Only At L’Etoile Home / About Us / Only At L'Etoile Choosing L’Etoile French Immersion School We know that parents have a lot of choices for their child’s education. So, why do families choose L’Etoile and stay with us until their child graduates? It’s because so many wonderful things happen at our private school, #OnlyAtLEtoile. Let us tell you more! Morning Gathering Every morning, our students rise and shine and usher in the brand new day with a song. We shout out birthdays and show love for each other. We also have a moment of peace. We practice a new mindfulness technique weekly in order to set the tone for productive learning and self-care. As part of our Postcards From Around The Country program, we share the newest postcard we received each week! This builds a connection with others across the country, while also teaching our students about worldliness and citizenship. 4th Grade Trip Our 4th grade class travels to a French-speaking camp in the San Juan Islands near Seattle. This field trip offers an unforgettable opportunity for our students to practice their French language skills in an immersive environment while exploring the beauty of Canoe Island. This island is completely walkable in just 30 minutes, and we have it all to ourselves. Some past activities include science experiments with the ocean and beach, examining trees, and creating art. In addition, our students are fully responsible for all our meals, from setting the tables to cleaning up at the end of the meal. The trip teaches our students about responsibility, while furthering their knowledge of the French language. Spring Festival The Spring Festival is a pivotal event at our school. It is full of fun activities that bring our community together. This event is for current students, families, alumni, and the community as a whole! We have a crêpes cart, face painting, arts and crafts, and music. We also share some of our favorite classroom activities. Our story corner is full of books to share our love of reading and our 5th grade students show off their entrepreneurial skills by hosting a cookie fundraiser. It is a great time for our school and community. Pen Pals L’Etoile students have the exciting opportunity to connect with pen pals from France. This program offers a way for our students to practice their French language skills, explore different cultures, and forge lasting friendships. They make meaningful connections on paper and eventually get to meet their pals on our 5th grade trip to France! Grow a Hanging Garden We are passionate about bringing the beauty and serenity of nature into our learning spaces. Our Hanging Garden project incorporates different kinds of plants. They serve as hands-on tools for science learning from preschool through kindergarten. Students study the life cycle of plants and further understand sustainability by using recycled materials to build the garden. Another key aspect of the garden is beauty. It is a learning tool and a work of art. This project is part of our partnership with other French Immersion Schools in North America. It allows us to share our garden and learn about others. 5th Grade in France The culminating event for our 5th grade students is our 10-day trip to France. Our students immerse themselves in French culture and participate in a true exchange of the language. While the itinerary changes yearly, the trip is always centered around appreciating French history and culture as students see the advantages of their French education. Some previous experiences have included spending time in the South of France, discovering ancient ruins, exploring a medieval town, and learning about the unique tapestry of French history. We have also seen the beauty of Paris through a cruise along the Seine, and its key monuments such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. However, sometimes the biggest lessons are found in the simple act of ordering food, asking for directions, or meeting up with their pen pals for the first time – all en Francais!
