanks to the Health Protocol, the FAA maintains in-person teaching for the remainder of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

July 2021
Relocation to Englewood
French American Academy of Englewood Campus

The New Milford campus is relocated to Englewood better serve students and staff.

Englewood campus offers a vast outdoor space, spacious and bright classrooms, a cozy library and a large cafeteria. Moreover, the community can enjoy the walking distance to downtown for a coffee while the students can also walk to the Bergen Performing Arts Center, enriching our Arts curriculum.

September 2022
Opening of the 3rd Location: Hoboken
The French American Academy of Hoboken

A 3rd campus is opened in Hoboken, NJ to serve students aged 2.5 to 5 years old!

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