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.