EFAC French-American School of Chicago

EFAC is founded on the integration of French and American educational philosophies, aiming to cultivate critical thinkers and global citizens. The school prioritizes academic excellence, cultural fluency, and the development of analytical skills through a bilingual and bicultural environment. It seeks to foster adaptability and independence in students, preparing them to contribute to a multicultural world.

The school offers a comprehensive bilingual curriculum from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Primary education (grades 1-5) focuses on foundational bilingual skills, while middle school (grades 6-8) introduces specialized subjects including French and History-Geography. High school students (grades 9-12) participate in a program integrated with the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the French Baccalauréat.

Students are prepared for global success and pathways to prestigious universities worldwide. The program provides certification through the French level CM2 and offers students the opportunity to take the French section of the French Baccalauréat and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Additionally, high school students may pursue the DELF certification.

The school emphasizes a collaborative approach to education, with teachers who are trained to differentiate pedagogical methods to meet the specific needs of their students. The staff includes educators with experience in special needs education and teaching French as a foreign language to allophone students.

The enrollment process begins with a pre-registration fee of $150 per student. Upon acceptance, families sign an annual contract and provide a non-refundable 20% deposit of the annual tuition. Tuition fees vary by level: $5,043 for Kindergarten, $6,663 for grades 1-8, and $5,207 for grades 9-12. Payment options include a full annual payment or installments due in September and February.

The school’s academic calendar follows the schedule set by Chicago Public Schools (CPS). The school operates Monday through Friday, from 7:50 am to 3:45 pm.

EFAC operates within the premises of Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and Lincoln Park High School. This integration allows the school to utilize the facilities and resources of these Chicago Public Schools while maintaining its own distinct bilingual program.

The school offers various student-led activities, including a film club, a press club, and a radio station. These initiatives are designed to foster student engagement and creative expression.