Every spring, North Seattle French School 5th graders take on an impressive challenge: the DELF exam (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française), an official diploma awarded by the French Ministry of Education. This internationally recognized certification marks a major milestone in their bilingual journey, and they all pass it with flying colors.
What is the DELF?
The DELF is an exam recognized worldwide as proof of French language proficiency. It evaluates four key language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
It’s a comprehensive test that goes beyond grammar and comprehension. Students complete written exercises, reading and listening comprehension tasks, and an oral interview with an external examiner, someone who is not their teacher.
At NSFS, our 5th graders take the DELF Prim at the A2 level, the highest level available for their age group. Reaching this level at just 10 or 11 years old demonstrates exceptional fluency and reflects the depth of learning achieved through years of immersion.
When they pass the exam, students receive an official diploma from the French Ministry of Education, valid for life. It’s an achievement they are incredibly proud to hold at such a young age.
Outstanding Results Year After Year
Since NSFS began offering the DELF in 2019, 100% of our students have passed the exam.
Our 2025 class achieved an exceptional average score of 95%, and for the past three years, one student each year earned a perfect score of 100%, including a student from a non–French-speaking family.
Update (6/22/26): In 2026, two additional students achieved a perfect score of 100%. 👏
While 40% of our students arrive with no prior exposure to French, all of our students succeed on this rigorous exam, demonstrating the effectiveness of our immersion approach.
For our students, the DELF is one of their first formal tests, alongside the SBA assessments in English and Math taken in 4th and 5th grades. It provides a meaningful opportunity to celebrate their achievements, and build confidence, focus, and resilience as bilingual learners.
Why the DELF Matters?
Taking the DELF provides our students with:
- Confidence and pride in their bilingual journey.
- International recognition of their French proficiency, valid for life.
- A strong first formal test experience, helping them develop skills like focus, stress management, and self-confidence, while opening doors to future academic and personal opportunities.
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