Admissions
Your Child's Bilingual Education Journey Starts Here!
Thank you for your interest in North Seattle French School – Ecole Bilingue de Seattle.
At North Seattle French School, your child will flourish in a nurturing, bilingual environment designed to foster both academic and emotional growth. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, allowing each student to thrive at their own pace. Our close-knit community of families and educators supports children in developing a global perspective and strong social skills, preparing them for future success in an interconnected world. Join us, and give your child the foundation they need for lifelong learning and meaningful connections.
How to Apply to North Seattle French School
Step 1 - Submit an Application Online
We are now accepting applications for the 2027-28 school year. Please submit an application online with the non-refundable $90 application fee per child. The application fee is payable via Stripe (link at the end of the application form) or check.
Step 2 - Family Visit & Student Assessment
The family visit is in-person or can be virtual for families not located yet in the area. When in-person, the future student gets a chance to spend time in the classroom while the parents/guardians meet with the admissions coordinator. The family visit is an essential step of our process: it gives us the opportunity to get to know our future students, understand your expectations, and address any of your questions or concerns.
Student assessment depends on grade and your personal situation. For students entering Kindergarten, please have your preschool’s teacher or director fill out a preschool evaluation form here.
Step 3 - Admissions Letters
Admissions letters for preschool and elementary will be emailed within 2 weeks of your family visit. You’ll then have two weeks to make your decision.
The non-refundable deposit (10% of the annual tuition) and the New Family fee of $500 are due to secure enrollment. Check out about tuition and financial assistance.
Nondiscrimination Policy
It is the policy of North Seattle French School to admit students and families without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual preference, age, or disability.
Cut Off Date & Grade Placement
Students turning 3 by December 31st and potty trained can start preschool in September.
Students turning 5 by December 31st can start kindergarten in September.
We strongly encourage families who plan to stay in the U.S. to consider the U.S. kindergarten cut-off date of August 31st. Check our FAQ below for more details.
Admissions Frequently Asked Questions
For students entering preschool and kindergarten, NO French is required. Beginning in 1st grade, some command of French is necessary. Non-native speakers will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
North Seattle French School follows the French cut-off date of December 31st for grade placement.
This means that student must turn 3 by December 31st to start preschool in September; and must turn 5 by December 31st to start kindergarten in September.
However, because many of our students will later transition to schools within the U.S. education system, we strongly encourage families who plan to stay in the U.S. to consider the U.S. kindergarten cut-off date of August 31st when making placement decisions.
Our team works closely with families to determine what is in the best interest of each child. In some cases, we may recommend that a student born between September and December repeat preschool or kindergarten to support their social, emotional, and academic development.
Our goal is to ensure that students feel confident and well-prepared as they move into middle school and beyond.
Yes. Siblings of current students receive a 10% tuition discount and have admissions priority. Siblings are not automatically accepted; all applicants must complete the full admissions process.
It’s a good idea to start looking at schools in the fall for the following school year. Our priority application deadline is in February. We continue to accept applications on a rolling basis and we accept students mid-year if we have space.
Elementary school (K through 5th): 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
After-school programs (K to 5): 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Half-day Preschool: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Full-day preschool: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - no extended care
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