This spring, Viewpoint School received the highest award from the American Association of Teachers of French: Exemplary French Program with Distinction. Viewpoint is one of just four schools in the country to be newly recognized this year, and we are so proud both of and for our students who, through years of dedication to the study of the French language and Francophone cultures, have become active participants in their learning and have inspired so many others to do the same.

A TK-12 adventure

Did you know that Viewpoint students start learning French in Transitional Kindergarten (TK)? And that Viewpoint offers not just one, but multiple post-AP options to continue and deepen one’s knowledge of the language and foster authentic connections to the Francophone world? No matter when a student joins, they have the chance to shine, learn, and maybe, like so many before them, become fluent in French.

Our program goes beyond divisions, as students have opportunities to connect through joint projects, cultural celebrations, and classroom visits where they learn and create together. This past year, Upper School students taught Lower School students how to play mancala, while Middle and Upper School students competed in a Francophone holiday baking competition, and others played pétanque. Some Upper School groups introduced the tradition of la galette to Lower School students through presentations, discussions, and, of course, food. Other Upper School students came to sing songs and read stories to Primary School students, while others were the first to clap after hearing Lower School students perform a beautiful Caribbean song in the World Language Assembly; the Viewpoint Francophone community is always connected.

Results and passion

As students inspire one another through their work and passion, it shows in their results. Each year, students in Fifth through Twelfth Grade participate in Le Grand Concours (the National French Contest), bringing home numerous medals and results they can be proud of. Students also have the chance to enter a variety of local and national contests based on their interests.

In the past few years, Viewpoint students not only attended the student film screening at The American French Film Festival, but also participated as members of the jury for the American Student Award and in the subsequent film critique competition. There have been many winners.

Additionally, the Middle School has a very active French Club and offers students the opportunity to join les Jeunes Amis du Français, the Middle School French Honor Society, which coordinates activities with the Upper School’s Société Honoraire de Français and provides unique opportunities. In the past three years, there have been multiple National French Essay Contest winners, and a Middle School student was recently awarded first place nationally in the JAF poetry recitation contest.

Many other students also took part in a creative arts contest in French, creating films, music, ceramics, paintings and short stories that showcase their creativity, artistic vision and skills, as well as their knowledge of and passion for French. 

Beyond the classroom

Most importantly, learning how to better understand and communicate with others anywhere in the world is what it means to be truly world-ready and a global citizen. That is why students at all levels are given the chance to connect authentically with the cultures of the Francophone world. From traveling abroad to exploring culture in the classroom, students are continually invited to experience the diversity of Francophone cultures.

Upper School students travel to France, while Middle and Upper School students exchange letters and video messages with a partner school in Senegal. Canadian slam poets have led workshops in Upper School classes, and students across all divisions have enjoyed dancing and singing to West African music. Not to mention the many authentic foods students get to try—and even learn to cook themselves.

In their final years at Viewpoint, students create their own Francophone path. They speak with native speakers from around the world to hear unique perspectives, and they decide how to make French a meaningful part of their lives and an asset for their extraordinary futures.

Viewpoint’s Fourth Grade students brought creativity and problem-solving to life at the annual Science and Engineering Expo, held March 18 in the Rasmussen Family Pavilion.

Under the guidance of longtime Lower School science teacher Marian Williams, the Expo continues to evolve as a celebration of student-driven exploration and design thinking.

The Science Expo unit begins in November, with students keeping journals of their ideas, designs, and discoveries as they learn the processes behind scientific experiments, engineering challenges, and invention design. Once the unit is complete, each develops an original project, focusing on solving real-world problems or designing with empathy.

This year’s projects reflected both creativity and purpose. One student designed the “Bunny Buster,” a system aimed at protecting gardens from invasive European rabbits, while another created the “Dog Mood Meter,” a collar that signals whether a dog is approachable. Other projects included a tactile SpongeBob-themed math game and an “Awesome Monitor Collar” to help track farm animals. One student even took their idea a step further and began developing an app to help families choose where to eat.

Throughout the process, students build, test, and refine their ideas while also developing presentation skills with support from their teachers.

Now a beloved tradition, the Science and Engineering Expo highlights the creativity, curiosity, and independence of Viewpoint’s Fourth Grade students, giving them an opportunity to proudly share their ideas with the community.

Viewpoint’s dancers took the stage on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14 for the annual Spring Dance Concert, delivering an evening of performances that showcased both range and artistry in the Carlson Family Theater.

Celebrating connection and the power of storytelling through dance, the concert highlighted the growth and accomplishments of students across Lower, Middle, and Upper School. The program featured a wide range of styles, including Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Ballroom, offering something for every audience member.

Co-artistic directors Gabrielle Brown and Justine Fink led the production, which reflected months of collaboration, creativity and dedication. Across two acts, audiences experienced a diverse lineup of works, from high-energy pieces like “1999” and “Let’s Go” to more introspective performances such as “Only Human,” “Real” and “Home.” The program also featured standout student choreography and solo performances, highlighting the individuality and artistic voice of each dancer.

“Although our dancers bring varying levels of experience, they are united in their passion and work ethic,” Brown said. “It has been inspiring to watch their growth and confidence throughout the process.”

“This concert celebrates both the grit and passion poured into every routine,” Fink added. “Behind each performance are countless hours of work, trust and collaboration.”

The concert also featured costume and lighting design that enhanced each performance. Dance ensembles included Viewpoint Dance Company, Upper School Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Middle School Dance Company, and Lower and Middle School dancers.

On Tuesday, February 17, Lunar New Year (also known as Chinese New Year) brought a sense of celebration to campus, as students across all four divisions participated in activities that highlighted culture, community, and tradition.

Primary and Lower School students marked the occasion through a variety of activities, including classroom acknowledgments and special take-home gifts provided by parent volunteers. The Benjamin Franklin Library (BFL) also featured festive displays, including curated literature, traditional materials, and decorative window decals.

Middle and Upper School students celebrated with two Lunar New Year events held in the Paul Family Athletic Center (PFAC). Activities included drawing Chinese characters symbolizing luck and fortune, practicing calligraphy, and trying on traditional attire worn for the New Year. Students also received red envelopes, a tradition in Chinese households around the world, with the chance to win special prizes. They also participated in a dragon dance, taking turns holding the dragon head and guiding the dragon around the space.

The Lunar New Year officially began on Tuesday, February 17, and will culminate with the Lantern Festival on March 3, marking the celebration of the Year of the Fire Horse. The horse symbolizes energy, strength, and independence, often associated with movement and determination. The fire element represents passion, vitality, and transformation, bringing a dynamic and spirited energy to the year.

Xīn Nián Kuài Lè! (Translation: Happy New Year in Mandarin)