Our Commitment to Bilingualism and Global Citizenship
Our Students
Explore, create and take risks as they endeavor to become independent thinkers.
Take joy in their own successes and in the accomplishments of others.
Recognize the importance of being kind, respectful, and honest.
Our Educators
Believe that mutual respect and caring form the basis for any successful teacher-student relationship.
Recognize the need to be attentive to academic growth, character development, and socio-emotional well-being.
Value creativity and are passionate about research-based best practices and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
Our Parents
Believe in the richness of a bilingual, multicultural education.
Act in partnership with teachers and with the school through honest and transparent communication.
Appreciate, support and collaborate with each other and with the school.
Our Community
Attracts and retains families who are welcoming, inclusive and diverse.
Contributes to the life of the school and supports the school’s mission and long-term sustainability.
Our Student Profile (PK- 8th grade graduation)
Academics
Embody the school’s core value of intellectual curiosity.
Think critically in French and English and support arguments with evidence and examples.
Analyze complex problems and propose solutions through the use of logic and creativity.
Communicate ideas and opinions clearly in both speaking and writing and in multiple languages.
Work autonomously and also skillfully and effectively collaborate in groups.
Apply already-acquired knowledge and skills in developing an understanding of novel concepts and contexts.
Seek and consider multiple perspectives.
Demonstrate technological competence, media literacy and digital citizenship skills.
Cultivate media literacy (seeking out multiple perspectives and evaluating author intention and source credibility).
Show passion and a genuine commitment to life-long learning.
Character
Embody the school’s core values of integrity, empathy and resilience.
Lead by example, speaking and acting with kindness and respect.
Cultivate the inner strength to stand up for beliefs and values.
Behave selflessly for the good of the others.
Become self-aware, self-reflective, and an active listener.
Recognize and regulate emotions and react to them in measured fashion.
Show a genuine interest in others, in their wellbeing and in their lived experience.
Embrace change, cope and adapt to new or rapidly shifting circumstances.
Cultivate leadership potential by seeking out opportunities to make positive impact.
Uphold high standards of academic honesty and integrity.
Mindset
Live by the school’s core value of open-mindedness.
Adopt a growth mindset.
Respond positively to constructive criticism and feedback.
Seek to further develop social competencies.
Cultivate physical health, wellness and life balance.
Exercise self-care and seek help when needed.
Advocate for diversity, inclusivity, and social justice.
Value multiculturalism, cross-cultural competence and global citizenship.
Strive to think globally and act locally.
Recognize the importance of teamsmenship and fair play.
Standout Traits of SDFAS Applicants to High School
Multilingual: speak and write at minimum in English-French with third language proficiency in Spanish.
Leaders who possess a unique global perspective: advocate for social justice, cultural understanding and environmental stewardship.
Likely placement into advanced high school classes: English Language and Literature (including Honors), French Language and Literature (including Honors) as well as in other subject areas depending on interest and level of achievement at SDFAS.
Strong preparation in Math and Science for public or private school programs: benefitting from both the French and American pedagogical approaches.
Likely candidates for success in advanced programs that are (i) recognized around the world and (ii) can lead to earning course credits upon arrival to college or university, for example:
The IBO’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme