Providing academic strength, French language immersion, and continued individual exploration
Growing English instruction
French / English languages
The Elementary school at EFB is a full-time program based on the French Ministry of Education curriculum. While our preschool (maternelle) offers full French immersion, elementary students transition into a structured dual-language program. This gradual approach helps them develop strong literacy skills in both French and English, with instruction reaching up to 60% in French and 40% in English by CM2 (5th grade)
Our curriculum harmonizes the French Education standards with elements from the Massachusetts Department of Education and a broader multicultural perspective. This integration fosters excellent reading and writing skills, ensuring students thrive across all subjects while nurturing a love for lifelong learning.
Spanish language
Following the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) guidelines, students will learn to recognize common words related to themselves and their families, read vocabulary, ask and answer basic questions, and use simple sentences to describe familiar people and places. They will also explore the rich and diverse Hispanic heritage through hands-on school-wide projects and cultural field trips in the Boston area.
Elementary students receive one hour of Spanish instruction per week.
Mathematics
Our curriculum emphasizes reasoning, problem-solving, and the development of logical, structured thinking.
In the primary grades, students achieve key milestones in numeracy and arithmetic, mastering mental math strategies, written calculations, fractions, decimals, and problem-solving techniques across the four operations. They also explore measurements, including units, volume, and conversions.
Geometry is introduced through the study of 2D shapes, solids, perspective, and coordinates. Additionally, students learn to interpret data through tables and graphs while solving proportionality problems, building a strong foundation in mathematical reasoning.
Sports and physical education
Physical Education is a vital part of our curriculum, designed to achieve five key objectives:
– Develop motor skills and coordination
– Acquire techniques and strategies through physical activity
– Foster teamwork, responsibility, and respect for rules
– Promote lifelong health and well-being through regular exercise
– Cultivate an appreciation for sports and artistic movement
At EFB, students engage in a diverse range of activities, including yoga, mini-fencing, French pétanque, ultimate frisbee, dance, classic rule-based games, track and field (running, jumping, and throwing), racket sports, and more. Our dynamic program encourages both physical fitness and a love for movement.
Science and Social Studies
Our curriculum fosters curiosity, observation, and critical thinking, guiding students in exploring their natural and human environment. In the early years, they develop an understanding of time and space using tools like calendars, clocks, and maps while observing seasons, animals, plants, and objects.
As they progress, students delve deeper into scientific and social concepts. They explore living organisms, biodiversity, ecosystems, and nutrition, as well as the properties of matter, including states of water and basic electricity. They also study the Earth and sky, learning about seasons, moon phases, and landscapes. In technology, students discover how objects are designed and how machines function.
Social studies introduce them to major historical periods, key figures, and significant events from prehistory to the present. They learn to analyze maps, describe urban and rural landscapes, and explore diverse ways of life worldwide. These first steps into scientific and historical inquiry provide a strong foundation for critical thinking and a broader understanding of the world.
Visual arts and art history
At EFB, students engage in regular artistic exploration, from visual and musical arts to performing arts, experimenting with various techniques and mediums. They are encouraged to discover artists, cultural professionals, museums, and artistic spaces while expressing their own perceptions, emotions, and creativity through personal projects.
In music education, students build a rich repertoire of rhymes and songs while developing their listening skills through famous works. They learn to identify melodic themes, rhythms, tempo, intensity, and pitch. Art history is also introduced, integrated across disciplines to provide a deeper understanding of artistic expression and cultural heritage..
Civics and ethics
At EFB, students develop essential life skills through a curriculum that fosters ethical understanding, respectful behavior, and health and safety awareness. Supported by a dedicated team of SEL and learning support teachers, they cultivate kindness, empathy, cooperation, and effective communication while learning to recognize and manage their emotions.
Through this program, students also build self-esteem, confidence, resilience, and a positive mindset. In civics, they explore key topics such as French republican values and symbols, community living, sustainability, and French and U.S. institutions, preparing them to become thoughtful, engaged global citizens.
Library
Our libraries across all three campuses offer a diverse selection of books in French and two other languages, providing valuable exposure to French and multilingual cultures. Weekly class visits and book borrowing opportunities ensure students have regular access to enriching reading materials, fostering a love for literature and language exploration.
