After more than ten years of service to North Seattle French School, Jen Thiebaud is stepping down as Chair of the Board of Trustees. While this marks the end of an important chapter, it is also an opportunity to celebrate the leadership, dedication, and vision that have helped shape NSFS into the thriving bilingual school it is today.
From Parent Volunteer to Board Chair
Jen’s NSFS journey began during the 2014-2015 school year as a Kindergarten Room Ambassador. One year later, she joined the Board of Trustees as Community Chair and, in 2017, became Board Chair.
Over the years, she worked alongside fellow trustees, school leaders, teachers, and families to support the school’s growth while staying true to the founders’ vision.
Reflecting on those early years, Jen shared:
“We navigated the intense startup years alongside the founders, weathering every challenge to build the foundation we stand on today.”
As the parent of two NSFS graduates, Jen’s commitment to the school has always been both professional and personal. She has experienced firsthand the impact of a bilingual education and the strength of the community that surrounds it.
Jennifer Annable (Head of School 2020-2026), Celia Beasley (Co-founder) & Jen Thiebaud at NSFS 10-Year Anniversary in 2023
Guiding NSFS Through Growth and Stability
Under Jen’s leadership, NSFS experienced significant growth, with enrollment increasing by 40%. The school launched a full-time preschool program, earned accreditation from the French Ministry of Education and achieved NWAIS Candidate Status.
Jen also played a key role in recruiting two exceptional Heads of School: Jennifer Annable and Erin Brust. The school successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to grow and innovate. Today, Erin is poised to lead NSFS into its next chapter.
The impact of those decisions can be seen not only in the school’s accomplishments, but also in the students who leave NSFS prepared to thrive in middle school and beyond.
As Jen reflects on her own children, both NSFS graduates, she sees that impact every day:
“Today, I see the positive impact of this bilingual education in their lives every single day. The fruit of our collective labor is real, and it is lasting.”
NSFS Milestones
- 2013: NSFS opens with a single kindergarten class of 12 students
- 2015: Launch of the half-day preschool
- 2019: First graduating class completes 5th grade + Relocation to the current Shoreline campus
- 2020: Jennifer Annable joins NSFS as Head of School
- 2024: Accreditation by the French Ministry of Education
- 2025: DCYF licensing; launch of the full-day preschool program
- 2026: Erin Brust begins her tenure as Head of School
A Lasting Legacy
As Jen steps down as Board Chair, she is pleased to pass the leadership of the Board to Alice Reis while continuing to support the school as a member of the Advisory Board.
While schools are often measured by their programs and achievements, Jen believes their greatest strength lies in the people who make up the community.
“I’ve made incredible, life-long friends. The NSFS community is so special and will be a part of my life forever.”
On behalf of our students, families, faculty, staff, and trustees, we extend our deepest gratitude for Jen’s years of service, leadership, and unwavering belief in the mission of North Seattle French School.
Thank you, Jen, for helping build the school we are today and for helping create a foundation that will support generations of students to come.
Jen, Jérome, Amélie (2020 graduate) & Loïc (2022 graduate)
Alice (new Board Chair), Steve, August (2024 graduate), Orla (4th grade) & Pia (Petite Section)
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