Parent's Review of Centre Actif Bilingue (CAB) in Fontainebleau, France

What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)

Centre Actif Bilingue (CAB)

In what town or city is this school located?

Fontainebleau

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

international school

What grade levels are represented at this school?

K-9

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

Some walk though most are driven by their parents.

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

Family-size environnement with beautiful all-natural schoolyard planted with all kinds of trees. Located right next to the Forest of Fontainebleau so the kids can go play and have all sorts of forest activities there.

Chess and language classes are offered. There are so many things included in the curriculum (computer, one-week class trips, one-week exchange with German school for the older ones, plays, many school events prepared by the students...)...

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

There are many children whose parents come (with local business school INSEAD) for a few years before returning to their home country or another foreign country so the school is used to that profile. They have staff on hand and may offer extra classes to help a child transition into French. All children also have at leas 6 hours of English a week so my child never felt lost. There's also counseling available. Basically though, the whole teaching staff is always available to work out whatever problem can occur, and since they have fewer than 20 students per class, they can really help each child.

Also, with all the English they have your child won't be behind if you have to go back home soon. If not, they also follow French Public Education guidelines so the transition into high-school is not a problem (hasn't been for us!).

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

The school is run by the parents! So it's up to the parents to set up all kinds of social activities where you can meet other parents. It's really a community! There's a cross-country race, Christmas fair, Fun day in June, picnic at the beginning of the school year so you can interact with other parents. After a few months your child won't have a free saturday or wednesday afternoon with all the parties the children invite each other to...There's a newsletter published each month to inform on all that goes on in the school and is a further link between all parents. (see it on the school website if you want: http://www.ecole-cab.com)

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

Do it! Enrol your child and be ready to sustain your child's enthusiasm for the school. Really!