Pre-K and Primary

Pre-K to Primary: A Bilingual Learning Journey

We make every child a priority. It is essential for our young students to feel secure and free to explore their new school community. We help them grow and thrive, making sure their needs are met. Pre-K and Primary School students are divided into groups by language level so everyone can be appropriately challenged and receive personalized guidance.

Our Commitment

Encourage our students to take initiative, ensuring they develop confidence and a love of learning.

Our Objective

Young people who are fully aware of their capabilities and the world around them.

Bilingual Maternelle (Pre-K)

The very first years of school are a key moment in your child's life. It is a time to build trust with their teachers and for us to guide them in their new role as students.

Ermitage is open to children who are 3 years old (or will be by the end of the year), as long as they are potty-trained. Our Pre-K program is focused on bilingual language acquisition of French and English and the discovery of new skills.

Petite Section (Age 3)
Moyenne and Grande Section (4-5 years old)

Petite Section (Age 3)

Their steps, their rhythm

We take pride in our ability to respect your child's pace to facilitate their integration into the school system, step by step. Ideally, your child could start coming to school a few mornings a week, then increase to one or two full days (naptime included!), until they reach a full week by the end of the year. However, we can of course accommodate your child full-time, year round, as early as Petite Section.

Teaching adapted to their needs

Our teachers are all bilingual. They plan various workshops and activities with the children, sing and tell stories in their mother tongue. This dynamic atmosphere helps students improve their comprehension of both languages. To meet the needs of each child, we offer different class options:

Full time with a two-teacher team, one native French speaker and one native English speaker
Alternating between a Francophone teacher one day and an Anglophone teacher the next

Moyenne and Grande Section (4-5 years old)

The musicality of language

In Moyenne and Grande Section, students are exposed to their non-native language on a daily basis. Divided into two groups of mixed native speakers, children spend alternating full days with an English-speaking teacher and then a French-speaking teacher.
While it may take some time to adapt, assimilating language through imitation and habit truly works. Our kind and empathetic teachers are present to accompany your children academically and emotionally as they face these changes.

Exploring the written word

In Grande Section (kindergarten), children have access to an initiation in reading. If your child is interested and ready, we will provide them with appropriate activities to stimulate their development in this area. We use the Borel Maisonny method in French and Jolly Phonics in English, frameworks that have more than proven their effectiveness.

Verbal and physical expression

Starting as early as Petite Section, we believe it's important for your child to gain verbal skills and to feel at home in their body. We propose dance and theater workshops as well as PE activities to help your child reach these essential developmental milestones.

Primary School

By involving your child in their own learning, Ermitage has accepted the challenge of leading them to independence. This process takes place in French and English, as early as Primary School. Depending on their linguistic background, we will choose the best class for your child to make sure they reach middle school at their full potential.

Options

60/40 Class

– Generally for children who are native French speakers (or native speakers of any language besides English)
– 10 hours of English per week, as opposed to 1 hour in a traditional French classroom
– Writing lessons in English and French
– Geography and science classes taught in English

50/50 Class

– Only appropriate for bilingual children
– Bilingual French and English curriculum
– At least 13 hours of lessons in English every week
– Math classes in both English and French
– Additional French support possible for native English speakers

Flexible 60/40 class

– Two teachers provide team instruction
– Each child can use the classroom space as they see fit
– A pedagogical approach that further encourages student independence and initiative

Additional Benefits

Music

Physical Education (EPS)

CP to CE2 (Grades 1-3): team spirit and motor skills

2 gym sessions a week, 45 minutes each (basketball, volleyball, handball, etc.)
1 course of swimming lessons at the city pool for 3rd graders

CM1 and CM2 (Grades 4-5): on their way!

1 session a week for 1.5 hours (cross country, track and team sports like soccer, rugby, field hockey or softball)
Introduction to golf at the Maisons-Laffitte 9-hole course

Explore More

At Ermitage, our students have the freedom to choose the program that's right for them.

Admissions

Celine Guarin
Primary Admissions

CONTACT US

Pre-K to Primary: A Bilingual Learning Journey

Our Commitment

Our Objective

Bilingual Maternelle (Pre-K)

Petite Section (Age 3)

Their steps, their rhythm

Teaching adapted to their needs

Moyenne and Grande Section (4-5 years old)

The musicality of language

Exploring the written word

Verbal and physical expression

Primary School

Options

60/40 Class

50/50 Class

Flexible 60/40 class

Additional Benefits

Music

CP and CE1 (Grades 1-2)

CE2 (Grade 3)

Physical Education (EPS)

CP to CE2 (Grades 1-3): team spirit and motor skills

CM1 and CM2 (Grades 4-5): on their way!

Visual Arts

CP to CM2 (Grades 1-5)

Weekly Workshops

OPTIONAL

CE1 (Grade 2)

CE1 to CM1 (Grades 2-4)

Lunch Activities

OPTIONAL

Explore More

Language Toggle Destination

Resources

Holiday Camp

Bilingual Holiday Camp - October 2024