French Education in Florida

This article has not been modified. Please visit the French page for an up-to-date version (School year 2022/2023).

General Context

Florida offers several types of French classes. It is appropriate, in this context, to distinguish two types of establishments recognized by the French authorities:

 Schools offering a bilingual program taught in French, either of the Florida curriculum or of the French curriculum. In addition to the French language courses, 20% of content must be taught in French. This bilingual program has been awarded the “Label France Education” by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. Learn more about Label France Education here.

 Schools certified by the French Ministry of Education, taught in the French curriculum. For more information regarding the criteria, read the criteria approval list here.

1- Several public schools located in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties propose an "International Studies" (IS) program which encompasses:

 Institutions that have received the « Label France Education »

In Miami-Dade County: Sunset Elementary School (Kindergarten through 5th grade), Coconut Grove Elementary (Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade), Carver Middle School (6 through 8th grade), and International Studies Preparatory Academy (ISPA: 6 through 12th grade).

- Two institutions offering certified education: It concerns the International Studies Charter School (ISCS) (from 6th through 12th grade « Terminale ES ») in Miami-Dade County and the International School of Broward (ISB) in Hollywood (from 6th grade through « Terminale ES ») in Broward County.
NB: ISB has informed that it will not request the renewal of its accreditation by the French National Education Authority after the end of the 2018-2019 school year.

2- Among the private schools in Florida, two schools also offer an accredited French education, by the French Ministry of Education :

 In Miami Dade County : l’École Franco-américaine (EFAM) ), Sunset Campus, and Miami Shores Campus, both from Petite Section to CM2 (pre-kindergarten – 5th grade).

 In Broward County: The « Lycée Franco-Américain » (Elementary School) in Cooper City from "Petite Section" to CM2 and from 6th grade to 8th grade.

At this time, there are no private schools that offer a bilingual program recognized by the «Label France Education».

3- In other schools in both Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, students can also attend French classes after school or on Saturday mornings. Broward schools are not only open to native speakers but to other students as well.

4- Several Alliances françaises are offering French classes to adults and children in several cities of Florida, and in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

List of institutions

Day care through Kindergarten (less than 6 years old)

:

Important: the public education system does not accept children less than 6 years of age. Prior to this age, the private institutions offer various options.

There are two private schools that offer the possibility of obtaining scholarships for children of French nationality and whose parents are registered at the French Consulate.

L’École franco-américaine de Miami (EFAM) – pre-kindergarten - 5th grade

:

Private school certified by the French Ministry of Education – scholarship options.

 Sunset/Palmetto Campus:
7701 SW 76th Avenue
Miami, FL 33143

 Miami Shores Campus :
650/651 NE 88 Terrace
Miami Shores, FL 33138
General contact: administration@frenchschoolmiami.org
Phone : 786-268-1914
www.frenchschoolmiami.org

Le Lycée franco-américain (pre-Kindergarten - 5th grade)

Private school certified by the French Ministry of Education – scholarship options.

8900 Stirling Road, Cooper City, FL 33024
Phone: 954.237.0356 – Fax: 954-237-0366
www.lyceefrancoam.org/

The French International School of Boca Raton (Pre-K2 - 5th Grade)

Private school whose Preschool classes and Kindergarten are certified by the French Ministry of Education. Scholarships available.
7902 N. Montoya Circle, Boca Raton, Florida 33433
Tel : +1 561-465-5742 / +1 561-465-5724
www.frenchschoolbocaraton.com/

The French American International school of Boca Raton (Pre-K- 5th grade)

Private school whose Preschool classes and Kindergarten are certified by the French Ministry of Education. Scholarships available.
The Middle School classes are not certified by the French Ministry of Education.
Address: 2500 NW 5th Avenue
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Tel: +1 561 479 8266
www.faisbr.org

The French American School of Tampa Bay (pre-kindergarten - 5th grade)

Private school whose pre-Kindergarten is certified by the French Ministry of Education.

2100 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Phone : +1 727-800-2159
https://fastb.org/

Elementary Schools

Important: public schools labeled as "Magnet" schools (notably Sunset Elementary School and G.W. Carver Middle School) require early registration. Registration forms must be submitted to the schools prior to January 15th of each year. For more information, visit the website: choice.dadeschools.net.

Sunset Elementary School (1st grade – 5th grade)

– Public school awarded the « LabelFrancEducation »

At this school, children are taught math, grammar, history and geography in the French curriculum.
5120 SW 72 St., Miami, FL 33143
Phone : 305-661-8527 - Fax: 305-661-2327
sunset.dadeschools.net

Coconut Grove Elementary (Kindergarten – 5th grade)

Public school awarded the « LabelFrancEducation »

At this school, children are taught math, grammar, history and geography in the French curriculum.
3351 Matilda Street – Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Phone : 305-445-7876 - Fax : 305-443-6748
cogrove.dadeschools.net

Downtown Doral Charter School (Kindergarten)

The Downtown Doral Charter School announces the launching of a French program. Beginning 2021, the school will be offering a French language track to their incoming Kindergarten students.
For more information, please contact the main office at 305 569 2223.

École franco-américaine de Miami (EFAM) (Kindergarten – 5th grade)

Private school certified by the French Ministry of Education – scholarships possible.

 Sunset / Palmetto Campus
7701 SW 76th Avenue,
Miami, FL 33143

 Miami Shores Campus
650/651 NE 88 Terrace
Miami Shores, FL 33138
General contact: administration@frenchschoolmiami.org
Phone: 786-268-1914
www.frenchschoolmiami.org

Lycée franco-américain (Kindergarten – 5th grade)

Private school certified by the French Ministry of Education – scholarship options.

8950 Stirling Road, Cooper City, FL33024
Phone : 954-237-0356 – Fax : 954-237-0366
lyceefrancoam.org

The French American School of Tampa Bay (pre-kindergarten - 5th grade)

2100 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Phone : +1 727-800-2159
https://fastb.org/

Middle Schools (Bilingual programs)

G.W. Carver Middle School (6th grade - 8th grade)

Public school awarded the « LabelFrancEducation ».

At this school, children are taught math, grammar, history and geography in the French curriculum.

4901 Lincoln Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Phone : 305-444-7388 – Fax : 305-529-5148
gwcm.dadeschools.net

International Studies Charter School - ISCHS (6th grade - 8th grade)

Public school certified by the French Ministry of Education.

This establishment offers a program approved by the French Ministry of Education at the middle school level. This program offers the option to take the exam for the "Brevet des Collèges" (in 8th grade).

2480 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135
Phone : 305-643-2955
www.ischs.net/

International Studies Preparatory Academy (ISPA)

(9th grade)
Public school recognized by the France Education label.

1570 Madruga Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33146
Phone : 305 663-7200
This establishment, which offers a bilingual program in which French literature courses are taught, in French, in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade, and history and geography in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade, has received the France Education label.
http://ispa.dadeschools.net/

International School of Broward charter school (ISB) (6th grade - 9th grade)

Program supported by CNED courses.

3100 N 75th avenue – Hollywood, FL 33024
Phone 954 987 2026 Fax 954 987 7261
www.isbcharterschool.org

High School

International Studies Charter High School (ISCHS)(10th to 12th grade)

Public school approved by the Ministry of National Education.
This program allows you to present the Baccalaureate in ES section.

2480 SW 8th Street, MIAMI 33135 FL
Phone : 305-643-2955
ischs.net

International Studies Preparatory Academy (ISPA)

(9th grade - 12th grade)
Public school awarded the « LabelFrancEducation »

This institution offers a bilingual program with the following courses taught in French: literature courses for 9th grade, 10th grade, 11th grade, and 12th grade, and history/geography in 9th grade, 10th grade, 11th grade, and 12th grade.

1570 Madruga Avenue , Coral Gables, FL 33146
Phone : 305 663-7200
ispa.dadeschools.net/

International School of Broward charter school (ISB) (9th grade - 12th grade)

Public school certified by the French Ministry of Education.

N. B. : The school has announced that it will not apply for renewal of its accreditation by the French National Education Authority after the end of the 2018-2019 school year.

3100 N 75th Avenue, Hollywood, FL 33024
Phone : 954 987 2026 – Fax : 954 987 7261
isbcharterschool.org

French language courses, taught after school

APEM (Association des Petits Écoliers de Miami) and Samedis Français participate in the FLAM program for the consolidation of the ‘Français Langue Maternelle’ (FLAM) launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Its management has been entrusted into the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE). Classes are taught during the After School Program or on Saturday morning.

List of schools where FLAM courses are offered:

1 - Miami Shores’ area (APEM)
After school Program – weekday afternoons, and on Saturday mornings
Contact: info@petitsecoliersmiami.com

2- Pinecrest Community Center - Miami Dade
After-school program : On Wed. 4:00Pm-6:00PM
5855 Killian Dr, Pinecrest, FL 33156
Contact : info@petitsecoliersmiami.com

3- ArtServe - Broward
After-school program : on Thursday, 4:30PM-6:30PM
1350 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Contact : info@petitsecoliersmiami.com

6- Orlando, Orange county
@SamedisFrancais
Saturday mornings
Contacts : admin@samedisfrancais.com
Le portail internet des Samedis Français : https://www.samedisfrancais.com/

Enseignement par correspondance, CNED

The National Center for Distance Education (CNED) offers courses via correspondence either as a comprehensive program, or ‘à la carte’ (from kindergarten to higher education)
 Information and registration: Phone in France: 05. 49. 49. 49. 94. 94. 94 by Internet: [www. cned.fr]
 For the CNED’s international complementary tuition registrations: click here.

French Heritage Program / Miami

The French Heritage Language program offers free after-school classes for underprivileged children from families of French heritage. Educational, playful and artistic workshops in French are offered to allow children to keep in touch with French language and culture.

Launched in 2010 in Miami by the Cultural Department of the Embassy of France in the United States and the French American Cultural Exchange Foundation (FACE) in partnership with the Haitian Alliance of Miami (“Alyans Atizay Ayisyen”), the program has been temporarily suspended since the fall of 2017, pending new financial and structural partnerships.

For more information, or if you wish to assist in the revival of this educational, cultural and social program, please contact: Ms. Cécile Lacheteau.

Frequently asked questions regarding French education in Florida

1- What are the establishements advised by the General Consulate of France in Miami ? :

In Florida, there are two types of establishments recognized by the French authorities:

Schools offering bilingual courses based on the local curriculum with at least 20% of non-linguistic courses taught in French. These programs have been awarded the «Label France Education » by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Institutions offering a French curriculum certified by the French State and recognized by the French Ministry of Education.

To view a complete list of institutions, proceed to the section above titled “list of institutions.”

2 - What is the registration process for my children, at these schools?
Registrations are made directly with the school. Le Consulat général ou le Service culturel ne peuvent intervenir dans cette procédure d’inscription.
Each school has its own calendar and procedure. Registrations in charter schools take place at the beginning of the school year.

3- My children are French: do they have priority in enrolling in the French bilingual program or in the certified programs?
No, each application, French or foreign, is examined by the institutions independently from the Consulate. The Consulate General or the Cultural Services cannot intervene in the registration procedure.

4- My son/daughter must register for Long Distance Education Classes (CNED). What documents do I need?

• Two of the child’s most recent report cards and/or progress reports.
• Confirmation of the child’s admission to the next grade level.
• Written certificate that your son/daughter is not registered in any school.
• The registration form must be completed and sent to the Service des Établissements Scolaires of the French Embassy in Washington for signing.

Plus d’informations ici.

5- What visa does my son/daughter need to go to class?
Each case is unique and is dependent upon the parents’ status. You must first address this inquiry to a Consulate or Embassy to the United States, in your country of residence.

6- Are there French or bilingual schools with a boarding school?
None of the French or bilingual institutions recognized by the French authorities offer boarding accommodations.

7- Are there after-school programs in French?
Yes, there are after-school programs in French at the pre-elementary level:
Les petits Écoliers de Miami (APEM)
For adults, there is the Alliances françaises.

8- How can I get more involved in my child’s school life?
In Miami-Dade County public schools, there is a very dynamic parent-teacher association, FIPA. Please visit http://www.fipamiami.org/
The Franco-American School of Miami (EFAM) has a parent-teacher association.

9- Can my children enroll for all French exams?
The only schools where students can enroll in French state exams are ISCHS and ISB, both certified by the French Ministry of Education. The students have the opportunity to take the exams for the Brevet (DNB) and the Baccalauréat ES (Economics and Social Science).
Other exams (DELF, TCF) are available in a designated center: the Strategic Language Institute of Florida International University. For the schedule of exams and registration, click here.

10- Is there a test center in Florida?
The only Florida exam center for the DNB and the Baccalauréat is the International Studies Charter School.
807 SW 25th Avenue
Miami, FL 33135
Phone: (305) 643-2955
www.ischs.net/

11- When I return to France, will the years that I have studied in the bilingual program be recognized by the French school system?

• For elementary : automatic passage into the class corresponding to the age of the child; In order to facilitate the procedure, a certificate from the Cultural Services of the French Embassy may be requested explain the courses followed and the results obtained;

• For middle school: depending on the host academy, the student might be asked to pass a test or take an exam; in order to facilitate the procedure, a certificate from the Cultural Services of the French Embassy may be requested explain the courses followed and the results obtained;

• For high school: depending on the host academy, the student might be asked to pass a test or take an exam; in order to facilitate the procedure, a certificate from the Cultural Services of the French Embassy may be requested explain the courses followed and the results obtained;
  Warning, for a Baccalauréat in Sciences (Série S), it is essential to be able to present results of 10th grade courses (or its equivalent) in the scientific fields. Complementary schooling by the CNED can be useful.

• For higher education studies: applicants must follow the APB (Application Post-Baccalaureate) procedure for any enrollment in higher education in France. The High School diploma can allow an enrollment in the French higher education system, but students must pass the DELF exam, at the B2 level or higher, in order to be accepted.

• For school level certificates, visit this page.