Every year, the Ecole Jeannine Manuel welcomes over a hundred new non-French-speaking students from all over the world. Many speak little to no French; some also do not speak English. These students integrate the school through our adaptation program, which provides intensive instruction in French, support in English as needed, help in understanding and adjusting to French culture, and differentiated coursework and assessment during their adaptation period.

While the idea of full immersion in a new language and culture might seem daunting at first, students quickly understand that we are all here – parents, teachers, administrators, and peers – to provide the support, encouragement, and scaffolding necessary to make their first year at École Jeannine Manuel an exciting and successful one. 

Lyn Lemaire, Head of the Adaptation Program

The social and emotional challenges of relocation are often as great as its academic demands: in our adaptation program, we care for the whole child. We put in place buddy systems and frequent check-ins to ensure that each child gets the personal support they need to successfully navigate this challenging transition. Outside of school, the Parent Association plays a critical role in helping the entire family adapt by planning informational and social events outside of school, and by connecting new international families with experienced families and language ambassadors to help parents manage life in their their new city. Finally, our former adaptation students provide a reassuring bridge by sharing their experience and their knowledge of the school with new students.